about | Rico Studio

Meet Andrijana Rico

✸ the storyteller behind the colors ✸

Hi! I'm Andrijana, but most people know me as Andrijana Rico - an illustrator who loves turning small moments and everyday feelings into warm, story-filled images.

My work blends soft textures, warm palettes, and thoughtful details to tell stories that feel personal, whimsical, and full of heart.

This is My Story

I’ve been writing and drawing since I was a kid - though at one point,

I wanted to be everything from an astronaut to an archaeologist.

Curiosity has always been my compass. Despite a teacher once telling me I’d never get into art school, I applied anyway (for pottery, of all things) - and got in. Later, I studied graphic design and worked in a digital agency for a few years before realizing I missed the kind of work that made me feel something.

So I found my way back to illustration—and never really left.

These days, I create illustrations working in Procreate, but I still love

to get messy with watercolor, gouache, colored pencils, and play

with polymer clay.

My process is intuitive and collaborative: I listen carefully to my clients, always aiming to bring their ideas - and a bit of their inner child - to life. I’ve had a chance to work with some wonderful people and brands, like Kreativni centar, a leading

children’s publisher in Serbia, Radio Televizija Srbija (RTS), Beluga Ceramics, and Chocollama, beloved local brands, as well as

non-profit organizations from Croatia dedicated to environmental education and protecting the habitat

of the endangered freshwater turtle.

Whether it’s a children's book, a brand illustration, or a small personal project, my goal is the same - to make something that feels genuine. I want kids (my toughest and favorite critics) to feel wonder and curiosity, and I want grown-ups to feel that quiet spark of nostalgia that reminds them of their childhood.

Life Beyond the
Sketches

When I’m not drawing, you’ll usually find me outdoors - hiking with my husband and our furry friend, Leo, who’s the best studio assistant anyone could ask for. I love exploring new trails, finding hidden corners, and traveling to new places whenever I can. Those quiet adventures always find their way back into my work, and also remind me to slow down and embrace all the beauty the world is giving.

The long walks and tiny discoveries help me refill the creative cup,

and Leo makes sure I never take life too seriously.

A Few Proud Moments

Along the way, my illustrations have been featured in exhibitions, interviews, and creative showcases that celebrate storytelling and art. Each of these moments has been a kind reminder that art connects us - through curiosity, community, and imagination.