Behind The Design

Introducing Monica Ahanonu, the incredible LA-based illustrator whose powerful portraiture and graphic design was celebrated this year with an LADF EDGE Award. After launching her career at DreamWorks animation studio, Monica eventually went out on her own, collaborating with the likes of Adidas, The New York Times, and countless others.

As you browse through her work, you’ll notice her signature style – an exuberant interpretation of pop culture through her uniquely vibrant and optimistic lens. In particular, Ahanonu’s work honors black creatives, be they fashion designers, music legends, or cultural icons.

Whether it’s the expressive pop art portraits featuring the likes of Micaela Cole, Simon Biles, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg –  or her fashion illustration-like renderings of various Disney Princesses, her portraits bring an extra dimension and personality to each subject.

No matter the subject, her depictions always maintain an uplifting sense of honesty and inclusivity.  “I believe in diverse beauty. It brings color and variation into the world...and more excitement. I’m glad that I can bring that to light with my work,” she says.

This year marks the release of her compilation entitled Icons, a book celebrating the strength of women–from singers to writers, activists to artists, politicians to filmmakers. We can’t imagine such a book arriving at a better time.

See more of Monica's incredible work here, and follow her on Instagram @monicaahanonu.