KAWS, born Brian Donnelly, is a multi-faceted artist straddling the worlds of art and design in his prolific body of work that ranges from paintings, murals, and large-scale sculptures to product design and toy-making. In the 1990s, Donnelly's work in the graffiti fanzine "Skills" had a profound impact on culture. By creating a platform for his artwork, he gained recognition in the fields of fine art, fashion, and design, inspiring others to create their own art based on his ideas. His iconic “XX” signature had its roots at the beginning of his career as a street artist in the 1990s when he began altering found advertisements by incorporating his own masterful paintings. KAWS studied illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York and went on to work as an animator at Disney after graduating. This experience allowed him to understand different working styles and further develop his craft by collaborating with established artists. These collaborations led to the development of his recognizable visual elements, which are now iconic in his posters, toys, and sculptures created after the 2000s. Working with other established artists, like Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg, allowed Kaws to further experiment with his craft and develop some recognizable visual elements. His sophisticated humor, thoughtful interplay with consumer products, and collaborations with global brands set him apart. He draws inspiration from popular culture animations and creates a unique artistic vocabulary with hybrid cartoons and human characters. He is considered an iconic example of contemporary artistry today, and many aspiring young artists look to him for guidance as they learn more about creating artwork. His influence has enabled others to explore their ideas, whether through traditional methods or alternative mediums such as street art or sculpture. His impact on culture during this time cannot be overstated, as it fosters growth within the creative industry and provides opportunities for emerging artists. View KAWS Instagram and Street Art Bio.