Growing up as a person of color, battling life events and health issues, Key found comfort in animals and art, which has become a self-therapy for her and an escape from daily anxieties for thousands of people around the world. Since she developed her own unique artistic style in March of 2019, she has been gaining acknowledgment over the internet and now has 115k followers who are in love with her illustrations. And you might join them pretty quickly after scrolling this wholesome list!
"I’ve loved depictions of animals in art and drew them almost exclusively. There’s a joy and universal appeal they have over people, and for some of us, it’s easier to find representation in them. Last year, I made an Instagram account and started posting in a style that came out. So many people told me they enjoyed it that I kept going!" the artist told Bored Panda.
Throughout her career, Key has worked with Smithsonian, Magic the Gathering, Spin Master, and more. Her illustrations were featured by Procreate, natural history museums, and other publications. As an avid animal lover, she has collaborated with wildlife conservation groups such as the Jane Goodall Institute. Key also runs a little shop where she sells bits and pieces featuring her sweet animal illustrations like prints, stickers, and pins.
If adorable illustrations of animals are what it takes to brighten up your day, we have many more in Bored Panda's storage. So check out the work of Amanda Menon, who draws chonky animals to turn people's attention to all kinds of animals, minimal illustrations by Lim Heng Swee that blend cats into landscapes and other scenes, funny illustrations of internet-famous cats by Tactooncat, or cute illustrations of animals as vegetables by PonkichiM!
