Kakuatan LLC is an illustration and design company. It was founded in November, 2019 by Stephen Wilks. It’s mission is to inspire, educate, and motivate through art.

Why Kakuatan?

Kakuatan was the name chosen for this company because it conveys it’s literal translation of strength and resilience in Sundanese which is a language spoken in Indonesia. The original name for this company was actually Undefeated Designs, however the name to changed to Kakuatan due to Undefeated and Undefeated Designs already being used for other businesses and brands.

Why Strength and resilience? Why bravery?

I wanted this company to stand for strength and resiience because it’s a challenge and difficult to not only do something you love and share it with others, but to stand for things that you believe in. This could apply to social activism, protest, inspiration, and/or education for the masses.

What does your logo mean and represent?

The Adinkra symbol, Okodee Mmowere, which represents the talons of an eagle portrays strength, bravery, and power in what my illustration company creates. The colors red, green, black, and white represent the colors of the Sudanese flag which is where my ancestry comes from.

What is the Inspiration behind the conception of your illustration and design company? Why start your business?

I was originally inspired to create Kakuatan when I was a senior in high school during the spring of 2019. I thought of the idea because I love art to the point where I wouldn’t want to exist without it and want to make that passion involved in my career journey. I didn’t just want to make artworks and designs, but make ones that stood out from the crowd and actually meant something of value. To do that, I had to and still have to put immense deliberate thought into what I create on a day-to-day basis. Another reason why I started my business is so that I can develop communities around the world where people who love art can communicate with and coexist with one another regardless of color, origin, and/or nationality.

I hope you enjoyed reading this. Have a blessed week!

• Stephen Wilks