DeeKay

DeeKay Kwon, better known as just DeeKay, is a digital artist known for his animations inspired by retro computer games such as Super Mario. DeeKay spent over a decade working as a digital animator for companies like Google and Apple. Then, in 2021, with a strong NFT collector base already established, he announced on X that he’ll be making art full-time. And it makes sense that his work is so popular. His animations are nostalgic, fun and visually satisfying. There’s a lightheartedness to his work that’s infectious which appears to come from his down-to-earth approach and ethos. In his own words: “I just want to make people smile with my art and make enough money to continue this activity until the day I die.”

DeeKay’s artistic philosophy is equally as heartening. “Art for everyone” is his motto. And his medium – digital animation – fulfils this purpose. Even though not everyone can afford to buy his NFTs (some of his works have sold for over one-million dollars) his huge online community is able to engage with him and his work for free. The style of his work is intentionally open and welcoming too, and it often makes non-judgemental social commentary on modern life. Works like Blinded (2021) and In the Zone (2021), for example, shine a light on how our smartphones and work-obsessions can stop us from engaging with our life off-screen. But instead of being a negative social comment, the intention is to inspire people to live a little differently. Like all of DeeKay’s work, it encourages us to appreciate the small things in life.