About
I created this illustration for International Women’s Day to raise awareness about the crisis of the desaparecidas—missing women—in Mexico. The aim was not only to reflect the devastating impact on women themselves, but also the broader consequences for families and society as a whole. Rather than focusing solely on women, I illustrated a young boy searching for his mother, emphasizing how these disappearances leave deep emotional scars across generations and communities. The artwork serves both as a tribute and a call to action, using visual storytelling to highlight the urgency of the issue.
Challenges
The biggest challenge was conveying a message that resonates with both women and men. While International Women’s Day focuses on the struggles and rights of women, it was important to show that these disappearances affect entire families. I had to find a way to make the illustration emotionally universal and relatable, while still keeping the crisis of the missing women at the center. Striking the right balance between narrative, symbolism, and emotional impact was essential to make the message clear and powerful.
Solutions
To bridge this gap, I chose to depict a young boy searching for his mother, symbolizing the long-term impact of these disappearances on children and families. The composition and color palette were designed to evoke feelings of loss and longing, while symbolic elements reinforced the theme of absence. By subtly shifting the perspective, I was able to create a piece that speaks to a broader audience without losing focus on the core issue.
Exploration Phase:
Thumbnails
Sketches
Tight Sketch
Final Work
Expo
Key Takeaways
This project reinforced the importance of perspective in storytelling and taught me how to craft a message that connects with a broader audience. It also challenged me to make effective design decisions without relying on extended preparatory phases, strengthening my ability to work quickly and confidently. More than just an illustration, this piece became a reflection on how art can be used for awareness and advocacy, making it one of my most meaningful works to date.
