“Pastel Circus” is a collectible coin series that blends gentle aesthetics with an imaginative narrative, depicting a calm and inspiring take on circus imagery. In the following conversation, lead designer and illustrator Laimutė Varkalaitė talks about how she brought this vision to life—from her early passion for drawing and nature to the challenges of convincing others about her delicately rendered concept.
Project Overview
- Winning Project Title: Pastel Circus
- Winning Category: Illustration
- Firm Location: Rumsiskes, Lithuania
- Lead Designer: Laimutė Varkalaitė
- Design Team: Linas Veikalas
- Client: Lithuanian Mint
“Pastel Circus” comprises four collectible coins—RISING, FLYING, BALANCING, and BECOMING—forming a sensitive narrative of a tranquil yet bold circus world. The story illustrates how our inner state becomes visible, as our aspirations turn into reality, symbolized by the ever-changing Clown. Each illustration employs soft colors and meticulous detailing, delivering a serene yet striking artistic experience within the field of numismatics.
Interview with Laimutė Varkalaitė
1. You have a strong background in drawing and illustration. How did your journey in design begin, and how has your work evolved over time?
Laimutė Varkalaitė: Since my childhood, I have loved drawing very much. Also, I was interested in exploring nature and depicting it. Later, after finishing school, I started my graphic design studies. They lasted 9 years. It was a wonderful period of finding myself as a graphic designer and illustrator as well. The main axis of my artworks was always drawing.
2. “Pastel Circus” is a very distinctive project. What was the core challenge, and what were your main goals when starting out?
Laimutė Varkalaitė: The task was to create four illustrations for the reverse of the collectible coins series PASTEL CIRCUS. The biggest challenge was to answer to myself what the pastel circus is and to awaken an imagination transmitting the answer into images. Eight months were full of artistic challenges and became an unforgettable ‘jewelry graphic’ odyssey: details, style, aesthetics, soft colors, emotional impact. The dissemination of artistic thought in the field of numismatics.
3. The concept feels both whimsical and contemplative. What inspired “Pastel Circus,” and how did you bring those ideas into the final design?
Laimutė Varkalaitė: The inspiration of the story of PASTEL CIRCUS was inspired by the idea to show a well-known theme in a different way. That circus, unlike others, should be calm, gentle, wise, without bright colours. It should bring a message and have a purpose to inspire. All these thoughts were parts of the concept, the story of how the inner state becomes visible, and how our aspirations turn into reality from our conception to the flight of the soul, symbolised by the ever-changing Clown. Finally, the idea became visible as four illustrations which were transferred onto rectangular silver coins.
4. Did you face any difficulties while working on this project, and how did you ensure the design remained clear and practical?
Laimutė Varkalaitė: During the project, there was a moment when I had to convince some people of the idea of this visual story. I have to admit that the visual language of pastel circus is really delicate. So, some were not sure that such a visual solution would be attractive enough for consumers and the project would have some luck. But the final result left no doubt.
5. With new design tools and trends like AI emerging, how do you stay updated, and have these influenced your approach at all?
Laimutė Varkalaitė: Design is a significant part of my life. Mostly, I follow its trends by looking at design works on the internet, various platforms of art. About AI, I have my own opinion. This technology is very useful and its purpose is to be so. But to my mind, the human being is unsurpassed technology. And I try to prove it with every artistic project I create.
6. Balancing client expectations with personal style can be tricky. How do you maintain your creative identity while meeting project requirements?
Laimutė Varkalaitė: When the client finds me and asks me to do the task, in most cases they are already familiar with my graphic style. Most clients find me and my field of artworks in my portfolio. So, I am glad that people appreciate my creativity and chose me to realize their ideas.
7. Reflecting on “Pastel Circus,” what lessons did you learn, and how might they shape your future work?
Laimutė Varkalaitė: PASTEL CIRCUS is a unique project in my artistic career. It taught me to believe in your idea no matter what others say or think. And how it is important to stand up for your vision and keep doing it until the final result. That was the lesson of respecting yourself and what you are doing.
8. Finally, what does receiving this recognition mean to you, and how does it influence your upcoming projects?
Laimutė Varkalaitė: The Design MasterPrize and the award Best of Best in the category of Illustration means so much to me. That proves I am on the right path and inspires me to keep creating. I am grateful for the jury very much! Sincere thanks to all the team of the Design MasterPrize!
ConclusioN
From forging a delicately rendered visual language to standing by a calming interpretation of a traditionally vibrant theme, “Pastel Circus” underscores the importance of believing in an idea despite doubts. By championing her vision from concept to completion, Laimutė demonstrates that unwavering dedication to a clear artistic identity can yield a truly distinctive design experience.
