Working in a unique cartoony style that’s a touch folksy and a touch naïve, digital-nomad illustrator Maxim Usik infuses each of his images with wit, charm and natural warmth. His skill in finding clever ways to communicate what might normally seem dry and serious subjects has won him editorial and publishing clients around the world.

The global nature of Maxim’s client base suits him just fine. Born in Russia, Maxim moved to Finland at the age 17, to complete his studies. First studying in University and working for various graphic and web design jobs in small Lapland city Tornio, and after moved to Helsinki.

After working in design studios in Helsinki he became a freelance illustrator and took off on a world tour, working remotely for clients while exploring South America, India, Spain, Asia and several European countries. Maxim studied at the West-Lapland College of Visual Communications and then the Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Science where he received a degree in Visual Art.

He was invited in Global Artist Committee of Asian Art Association in August 2022.

APPROACH

Beginning with pencil sketches, Maxim draws and inks his images the traditional way before scanning them in and carrying out the colouring process on his laptop.

STYLE

Maxim’s clear, slightly whimsical line drawings come to life with colour palettes that juxtapose cool and warm tones, while the work itself is marked out by its humour, detail and wit.

LANGUAGES

Fluent in English, Russia and Finnish

Most of his clients are editorials. But Maxim also did work for School Book publishers (UK, Finland), Fictional book publishers (Australia) and worked as a visual artist for random projects with museums and restaurants.

INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS

The Wall Street Journal (USA)
Fast Company Magazine (USA)
The Hollywood Reporter - magazine (USA)
Science Focus BBC magazine (UK)
McDonald's Finland
American Way Magazine (USA)
Quanta Magazine (USA)
REI Co-Op (USA)
Capital magazine (Germany)
The Caterer Magazine (UK)
Cincinnati Magazine (US)
Courier magazine (UK)
Smith Street Books Pty Ltd (Australia)
Sojourners Mag (US)
Pearson England, largest education company Pearson plc (UK)
POCKO Agency (UK)
Which? Gardening Magazine (UK)
Extreme Medicine (UK)
Asian Scientist magazine (Singapore)
The Simple Things -magazine (UK)
Bird in Flight (Ukraine)
Burger Cartel restaurant (Bali)
Health Museum in Saint-Petersburg (Russia)
inLink Sweden (Sweden)

FINNISH CLIENTS
APU - magazine
Blue Wings - magazine (Finnair)
Etelä Suomen sanomat - newspaper
Ekonomi - magazine
Journalisti - magazine
Helsingin Sanomat - newspaper
Helsingin Info - magazine
Gasetti - lehti
Kanava - magazine
Kotitalo - magazine
Kuluttaja - magazine
Mainostoimisto Remes & Packart Oy
Talouselämä - magazine
Tehy magazine
Telma magazine
Terveydeksi! - lehti
Tiede - magazine
Tivi - magazine
Metallitekniikka - magazine
McDonald’s Finland
Sosiaalivakuutus - magazine (KELA)
Sanoma Pro
Vihreä Lanka - magazine
Viesti - magazine