This project represents my philosophy about how creativity is unique to each artist. I wanted to create something that represents my unique way of seeing the world and expresses my vision of a world that embraces individuality and encourages people, especially children, to pursue the things that spark joy in them, to create, to discover, and to see the world in their own unique way.

I chose to use abstract shapes and solid colors in my illustration because my unique way of seeing leads me to notice basic shapes in everything I see. I was also inspired by the distinct lineart and expressiveness seen in Ukiyo-e prints. I used Adobe Illustrator to build an abstracted self-portrait of me looking through my hands, picturing the world a certain way. My logo sits in the place of one of the eyes, representing the connection between seeing and creating.

Maybe you see color in a different way than most.

Maybe you see patterns, or perspective, or cool shadows.

Maybe you see details down to tiny tiny hairs.

Or maybe you’re like me, you see triangles everywhere.

Or maybe you see what would be if you took apart the pieces.

Or maybe you see what could be made from things that aren’t that thing yet.

Or maybe you don’t.

But maybe you do.

And maybe the different way you see is the key to being you.

I make things…out of the simple shapes I see.

I make other worlds with little triangle-shaped you’s and me’s.

And maybe you will make things too out of the things you see

And our worlds will be so different, just the way it ought to be.

-Elizabeth Stambaugh

Sept 30, 2024