ABOUT
I’m Adem Kaan, a character-obsessed illustrator, designer, and 2D animator who believes the best stories are the ones that make you laugh and feel something. I work across both traditional and digital media, specializing in 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. I earned a BFA in Illustration from the University of the Arts in 2016 and an MS in Digital Media from Drexel University in 2019.
Over the years, I’ve worked on a wide range of creative projects, including 2D animations for both kids and adults, pitch bibles that led to greenlit productions, and design work across animation, publishing, games, and branding. My portfolio includes character design, background art, logos, storyboards, concept development, and more. I’ve created mobile game ads, podcast covers, brand guidelines for textile companies, and poster art exhibited in Los Angeles galleries.
Alongside my freelance practice, I’m deeply committed to education. I currently teach in the Illustration and Animation programs at MICA, Rowan University, Drexel University, Arcadia University, and the University of the Arts. I strive to create classroom environments where experimentation and structure thrive side by side. I mentor students through independent studies and guide them in developing their creative voice through studio-based projects. My goal is always to help young artists build clarity, confidence, and a strong conceptual foundation for their work.
I live in Philadelphia with my wonderful wife and continue to balance freelance commissions with teaching and collaborative creative projects.
EDUCATOR
As a passionate storyteller and character designer, I bring that same energy into the classroom, mentoring the next generation of artists at institutions including:
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
University of the Arts
Drexel University
Rowan University
Arcadia University
Rutgers University
I lead courses, workshops, and critiques in character design, illustration, and 2D animation, helping students craft compelling visual narratives and develop industry-ready portfolios.
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
Selected Commercial Work
2024 - Licensed Motion GIFs for Horizon Group USA
2021 - 2D Animations for Peak Games’ Toon Blast
2020 - Podcast Branding for 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