Adolfo Arranz was selected by a panel of 17 judges as the World’s Best Designer for his art direction/illustration portfolio from Reuters in the Society for News Design’s 45th edition creative competition, the Best of Digital News Design. This is the fourth year that a designer has been recognized as World’s Best. SND has awarded websites, apps, overall experiences and organizations the World’s Best-Designed Digital News Experience distinction since 2010.
Judges praised his detailed illustrations: “Freehand illustration demands extensive experience, technical skill, keen perception and years of dedicated practice. When it comes to conveying information through the amalgamation of elements within visually stimulating scenes, a profound understanding of the subject matter is essential. Each illustrated piece serves as a trustworthy source of information. Revealing the unseen is a task that only a few can execute masterfully, and this example is undoubtedly one of them.”
Another noted, “His illustrations are beautiful and versatile. He is able to cover many different topics and bring the whole piece together and give it a coherent style.”
Adolfo’s portfolio included stories about rehabilitating Lahaina, how the next pandemic may come from bats, how search and rescue teams comb debris for survivors after devastating earthquakes, a look inside the tunnels of Gaza and a deep dive into why sleep matters.
Judges also praised his immersive storytelling style: “The immersive experiences gave clarity and compassion to complicated and sensitive topics. His work blurs the line between art and visual journalism, creating beautiful and intriguing stories that take the reader on an exciting journey. He also creates designs that show an advanced mastery of illustration expertise, often packing incredible amounts of detail and information into well-paced infographics that are often drawn from a mix of perspectives and art styles.”
Finally, a judge remarked on the strong brand Adolfo has created through his recognizable illustrations: “Adolfo’s hand drawing technique is becoming a landmark itself. The brand identity he has created is followed by many artists and communicators around the globe. It takes a self-taught artist of undoubted prodigious talent to depict information in various narrative moods.”