Your creative partner for sustainability & social impact

Hi, I’m Stefán Yngvi. Born and raised in Iceland, but currently enjoying my life in Portugal (I might have swapped ice for sun while still staying close to the North Atlantic). I am the founder of Styngvi, an ethical design & illustration studio that creates custom visual campaigns and illustration projects to benefit the beautiful wildlife and nature of our planet.

For the past decade, I’ve worked with conservation organizations, scientists, and purpose-led companies to make complex topics easier to understand through visual language. Sometimes that means creating one strong illustration. Other times, it means building a full visual campaign from start to finish. The scope might differ, but my commitment to meaningful work stays the same.

Apart from my design work, I am also a co-founder and board member of Hvalavinir vernd hafsins, an Icelandic NGO dedicated to protecting whales and wildlife in Iceland. 

That’s why you know I’m not here just to take a brief and create pretty pictures. I like to get involved in brainstorming, help shape the direction, and carry the idea through to the final outcome.
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My journey to becoming an ethical illustrator

Growing up in Iceland, I was either drawing or spending hours by the shore. My grandma (a human rights, women’s rights, and peace activist) was one of my biggest influences. She taught me to stand up for my beliefs, and our time together involved either peaceful protests, library visits, or beach adventures. Collecting ocean treasures and learning native plant names gave me a deep respect for our nature and the ocean.

My professional journey as an illustrator began during a study exchange in Indonesia in 2017. Experiencing the effects of plastic pollution firsthand, I turned to art to speak on my behalf when no words could express what I felt. I started sketching my experience and sharing it online.

The response was overwhelming in the best way possible. With each piece I created, I was attracting a community of like-minded people who resonated with my art, and I realized that other people cared as deeply as I did.

As the community grew, so did the interest in my visual storytelling. At some point, I realized this was no longer just a hobby but the beginning of a fulfilling career. Now, I offer my creative services to sustainable organizations, NGOs, and ethical businesses that care about this planet as deeply as I do.

In 2025, I co-founded an NGO for whale and wildlife protection in Iceland, so I know the importance of blending a creative and executive approach for meaningful change firsthand.

Visual storytelling for sustainable organizations, ethical brands & NGOs

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Design as a tool for meaningful impact
I believe art is a powerful driver for change, not a mere decoration. 
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Ethics as a baseline for collaboration
I cherish ethical practices & shared values to make our planet a better place.
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Clarity as a foundation for trust
I value clear, authentic messaging over shock tactics or misleading clickbait. 
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Illustration & design services for people and planet

As an ethical illustrator and designer, I make sure my creative services continue to be aligned with my values, and I choose projects based on that. Those who care about sustainability, conservation, and ocean health are my type of people.

I am a signatory of the Clean Creatives pledge and a part of the Creatives For Climate collective – a group of creative professionals who refuse to work with polluting industries. It’s a moral compass for my work, aiming to support initiatives and projects for a healthier planet.

If you’re an individual or organization doing good in the world and you’re looking for an experienced creative partner to create custom illustrations, visual campaigns, or designs to tell your story, I'd love to talk!
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Let's do some good for our planet together!

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