Cartoon of person in bed playing a mobile game on a smartphone, projecting a car and maze above.

Lucas Varela

Instagram / Website

Enquire about Lucas

USA / Helen Cowley helen@dutchuncle.co.uk

EUROPE / Joel Minter joel@dutchuncle.co.uk

ASIA / Mikiharu Yabe miki@dutchuncle.co.uk

Lucas Varela was born in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1971. He grew up drawing and developing his professional career in the south American city. He studied at UBA, University of Buenos Aires in Graphic Design. After college, he started a career as a newspaper infographic designer. He worked for newspapers in Argentina and around the world for a long time until he got tired and decided to live as a cartoonist. In 2014 he was accepted at La Maison Des Auteurs in Angouleme City, France, an important studio residence for the development of comic book projects. Whilst there he created three comic books Paolo Pinocchio, Diagnostics and The Longest Day in The Future.

After the residence he moved to Bordeaux city, where he continues his career as a cartoonist and illustrator. Nowadays his illustration works can be found in magazines and newspapers. He continues his weekly collaboration with The Financial Times Magazine and with the French publisher Dargaud.

Latest News

The Journal
Lucas Varela : The Art of Polite Chaos in the FT
Lucas Varela : The Art of Polite Chaos in the FT

Lucas Varela creates editorial illustrations for Financial Times, accompanying Robert Shrimsley’s advice column. His work transforms everyday dilemmas into subtle, composed visuals, using quiet humour and minimal detail to reflect moments of tension, decision-making, and human behaviour alongside the column’s dry, observational tone.

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Lucas Varela x Telegraph: A Buffet of Illustrated Wit
Lucas Varela x Telegraph: A Buffet of Illustrated Wit
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Visage Perdu: Solve the Bracken House Mystery in FT Magazine's Games Issue : Illustrated by Lucas Varela.
Visage Perdu: Solve the Bracken House Mystery in FT Magazine's Games Issue : Illustrated by Lucas Varela.
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Lucas Varela x Golf Digest. Guide to mastering College Golf.
Lucas Varela x Golf Digest. Guide to mastering College Golf.
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Illustrator Lucas Varela: A Decade of Satirical Brilliance for Robert Shrimsley's Notebook Column
Illustrator Lucas Varela: A Decade of Satirical Brilliance for Robert Shrimsley's Notebook Column
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Selected Work

