In September, many Jamaicans were excited to witness the 103rd birthday anniversary of Jamaican cultural icon Louise ‘Miss Lou’ Bennett-Coverley celebrated online with an awesome Google Doodle.

That excitement grew into pure joy when it was discovered that the creator of the Doodle was Robyn Smith, a talented Jamaican cartoonist living in New York.

Using her Caribbean roots to fuel her passion as a cartoonist, Smith continues to make a name for herself through her work.  

Her expressive art style and distinct approach vibrantly shines through her latest comics.

Smith has a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the Center for Cartoon Studies and has also worked on comics for College Humor, Nike, and The Nib.

Here are five things you may not have known about Robyn Smith.

1. Loves the beach

River or beach? Robyn prefers a trip to the beach! A lover of the sun and salt, you will have a good chance catching her at the beach, relaxing.

Bonus – Apart from the beach, the cartoonist enjoys dancing in her leisure time, whether it’s at home or parties.

2. Favourite saying

As a born Jamaican, Robyn knows several sayings but her favourite one happens to be, “one one coco full basket”, which means taking small, gradual steps will ultimately complete a task.

3. The beloved colour!

Did you guess right? If you guessed pink, you are correct! Robyn’s favourite colour is pink.

Having missed out on the colour as a child, thinking it wasn’t cool and was too girly – as a tomboy she didn’t consider pink her favourite colour but as an adult Robyn’s life is a lot more colourful with pink in it.

4. Robyn, the teacher… hmmm?

‘Dem seh if yuh waan gud yuh nose afi run’. Robyn understood the assignment and didn’t mind her nose running at all.

The artist has done several odd jobs to fund her basic needs while working to make her name in the comics industry. From a deli worker to a part-time teacher’s assistant, Robyn has done it all!

5. The dream

One of Robyn’s dreams and greatest desires is to return home and start up a comic programme, where she’ll be able to share her knowledge with her fellow Jamaicans.