Hello, I’m Adem Kaan, an illustrator, designer, and 2D animator. I specialize in both traditional and digital mediums, with a particular focus on character design. I love bringing humor into my work whenever I can—it’s one of my favorite things about the creative process.
I was born in England and raised in Istanbul, Turkey. I moved to Philadelphia to study, where I earned my Bachelor's in Illustration from the University of the Arts in 2016 and a Master’s in Digital Media from Drexel University in 2019.
Over the years, I’ve worked on a diverse range of projects, including 2D animations for children and adults, as well as designing pitch bibles that have been greenlit. My experience spans creating characters, backgrounds, logos, storyboards, and concept designs. Additionally, I’ve worked on 2D animated mobile game ads, developed brand guidelines for textile companies, and designed podcast covers. I’ve also had the pleasure of creating event posters and exhibiting my work at pop-culture galleries in Los Angeles.
I currently live in Philadelphia with my wonderful wife, Jess, and work as an independent artist. I also teach as an adjunct professor in the Illustration programs at the Maryland Institute College of Art, Rowan University, Drexel University, Arcadia University, and the University of the Arts.
Education
2019 - Master of Science in Digital Media - Drexel
University
2016 - Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration - University of the Arts
Recognition
William H. Ely Illustration Exhibition Awards
University of the Arts Faculty Choice Award
Products
2021 - 2D Animations for Peak Games’ Toon Blast
2020 - Podcast Cover NBA’s Tross Podcast
2020 - Product Design for Skate The Foundry
2020 - Brand Design for Jolly Monster Studio
Exhibitions
2024 - Crazy 4 Cult @ Gallery 1988
2024 - ShortShort Festival #5 @ Barnhouse Collective
2024 - The Masters @ Gallery 1988
2023 - ShortShort Festival #4@ Barnhouse Collective
2022 - 90’s Art Show @ Gallery 1988
2022 - Sketch Card Show 4 @ Hero Complex Gallery
2022 - 30 Years Later (1992) @ Gallery 1988
2022 - 20 Years Later (2001) @ Gallery 1988
2022 - ShortShort Festival #3@ Barnhouse Collective
2021 - The Jeffs Show @ Hero Complex Gallery
2021 - Idiot Box @ Gallery 1988
2021 - Sketch Card Show 3 @ Hero Complex Gallery
2021 - Hip To Be Square @ Hero Complex Gallery
2021 - 15th Annual Crazy 4 Cult @ Gallery 1988
2021 - Shopping Malls @ Gallery 1988
2021 - Name That Toon @ Hero Complex Gallery
2021 - 50 Years of Willy Wonka @ Gallery 1988
2021 - 30 Years Later (1991) @ Gallery 1988
2020 - Mallrats @ Gallery 1988
2020 - Idiot Box @ Gallery 1988
2020 - 14th Annual Crazy 4 Cult @ Gallery 1988
2020 - Quest for Fun @ Gallery 1988
2020 - LA Local @ Gallery 1988
2020 - Memes 2020 @ Gallery 1988
2020 - 30 Years Later (1990) @ Gallery 1988
2019 - 13th Annual Crazy 4 Cult @ Gallery 1988
2019 - Fused Underground @ Tattooed Moms
2019 - 90’s Show @ Gallery 1988
2019 - ShortShort Festival #1 @ Barnhouse Collective
2018 - 12th Annual Crazy 4 Cult @ Gallery 1988
2018 - WWE x G1988 @ Gallery 1988
2017 - The Thing Art Show @ Creature Features
Publications
2021 - Halloween: Artbook
TBA - The World of Stephen King
2020 - Ghostbusters: Artbook
2019 - Visions from the Upside Down: Stranger Things
TBA - The Guillermo del Toro Artbook
2017 -The Thing: Artbook
Media
2020 - Smart But Dumb Podcast - Illustration with Adem
2020 - Cartoon Network’s Intergalactic Ice Cream Concept Artist
2019 - Skate the Foundry - Giant Poster Coloring Event
College Courses Taught
Concept Art
Character Design
Visual Development for Animation
Digital Art Studio
Children’s Book Illustration
Storyboarding & Animation
Illustration with Digital Media
Figure Drawing
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
"In the times we have worked with Adem Kaan his natural professionalism and quality of work have been nothing short of exceptional; leaving us more than pleased."
"In both business and casual settings, Adem is not only a treat to work with but interact with as well. His wit, personality, and intelligence shine through in his work as well as real life, making communicating and coordinating with him an absolute pleasure."
Lee Thompson, CEO,
Barnhouse Collective
With the work I do, I am constantly reviewing the work of artists from all over the world. One such artist I would consider to be at the top of his field is Adem Kaan. I certainly believe him to be an artist of extraordinary ability.
After years in the industry, I can confidently state that Mr. Kaan is a leading artist who has made critical contributions to high profile projects all over the world. We fully intend to use his works in our many upcoming projects
Steven Hovoke,
Co-Founder,
Printed in Blood
"Adem Kaan was involved in the product as an illustrator, creating a notable number of images for us in the game. These images were used as both product art and promotional assets."
"I can say with confidence that Adem significantly contributed to the success of Beneath Nexus."
Thomas Panico, Co-Founder,
Silverclutch Games
“Adem’s design was beyond what we imagined while he made sure to stay within our vision and budget.
Overall, Adem was a joy to work with because of his quick and clear communication that got the project done sooner than we expected.“
Brett Williams, Co-Founder,
Skate The Foundry
"Having worked with Adem on a recent project, we were delighted with the result!
A super quick turnaround, great communication throughout the process and an imaginative interpretation of our brief at fantastic value - what more could you ask for!"
James Hunter, Co-Founder,
Old Sole Theatre
“Now, with respect to Mr. Adem Kaan’s significance as an artist, he is quite simply better than the vast majority of illustrators operating in the sphere of animated content aimed at older kids. And I’m not exaggerating.
Adem has contributed artwork to our animated TV series projects at a level that very few people are able to attain. When it comes to character and environment design for cartoons aimed at the 6-12 demographic (think SpongeBob, Adventure Time and Gravity Falls), Adem is easily in the 90th percentile.
As a studio, we’re constantly developing new projects and it’s extremely difficult to find talent at Mr. Kaan’s level of creative ingenuity, comic sensibility, and overall professionalism.”
Andrew Phillips,
Co-Director,
Punch Monkey Studios