ADRIAN WALKER: SENIOR THESIS
Art is more than just a form of expression; it’s a window into the artist’s heart, capturing emotions and stories that words often cannot convey. For me, this senior thesis digital illustration piece is a deeply personal exploration of my journey through college. I’ve created an abstract collage that not only reflects the moments I’ve experienced but also embodies the emotional highs and lows that have shaped who I am today. Each fragment of the artwork symbolizes a distinct chapter of my journey. My piece represents moments of growth, challenges faced, and the support of my family, who have been my constant source of strength. The layers of color, texture, and form in this digital collage are a visual reflection of the complexities of my experience, from the struggles that tested my resilience to the triumphs that marked my growth.
The process of creating this piece, which I will later break down and explain in detail, became a way to make sense of the unique experiences i’ve had throughout my college years. Every decision made in the creation of this digital artwork was deeply intentional, representing pivotal moments in my life. The flexibility of creating allowed me to experiment with layers and textures in ways that connected deeply into my own experiences into this project.
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Summary of Contents
I. Development & Process
II. Illustration & Meaning
III. Final Illustration
IV. Conclusion/References
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Development & Process
Starting with a blank canvas is always a challenge for me. The possibilities feel endless, yet there's a sense of overwhelm that comes with it. To overcome this, I dive into brainstorming. With this i'm allowing ideas to flow and begin shaping the direction of my work. For this particular project, I find myself drawn to a deep exploration of my personal catalog of photographs.
These photos hold significant meaning to me. Some of them are of my family, and others serve as moments of inspiration. They act as the starting point for this digital collage illustration I aim to create. As I sift through them, I’m reminded of the emotions and stories they carry. The process of selecting the right photos is crucial, but I begin to form the heart of my piece. For me, photographs are more than just visual representations they are vessels of emotion and personal connection. They have the ability to evoke powerful memories and feelings, which is why they’re essential in building the foundation of my work. I see this as the creative spark that ignites my vision for the piece.
Alongside my personal collection, I also draw inspiration from other artists whose work resonates with my style and preferences. Looking at how others approach collage and illustration, I start to envision how elements of their techniques might intersect with my own. This exploration allows me to shape my unique perspective, infusing my own personality and story into the art I create. As I continue this journey of combining photos and inspiration, the creativity flows more naturally. Each piece starts to fit together, and I begin to see how my vision is taking form. The collaboration between my memories, the works of other creatives, and my intuition fuels the process forward.
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Illustration & Meaning
The collage is a deeply personal reflection of my journey, with each symbol carefully chosen to represent key milestones in my life and growth. The dandelions are more than just a symbol of Delaware—they represent the early stages of my development, blooming from the roots of my upbringing. They stand for growth, love, and the connections I've made along the way, each seed carried by the wind to new opportunities and experiences.
Atop the dandelions is an image of my daughter, a figure placed deliberately at the center of my story. She embodies the transformative love and joy she has brought into my life, serving as a reminder that my personal growth is not only about achievements but about nurturing relationships that shape who I am. Her placement shows that she is at the core of everything I do.
The SEPTA train symbolizes the daily rhythms of my life, especially my daily commute to college. It represents my ongoing journey toward my education and the perseverance required to balance academic and personal commitments. It is also a symbol of my connection to Philadelphia, a city that has become a backdrop to my development, both as a student and as an individual.
The three colleges—Delaware College of Art and Design, University of the Arts, and Temple University—mark significant points in my academic and artistic evolution. Each one represents a stage in my pursuit of artistic mastery and knowledge. These institutions have played pivotal roles in helping me refine my craft, pushing me to grow as an artist while opening doors to new experiences and possibilities.
The Philadelphia Eagles mascot reflects my love for the city, its culture, and its spirit. It is a symbol of belonging and pride, a connection to a place that has shaped my identity. The mascot represents the energy and resilience that Philadelphia embodies, qualities I strive to mirror in my own life and work.
My car depicted in the collage represents my personal journey—the literal miles I've traveled to get where I am today. It symbolizes independence, self-reliance, and the freedom to chart my own path, driving forward through the challenges and triumphs that have shaped my experience.
The background represents all the days of the week, with each color symbolizing a different time of day. Purple stands for night, blue captures midday, while yellow and orange reflect the warmth of sunset. Instead of choosing just one color, I combined them into a visual timeline
Finally, the portrait of my family serves as the foundation of everything. They are my unwavering support system, the roots that keep me grounded through every transition. Their presence in the collage is a reminder that my growth—both as a person and as an artist—is deeply tied to their love, encouragement, and belief in me.
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---------WATCH VIDEO BEFORE FINAL ILLUSTRATION---------
Before you see the final illustration, I want to share the heart behind it. This short film is a reflection of my journey and a thank you to everyone who’s helped me get here. Every moment, every challenge, and every bit of growth is captured in this illustration, but it’s the support, love, and guidance from others that truly brought it to life. This is more than just a drawing, it's my story, and this video is a celebration of the people who believed in me and stood by me as I reached this milestone, my graduation!
Final Illustration
Digital Illustration Procreate, Adobe Illustrator (2023 x 2421px)
Conclusion/References
As I type these final words, I reflect on the fact that I am now a senior, about to graduate, and this piece marks the turning point of my college journey. From the moment I started looking at pictures and developing this work, I was transported back to where I began as an artist. It has helped me realize the person I’ve become today. I have learned, grown, and felt the emotional impact that college has gifted me. In conclusion, this piece is a celebration of my journey, a stamp on my academic path, and the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
Through this assignment, I aim to inspire not just young African Americans, but all young artists, to express themselves freely and step outside the boxes that society may try to place them in. Art is about self-expression, and I created this work as a personal triumph, a celebration of my accomplishments and a reflection of my growth. Influenced by artists like Romare Bearden, Hannah Höch, Chris Albo, Everlyn Nicodemus, and Beatriz Ortiz, my work explores identity, emotion, and the layered nature of experience through bold colors and fragmented forms. This collage is both personal and universal—a tribute to my heritage, my family, and to anyone who has ever felt torn between passion and expectation. Through this project, I hope my journey can inspire others to embrace their own creativity and pursue their artistic passions with confidence.
...Instructor: Matthew McGlynn, Nathan Young Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University
¹ Romare Bearden (1911–1988) – Out Chorus, Screenprint, 1979–1980
² Hannah Höch – Kubus (Cube), 1926
³Chris Albo – BROCKHAMPTON The Family Album Cover Art, 2022
⁴ Everlyn Nicodemus – Självporträtt (Self Portrait), 1982
⁵Beatriz Ortiz – Collages for Editorial Saber (2024)
² Hannah Höch – Kubus (Cube), 1926
³Chris Albo – BROCKHAMPTON The Family Album Cover Art, 2022
⁴ Everlyn Nicodemus – Självporträtt (Self Portrait), 1982
⁵Beatriz Ortiz – Collages for Editorial Saber (2024)