The Art of the Series πŸ‘‡

Design, illustration, and faith. How could they possibly connect? For me they do, and I'm going to try and explain my thoughts below. Calling this The Life-Changing Art of the Series. More of my writing, insights, and story can be found on my INSTAGRAM. See below! πŸ‘‡πŸ™βš‘οΈ

I've been doing series of artwork for 15 years. Mostly abstract landscape art. Really trying to find the overlap between the things I am most passionate about. But they've never really connected until now.

I went to college to get a Graphic Design design degree, I didn't realize illustration would be a large part of my future. I didn't think my faith in Jesus would make much of an impact either. And I think that was a lie I told myself for a long time.

So, I've recently found design, illustration, and my faith do connect. Being trained as a designer we are taught things like consistency, hierarchy, contrast, composition, layout, and the list could go on and on. I've realized many of these same principles apply to illustration work as well.

The intentions are just different. The series of artwork tie it all together though. I create illustrations with the guidelines of a good design system in mind. Using similar/alternating colors, texture, shapes, compositions, and more to connect each piece together. Almost like I create a brand guidelines for myself within each series. Like I desire to have guidelines in my life. Something to follow for consistency, something to hold me accountable for what I do, and something I can reference when I'm searching for answers. Realizing nothing in this world can satisfy my soul.

Enter my faith in Jesus. See all of these things overlap for me because I've found freedom in all of them. Freedom with guidelines for myself. Not just in my work, but in my life. Many people think the Bible is just a set of rules to follow, but if you read it, it's quite the opposite. See the Bible is a story of hope, grace and freedom. And all pointing to the life, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Someone who can set you free by forgiving you of EVERYTHING you've ever done. It's actually really good news. And a story of love we don't deserve.

But it is also a guideline for me to consistently read and allow the Holy Spirit to transform my mind in the process. Slowly changing each and every day. Realizing this is a life long venture, not an overnight success story. And hard work and severe struggles have been involved (you'd have to read some of my previous posts about battling depression).

I've found freedom in these things. I set guidelines for myself in my work, and I follow and believe every word of the Bible because it has changed me more than anything in this world ever has been able to. Find some freedom today and invite Him into your life. Let Him forgive you, He wants to spend eternity with you. If you've read this far, I don't really believe in coincidences anymore, He is calling you.

Create more than you consume, folks! Enjoy the process and creation of your design/illustration, and find freedom in this life through Jesus. Nothing else will satisfy that hole in your heart. I tried it all.

Brad Hansen
Creative Director, Designer, & Illustrator
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