Illustrated series for VTB/Rules of Life

The longread features eight cards, each exploring a key thesis from several speakers on a given topic. For example: «How does artificial intelligence influence education?» or «Should robots look human?»Each image must convey the meaning of the statement through ironic and futuristic imagery, incorporating technological elements and concepts of the future, all while adhering to the VTB brand guidelines.The critical element was maintaining a friendly tone and demonstrating that technology serves as a support and ally to humanity, rather than displacing it from society.

For the project presentation leading up to the launch, we prepared a cover image that would reflect the potential stylistic direction moving forward.My reference for the cover was based on multi-format European illustration: by using numerous elements—sometimes seemingly unrelated—we achieved the desired aesthetic, where technology synthesizes with humanity rather than opposing it, illustrating the diversity of its impact on our lives.

Three days were allocated for the project, including revisions from the client, so the work was approved based on its final rendering, without preliminary sketches. Based on the cover and the first two illustrations, we approved the direction and quickly continued the work.

Alongside creating the works, active work was conducted to refine the text and extract imagery that would help explore the theme.The main difficulty when developing the technology theme is literalism; therefore, when searching for imagery, it is important to consider not only the clarity of the presentation but also the associations and metaphor.For example, mistrust of AI technologies can be shown through the image of a scanner and its connection to security screening, while delegating simple tasks to an AI assistant can be represented by operating a toy excavator.

Generally, a bank implies a relatively strict and clean aesthetic, avoiding excessive caricature. Nevertheless, in this project, I managed to strike a balance between informational depth and humor.Small details, such as the reflection of a robotic vacuum cleaner in a large robot or the depiction of a trinity pointing at each other, reference well-known memes.

Some images possess a unique kind of humor—created without external references, such as the evolution from embryo to computer, or a person in foil defending against robots.This technique helps me keep the viewer’s focus on the image and establish a connection with the current cultural context.

When working with a large volume of images, it is also important to maintain a sense of novelty: every robot, computer, or person must be stylistically consistent, yet distinct in its execution.This is a challenging but vital stage that sustains diversity within the project through the manipulation of form and texture.

The project was well-received within both the publication’s and VTB’s teams, resonated with the audience, and became a signature piece for personal brand development.

The resulting work was an animated longread on the publication’s website.