Illustration of a person at a desk with a cup in hand, while a box with a face hovers above, connected to various icons like clouds, documents, and messages, symbolizing digital communication. A cat sits on a cat tree beside the desk.
Illustrated cutaway of a multi-story building showing different activities in each section, including people working in offices, reading, talking, and waiting at a train station. Features include a library, barber shop, lost property area, and roofto
Magazine spread titled "Visage Perdu," featuring an illustrated story "A Bracken House Mystery" by Duncan Fyfe and Matt Vella. Set in London, January 1960, the story involves a mystery at Bracken House, narrated with details like the involvement of a
Illustration of a person with colorful, psychedelic waves emanating from their head, holding a cigarette, with a sunset background featuring silhouettes of trees and a car.
Illustrated cover of FT Weekend Magazine titled 'The Games Issue' showing people engaging in various board games and activities in a park setting with oversized game pieces, a roller coaster, and ferris wheel in the background.
Illustration of a golfer in motion, showing different stages of a swing with a golf club. The golfer is wearing a red polo shirt and a white cap, depicted with multiple arms to illustrate movement. A golf ball is on the ground, and stars and motion l
Illustration of four people in a golf cart on a sunny day surrounded by palm trees, with a "CLUB" sign on the side, and golf bags in the back. One person is driving while others are cheering.
Golf team preparing outside a clubhouse with golf equipment and uniforms, featuring banners with a "C" emblem.
Cartoon of a disappointed man dining at a table with a broken plate and large cleaver. Cleaver has "Thank you for coming" written on it. A red lantern hangs above, and soy sauce bottle is on the table.
Cartoon depicting a stern man in a suit sitting inside a bus with floating fish and an octopus around him, wearing a hat labeled 'UKIP'.
Illustration of a family with a father and daughter standing, a mother helping a toddler walk, and a child playing with a toy by a white picket fence, while a person looks out from a window holding a phone.
Cartoon man peering over a colorful geometric background with smashed tomatoes
Illustration of a person inside a house-like space surrounded by surreal elements, including fierce-looking creatures, skulls, bones, and abstract virus shapes. There's a giant hand pointing at the house, and lightning and tentacles are present. The
Illustration of people engaging in various diet and exercise activities, including eating different foods, standing on a scale, writing in a vegan calendar, hugging vegetables, and biking. Includes symbols of different diets like keto and 16:8 diet.
Cartoon of a clown-like figure resembling a leader on a TV screen. The text reads "Yes, Yes, Prime Minister" with a BBC logo. Several people are being comically knocked out of the screen with "MASH" letter shapes flying around.
Illustration of a person in a blue coat standing on stairs, holding leashes for eight diverse dogs, including a corgi and a pug, with a red carpet on the stairs.
Cartoon illustration of nine diverse people in a virtual video call grid, with exaggerated facial features and various hairstyles and beards.
Cartoon of a royal family watching a parody Netflix show "The Only Way is Sussex" on TV, featuring a red-haired man, a woman, and a baby. A maid holds a mallet while a dog sits by the Queens side. Room is elegantly furnished with lamps and flowers.
Illustration of a city apartment building at night with people in their windows. Each window shows a different activity: reading, holding a baby, and relaxing. A crescent moon is in the sky, and there are signs for a laundromat and a cheese shop belo
Illustration of dinosaur-like creatures in a cityscape, carrying a syringe, box, wire, and lab meat. One holds a burger, another has a box labeled "LAB MEAT." Skyline and buildings in foreground.
Cartoon of a man in a suit and red scarf labeled 'Winner' jumping off a cliff into flames.
Illustration of a butler and maid carrying tea and food up stairs, with labeled bells on the wall for tea, chips, and pudding.
Cartoon Santa Claus carrying a sack filled with virus particles over a snowy village with lit windows and snowy rooftops, under a starry night sky.
Illustration of people and a dinosaur mascot sitting in a stadium with red seats, wearing masks. Some appear bored, while others are distracted. A ghost is also present in the crowd.
Illustration of a knight on horseback holding a scroll, surrounded by children in a colorful ball pit against a yellow background.
Illustration of five people raising a flag with coffee and sandwich symbols, reminiscent of raising a military flag in battle. The background shows a café setting with chairs and an umbrella.
Illustration of a cowboy wearing a mask and gloves, holding sanitizer spray bottles like guns, with virus particles symbolically depicted, set against a desert background.
Illustration of two women facing each other. One holds a baby, the other holds a virus symbol. Nearby tables hold baby items and sanitizing products.
Cartoon of wealthy man on money bags with people below in water, reaching for coins, guarded by bodyguards.
Illustration of a person with black hair and glasses trying to push a door closed against a crowd of colorful cartoon animals with hearts.
