Hello, I’m Adem Kaan, an illustrator, designer, and 2D animator with a love for character design and a deep belief in the power of storytelling, especially when it’s a little bit funny. I work across both traditional and digital media, and I specialize in creating vibrant, personality-driven visuals that bring ideas to life.
Originally born in England and raised in Istanbul, I moved to Philadelphia to pursue my education, earning a BFA in Illustration from the University of the Arts (2016) and an MS in Digital Media from Drexel University (2019).
Over the years, I’ve worked on a wide range of projects, including 2D animations for both kids and adults, as well as pitch bibles that have gone into production. My portfolio includes character design, background art, logos, storyboards, concept development, and more. I’ve created 2D animated mobile game ads, brand guidelines for textile companies, podcast covers, and gallery-exhibited poster art in Los Angeles.
Alongside my freelance work, I’m deeply invested in education. I currently teach in the Illustration and Animation programs at MICA, Rowan University, Drexel University, Arcadia University, and the University of the Arts. As an educator, I aim to foster creativity, clarity, and confidence in young artists by supporting them technically, conceptually, and professionally. Whether mentoring students through independent studies or refining classroom projects, I work to create a space where experimentation and structure can coexist.
I live in Philadelphia with my wonderful wife, Jess, and continue to balance freelance work with teaching and collaborative creative projects.
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