
Ayomide Rilwan Onaolapo is a Lagos-based Nigerian illustrator and specializing in digital storytelling that celebrates identity, Black joy, and cultural hybridity.
As a Nigerian illustrator and fine artist, I create character-driven digital narratives that explore identity, resilience, and cultural hybridity in contemporary African life. My practice merges traditional storytelling with bold, expressive digital illustration, using vibrant color palettes, dynamic line work, and cinematic composition to bring complex characters and emotional worlds to life.
Graduating with a B.A. in Fine Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University in December 2023, I have developed a distinctive voice through character concept art, cartooning, and comic illustration. My current role as Lead Illustrator at The Redwolf Company (2024–present) involves delivering high-volume, deadline-driven projects while maintaining conceptual depth and visual coherence. Previous experience as Illustrator at Cerebre Digital and Studio Assistant at Icebond Associates further sharpened my ability to translate ideas into compelling visual stories.
I am particularly drawn to themes of Black joy, personal mythology, and the everyday heroism of ordinary people. Through digital tools such as Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator, I aim to expand the visibility of African perspectives in global illustration and contemporary art. My goal is to build a sustainable practice that bridges commercial illustration with personal, gallery-worthy projects.
Publications