Cartoon of a man in a bathtub using a smartphone, surrounded by blue birds wearing black hats. The birds resemble Twitter logos. A drink and ashtray are on the table beside the tub. The man has glasses and a cigar.
A cartoon illustration of people near a lighthouse by the sea, with some taking photos. A bottle labeled "Prosecco" floats above, with a question mark. Two fishermen in aprons stand by the water, and a person holds a "Waitrose" shopping bag. A dog is
Illustration of people on a map with COVID-19 virus heads, arrows labeled 'BRXT,' toilet paper, and a person with a phone.
Illustration of people wearing masks during pandemic, a man on a bouncing ball, closed pub sign, car with "LIFE ON MARS" plate.
Illustration of a house-shaped cutout showing diverse activities. A chef is slicing bread next to a basket of baguettes and a book titled 'The Mirror & the Light.' A singer stands amidst musical notes. An artist, with a palette, paints a portrait lab
Cartoon illustration of a person dressed as a chimney sweep sitting on a rooftop holding a "Will Dance for Food" sign. The rooftop has red and blue tiles, and chimney pots are visible. A window below shows a person looking out.
Illustration of a video conference on a laptop screen with people appearing in separate squares. One person holds a "Quiz Night" sign. A hand extends out of the screen, reaching for a character trying to escape.
Illustration of people tightly packed in a house, using electronic devices, with social distancing theme.
Illustration of a masked figure against a wall with raised arms holding a device, a small dog beside them, surrounded by masked police officers, and a drone overhead.
Illustration of a person sneezing surrounded by startled blue birds on a pink background.
Illustration of a man laughing, holding a knife with a slice of fruitcake, beer, and cigarette on the table. A blue badge says 'Brexit Party'. Stars and an explosion effect in the background.
Illustration of two men looking at futuristic electric cars and a horse in an exhibit, with a potted plant nearby.
Illustration of a person climbing a mountain towards a ledge where another person is meditating on top of a red sports car.
Cartoon: Police carrying toppled pillar with protester
Cartoon illustration of a crowded party with people holding drinks, chatting, and enjoying music symbols in the background. A man sits alone on a couch next to a "Old Hat" sign.
Illustration of a person eating a slice of bread surrounded by angry yellow emoji faces with various expressions.
Illustration of a person with braided hair surrounded by angry men in suits, each shouting with megaphones as mouths in a dark, cloudy atmosphere.
Illustration of a bearded man standing on a small island with a palm tree. The man is wearing ragged pants, has a wide smile, and rests his arm around the tree dressed in a striped shirt. The scene is set against a pink and orange sky with a sun. Ite
Cartoon illustration of two people with dog heads holding smartphones, barking "ARF" at each other, on a pink background.
Illustration of two ancient Greek-style vases with modern scenes depicting police in riot gear on the left and young individuals with smartphones and spray paint on the right.
Illustration of a person at a desk with multiple hands offering various sweets and snacks including chocolates, waffles, a cupcake, and nougat.
Cartoon illustration of a person relaxing in a hammock indoors, with a tree on a stool, a couch, a floor lamp, a window with curtains, and a coffee table with books and a cup.
Cartoon illustration of a man being denied entry by a snobby waiter at "Snobs Caffe," while others inside drink coffee.
Illustration of a woman lounging indoors on a deck chair with a beach umbrella. She's reading a book titled "The Vacationer." The scene includes a kitchen with a fridge, stove, and cookware. A cat, a ball, books, a watermelon slice, and a toy pail ar
Illustration of a person in a museum looking at a decorative frame with cherubs and the letters 'T W T' on a banner, holding a brochure behind their back.
Illustration of surgeons in an operating room distracted by a soccer match on TV.
Illustration of a chaotic bedroom scene with paparazzi taking photos of a man on a bed with two women. The room is messy with wine bottles, glasses, magazines, and clothing on the floor. Photographers are at the window and around the room, capturing
Illustration of a couple standing on a flying credit card above a beach with palm trees and people enjoying the sea.
Illustration of a large yacht speeding on water, ejecting people off the deck, while a smaller red speedboat navigates nearby. Water markers are visible.
Cartoon of a drive-in theater with "The End" on screen, vultures on top, red car, abandoned appearance.
Illustration of a person walking towards a house with large letters "AA" in front. The person is carrying luggage. The house has a red roof and there's a pathway lined with grass and flowers.
Cartoon man reading book with arrow through head
Illustration of people in suits holding up books in front of their faces with various flags in the background, depicting a humorous portrayal of world leaders or officials at a conference.
Illustration of a group on a sailing ship with red sails, people climbing ladders and ropes, a person with a megaphone, tropical landscape in background.
