Companion is KAWS’s recurring cartoon character with crossed-out eyes.
KAWS, the professional name of artist Brian Donnelly, developed Companion as one of his signature figures. The character resembles a stylized, simplified human form and is typically identified by its crossed-out eyes, rounded features, and glove-like hands. Companion appears in paintings, sculptures, toys, and large public installations.
KAWS’s figures borrow visual cues from popular animation and commercial imagery but are transformed through altered faces, exaggerated proportions, and repeated symbols. Companion became especially important in the artist’s move between graffiti, gallery art, collectible toys, and fashion-related collaborations.
KAWS has created other named characters, including Chum, BFF, and Small Lie. Those names are therefore plausible alternatives, but they refer to different figures. Another common mistake is treating KAWS as the character’s name; KAWS is the artist’s professional name, while Companion is the character title.