Animal Series

A collection of wildlife illustrations inspired by Kenya's Big Five and created in collaboration with Kitu Kali.

The Animal Series was born shortly after returning from my first safari in Kenya.

During my time there, I was given the opportunity by Kitu Kali, a Kenyan fashion brand known for blending traditional tribal patterns with contemporary design, to create a collection of illustrations that could be adapted into t-shirt designs.

Inspired by the wildlife I had encountered only days before, I chose to focus on the Big Five—the lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo. Originally named by big-game hunters as the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot, they have since become some of Africa's most celebrated symbols of conservation and biodiversity.

Rather than creating realistic wildlife portraits, I wanted each illustration to capture the strength, character and presence of these iconic animals while integrating graphic patterns inspired by Kitu Kali's visual identity. The project became an opportunity to merge my own illustration style with elements of Kenyan culture, creating artwork that could be appreciated both as prints and as wearable designs.

Looking back, this collaboration reinforced something that continues to influence my work today: the best projects often begin with real experiences, real encounters and the places that leave a lasting impression.