Independent Study Project

Juxtapositions

This is an illustration I conceptualized for an children's illustration competition for the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators. Now, even though this winning first place overall is an accomplishment. I see the story behind the illustration as my most treasured memory when making this piece. If you would like to know more, please ready below.

Scope of Work

Illustration

Conceptualized a series of illustrations challenging assumptions through children's illustrations.

Skills used

Hard and Soft Skills

Creative Direction | Storytelling | Illustrator | Photoshop

Illustration

Illustrating the Challenges

This illustration series explores the expression of intense emotions through the lens of children’s book imagery. Each piece portrays a complex fear by pairing an animal with something it’s typically associated with or unafraid of—such as a bear afraid of bees, an aardvark fearful of ants, and a fox scared of the night. The playful, storybook-inspired style uses bright colors and whimsical patterns to soften these fears, making the subject matter approachable while encouraging reflection on deeper emotional truths. The contrast between innocence and anxiety mirrors how misconceptions and fears often form in childhood through simplified stories and stereotypes.

"Buzz Off"

This illustration visualizes apiphobia through a playful twist on expectation. Instead of the fearless honey loving bear we usually imagine, this character freezes in anxious anticipation as bees drift around him. The soft patterns, expressive posture, and gentle color palette turn a genuine fear into something approachable, echoing the way children’s stories help us understand big emotions. This piece highlights how even the most unlikely characters can carry quiet worries and invites viewers to consider the small fears we often hide behind brave faces.

“Buzz Off,” earned first place in the Student Scholarship Competition hosted by the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators (PSI), recognizing outstanding creativity and skill in illustration.

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"Ants Below"

Here, I explore entomophobia by placing an anxious aardvark in the middle of a scene that should feel familiar and safe. Instead of eagerly searching for ants, he pulls back with lifted limbs and a worried expression as the insects scatter around his feet. The warm landscape, soft textures, and gentle character design ease the tension and add a hint of humor to his fear. By pairing a creature with something it would normally seek out, the illustration invites viewers to consider how fears can develop from uncertainty, uncomfortable encounters, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the world beneath us.

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“Night Watch”

This piece reflects nictophobia by placing a wary fox alone under a wide and glowing night sky. Instead of moving confidently through the darkness, he curls tightly around a small lantern, using its gentle light as a shield against the shadows around him. The deep purples, soft stars, and quiet landscape create a peaceful setting that contrasts with his anxious expression. By showing a creature known for its comfort in nighttime spaces seeking safety in a small glow, the illustration explores how fear often grows in moments of uncertainty and reminds viewers that even the brave can feel uneasy when the world becomes quiet and unfamiliar.

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Opportunity

This evolution isn’t about changing what fans love; it is about elevating it. Every element balances a timeless joy with superior indulgence. We wanted the brand to feel as confident, rich, and unapologetically delicious as the ice cream itself. Graeters is now better positioned to celebrate the pride of what they make and how they make it.

They’re stubborn about quality, honoring a family legacy, and amplifying the joyful energy that has always set Graeter’s apart. It’s heritage made iconic, and indulgence made visible, like the first bite of the velvety Black Raspberry Chip with our massive chocolate chunks that demand you pause and savor.

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