32 Playful Portraits By Connie Kang That Capture The Quirky Side Of Animals

Kang’s work seamlessly blends animals’ unique personalities and distinctive features with human characteristics. We were curious about how the illustrator decides which traits to emphasize in her characters. Connie told us: “I focus on highlighting the unique quirks and charm of both the animal and the human they’re inspired by. For example, a photo of an angry owl strutting might give me a strong mafia vibe. That led me to design a mafia boss character inspired by Al Pacino in The Godfather. I carefully emphasize traits that bring out humor and authenticity, creating a connection between the animal’s personality and the human interpretation.”

Connie’s illustrations often have a playful and fashionable touch. The artist shared with us how she approaches designing the clothing and style for each character: “Fashion is a vital part of the storytelling in my work. The clothing reflects the character’s personality while staying true to the animal’s energy. For instance, if an animal exudes sleek elegance, the human counterpart might wear something retro and chic. I also find inspiration in animation, gaming, and my daily life in Los Angeles. Additionally, I draw heavily from the natural patterns and colors of animals themselves. Their effortless harmony and beauty often guide my designs. After all, humans have always been inspired by the animal kingdom.”

When asked about the role of storytelling in her artwork, the illustrator explained how she envisions backstories for her characters: “Storytelling is at the heart of my creative process. For example, when I first practiced turning animals into human characters, I was inspired by a photo of an unlikely friendship between a golden retriever and a leopard. It reminded me of Nana, the Japanese manga series by Ai Yazawa, where two girls with completely different personalities become best friends and support each other. This inspired me to create two girls—one cold and sassy, the other sweet and adorable—to mirror the animals’ dynamic. Who says two opposites can’t be best friends?

I build individual characters based on the animal’s shape, language, color, and expression. These elements spark ideas in my mind, and I craft a human personality that matches their essence.”

Lastly, Connie shared a piece she created that holds personal meaning for her: “One of my favorite pieces is based on a raccoon and a dog, who became a punk and a nun in human form. The stark contrast between the characters made it fascinating. Both wore cross necklaces, but they symbolized entirely different things. When I posted it online, my Instagram followers ran wild with storytelling, imagining scenarios for the pair.”

The artist added that one story behind her work that stood out was about “a nun adopting a rebellious boy who grows up into a punk, embodying the struggles and love in their bond.” Kang shared more: “Inspired by this, I created more illustrations showing moments between the nun and the punk. Even though they might have different beliefs and clashing personalities, love ultimately connects them. It became a beautiful exploration of how opposites can coexist through understanding and care.”