Donavon Brutus is an illustration and motion design artist who is empowered by the creative population and opportunities abound in San Francisco. “Since coming to San Francisco and working with the California Academy of Sciences & ABC7, I've got to do work closer to my purpose in life; making animations that fight for the environment and social justice respectively.”⁠

Donavon states that his work is a “love letter to line.” He utilizes flowing curves and rigid geometric strokes to accentuate subject matters that inspire him. “These include Black excellence, cultural diversity, mindful practices, the natural world, myself, and nerdy pop culture.” His inspiration starts with a spark from a location or experience that he instantly notes into a spreadsheet. He then creates thumbnails on paper or on his computer and transfers that sketch into Illustrator. “I then spend a long time realigning and editing my lines to fit new ideas and geometric forms I discover during the process.” Color, shadow, and other details are then put into place to round out the image.⁠⁠

In 2020, Donavon worked with @PaintTheVoidProject for a public art opportunity (pictured) and is hoping for more Bay Area-based projects. As for now: “I'm currently traveling abroad with plans to do art residencies on 4 continents to work on some personal projects. 

Feature Published: December 2, 2022
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