Jim Tsinganos’ painterly illustrations tackle the world’s big issues

There’s something instantly striking about Sydney-based Jim Tsinganos’ illustrations. Having worked for over 25 years as an illustrator Jim has built up an impressive client list including Qantas, Random House, LA Times and Australia Post among others. His work for financial publications like Money Magazine and The Australian Mint is most impressive for the imagination and wit the illustrator weaves into them. 

Jim’s illustrations distantly remind me of Goncalo Viana’s work for their rich, vivid colours but the unusual, more surrealist elements take them somewhere new. Unpicking the subject matter, Jim’s ability to hone in on the idea behind an illustration filters through to the grand and engaging visual hooks he creates. Jim’s characters come in various shapes and sizes, but most of his images are based in the real world making his ideas more digestible. It allows Jim to make concepts like protection for whistleblowers, America’s oil usage and China’s influence on the world inclusive rather than alienating.