Illustrator Writer Artist
ARTIST BIO
Kayla James is a Jamaican American illustrator, writer, and multifaceted artist based in New York who loves to do a little bit of everything. James often illustrates colorful portraits and figure studies from life, but she also enjoys creating posters, art, and animations inspired by her favorite films, books, music, and stories.
She aims to one day create her own books, whether they be children's picture books, YA novels, or graphic novels. Her ultimate goal is to tell stories that make audiences feel seen, comforted, and amused.
selected exhibitions, events, and awards:
"League at Large" Nordstrom West Village, Feb 22-March 28, 2024
"Student Salons", Art Students League, February and March 2024
"Student Art Sale", Art Students League, December 2023 and 2024
Live Demo Artist for Royal Talens Rembrandt Oil Paint's "Demystifying Oil Paint" demonstration, Art Students League, October 24, 2023
"Graduating Students Exhibition", Gladys Marcus Library, May 2023
"BSU: Out of Body, Out of Place?", Gladys Marcus Library, February 2023
"Juried Class of 2023 Showcase", Pomerantz Art and Design Gallery, August - December 2023
Scholastics: Art and Writing Awards, 2 National Silver Key and 2 Regional Gold Key Recipient, 2018
** When contacting Kayla for commissions please include: **​
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What you'd like to be commissioned (the subject matter)
The size and ground (panel, canvas, digital)
The medium (What you'd like me to use to make the art, i.e. oil paint, or digital)
The deadline (when you would like it for)