Artist

Hello! My name's Sanaa Lelani (or Squid if you mostly know me online). I'm a black, queer artist who enjoys doing both digital art and pieces that represent controversial topics that I care about. I'm the daughter of two Navy veterans and the oldest of three siblngs. I graduated Community College with an Associates of Fine Arts degree in digital arts and I'm currently enrolled at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) as an Animation major along with a Sequential Art and Illustration double minor. It's my dream to do art for an indie game company, more specifically 2D animation, character design and storyboarding. I grew up loving cartoons and video games and always loved imagining how to make those characters and worlds come to life. I'm a huge daydreamer, ideas like this take over my everyday thoughts.Additionally, I enjoy doing artwork that makes a statement! As a black queer person, speaking up for the rights of myself and others are a high focus for me. Art's what I do best, and I find it easier to communicate and get my point across through visually rather through verbally. Some of the work I've done so far includes representing black history and the Afro-American experience through Harlem Renaissance inspired work, the queer person of color experience, all the aspects that come with having a uterus in America, the treatment of women, especially women of color, in the medical industry, the current state of the government, mental health advocacy, the ongoing genocide in Palestine, chronic illnesses and so much more.I also love cosplaying, creating jewelry, making props, and talking about Trigun and sharks (I REALLY love Trigun and sharks).I hope to make a difference with my art, be it big or small. My name means "art" in Swahilli, so maybe it's destiny.