Arrive Alive

This was created for the Joe Bornstein Arrive Alive Creative Contest, which encourages teens to avoid distracted or drunk driving. I used the illustration of a car driving down a fantastical path as a metaphor for the good things that lie ahead, with the implication that the path ahead (and someone's overall journey) is too precious and wonderful to be jeopardized by distracted driving. I was inspired by floral patterns from the 60s, and these motifs have appeared in many of my 2D designs and illustrations. 

For my process, I began by sketching the outline of the path and the car itself with graphite. I followed by adding color with watercolor and creating the floral designs and patterns, along with the text. I began adding ink to create contrast and highlight the text, which otherwise would have been lost in the overall composition. I additionally added pockets of darkness with ink to push contrast and distinguish and highlight various elements of the painting. 

My basic idea was unchanged, but the patterns and other details besides the original floral design grew into place after I had started painting. Additionally, the ink was not in my original plan, but I realized that with such a busy composition more contrast and distinction was necessary, and I believe that the darkness makes the overall painting much more interesting.