"Esperanza for Tomorrow" Illustration
DATE
July 2024
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Esperanza for Tomorrow is a large-scale digital artwork created as a visual backdrop for the keynote presentation at the 2023 El Futuro Conference at Dominican University. The piece is rooted in my personal experience as a first-generation Mexican and Indigenous-Slovenian American navigating the complexities of identity, culture, and belonging—especially on the road to graduation.
PROJECT TYPE
Illustration
PROGRAMS USED
Clip Studio Paint
Designed to reflect the diverse journeys of Hispanic and Latinx students, the artwork challenges one-dimensional representations by highlighting the richness of individual experiences. Inspired by a recent discovery of my Russian heritage through DNA testing, the piece also speaks to the layered and evolving nature of identity.
Through bold visuals, symbolic elements, and a palette that conveys both strength and hope, Esperanza for Tomorrow celebrates the resilience, ambition, and unity within our communities. It serves as a tribute to all students whose stories are shaping the future with courage and purpose.