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Aleksey Rico: smooth vectors and Soviet propaganda posters

We have been admirers of Aleksey Rico’s work on Instagram for a while and when we got in touch to find out more about how he uses Affinity Designer, he surprised us with this piece of Alien inspired artwork along with a process video! Check out the video, followed by our interview.
Perfect Organism

Aleksey created “Perfect Organism” to celebrate the 40th anniversary of iconic sci-fi/horror film Alien. Here’s a look at his process in Affinity Designer for iPad:

Aleksey creating his “Perfect Organism” artwork in Affinity Designer for iPad

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got to where you are today.

My name is Aleksey ‘Rico’ Solovev and I’m an illustrator based in Izhevsk, Russia. Obsessed with smooth vector lines, I love to create different illustrations and posters.

My work is inspired by old Soviet propaganda posters with their feelings of colours, compositions, use of shadows and lights and comics art.

Darth Maul

How would you describe your style?

I’m not sure that a name for my style exists but maybe something like coloured line works.

What is one tool in Affinity Designer you really appreciate?

I really love creating shape masks for the objects using layers.

Into the Spiderverse

How has using an iPad Pro changed your workflow or technique?

My speed is getting better and I feel free to travel during commissions and make drafts or basic things out of my office.

Is there a specific project you are especially proud of?

Almost all of my latest work I’m absolutely crazy about. I love all the projects. But maybe some favourites are my official alternative movie poster for Pet Sematary for Paramount Pictures and the collection of t-shirts with Marvel characters for jobedu.com.

Pet Sematary

What is your daily routine with regards to your creative process?

Tons of coffee.

Do you have some wisdom you can share with our readers?

Do what you love!

Magic Sword

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Everywhere.

What is your favourite book and film?

I really love The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. And my favourite movie is Silent Hill.

What would you like to see added to Affinity Designer?

I dream about a Magic Wand tool and vector Eraser tool.

Darth Vader

You can follow Aleksey’s work on Instagram, Dribbble and subscribe to his YouTube channel.

Aleksey

Artist relations

Umar is part of our artist relations team. He likes to tinker with computers, build things and play competitive games. His favourite colour is green and he enjoys bouldering, which is basically climbing without any ropes. It’s less dangerous than it sounds.

Credits & Footnotes

All artwork copyright of Aleksey Rico and used with permission.