About Me
- Ismani Sun, Illustrator -
"Ismani Sun, is a portrait artist and illustrator specializing in children's picture books. Her work seamlessly weaves her rich African American heritage into captivating images that evoke the magical essence of our world. With a distinctive style driven by her exploration of the human experience, Ismani stands out in the world of illustration.
Ismani's ability to infuse storytelling with a touch of the extraordinary, has captivated the imaginations of both children and adults alike. She is committed to exploring diverse themes and crafting compelling imagery to champion for underrepresented voices.
In the enchanting world of her creations, she not only reflects the beauty of her heritage but also celebrates the power of collective narratives. Ismani Sun invites us to embrace the magic in our humanity, and in the everyday moments that diversity brings to life."
Every artist has their own unique and winding path, and I’d love to share mine with you.
90's
I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, in a vibrant and culturally rich home. Coming from a family of artists, our space was always filled with creativity and expression. Art was everywhere. I found comfort in my practice and felt excited to express myself through any medium I could get my hands on.
2009
By the time I was in school, I had already begun freelancing—selling portraits to fellow students and even teachers. I went on to win several art awards, including the IGA ART Destination of Art Award, which took me on an unforgettable journey to Italy and Turkey. At just 13 years old, I realized that my art could take me all over the world.
2021
I became a mother, and with that, I found new inspiration in the beauty of parenthood. It sparked a fresh creative direction, leading me to pursue a path in children’s illustration.
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The Character, “Ms. Imani” was born out of our struggle to find fun, culturally rich edutainment for our toddlers. In response, my husband and I created Ms. Imani—an African fairy princess from the land of Aziza who loves to sing, teach, and, of course, draw!
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I participated in family art events from a young age. With my parents being prominent figures in Atlanta’s art scene, I learned firsthand and became something of a prodigy myself.
2017
My entrepreneurial spirit grew through freelance portraiture, and along the way, I discovered a new love for practicing digital art. During this time, I also married my spouse, who became not only my life partner but also my business partner, supporting and growing with me on this creative journey.
2023
After illustrating and self-publishing five children’s books—and co-founding the Sun Children Series with my husband—I signed with an art agency, marking an exciting new chapter in my career!
2025
I am currently working the San Antonio public art committee to create public artwork with sculptural designs.
You can also find my work featured in the African American Civil War Memorial Museum in Washington D.C.
This marks nineteen years of my art Career and im excited to keep doing this for many more decades.
Follow along as I continue my art Journey!
Say Hello!
Whether you're reaching out about a creative collaboration, school visit, speaking event, or just want to say hello—I’d love to hear from you! Fill out the form or email me directly at info@ismaniart.com
For serious publishing inquiries, please contact my agent, Kelly Pelsue, at Morgan Gaynin.
If you have any questions or want to contact us, feel free to send us a message