About Me

Hello, I’m Joy Richu

Hello, I’m Joy Richu, a renowned illustrator, designer, and cultural connector. Celebrated for bridging people and brands through compelling visual storytelling, I bring a distinctive perspective as a female African artist, consistently delivering impactful designs and narratives that resonate globally.

What do I do?

My work spans diverse mediums, including book and magazine covers, product designs, and motion graphics, showcasing my versatility and creative vision. My innovative approach and dedication to creativity make me a sought-after collaborator for international brands aiming to connect with and represent diverse markets.

Why do I do it?

For the Story:

I am deeply passionate about the transformative power of storytelling. With a background in creative writing from the University of British Columbia, I believe that stories can inspire, challenge, and connect people. My goal is to create visual narratives that evoke emotions and foster connections, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.

For the Challenge:

I entered the design arena with only a hand-drawn comic to my name. Determined to turn this passion into a profession, I pursued formal education in digital design at Vancouver Film School, graduating with honors. Today, I continually seek to educate myself and refine my skills to provide only the best for my clients in today’s ever-evolving creative landscape. Each project is an opportunity to push boundaries, innovate, and deliver exceptional results.

For the Impact:

I am committed to championing creativity and culture on a global scale. Every project is an opportunity to celebrate diverse heritages, fostering pride and representation. For me, it’s not just about creating beautiful visuals—it’s about making a meaningful impact through engaging work that infuses beauty, joy, and energy into the world.

How do I create?

I use industry-standard design tools to bring beautiful stories and brands to life. These tools include:

• Illustrator
• Photoshop
• After Effects
• Premiere
• Cinema 4D
• Procreate
• Procreate Dreams

Who are my clients?

I’ve had the opportunity to work with emerging and top-tier brands worldwide. Notable clients include:

• Coca-Cola
• Porsche
• The New York Times
• Mastercard
• Diageo
• The Lancet
• Flick Solitaire
• Restless Books
• Tilted Axis Press
• Playwrights Canada Press
• Toronto Geometry Colloquium
• Dublin Inquirer

Key Areas of Expertise

• Visual Storytelling
  • Crafting narratives that connect brands with their audiences through art.
• Design
  • Creating diverse visual solutions, from product design to motion graphics.
• Cultural Connection
  • Enhancing brand engagement by celebrating and integrating global creativity.

Achievements

• First-ever Kenyan recipient of the Cannes Lions See It Be It Award, 2024
• Designed Coca-Cola’s first Africa-inspired drink, Wozzaah, 2024
• Arcturus Winner: Online Video, Animation, Vega Digital Awards, 2017
• President, Africa Awareness Initiative, UBC, 2013
• International Leader of Tomorrow Award, University of British Columbia, 2011
• Collaborations with top brands such as Coca-Cola, The New York Times, Mastercard, and Diageo

My Services

• Illustration
  • Custom artwork for books, magazines, and digital media.
• Graphic Design
  • Brand identity, product packaging, and marketing materials.
• Motion Graphics
  • Animated content that brings stories to life.
• Consulting
  • Creative direction and strategy to help brands connect with their audiences.

Why Work With Me?

Choosing the right illustrator and designer can make all the difference in how your brand is perceived. Here’s why partnering with me will elevate your project:

1. Proven Expertise: With prestigious clients like Porsche, Coca-Cola, The New York Times and Mastercard, I bring a wealth of experience and a track record of delivering high-impact visual storytelling. Learn more about my techniques and process in my Skillshare class.
   
2. Award-Winning Creativity: As the first-ever Kenyan recipient of the Cannes Lions 2024 See It Be It award, I am recognized for my innovative approach and dedication to celebrating creativity on a global scale.
   
3. Versatility Across Mediums: My work spans a wide range of mediums, from book and magazine covers to product designs and motion graphics, showcasing my ability to adapt and excel in various formats.
   
4. Cultural Connection: My deep understanding of creativity allows my designs to engage and foster cultural connections that resonate with diverse audiences.
   
5. Client-Centric Approach: I am committed to understanding your brand’s unique story and objectives, ensuring that each project is tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.
   
6. Global Perspective: Working with leading brands around the world has equipped me with a broad perspective and the ability to create designs that resonate on an international stage.

For inquiries, reach out on: joy@joyrichu.com.

For a detailed overview of my experience, take a look at my resume.