This was one of my favorite projects while attending the Academy of Art. The assignment was all about saying the most with the least; using restraint as a tool for impact. That challenge resonated with me, pushing me to distill emotion, identity, and tribute into a single, striking composition.

I chose Marvin Gaye because his music is both powerful and effortless, a perfect parallel to the assignment’s goal. His voice carried deep messages with grace, and I wanted to reflect that in a visual form. The transformation of his hair into a flock of birds symbolizes freedom, transcendence, and the way his music still soars through time. By stripping the design down to just two colors and carefully placed negative space, I allowed the viewer to engage with the piece, filling in the details and meaning in their own way; just like Marvin’s music invites personal interpretation.

This project taught me the beauty of restraint. Every shape, every line had to be intentional. It was a lesson in balance, how to let a piece breathe while still making a bold statement. Even now, this illustration remains one of my most meaningful works, reminding me that simplicity, when done right, can be just as powerful as complexity.