Dawud Anyabwile is an Emmy Award–winning Animation Director, Illustrator, and Graphic Novelist whose work spans animation, publishing, and independent IP creation. With over 30 years of experience, his storytelling bridges cinematic visual language and character-driven narrative.

He began his career as an airbrush artist during the rise of hip-hop culture before transitioning into comics and animation. His early credits include work on The Pink Panther CD-ROM games and character design contributions for Nickelodeon’s The Wild Thornberrys and Rugrats.

After relocating to Atlanta, Dawud contributed to projects for Turner Studios, TBS, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and Turner Sports. His publishing work includes graphic novel adaptations such as The Crossover, Bad Boy, and Victory. Stand!, as well as his co-created independent series Brotherman: Dictator of Discipline.

He made his animation directorial debut with Iyanu: Child of Wonder, which became the number one children’s series on Cartoon Network and streamed internationally on Max and Showmax Africa.

Dawud is also the founder of Drawing From The Soul, an initiative dedicated to fostering creativity, confidence, and purposeful storytelling across generations.

In addition to directing and publishing, he continues to create fine art and mentor emerging artists.