From growing up glued to the screen watching Spacetoon and classic cartoons like Tom & Jerry and Bugs Bunny, to becoming the one behind the pencil — creating whimsical worlds and lovable characters — Oday Ahmed Alwan has come full circle. Through his art, he hopes to leave a lasting mark on others, just as those cartoons once shaped his own childhood. His goal is simple: “To portray ordinary things in an unusual way,” he told Kuwait Times, believing that visuals often speak louder than words and leave a deeper imprint on people’s minds.

A Syrian illustrator and character designer raised in Kuwait, Alwan pours nostalgia, humor and heart into every piece he draws. For him, illustration isn’t just a full-time job — it’s a way to reconnect with his memories, tell stories rooted in the world he grew up in and offer others a joyful escape, much like the one he found as a child.

A nostalgic illustration of simpler days filled with Game Boys and timeless friendships.

Animated chaos as two frogs speed through Kuwait in a cartoon joyride.

Cartoon frogs lounging with KDD treats, a quirky nod to nostalgia.

Frogs soak in late-night fun, cartoon-style, at Aqua Park under the stars.

Having spent his entire life in Kuwait, the country’s essence is deeply embedded in his art. From sketching baqalas tucked into neighborhood corners to painting everyone’s favorite ice cream vendor selling KDD treats, Alwan’s work is a visual diary of life in Kuwait. “These are moments I lived here,” he said. “Drawing helps me hold on to my memories in Kuwait — it’s my way of documenting that time.”

But revisiting the past through art can be bittersweet. “Sometimes it brings back a warm feeling of nostalgia,” he reflected, “and other times there’s a bit of sadness, knowing those moments won’t return. But drawing gives me a safe space — a kind of escape I always look forward to.” These familiar details often strike a chord with local viewers, many of whom message him to say, “I remember this!” or “This feels like my childhood too.” That connection inspired him to imagine an entire series — one that captures shared memories and cultural touchstones.

Alwan’s artistic journey began in school, but it wasn’t until five years ago that he decided to turn his passion into a profession. Today, his characters are playful, quirky, and full of imagination. “When I draw,” he said, “I become lost in the process. Time slips away.” With a grin, he described the kinds of stories that excite him. “I imagine an adventure of a worm trying to reach a hanging apple, and all the situations it goes through,” he laughed, adding, “I love funny and colorful stuff.”

Illustrated frogs explore a baqala stocked with '90s Kuwaiti snacks.

Oday Ahmed Alwan

An imaginary fight breaks out in this playful scene on a Kuwait street.

An animated fisherman carrying his fishing tools

This vivid imagination stems from the cartoons he grew up watching — and now, he hopes to pay it forward. “I dream bigger,” he said. “I hope to create a series of stories like the ones I used to watch as a kid. I’d love to build a world for children to connect with.”

Alwan speaks of his characters with deep affection, describing a bond that feels almost familial. “There are times when I feel like my characters are my own children,” he said. “They emerge from memories, from moments, and slowly, they take on a life of their own. It’s a beautiful thing when others begin to connect with them too.”

More than anything, he hopes his creations offer others a sense of joy, belonging, and recognition. And while each character tells a unique story, they all carry a piece of him — quietly, subtly and purposefully. As he put it: “I try to reflect parts of myself in the pieces I create from a distance — so the characters can feel both personal and relatable to everyone.”