Kayla Mahaffey (a.k.a. Kayla May, American, b. 1994) is a contemporary artist specializing in illustration and fine arts. Her style, a mixture of Pop Art and Afro-Surrealism, makes for a bright and colorful experience that packs a punch, as well as sends an important message with each piece. Born on the Chicago South Side, she has a strong sense of resilience and community that is displayed in her artwork time and time again. She studied at the American Academy of Art in downtown Chicago, taking some classes before leaving in 2017 to pursue art full-time.