“An optimist understands that life can be a bumpy road…”

– Harvey Mackay

“Choose to be optimistic. It feels better.” 

– Dalai Lama

Creating an illustration is a lot like baking a cake. Similar to buttering the pans I create a sketch, then lay out all of my ingredients – the symbolism I want to use for an additional message, or visual storytelling.

Through the study of art history I learned about the use of symbolism as a language. I love this, using symbolism or semiology is like a creating coded message, a story within a story. Although it may not be recognized or understood, I have a great time gathering “my ingredients” and coding a message.

In this illustration for the new year, I used simple symbolism as a wish or a prayer;

Periwinkle Blue;

For the colour palette I used mainly different shades of periwinkle…