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Inside the mind of Sugar Mama cover illustrator Aaron “Acee” Starkey

 

The visionary responsible for the original illustration of the Sugar Mama: Keilanii Jennings Saga cover is celebrated creative Aaron “Acee” Starkey. Since graduating from Maryland Institute College of Arts [MICA], the talented, painter, clothing designer and mutli-medium artist has been commissioned to create massive portraits by the Miami Heat, paintings, mixtape covers, and customized footwear for celebrities, influencers and athletes including Rich Homie Quan, Waka Flaka, Chris Brown, former Atlanta Falcons player Jalen Collins who wore Acee’s custom cleats in the 2016 Super Bowl. 

 

Acee is the Creative Director for Toosie, the sought after dancer and choreographer who’s dance moves inspired the name for mega star Drake’s platinum record “Toosie Slide”. Acee designed and hand painted for Toosie, the Michael Jackson “Thriller” themed Air Force Ones that have captured the attention of millions. Check out Toosie rockin Acee’s creation in the Official Toosie Slide Tutorial video: https://youtu.be/ZIDMZDWEZgM 

 

In terms of his approach to creating Keilanii Jennings, Acee explains, “On top of  wanting to bring the author’s vision to life, it was important that I represented the culture and the uniqueness of the illustration of people of color. Too often our heroines and leading lady’s are watered down. As a African American man, I know that my hands are unique and that we create differently. Even in her vulnerabilities Keilanii is undeniably a sexy, powerful boss. That inspired the way I colored and shaped her facial features and curves. I wanted readers to know that Keilanii was created by a black artist, moreso in terms of the art, than what's being represented in the actual picture.

 

Follow Aaron Starkey @AceeStarkey on Instagram