Block Billboard

I created this billboard illustration in response to a call for art held by Block Inc. This billboard illustration stems from my work in Project Management for Prescott Circus Theatre, a 40 year old West Oakland non profit that brings circus arts education into Oakland Unified schools. This billboard represents the call theme of "Financial Empowerment for All" and highlights various Oakland merchant communities as well as our performance arts students. In my role, we would use the Block product, Square for fundraiser ticket sales. This illustration works to authentically show the ways that technology supports community. In response to the call, I wrote a corresponding statement to share the story behind the work and then I worked closely with Block's team to understand project specs. From there, I vectorized and formatted the work for large scale print months ahead of schedule leading to an engaging year long display. Shortly after the work was installed, our circus students were participating in a parade, and we turned a corner and unexpectedly encountered the billboard. This piece shows the position of design within public space and the real life impact of authentic representation.