Enter the Lab Episode 17: kaNO
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Article
“ENTER THE LAB” is the content series where we showcase the talented, innovative and expressive individuals within our community.
The aim is to connect with the person in front of the camera beyond just the imagery. The approach is both grand, portraying their personalities/uniqueness in a monumental style, while maintaining a personal element, revealing a side of them that viewers have never seen before.
Art hustler extraordinaire, kaNO has made a name for himself as a multidisciplinary creative whose work stretches across animation, fine art, toys, and large-scale murals.
Born and raised in New York City, his roots are firmly planted in the street culture that shaped his perspective and gave him the hustle that continues to define his career.
“I’d like to be known as an artist who always keeps things moving, keeping things fly and in the process inspires others to do the same.”
After graduating from the High School of Art & Design and later earning a BFA in Animation from the School of Visual Arts in 1999, kaNO quickly immersed himself in a world where creativity had no boundaries. He’s worked with Warner Brothers Animation while simultaneously building an independent career that bridges personal projects with collaborations for some of the world’s biggest names. From Marvel and DC Comics to Jordan, NBA, Medicom, G-Shock, Netflix, Universal, and Brisk, kaNO’s portfolio reflects his versatility and his ability to leave his distinct mark on every medium he touches.
Some of his favourite projects highlight the breadth of his artistry: a large mural in New York’s Lower East Side for the LISA Arts Project, custom ‘BTTF’ Bearbricks with Medicom, and a unique G-Shock watch design that infused his unmistakable style into wearable form. Each one, different in scale and medium, carries the same authenticity and energy that kaNO strives to bring into all of his work.
Some of his favourite projects highlight the breadth of his artistry: a large mural in New York’s Lower East Side for the LISA Arts Project, custom ‘BTTF’ Bearbricks with Medicom, and a unique G-Shock watch design that infused his unmistakable style into wearable form. Each one, different in scale and medium, carries the same authenticity and energy that kaNO strives to bring into all of his work.
“Represent to the fullest.”
And he’s far from slowing down. This year, kaNO is set to paint a new mural in Hawaii as part of the Hawaii Walls mural festival, while October will see the release of a brand-new collectible with Hip-Hop Toys at New York Comic Con. Alongside these projects, he’s developing toy concepts with Sideshow Collectibles and designing the trophy for the 2024 Plastico Toy Awards in Mexico, an event dedicated to celebrating the global Art Toy community.
For kaNO, the hustle is about producing art, movement, inspiration, and staying true to his roots while continuing to evolve. He wants to be remembered as an artist who keeps things moving, keeps things fly, and inspires others to do the same. In his own words, his mission is simple: “Represent to the fullest.”
With more than two decades in the art world, kaNO has proven that authenticity and drive can take you from the streets of New York to the global stage. And if there’s one thing he’s shown us, it’s that the hustle never stops.
For kaNO, the hustle is about producing art, movement, inspiration, and staying true to his roots while continuing to evolve. He wants to be remembered as an artist who keeps things moving, keeps things fly, and inspires others to do the same. In his own words, his mission is simple: “Represent to the fullest.”
With more than two decades in the art world, kaNO has proven that authenticity and drive can take you from the streets of New York to the global stage. And if there’s one thing he’s shown us, it’s that the hustle never stops.
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