Year of the Metal Rat.
Traditional Illustration .
project 01.

After a visit China in the summer of 2019, and the rise of a global pandemic early the next year, I wanted to create a 2020 New Years Illustration in honor of the beautiful culture experienced in my travels. The project started with much research on what "The Year of the Metal Rat" meant, and word association. I learned in my research that the Metal Rat was persistent, intelligent, wise, resilient and a problem solver. I wanted to use my illustration to depict those qualities in a strong captivating Illustration. After looking at reference images which are to the left and collected inspiration for color palette and mood. Throughout this process I wanted to test my traditional illustration skills, and my ability to capture all aspects of what the Chinese New Year Symbolizes. I researched Mandarin Characters meaning good luck and good fortune and well as what type of lantern would be used in celebration. Overall I wanted to celebrate the joy and strength I saw in a that beautiful country, and produce an illustration that did that.