Hi, I’m Richard Opaleye, a creative and versatile comic artist and illustrator with 8 years of professional experience in visual storytelling, sequential art, and character design. I’m the creator and lead artist of Ultimate Crusaders, an ongoing comic series published on Tapas, where I develop compelling narratives and bring original characters to life through dynamic illustration. I bring deep expertise in brand identity and graphic design, with a client portfolio spanning Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States. I’m equally at home crafting intimate character moments and high-energy action sequences, and I excel in digital production workflows and print-ready deliverables.…

Richard Opaleye

Hi, I’m Richard Opaleye, a creative and versatile comic artist and illustrator with 8 years of professional experience in visual storytelling, sequential art, and character design. I’m the creator and lead artist of Ultimate Crusaders, an ongoing comic series published on Tapas, where I develop compelling narratives and bring original characters to life through dynamic illustration. I bring deep expertise in brand identity and graphic design, with a client portfolio spanning Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States. I’m equally at home crafting intimate character moments and high-energy action sequences, and I excel in digital production workflows and print-ready deliverables.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Richard Opaleye, a creative and versatile comic artist and illustrator with 8 years of professional experience in visual storytelling, sequential art, and character design. I’m the creator and lead artist of Ultimate Crusaders, an ongoing comic series published on Tapas, where I develop compelling narratives and bring original characters to life through dynamic illustration.

I bring deep expertise in brand identity and graphic design, with a client portfolio spanning Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States. I’m equally at home crafting intimate character moments and high-energy action sequences, and I excel in digital production workflows and print-ready deliverables.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Lead Brand Designer at VAIN Esports
January 1, 2022 - Present
Leads the complete visual identity system for a competitive esports organisation—including mascot design, team branding, tournament overlays, and motion graphics. Creates character illustrations and visual assets that bridge comic art aesthetics with esports branding. Designs social media content, promotional materials, and branded merchandise concepts.
Lead Artist & Writer at Ultimate Crusaders (Self-Published on Tapas)
January 1, 2020 - Present
Conceived, written, illustrated, lettered, and published an ongoing superhero comic series as a solo creator—managing the full production pipeline from script to final digital release. Developed an original cast of characters, world-building lore, and an interconnected story arc spanning multiple issues. Handles all aspects of digital art production including pencilling, inking, colouring, and lettering. Manages the series' online presence and reader engagement on the Tapas publishing platform. Demonstrates consistent creative output and publishing discipline across multiple seasons.
Freelance Comic Artist & Illustrator at Independent / Freelance
January 1, 2019 - Present
Delivered comic pages, character designs, cover art, and splash illustrations for individual and commercial clients. Produced esports branding assets including logos, mascots, and full identity systems. Collaborated with clients across design briefs, iterating on concepts through to final delivery. Managed client communication, project scoping, timelines, and revisions independently. Active on commission platforms including Fiverr, Reddit (r/HireAnArtist), and Discord art communities.
Freelance Illustrator & Graphic Designer at Nuvraverse (Self-Employed)
January 1, 2013 - Present
Delivered illustration, character design, and brand identity projects for 60+ clients across Nigeria, UK, and US over an 8-year freelance career. Specialises in brand mascots, editorial illustration, logo design, and digital art for print and web. Produced visual identities for businesses, creative agencies, and independent creators. Founder of Perfect Int'l Microlending—led all creative direction and visual communication for the brand.

Education

Self-Directed Study at Sequential Art & Illustration
January 1, 2018 - April 4, 2026
Self-Directed Study — Sequential Art & Illustration at Self-Directed Study
January 1, 2013 - June 26, 2026
Professional Graphic Design Practice at Freelance
January 1, 2013 - June 26, 2026

Qualifications

B. A art Ringling institute of Art
April 28, 2022 - February 19, 2026
Self-Directed Study — Sequential Art & Illustration
January 1, 2013 - June 26, 2026
Professional Graphic Design Practice
January 1, 2013 - June 26, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Gaming, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Healthcare, Education, Other, Retail
    Vain ESPORT Brand identity.

    I was tasked to design their logos, mascots, fliers, character designs for their players. Also, seasonal tournaments campaigns are all handled by me.