feature: illustrator/concept artist/animator mervin kaunda raises the bar for black representation in sci-fi and fantasy

Mervin Kaunda is an incredibly talented illustrator/animator/concept artist from Kalamazoo, MI who specializes in digital art. Many of Kaunda’s projects are inspired by fantasy and sci-fi graphic novels, fiction, tv, etc. which he uses to make black and female characters that aren’t seen nearly enough: mad scientists, mercenaries, quick-shooters. What’s most impressive about Kaunda’s work is how detail-oriented it is and his uncanny ability to inform texture and realism in the slightest ways. Take a look at some of my favorites down below, ‘like’ Mervin’s Facebook page or catch him on Deviant Art.

“Lollipop” Jenny – The Space Mercenary

Darryl – The Space Mercenary

African Belle

Quickshot, The Lone Gunslinger

African Belle

Fan Art of Ayanna from Tuskegee Heirs

www.artstation.com/artist/mervink
www.jjwinters.deviantart.com
www.facebook.com/ArtofMervin

*Erin White is an Atlanta-based writer and AFROPUNK’s editorial and social media assistant. You can follow her on Tumblr or friend her on Facebook. Have a pitch or an inquiry? Shoot her an email at erin@afropunk.com.