Illustrating the Make-A-Wish Gala 40th anniversary in Washington & Alaska.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the kind of projects that remind you why creativity matters in the first place. Not just creating something beautiful, but contributing to something bigger than yourself.
One of those projects was my work for Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington’s annual fundraising gala.
Every year, the gala is inspired by a real child’s wish story. This year’s theme, Waves of Wonder, was based on Hazel’s wish to travel to Hawaii and meet a “real” mermaid. Which she actually did!
My role? Bring a multi-paneled story to life through characters brimming with personality in an under-the-sea wonderland.
The final artwork became part of the visual identity for the event and was used across invitations, signage, and other event materials throughout the evening. One of my favorite parts of projects like this is seeing how the design expands beyond the original artwork and becomes something collaborative.
It’s always exciting to watch other creatives interpret and build upon the illustrations through room design, staging, print materials, and environmental details.
(Credit: Garret Ryan Hanson)
Although I wasn’t able to attend the gala in person (photo credit: one of my lovely creative directors: Jenny Moore), it was incredibly special to see the event come together from afar.
And the biggest news of all: the gala raised a record-breaking $2.9 million during its 40th-anniversary celebration. (I’d like to think that, deep down, the two characters we created might have played a helping hand.)
It’s hard to put into words how meaningful it feels to contribute, even in a small way, to something that brings moments of joy and hope to children and families.
Projects like this remind me that illustration can do so much more than simply decorate a space. It can help tell stories, evoke emotion, and bring people together around a shared cause.
(Credit: Garret Ryan Hanson)
Like this project? I am also looking for creative collaborators. Send me a message and let’s chat!
