Being selected as the illustrator for Marquette University’s alumni gift is such an honor. I wanted to create something visually appealing, but also a design that could the spirit of the institution, its history, and the bond it shares with its alumni. It felt like such a rare opportunity to contribute to a meaningful tradition that celebrates the enduring connection between alumni and their alma mater. The final design was an apple tree is blossom, surrounded by a community of bees.
The apple is a symbol of education and academic excellence, while the surrounding blossoms symbolize the development. The bees act as pollinators and collaborators, showing us that it takes a community and support from those with other purposes to help us discover our own. The tree sits as a strong base (or pillar) for these communities to congregate and develop, and then ultimately disperse. The fruit can then create their own tree and contribute to the pollination and growth of their original home.
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