The year is 2020 and as I sat in my tiny work-from-home office, I smiled as I read the theme MAGNET (Marketing & Advertising Global Network) had chosen for their inaugural virtual Summit. I was tapped to design the graphics for the event and I could already foresee it was going to be fun. This year’s theme: Foresight, Courtesy of 2020.
“Hindsight is 2020. Or so the adage goes… but just as this year has turned almost everything sideways, perhaps 2020’s undercurrent has also toppled this age-old proverb. Perhaps this is the year of Foresight, courtesy of 2020.”
I was told the brief was wide-open for my take on the theme and that I was to start by designing a magazine cover and other collateral would come later. So, I got to work and ended up with presenting three different concepts.
In Concept 1, I created a fun textured illustration of someone looking over a barrier and through 2020 glasses to whatever lies ahead. Does he look shocked? (Hopefully, it’s a good surprise.)
For Concept 2, I liked the idea of a graphic illustration of the third eye, and within that eye is a light bulb to represent all the ideas to come in the future.
And the winning design was… Concept 3, a giant, cartoon eyeball. The final illustration came to life with a retro-feel color palette, little nods to vintage cartoons, and bold typography. I sure do feel warm and nostalgic whenever I look at it.
From research and innovation, to execution and final design — the entire process was so fun for me. I’m always excited for the opportunity and trust I’m given to experiment and be creative.
