Brazilian illustrator Lucas Wakamatsu is one of those artists whose work stops you in your scroll — not just because of its vivid palette, but because his shapes and characters exude such joy. Based in São Paulo, Wakamatsu has built a freelance illustration practice that leans into simplicity, color, playfulness — and a lot of heart.
Wakamatsu didn’t start with a grand studio or big clients — he started young
When Wakamatsu was about 15, he already knew illustration was what he wanted to do, even if he didn’t yet know how it would happen. He practiced daily, took drawing classes in his hometown, and eventually studied graphic design at a state college, since formal illustration degrees are rare in Brazil. In those early freelance gigs, small magazine illustrations, modest budgets, he learned the ropes: taking briefs, dealing with feedback, client negotiation, and delivering on time. These experiences, he says, laid the foundation for the bigger work he was able to take on later.
Later on, when Wakamatsu faced serious mental health challenges with anxiety and OCD, workaholism pushed him to a breaking point. It affected his output, his ability to create. But that period in his life also taught him perhaps the most important lesson of all: that a sustainable career requires balance. Health, family, and friends are not just side notes. They’re part of what makes the art possible.
Alongside color, shape plays a central role in Wakamatsu’s work
Wakamatsu’s style is instantly recognisable, defined above all by his bold use of color. His illustrations feature bright, saturated tones that pop off the page or screen, yet never feel overwhelming. Instead, his palette carries a lightness that makes the work approachable and uplifting. Alongside color, shape plays a central role. His compositions are filled with playful, fluid forms that often draw from geometry, though softened with rounded edges and friendly curves. These shapes become characters, scenes, and entire visual worlds that feel both modern and optimistic.
And what ties everything together in Wakamatsu’s work, is the mood he conveys. His work avoids unnecessary complication, relying instead on clarity, simplicity, and joy. Each piece feels like a snapshot of a story, carefully designed to communicate an idea or emotion without excess.
Over time, this blend of style and consistency has attracted an impressive roster of clients. Global brands such as Apple, YouTube, and Coca-Cola have turned to him for his fresh, expressive visuals, while digital giants including Adobe, Meta, Procreate, and Snapchat have also commissioned his work. His illustrations have brightened campaigns for McDonald’s and Yahoo, as well as countless design and illustration-focused publications.
At the heart of Wakamatsu’s process lies a focus on expressiveness over perfection. His illustrations are not about hyper-detail or over-rendering; instead, they prioritise emotion, clarity, and connection. The playful shapes, bold characters, and cheerful compositions are always designed to speak directly to the viewer. So if you haven’t yet, follow the artist on Instagram for more inspiration.
Images © Lucas Wakamatsu