Kuukua Wilson •  Medical Illustrator

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I am a

MEDICAL ILLUSTRATOR

Kuukua Wilson

Presented by The Amgen Foundation
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Painting.

Outside of work, I create art inspired by things that bring me joy or remind me of my life’s stories. I’ve always loved painting things with intricate details, like bones or unique houses that catch my eye during travels. I’m currently creating a series that focuses on hands, both to explore techniques and to reflect on some of the relationships that are meaningful to me. I love working with watercolor and gouache.

Physical Activities.

I love finding ways to stay active and engage in different kinds of movement. I devoted over a decade to practicing Capoeira (an Afro-Brazilian martial art and dance), and now I enjoy Pilates and running. I also love roller skating and have recently ventured into ice skating and skateboarding, although I still haven’t learned to stop! I prioritize keeping my body strong so that it can support me through things like sitting and painting for hours.

Music & Stories.

I love getting immersed in stories. I read a lot of fiction and have recently been getting into fantasy worlds with fairies and mythical creatures. When I was a background actor on the set of Marvel Studios' Black Panther, I found myself fascinated by the set production and how designers craft new worlds and stories. I also love music and find it to be one of the most powerful ways we have to tell stories that connect us.

Travel.

I love traveling with other people who love traveling, especially my family. I always find that I come back with new insights or ideas that I can apply to my real life, like new colors I could work into my paintings or new recipes I can try to make at home. Originally from Ghana, I've lived and traveled across the globe. Currently, Bhutan is at the top of my dream destinations list.

Growing Plants.

I see growing plants a lot like creating artwork. It requires patience and care and takes time to understand what you’re doing. In both cases, the results can often be beautiful. Currently, I'm cultivating avocado and mango trees indoors. It reminds me of home; I find it meditative and inspiring to take care of plants.

A Little About Me

  • I set goals that are big enough to scare me.

    I was raised to believe anything is possible. I’ve always loved being active, and one of my ultimate physical challenges is to complete an Ironman race. It’s been a goaI of mine for years, but I still don’t know how to swim. I may not be able to achieve it, but that’s part of what makes it an exciting challenge to try.

  • I want to help create more inclusive medical resources.

    One of my goals as a medical illustrator is to increase representation of the bodies and races we see in healthcare spaces. It’s important that we all see ourselves represented and feel a sense of belonging in the spaces intended to take care of us.

  • I'm drawn to imaginative worlds.

    I love when creative people build entirely new worlds. I find myself reading books and watching films that center around beautiful and intricate make-believe worlds. I even started working as a background actor just to see how teams bring new worlds to life.

  • I love feeling fully immersed in new places.

    When I go to a new place, I want to experience all of the sensations it has to offer. I want to know what things there smell like, taste like, sound like, feel like – I love being fully immersed in new parts of the world.

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MY ADVICE

“Look for the beauty in the world. And if you can’t find it, create it for yourself.”

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WHO I AM

People describe me as..

  • Determined

    I really believe in my dreams. If I have an idea in my head and I see someone has done it before, then it must be achievable for me as well. I am deliberate and strategic in taking the steps to make things happen.

  • Adventurous

    I moved to The Netherlands by myself, with no plan or ideas for what would happen next. I’m not afraid to step outside of what I know and take an uncharted path.

  • Imaginative

    I think inspiration can come from anywhere. I love patterns, colours, and textures; I give myself space to reflect and explore through my art, even if I don’t know where it’s going to take me.

  • Inquisitive

    I seek out opportunities to learn about the world, how creative people work, and different ways of being. I am intentional about taking time to understand new tools or ideas, and to incrementally improve myself.

  • Open

    I always want to know what I don’t already know, and I try to draw in as much as possible from the world around me.

My Accomplishments:

Masters degree in Scientific Illustration from Maastricht University, Netherlands

Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting and Drawing from Kennesaw State University, Georgia, USA

The Basics:

Pronouns: She/Her

Title: Artwork Associate

Institution: Amgen

Expertise: Medical illustration, scientific illustration

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO

“There is no limit! Anything is possible, but some things will require a lot of hard work.”

— KUUKUA WILSON

Looking for teacher resources?

PHOTOGRAPHER: Alina Milbradt • Illustrator: NEST Design

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