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Hi, I’m Tolu Israel, a Creative Visionary, Visual Design Strategist, storyteller, and documentary photographer. For nearly two decades, I’ve been helping brands, organizations, and individuals transform big, sometimes messy ideas into simple, clear, and meaningful solutions. I’m the founder of Thirteen21 Illustrations & Media, a full-service design and advertising agency where we create experiences that move people to pay attention, feel something real, and take action.
I’m the author of Simplicity: The Genius of Less, a book that uncovers the hidden power of simplicity, showing how less can unlock more clarity, creativity, and freedom than we ever imagined. Beyond design and writing, mentorship is close to my heart. I share what the design process has taught me about clarity, creativity, and purposeful living, and how those lessons can enrich everyday life. And when I’m not doing that, you’ll most likely find me with my family, the place where I draw some of my deepest inspiration. This site is more than a portfolio or a blog. It’s my little corner of the internet, a space to reflect, explore, and share the quiet lessons creativity has taught me in life, family, work, and the in-betweens. If you love ideas, beautiful thoughts, simplicity, and meaningful living, you’ll feel right at home here.
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Editorial Team
The key to success of every magazine is the working relationship between its key employees, and those are editor in chief and art director.
David Carson
Sopia Schwimmer
Damia Barkley
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