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.