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The Dutch Uncle Journal is a considered study of illustration, design, and animation in practice, how they are conceived, commissioned and realised in the wider world.
This is where we share the thinking behind our latest projects and engage with the wider shifts shaping visual culture, from the resurgence of handmade texture to the ways art redefines the spaces we inhabit.
A considered collection of work and ideas from the front line of contemporary illustration.
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Brian Rea / Noma Bar / Satoshi Hashimoto / Javi Aznarez / Debora Szpilman / Simone Massoni / Ping Zhu / Klaus Kremmerz / Lucas Varela / Charlotte Trounce / Marc Majewski / Kustaa Saksi / Alessandro Gottardo (SHOUT) / YOCO / Hsiao-Ron Cheng / Jisu Choi / Graham Roumieu / Tavis Coburn / Joel Holland / Robert Nicol (MA RCA) / Clara Dupré / Marc Burckhardt / Aesthetic Apparatus / Jon Gray (Gray318) / Christian Montenegro / LAPRISAMATA / Gaku Nakagawa / Adam McCauley
Hand Drawn Illustration: Why Rob Nicol is a Refreshing Antidote to "Gray Goo" Illustration
Discover why Robert Nicol’s hand-drawn illustration is the definitive antidote to 'grey goo' design. Explore the 2026 resurgence of the human crafted touch in editorial illustration, highlighting Nicol’s 'wonky' aesthetic and RCA-trained expertise.
The Art of the Elegant Outlaw: Javi Aznarez and the Lord of Barmbeck
In 1920s Hamburg, Julius Adolf Petersen—the "Lord of Barmbeck"—turned burglary into a high-fashion performance. For Stern Crime, artist Javi Aznarez illustrates this non-violent "Robin Hood" with a sharp "Ligne Claire" lens, revealing a tactical irony: the Lord was too vain to be invisible. By dressing for a gala to rob a stagecoach, Petersen proved that in the underworld, a spotlight is often more dangerous than a gun.
Klaus Kremmerz: Illustrating the Art-World Novel —Six Books Selected by Fiona Duncan
A Novel Approach (Gagosian) defines the 2026 trend for "Literary Illustration." Pairing Fiona Duncan’s critique with Klaus Kremmerz’s art, this collaboration proves that illustration is the ultimate tool for reimagining our relationship with art history, power, and the creative ego.
Why Regular Illustration Commissions Matter: Javi Aznarez x Mengya Magazine
Beyond the hunt for one-off commissions, Javi Aznarez’s monthly covers for Mengya Magazine demonstrate the power of the "visual column." Entering 2026, this partnership proves that repetition builds more than just a portfolio—it fosters the trust, speed, and creative freedom necessary to transform a magazine cover into a definitive cultural landmark.
FOSCARINI x BRIAN REA — Whats In A Lamp?
Brian Rea’s collaboration with Foscarini for What’s in a Lamp? transforms Italian lighting into narrative subjects. Through six animated films, Rea applies his signature "Modern Love" sensitivity to designs by Garcia Cumini and Ionna Vautrin, proving that illustration and motion can shift a lamp from a technical solution to a vessel for joy, memory, and quiet conversation.
Noma Bar x Sartorious
Noma Bar collaborated with Sartorius on a global illustration and animation campaign spanning print and digital media. Designed for international audiences, the work simplifies complex scientific processes into clear, structured visuals, ensuring consistent communication across markets while supporting messaging around laboratory research, pharmaceuticals, and advanced therapies.
Clara Dupré for Internazionale Kids: A Simple Look at Love
Clara Dupré illustrates a feature for Internazionale Kids exploring the question “What is love?”. Through clear editorial storytelling, the piece presents love as something expressed through actions, care, and responsibility, helping young readers understand emotions in a calm, accessible way grounded in everyday experiences.
Javi Aznarez Turns Starmer and Reeves Into Budget Outlaws for The New Statesman
Javi Aznarez creates a dynamic cover for New Statesman depicting Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves as outlaws amid budget tensions. The illustration captures political urgency and economic debate, using bold editorial storytelling to reflect public reaction to Labour’s fiscal strategy and tax policies.
Illustration and Animation in Health Insurance: How Klaus Kremmerz Illustrates Clear Communication for KOTA
Klaus Kremmerz collaborates with KOTA to create illustration and animation systems that simplify complex health insurance and benefits information. Using clear, human visuals and structured design, the project demonstrates how illustration improves user understanding, making pensions, coverage, and pricing more accessible across digital platforms.
Simone Massoni x Mr Porter — Gifts All Wrapped Up
Simone Massoni collaborates with Mr Porter and Net-A-Porter on Gifts All Wrapped Up, a festive animated campaign produced with Animade. Combining hand-drawn illustration and 2D animation, the project delivers a playful, character-led brand experience across film, social, print, and outdoor media.
Animations for RIMOWA: Narrative, Journey & Collaboration
Klaus Kremmerz collaborates with RIMOWA on Gifts for the Journey Ahead, a narrative-driven animation campaign. The project uses illustration and motion to position the product as a companion through life’s moments, blending storytelling, cultural context, and design to elevate luxury branding into an emotional, journey-focused experience.
Brian Rea Animates Big Feelings for The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood
Brian Rea brings emotional clarity to an animated series for The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, translating complex developmental ideas into accessible, human storytelling. Through simple, expressive visuals, the films highlight how everyday interactions shape early childhood—making big feelings understandable for both families and professionals.
New York illustrations by Simone Massoni for Airmail.News
Simone Massoni captures the spirit of New York City in a new series for Air Mail. His sharp, elegant illustrations distill the city’s character into confident lines and subtle wit—perfectly aligned with Airmail’s cosmopolitan tone and editorial sophistication.
