These illustrations were commissioned by Macalester Today for an article highlighting the response of four of Macalester College’s Alumni during the 2020 pandemic. Professionals ranging from writers and artists; to scientists and engineers; to Rabbis and directors all adapt to lockdown and work around a difficult situation with the help of innovative thinking and virtual communication.

2016

Mixed Media

Two illustrations (one interior and another exterior illustration) were commissioned for a corner store campaign launched by the Inner-City Muslim Action Network in Chicago. The campaign “addresses the long history of injurious business practices, ingrained racial tensions, and unhealthy food options that typifies many inner-city corner stores.” The illustrations display the current state of most corner stores in these low-income neighborhoods vs. how they could become.

The inspiration for this artwork came from researching the concept of a geisha and what that represents in Japanese culture. The idea was to utilize a cyberpunk female figure that resembles a geisha figure which would serve as an anchor to a dynamic artwork that explores what it is like to be in the company of a geisha. Being dancers, artisans, poets, and educated companions, geisha metaphorically transported their patrons to a celestial world of beauty. A gilded scene comes to life as migrating ‘Tsubame’ (barn swallows) take flight amid a fan dance performance The motifs, inspired by traditional Japanese calligraphy and Ukiyo-e painting mixed with ‘Klimt’esque gold-leafing, illustrate a magical portal to an ephemeral scene of a Japanese lotus garden with Tsubame fluttering about.

The type of costume, style, and motifs was revised and edited throughout the process of this project, which can be seen in the earlier sketches when compared to the final outcome.

2019

Watercolor on Paper

This piece is an editorial illustration about the most recent wildfires in the Amazon this past season of 2019. The artwork makes commentary on Brazil’s corrupt policies and the government’s enabling behavior towards the clearing and destruction of the Amazonian forests to make room for cattle farms; which is one of Brazil’s largest exported products.

This piece is a satirical editorial illustration of the uselessness of excessive optimism. This was inspired by an article on the subject and the importance of pessimism in tackling problems in our daily lives.

This is a mock book cover for Ransom Riggs' Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. This illustration is created digitally.

This is a mock cover for Ibraheem Abbas' HWJN. Illustrated traditionally in water color.

A redesign for an article about a Neurologist written by Susan Kruglinski and featured in Discover Magazine.