The theme started as a long winded statement: “With enough determination and skill, an idea can change the status quo; if one is willing to take the risk.” After creating the mind-map, finding articles and examples, I felt the theme can be summarized as “The Power of Ideas” and then simply "Influence"

My research started with an article on the 2025 story-rich role playing game, ”Clair Obscure: Expedition 33”. I was inspired by their tenacity and the risk they took to work on their dream project despite the rejection they received from their former development studios. My mind map and research on reference images helped me gain an idea of where to start and what worked for the theme. It had me thinking about how every idea creates a butterfly effect to inspire others and it goes on and on and on. Good and bad changes in the economy, lives, perspectives, and innovations are possible… or nothing happens and the world moves on.

The project pieces started as simple geometric grids with implied messages left to the viewer's interpretation. My goal was to let the viewer feel how they wanted and make an opinion for themselves how they will process it and use it towards their own ideas. I later wanted to incorporate my own comic style to create a story format. Only one project has words to it which is referring to a Game Over menu. I used multiple programs to create each one digitally, using these projects as an excuse to practice various methods new to me; Photoshop, Procreate, Illustrator. After all the projects were finished, I looked at each one and asked myself and my family, “What kind of idea does this spark within you?” My kids liked the colorful ones and tried to draw some themselves, so I’d say I did my job.