Client
Personal Project (Developed for the Illustration Diploma Program, Seneca Polytechnic)
Year
2024
Role
Conceptual Development Visual Storytelling Illustration
After becoming a mother, I experienced a profound sense of isolation. While my friends were advancing in their careers, my world became centered on baby duties, and I felt my own identity and dreams slipping away. This project was born from that challenge: to visually articulate the often-unspoken mental health struggles of motherhood—the feeling of being in a cage, cut off from the world you once knew.
My goal was to tackle this sensitive issue head-on by creating a children's book that would serve as a comforting mirror for kids and a gentle guide for parents. The entire creative process was driven by empathy. It began with research into the psychology of "slow to warm up" children to ensure an authentic foundation. From there, I developed the core concept, wrote the story, designed the relatable main character, Mika, and brought the world to life with a full suite of illustrations using a soft, inviting color palette.
I managed this project from the initial idea to a finished product, taking on multiple roles including:
Research & Story Writing
Concept Development & Character Design
Illustration & Color Design
Book Layout & Print Preparation
Procreate, Adobe InDesign
Outcome & What I Learned
The final result is "Time for Mika," a complete, print-ready children's book that serves as a tangible and supportive tool for families. More than just an academic assignment, this project was a lesson in handling a delicate subject with care and purpose. It affirmed my ability to oversee a project from start to finish and has become a cornerstone of my portfolio, showcasing an end-to-end creative journey.
