NBA CREATORS

Andy Akangah is a self-taught published illustrator from Benin living in Ottawa. He is currently the CEO of AKARTS Comics, a hip-hop inspired streetwear line that has caught the eye of A-list celebrities like Timothée Chamalet, The Weeknd and Director X. His artistic journey is a fusion of European and American comic books, Japanese manga, and his deep affection for hip-hop culture, which he finds inspiring for its themes of heroism and resilience. Furthermore, Andy is a passionate advocate for greater accessibility and inclusion of digital art in diverse art spaces. His work has been recognized by Complex, AT&T, Atlético Madrid's Canadian club, Esquire, and more.

Jason Zante is a Filipino-Canadian artist based in Toronto, Canada. With a multidisciplinary background ranging from large-scale mural installations to paintings and illustrations, his work depicts surreal dream-like worlds filled with bold and saturated colours. He explores nature's vibrant qualities with influences from simple, everyday leisure to more complex concepts about his Filipino culture. Using his imagination and personal photographs, he uses digital and acrylic approaches. He holds a Bachelor's in Graphic Design from OCAD University in 2020. Since then, he has created notable site-specific mural commissions for The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, Fallsview Casino Resorts in Niagara Falls, and Cadillac Fairview Toronto Eaton Centre.

Kory Parkin is an Indigenous (Kanyen'keha; Mohawk) artist/graphic designer from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Inspired by many great Indigenous and non Indigenous artists, he finds ways to pull ideas together through art, sports and pop culture, to recreate something bold and unique, while blending in important cultural symbolism in each piece. Blessed with many great opportunities he has used his art to shine focus on the beauty of Indigenous art and traditions which has allowed him to not only spread awareness for his culture but also help raise funds to give back to those in need.

Kelly Wan is an illustrator and designer currently based in Toronto. Her work focuses on bringing stories and concepts to life through engaging visual narratives and playful, whimsical imagery. Fascinated by finding the charm in the nuances of everyday life, she captures that essence into her work. Drawing from the playful allure of childhood imagination, her work finds inspiration from the curious and imaginative lens through which children perceive the world, interwoven with her personal childhood encounters.

MEKA’s artistic journey merges a Beaux-Arts background in Graphic Design with the vibrant energy of skateboarding and punk-rock countercultures.  Influenced by the likes of Jim Phillips, Mike Giant, Jack Kirby, and Keith Haring, MEKA’s work features collaborations with major brands like Adidas, Nike, Converse, Stüssy, NBA, Ubisoft, NHL, and Romeo’s Gin. Known for bold colors and dynamic compositions, MEKA’s designs are a fusion of street art spirit and modern aesthetics, resonating deeply with contemporary culture. These creations are not just visual pieces; they are experiences crafted to inspire and captivate. 
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Enter a world where each design narrates its own unique story.

Born in Taiwan and raised in Canada, Jane attended the Art Institute of Vancouver where she discovered Digital Painting. She began to take drawing seriously after receiving commissions for illustrating people and their pets. While Jane took an interest in basketball in Taiwan, when the pandemic hit she became an avid NBA fan again. She expresses her support for the Toronto Raptors and the players through art.

Anishinaabe digital artist and painter Jenny Kay Dupuis brings her passions together through fine art, storytelling, and pop culture references - creating a unique style of Woodland Pop Art that uplifts and inspires. Born and raised in Northern Ontario and a proud member of Nipissing First Nation, Jenny Kay's always been making things with her hands from paintings on canvas, to beadwork, to leatherwork, to sculpture. Jenny Kay completed her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary. Jenny Kay holds a Master of Education and Bachelor of Arts in History and Visual Arts. She is a certified teacher, public speaker and an award-winning, best-selling children's author.

Pui Yan Fong is a Toronto-based illustrator from Hong Kong. Growing up in Toronto with its variety of professional sports teams, she became a huge sports fan. A large portion of her artwork is aptly focused on sports, in which she captures the dynamic movement and characteristics of the athletes and physical activity itself. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and shown in American Illustration and The Society of Illustrators. Notable clients include Jordan Brand and MLSE.

Rafael Mayani is a Mexican artist based in Vancouver. An Associate Creative Director at Giant Ant, Rafael is also a freelance illustrator.  He studied Industrial Design at UNAM in Mexico City, later pivoting to a Visual Arts course at Atelier Design School in Barcelona. Rafael designs on a Surface Studio and his work can be found in a variety of media, from children's picture books to various magazines and newspapers. He's designed murals in Slovenia, Illustrated a new edition of The Jungle Book, Created a Google Doodle and Art Directed the new intro to Pinky and the Brain.

Kristina Pavao is a multi-disciplinary illustrator and designer based in Toronto. Her work focuses on the use of colours and how they can evoke strong emotional responses and connections from viewers. Many of her influences stem from neo-expressionist work, street art and music. Kristina has worked with many notable clients such as Tridel, Redbull, and the NBA.

Born in Venezuela, raised in Kuwait, Will Selviz emigrated to Canada in 2013, and is an Afro-Caribbean multidisciplinary designer who specializes in immersive media technologies. After graduating from OCAD University's Digital Futures program, Will founded RENDRD Media (remote 3D animation studio), and RENDRD Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to employ youth from under represented communities at the intersection of creative and digital innovation. Will designs on a Surface Studio and his work has been featured on major digital and print publications, front covers, and billboards in Times Square and Yonge-Dundas Square.

Mark Serrano is a graphic designer and lettering artist from Toronto, Canada. He was born in Manila, Philippines and emigrated to Canada when he was 14 years old. As a newcomer, basketball was one of the ways he formed connections in Toronto. His passion for lettering started at a young age, creating logos for school basketball teams taking inspiration from NBA team logos. Mark continues to be inspired by the NBA logos of the 90’s, still shaping and informing the designs he produces.

Corbs (Corbin Portillo) is a Hamilton-born & raised artist who specializes in digital illustration with 10+ years of experience working with an array of professional brands and athletes. Corbin designs on a Surface Studio and is well known for his unique, detailed and colourful surrealism-collage illustrations with a heavy inspiration and influence from his basketball upbringing. Corbin has worked with many notable clients including Adidas, NBA and Complex.

Cornelia Li is a Chinese-born illustrator currently based in Toronto. She is intrigued by narrative weaved into daily interaction between people and their surroundings and set out to capture the relationship by externalizing the ideas and emotions into elements in her images. Cornelia designs on a Surface Studio and her work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, American Illustration, Communication Arts, The AOI, 3x3 Illustration, National Magazine Award, and more.

Meech Boakye is a Canadian illustrator that designs on a Surface Studio with a H.BA in Visual Studies from the University of Toronto. Their illustrations have been published in print and online in several publications with past clients including Google, Facebook, Spotify, Skittles & The Globe & Mail.