2020 EDGE - Monica Ahanonu
Courtesy of Monica Ahanonu
She leads in the digital space for black artists and her portraits and pop art honor people’s uniqueness and beauty.
Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Monica Ahanonu is a freelance illustrator and an expert in color theory, vector illustration, and motion design.
After graduating from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts in 2013, Monica started her career at DreamWorks Animation where she honed her unique artistic style. She made the jump to become a full-time freelance artist in April 2017. Inspired by the growth in the digital space, she started to create an Instagram following from her diverse range of portraits subjects using her signature style and daring color combinations. In her short time working as a freelancer, Monica has worked with companies such as Vanity Fair, The New York Times, Samsung USA, TIME Magazine, Adidas, Sprite, Salvatore Ferragamo, NYX Cosmetics, Simon & Schuster, Adobe, Always and more. Her third illustrated book, ICONS: 50 Heroines Who Shaped Contemporary Culture, was released in February 2020. Her work can also be seen featured in this month’s issue of Vanity Fair (September 2020).
“Just because you’re different from the people around you doesn’t mean you’re not beautiful. 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.”
Monica continues to lead in the digital space for black artists. Her portraits and pop art make learning about people from other cultures, industries and backgrounds accessible.
Her exuberant style stems from a fascination with color, fashion, and seeing the world around her through a lens of optimism. Described by Afropunk, her style is “a little Bauhaus, a little Warhol, vector illustrations packed with personality, nostalgia, and pride. She is known for expressive portraits that bring an extra dimension to each subject.
Ahanonu will accept the EDGE Award at the LA Design Festival Awards Night, which will be held live via zoom on Thursday, September 24 . She’ll also be leading a virtual Drink & Draw session with Amass Gin. Registration opens on September 1.
Check out this interview with Monica Ahanonu from Disney back in 2018, on the beauty of individuality and this from Uprising.
Courtesy of Monica Ahanonu