A Parkview-based illustrator is quietly building an international following… One joyful animal illustration at a time.

From her home studio, Joanne McLaughlin creates playful, character-driven artwork that transforms animals into expressive, human-like figures. Her distinctive style has earned her recognition far beyond Johannesburg.
Known as MojoSouthAfrica on social media, McLaughlin’s illustrations celebrate curiosity, humour, and emotional connection.

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Dogs dance as ballerinas, pangolins walk upright, and bears wander through imagined landscapes, each piece designed to offer a moment of lightness in a busy world. “I want people to pause and feel joy, even if it’s only for a moment. Life is heavy enough. Sometimes art needs to lift us.”

Before pursuing art full-time, McLaughlin spent many years as an art teacher at a prestigious school. She retired in 2021 and used her savings to dedicate herself fully to her creative work. Rather than following trends, she focused on developing a consistent and recognisable style rooted in storytelling and empathy, an approach that has helped her work connect with audiences across cultures.

Japan has become a particularly important chapter in her artistic journey. During art residencies there, she immersed herself in local communities, drawing inspiration from everyday life, people, and their pets. Her work resonated strongly, leading to exhibitions, national media features, and television appearances. “There’s a deep appreciation for whimsy and gentle storytelling in Japan. They understand that playfulness can be meaningful.”

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At the heart of McLaughlin’s art is a deep respect for animals and their emotional lives. One of her most significant projects, The Red Thread, explores themes of vulnerability, extinction, and interconnectedness.

The series, which will be released around World Endangered Species Day in May, uses clothed animal figures to reflect humanity’s fragile relationship with nature, and aims to raise awareness about conservation.

“Animals experience love, fear, and loyalty, just as we do. When we recognise that, we begin to treat them differently.”

While some traditional galleries have dismissed her illustrations as not being serious enough, McLaughlin believes that joy and emotional connection hold real artistic value. “If something makes you pause and smile, that moment matters.”

Back in Parkview, her days are spent sketching, observing, and creating, often inspired by neighbourhood dogs and everyday encounters. Each illustration becomes a small reminder to slow down, reconnect, and find beauty in simple moments.

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