The Goals
1. Creating a digital piece that embrace's and showcases the values of equity, anti-racism, diversity and inclusion
The Proposal
Below is the refined proposal I submitted prior to creating the piece, which outlines the style I planned to utilize, as well information about the background, foreground, and reasoning behind each element of the piece.
1. First proposal due January 21, 2024
2. Refined proposal due January 30, 2024
3. Signed contract on February 12, 2024
4. Mid-point check in on March 4, 2024
5. Final art finals due March 15, 2024
6. Final artist biography & description due March 31, 2024
The Design
“Unity: Collective Creations” was drawn and outlined using Procreate & edited in Adobe Photoshop, where noise was applied to the background and HDR was applied to the foreground. The piece is displayed in Ron Eydt Village (REV), a University of Waterloo residence building, above one of the staircase’s. The piece is 15.4” by 4.7”, to fit the exact dimensions of the stairwell.
Description of the process:
The creation of this piece, titled "Unity: Collective Creations," began with a deep exploration of themes surrounding equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. The process started with extensive research into visual symbols that represent these themes, ensuring that every element in the artwork would contribute meaningfully to the overall narrative.
Using Procreate, I sketched initial concepts to visualize the composition, focusing on diverse hands actively engaging in the creative process to symbolize collective effort and unity. Each hand was meticulously designed to reflect different cultural backgrounds, reinforcing the message of inclusivity. The selection of varied tools and materials aimed to visually emphasize the idea that everyone, regardless of their background, has something valuable to contribute.
Once the digital sketches were refined, I moved on to adding color, carefully choosing a palette that would highlight both the harmony and vibrancy of diversity. The digital painting process involved layering techniques to build depth and texture, enhancing the visual impact of the piece.
Final edits were completed in Adobe Photoshop, where additional adjustments were made to balance the composition and enhance color dynamics. The finished piece conveys a powerful message of coming together and rejecting division, promoting a sense of unity that transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries.
Description included with the piece:
“The word "Unity" chosen as the visual focal point for the piece is intricately tied to the themes of equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. The diverse hands actively crafting the word symbolizes equitable contributions, while varied materials and differing tools visually emphasize the inclusion of all units, interests, and individuals, showcasing an environment where all people feel empowered to authentically contribute. The artwork's message of anti-racism is conveyed through the hands coming together, rejecting racial divisions and promoting a collective, inclusive community that transcends ethnic backgrounds. The piece, titled “Unity: Collective Creations”, was created in Procreate and edited in Adobe Photoshop.”
Artist biography included with the piece:
My name is Areeba Shaikh and I am a digital designer based in Kitchener. Currently, I am studying Global Business & Digital Arts (GBDA) at the UWaterloo, and I am proud to have been featured in Textile Magazine’s Issue II: Spaces. My goal is to craft digital narratives through impactful imagery, and I typically utilize a flat illustration style to achieve this. You can view my original work on my website, at https://areebans17.myportfolio.com.
