In honor of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re highlighting some of the many creative API artists inspiring the world today. Read a little about them below and click through the links to explore more of their work!
Nellie Le
Nellie Le is a Vietnamese-American artist and illustrator, born and raised in the suburbs of L.A. She started her career as a graphic designer, but always dreamt of being an artist. In 2014, after years of working in the apparel and consumer product industries, she decided to pursue her dream and started painting again. Her work is inspired by mid-century children’s book illustration and animated shorts from the same era. Her love for color, food, and animals (especially cats!) can be seen throughout her work.
Support and follow Nellie!
Shop >> shop.nelliele.com
Instagram >> @heynelliele
Shar Tuiasoa
Shar Tuiasoa is the owner and illustrator of Punky Aloha Studio, an illustration studio she started in 2018 after receiving her BFA in Illustration from LCAD in 2015. She runs Punky Aloha Studio full time from her home studio in Kailua, O’ahu, where she was born. Shar works with clients as a freelance illustrator, running a print and merchandise business selling her art prints and creations in boutiques in Hawai’i, California, and New York, and painting murals around the islands. Her artwork is a celebration of her Polynesian culture, often featuring strong Pacific islander people, using a fresh and modern aesthetic, with a vibrant palette and bold shapes.
Support and follow Shar!
Shop >> punkyaloha.com
Instagram >> @punkyaloha
Meenal Patel
Meenal Patel is an artist, illustrator, children’s book author, and color-lover. She is inspired by moments of childhood wonder, graphic textures in nature, and the strength of community. Her art is rooted in reflections on the power of feeling seen and the journey to live as whole, multifaceted people. She hopes the experiences and joy that she infuses in her art will result in connection, belonging, and delight for someone else.
Support and follow Meenal!
Shop >> meenalpatelstudio.com
Instagram >> @meenalpatelstudio
Pamela Goodman
Pamela Goodman is a Filipina-American illustrator, surface pattern designer, and work-at-home Mama. She loves creating art for children’s picture books, as well as prints and patterns for baby, children’s and home decor products. Her art is made with watercolors, markers, colored pencils, and digital brushes on the i-pad. She is inspired by life with her young kids, hiking around the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and the flowers and wildlife in her backyard.
Support and follow Pamela!
Shop >> pamelagoodman.com
Instagram >> @pamelagoodmanart
Anoosha Syed
Anoosha Syed is an award-winning illustrator and character designer. She has illustrated over twenty picture books, including I AM PERFECTLY DESIGNED and BILAL COOKS DAAL, and has previously worked with many big name clients. When she is not drawing, she also runs an educational YouTube channel where she gives advice to budding illustrators.
Support and follow Anoosha!
Instagram >> @foxville_art
Twitter >> @foxville_art
Glo Wan
Glo Wan is a Chinese-American illustrator who creates fun and whimsical work. Through their illustrations, they explore quaint fantastical moments with the desire to give their audience a sense of joy, a good chuckle, or perhaps even both.
Support and follow Glo!
Shop >> glowanart.com
Instagram >> @glooblin
Twitter >> @glooblin
Linh Quan
Linh Quan is a Chinese-Vietnamese American designer and digital artist who enjoys drawing the adventures of her characters, Bao and Bun. Linh’s work is inspired by her culture and childhood. Growing up, it was hard for her to find relatable artwork and media, so she began drawing and making her own art. Linh creates art that makes her feel represented and hopes her illustrations resonate with others.
Support and follow Linh!
Instagram >> @sleepy.bao
