Work Category: Illustration
This project was created for a design class, where the goal was to develop a surreal image based on a subject that felt personally meaningful. My concept features my younger sister holding a Bible in space, with beams of light extending outward to symbolize the life and meaning found within it.
To begin the process, I researched surreal imagery to better understand its visual characteristics and how to create a dreamlike composition. I knew I wanted to include my sister, as she is someone I am very close to, and I also wanted to incorporate elements of my faith, which are important to me. Combining these ideas helped shape the direction of the piece.
To create the final image, I took multiple photographs of my sister in different settings, including our yard and on a trampoline, to capture a pose that felt natural and expressive. After selecting the strongest image, I removed the background and replaced it with a galaxy scene to establish the surreal environment. I then illustrated beams of light emerging from the Bible to emphasize its symbolic meaning.
Initially, I planned to include imagery from Bible stories within the light beams. However, I was unable to find public domain images that worked well with the composition. Instead, I chose to keep the design more focused and minimal, which ultimately strengthened the clarity of the piece.
Overall, this project allowed me to combine personal meaning with visual storytelling while continuing to develop my skills in photo manipulation and composition. It reflects my ability to adapt creatively when challenges arise and to make intentional design decisions that support the overall concept.
These are my thumbnails where you can see my brainstorming process. Here you can see my original designs vs. the final product.