If you’re in search of Black joy in the form of art, look no further than the work of Thaddeus Coates. The Brooklyn-based creative, also known as Hippy Potter, has lended his colorful illustrations and design work to campaigns for brands like Truly, Kellogg’s, Urban Decay, and Eyebuydirect. While on social media, Coates consistently goes viral with his animated reenvisioning of hit films and TV shows — such as Moonlight, Abbott Elementary, and Severance. And if he’s not drawing, you might just catch him posing for his next plus-size modeling gig in campaigns for Savage x Fenty, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, and he was even featured in Vogue at the Native Son Awards. This year, Coates is expanding his creative portfolio. Thaddeus launched his first plush toy name Toasty — a character which exudes the same vibrant energy as his illustrations. His other 2025 projects include designing plush toys for Mediterranean casual restaurant CAVA and being recognized as a Adobe MAX keynote speaker — making it clear that he is inspiring the next wave of powerhouse creatives and living fully in his Black Boy Joy.