Creating this vector illustration was a challenging and rewarding process that taught me new techniques and even opened doors to exciting connections.

When I began working on this illustration, it was purely out of admiration for a talented content creator, YouTuber Ethan Harold. I’ve followed his work for some time, drawn in by his creativity and unique approach to storytelling. So, I decided to create a piece of fan art in his honor—a vector illustration that reflected his style and energy. It felt like the perfect tribute to someone whose work had inspired me.

Why Vector Art?

Unlike digital paintings or portraits that I might create in Photoshop, vector art brings its own set of challenges. The process involves building each individual shape and form, carefully layering and adjusting elements to create the final image. For "Keep Thuggin', Keep Chuggin'," this meant experimenting with ways to add depth and shading that felt dynamic but still retained the clean, crisp lines that vector art is known for. It’s a balancing act that forces you to think outside the box, using solid blocks of color and gradients to suggest shadows, highlights, and depth.

One of the main challenges in vector art is shading. Since you’re working with shapes, achieving a sense of volume and light can be tricky without the blending options available in raster-based programs. Each shadow or highlight is essentially another shape layered on top, so you have to get creative with how you build and structure these elements. With "Keep Thuggin', Keep Chuggin'," I spent hours experimenting with different methods to make sure Ethan’s character felt alive and three-dimensional, yet still vibrant and sharp.

From Fan Art to Collaboration

When I completed the illustration, I was both excited and nervous to share it online. After posting it on my social media, I decided to tag Ethan Harold. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much—it was more about sharing my appreciation for his work than anything else. But to my surprise, he noticed! He not only liked the post but reached out to thank me for the illustration.

Even more unexpectedly, Ethan later contacted me about a potential project. He was looking for an illustrator, and after seeing my work, he thought I might be a good fit. I can’t express how incredible it felt to have this opportunity come from a piece of fan art. It was a powerful reminder of the way art can create genuine connections, even across digital platforms. This experience affirmed that art isn't just about creating something beautiful or technically impressive—it’s also a means of connecting with others, expressing shared interests, and sometimes even opening up professional opportunities.

Lessons from "Keep Thuggin', Keep Chuggin'"

This illustration was more than a technical exercise; it was a learning experience on multiple levels. I honed my skills in creating depth within the limitations of vector art, and I also learned the importance of putting myself out there. Sharing your work can feel vulnerable, but it’s a necessary step to grow and create new opportunities.

Art has an incredible way of breaking down barriers and building bridges. If you’re considering sharing a piece of fan art or a project inspired by someone else’s work, I’d encourage you to go for it. You never know who might see it or what connections might form as a result.

For anyone interested in seeing more of my work or exploring other illustrations, you can check out my portfolio on Skybox Designs. "Keep Thuggin', Keep Chuggin'" is just one piece of a larger journey, but it’s a piece that has left a lasting impact on me—and maybe even on others too.