Illustrating Identity, Joy, and Empowerment, introducing Daniella Gyambibi-Peters
At Illo, we are committed to championing diverse voices and perspectives in illustration, and Daniella Gyambibi-Peters embodies this mission beautifully. A Ghanaian-Irish illustrator based in London, Daniella creates work that celebrates self-love, black empowerment, and the magic of seeing yourself represented in art. Her bold, whimsical illustrations speak to the inner child, reminding us of the joy and power of storytelling through diverse lenses.
In this Q&A, Daniella shares insights into her creative inspirations, dream projects, and the meaningful impact of her Affirmation Card project, an initiative designed to uplift and empower. She also discusses her passion for self-care advocacy and the importance of embracing different mediums to push creative boundaries. Read on to learn more about her unique artistic journey.
What would you say is your best piece of work / collaboration to date, and why?
I would say my Affirmation Card project. It was incredibly meaningful, not only to me, but to those who were involved and those who it was made for. It was a project I had dreamed of for so long, especially since my craft is dedicated to uplifting and inspiring others. So, it’s wonderful to actually see it in the world. I’d love to keep working on it.
Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?
Generally, I’m usually inspired by life and my surroundings - i love the various colours found in nature and the outdoors. When I’m not outside, I tend to find a lot of inspiration in trying new things. In the past year, I have used shrink plastic to make earrings and magnets, I illustrated a mirror using POSCA markers and painted my own bowl, among other things. Trying a new medium for my art helps me to be less of a perfectionist and embrace learning and improvement. I also love cosy gaming and music, and tend to be inspired by both of those things too!
Is there anything you'd say you would be a good advocate for? Please elaborate if so.
I think i’d be a good advocate for taking care of yourself! This is something I am very passionate about. Growing up, I had a lot of negative thoughts of myself for various reasons, which only got worse as I got older. Slowly, I have started to see that confidence and self love comes from changing these thoughts. It’s a lot easier said than done, but slowly and surely I am learning better habits.
What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators? Something you feel is unique to you.
I would say my adaptability. I love learning new things, and that allows me to be open to trying new things to broaden my horizons and grow as an illlustrator.
If you have done paid commissions prior to joining the agency, what would you say is something that clients repeatedly come to you for (up to now)?
I have been approached mainly for social media posts and album covers. I have also had a few commission requests to draw illustrations of them of family members.
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as colourful and bold art that speaks to your inner child. Someone once told me that my art looks like what warm spring sunlight feels like, and that was the highest form of praise!
Please give a scenario of a project that would mean the world to you, if you were offered it - something that connects to something meaningful to you
Any project to do with black empowerment, self love or self care would be a dream. Something to do with caring for your mental and/or physical health, or a project that brings black stories and experiences to the forefront… or both!
Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?
Not at the moment, but I would like to work on two things: firstly, I’d like to continue working on championing black people in the UK with a new version of the affirmation cards, and secondly, I’d like to design stationery that’s made to help people with ADHD by breaking daily to do’s down into manageable chunks. I’ve recently learned that I have ADHD, so hoping this would benefit others too!
Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real life person, who would that be?
That’s too difficult to decide! I would say I’d love it to be a black person who has made a significant impact. For example, I did a project commemorating Nina Simone on what would have been her 90th birthday, and being able to research her life then put what i learned into illustrations was really fulfilling. I think it would be amazing to work on more illustrations for a book about her, or someone similar.
If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]
At illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.