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
• Set of 3 connecting illustrations
Skills
• Illustration
• Visual Design
• Design Thinking
Illustration Series
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.
"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.
“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.
