About the Artist

Dawud Anyabwile, born David Sims in Philadelphia in 1965, is an Emmy Award-winning Animation Director and Illustrator whose creative journey spans multiple disciplines, including fine art painting, drawing, animation, graphic novels, comics, music production, and DJing. His artistic passion has always been boundless, shaped by a rich tapestry of influences that make it difficult to pinpoint a single source of inspiration.

From an early age, Dawud embraced storytelling through visuals, creating stop-motion films with one brother and illustrating stories alongside another. Growing up in a home that nurtured creativity, his artistic expression flourished, further fueled by his surroundings—including the underground graffiti art scene of the early 1980s. This fusion of influences, from fine art and classical music to soul and film soundtracks, shaped a style that would eventually evolve into his groundbreaking independent comic book series, Brotherman: Dictator of Discipline.

Dawud began his career as an airbrush artist in the early to mid-1980s, painting t-shirts, jackets, car hoods, and more during the burgeoning era of hip-hop. His transition into comics set the stage for his first opportunity in animation, working in New York City on The Pink Panther: Passport to Peril and Hokus Pokus Pink CD-ROM games. He later relocated to Los Angeles, where he worked as a character designer on Nickelodeon’s top animated series of the time, The Wild Thornberrys and Rugrats.

Eventually, Dawud moved to Atlanta, GA, continuing to refine his craft at Turner Studios as a production artist on various film and television projects for TBS, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Sports, and more. His career expanded into the world of graphic novels, where he illustrated several award-winning books, including MONSTER, Brotherman: Revelation, The Crossover, Booked, Victory. Stand!, and the upcoming BAD BOY: The Life of Walter Dean Myers.

Dawud recently made his directorial debut in animation as one of several directors on IYANU: Child of Wonder, premiering April 5th on Cartoon Network, Max, and Showmax Africa. He is also directing an upcoming animated series set to air in spring 2025, further cementing his role in the animation industry.

Beyond his work in animation and illustration, Dawud is the founder of Drawing From The Soul, an initiative he started in 1997 to inspire individuals to leave their mark on the world—whether through visual arts, entrepreneurship, or pursuing ambitious dreams. While focused on visual art development, its message applies universally: embrace your unique voice, tell your story with confidence, and create without comparison.

In addition to his work in animation, Dawud is a skilled fine artist, offering portrait commissions in traditional and digital mediums. He is passionate about fostering artistic growth, whether through mentoring, live events, or personal projects that celebrate culture, storytelling, and creative expression.

Beyond his artistic and creative pursuits, Dawud is passionate about holistic health, cherishes time with family and friends, and enjoys traveling the world whenever possible.