Cartoon depicting snowy landscape with sign labeled 'School,' a crow, and a polar bear nearby. A person in winter clothing struggles through deep snow towards the sign, leaving behind books and a mitten.
Cartoon cat on an orange couch looking surprised, holding a toy fish, with a man's hand holding a pillow, a table with a lamp, and a cat picture on the wall.
Cartoon of men in suits squeezed in a large vise with a businessman watching, city skyline in background.
A cartoon illustrating a girl playing a flute while standing on a stool in a living room. Two adults are sitting on a red couch, holding drinks, with an open poison label container on a table nearby. Musical notes float in the air, and a picture hang
Abstract illustration of two figures in military-style uniforms, one pink and one blue, with connected dots forming patterns.
Illustration of a large suited figure surrounded by smaller people with pacifiers and baby-like features, in a cityscape with billboards and a red double-decker bus.
Illustration of a person in a suit running with a briefcase, surrounded by flames and explosion symbols on a pink background.
Illustration of a person in a yellow hat and coat seated on a throne, holding a wallet and allowing a spider to drop into their hand.
Cartoon of a man on all fours, labeled "10 Downing St.", being photographed by another man. The scene is on a yellow background.
Cartoon of people in front of a house. One person picks up an apple under a tree, others watch. A caption reads 'MEN'.
Cartoon drawing of a worried person in bed with another person holding a hammer.
Cartoon scene with a chaotic party. A monkey angrily raises its fists, a person hides behind a curtain, and another person falls on the floor. Confetti and toys are scattered. Caption "NOPE" below.
Cartoon showing zombies approaching an Ocado delivery van with two workers, set against an apocalyptic cityscape.
Illustration of a human head silhouette on orange background, depicting construction workers inside building walls and roof, symbolizing mental construction or development.
Illustration of a person lifting a blanket from a bed, revealing a mattress designed as a smartphone with social media app icons.
Illustration of a lively party with people socializing, holding drinks, and a man sitting alone on a couch; musical notes and ornaments decorate the scene.
Illustration of a man in a glass dome with a boombox, surrounded by musical notes and peace symbols, against a stormy background.
Illustration of a person in bed with a laptop. The screen has a dragon's mouth emitting fire towards the person, who looks scared.
Illustration of three people standing behind a person using a laptop, with three floating circles showing different coaches.
Illustration of a woman speaking into a microphone, with her hair blowing to the side, and a hand holding a police notice in the background.
Illustration of a man and woman painting over a mural of a cartoon character with gray paint. The man stands on a ladder, rolling paint while the woman holds a paint can. The cartoon character is partially covered.
Illustration of a person using a smartphone with a large hand above holding a verification badge, on a pink background.
Illustration of a person lying in bed under a blue blanket, staring at a smartphone with wide eyes. A maze and a toy car are projected from the phone onto the ceiling. A bedside lamp is on the nightstand.
Illustration of eight smartphones each showing a cartoon of a person dancing or posing, wearing various quirky outfits.
Cartoon of an elderly man holding a toothbrush, looking into a mirror. In the reflection, a younger version of himself is holding a sign that says, 'STAY INTERESTING.' Tile background and a sink with a faucet are visible.
Cartoon of a king wearing a crown, surrounded by floating emojis representing various emotions, and trumpet banners on both sides. Positive emojis and thumbs up are on the left, negative emojis and thumbs down are on the right.
Cartoon of a man pushing a large piggy bank with a dollar coin, while three businesspeople watch from steps.
Illustration of a woman holding a notebook, casting a Medusa-like shadow on the wall, as she watches a man at a desk who appears startled. The shadow holds a doll-like figure with pins.
Illustration depicting a diverse group of people standing behind a velvet rope, with some holding drinks and others in graduation attire. A suited guard stands by, while a wealthy-looking man with a bulldog walks outside the ropes. Various flags are
Illustration of two men sitting on chairs in the rain under umbrellas. One wears casual sports attire, holding a cricket bat, and the other is in formal attire, gesturing to falling rain. Dark clouds above.
Illustration of a person singing passionately into a microphone, wearing a blue checkered suit and polka dot tie, with music notes surrounding them against a colorful stage background.
Illustration of two cars on a road, one red and one blue, with the road forming a question mark shape. The blue car is exiting into a tunnel, and the red car is near traffic cones. Trees and a caution sign are in the background.
Illustration of people exercising in a city street with various gym and food signs, balancing fitness and indulgence.
Cartoon of a man on a vintage TV screen holding a drink, standing next to a cartoon pig character with a balloon, labeled 'itv3.'