A graduate from BA (Hons) Illustration at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has been recognised in two categories at the World Illustration Awards.
Léane Ruggli, who graduated from AUB earlier this year, has been named not only the New Talent category winner in Design, Product and Packaging, but the overall New Talent Winner.
Her project, which centres around a brand of ready-to-drink cocktails, combines 3D packaging design with animation to create dynamic storytelling, and brings to life the history, essence and flavours of specific cocktails.
“Ready to Drink Cocktail Cans was part of my Pre-Major Project, a self-directed project I created to develop my style and bring more motion into my practice,” Léane explains. “The idea was to design cocktail cans and promote them through animated GIFs for social media, almost like visual recipes that show the ingredients but also reflect the story behind each drink.
“The style is inspired by vintage graphic design, but with a contemporary twist; and by animated end credits and title sequences, an art form I’ve always been drawn to. In particular, the title sequence of Catch Me If You Can by French duo Kuntzel and Deygas was a big influence.”
Léane’s designs include the Espresso Martini, French 75 and Mojito.
“This project was a real turning point in my actual style,” she says. “It was the first time I worked in the illustration style that has since become a signature of mine, recognisable through exaggerated facial and hand features.”
In addition to her World Illustration Award nods, Léane was recognised at New Designers during the summer for the same project, receiving Highly Commended for the Affinity Digital Design Award.
“Having my work recognised at this early stage of my career feels incredible,” she says, “I’ve barely started so it’s almost unbelievable!
“Even weeks after the news, it still feels surreal. I was already so grateful just to be longlisted and shortlisted. Especially since I was competing against, and shown alongside, amazing artists from all around the world. Seeing some artists who I’ve admired over the past few years displayed next to me was really special.
“The timing feels also special. Lately, I’ve been caught between job hunting and trying to pursue freelance illustration, questioning financial stability, and wondering whether to follow my dream or take the safer path. That’s why this recognition feels like a beautiful sign from the universe to keep going and do what I truly love, embrace the uncertainty, and trust the journey.”
Léane graduated in July, and says she’s especially interested in working within branding, packaging, and commercial or advertising illustration.
Her main goal: to help brands boost their visual identity with fresh, creative illustrations for their packaging. And she trusts that the recognition she’s received so far will help kick-start her career.
“Starting out as a freelancer is tough, especially when you’re not yet known in the industry – but I know it’s possible. I see so many people making it work, and I believe I could too!”
