Najja Akinwole is a Maryland based multi award-winning animator, and teaching artist whose work explores whimsical, strange, and emotionally surreal storytelling with humor as her backbone. She received her BFA in Animation with a minor in Illustration from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where she developed a multidisciplinary practice rooted in 2D animation, illustration, and puppetry. Her animated short film How Was Your Day? has screened internationally at Cardiff Animation Nights twice and the International Black Film Festival in Ontario, Canada, where it received the award for Best Animated Film.

Most recently, Najja participated in a panel Q&A in collaboration with Women in Animation UK as part of Cardiff Animation Festival’s spotlight celebrating women animators who delve into the realm of weird, strange, and unconventional storytelling. The conversation highlighted creators whose work embraces surrealism, experimentation, and bold creative voices within animation. Alongside her artistic practice, Najja is passionate about arts education and youth mentorship. She currently serves as a Lead Teaching Artist at Wide Angle Youth Media, where she creates engaging and adventurous spaces for young creatives to explore multimedia art, storytelling, and animation. Through both her art and teaching, she aims to encourage curiosity, emotional connection, and creative self-expression. 

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Please send all business inquiries to najjaakinwole.illustration@gmail.com.

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