Iowa City Downtown District: Banner Contest Illustration

"Sweet Treats"; chosen illustration for the Iowa City Downtown District Banner Contest

Representing Iowa City Arts and Culture

I'm excited to share that my design was chosen for the 21 S. Linn Street banner contest with the Iowa City Downtown District! The chosen banners are displayed to surround an area downtown that is under construction. The theme of the contest was to submit bold designs that represented Iowa City arts and culture.

I was excited for the opportunity to participate in the Downtown Iowa City Banner Contest with this illustration, as the ever supportive and inspiring art scene of downtown Iowa City has inspired me since I was young. I have much love and appreciation for my city which always makes an effort to promote diversity, inclusion, and support for creatives.

This was my first submission to an art-related contest in Iowa City since I was in grade school, and having my work displayed in an area that is close to my heart was a great accomplishment. Over the years I have primarily established my art presence online, so it is nice to be reminded that I have a large and supportive network of creatives here at home, too. I hope in the near future to do more work in the arts scene downtown and establish a greater local presence as an artist while I continue to develop my career.

Iowa City Downtown Banner Illustration Submission: "Sweet Treats"

I chose to submit a design I created titled "Sweet Treats". This is an illustration of a series of desserts with a light pink background surrounded by frosting-like swirls. While each detailed illustration consists of different types of desserts, each one includes pink components or represents berry flavoring. This design started out as individual illustrations of each dessert, which were later combined and placed onto the background. I submitted this to the banner contest with respect to the inviting culinary atmosphere in Iowa City.

Illustration Inspiration

This illustration was originally created at the request of my daughter, who challenged me to draw a series of desserts. Whenever I feel stuck with artist's block, she is always excited to provide fun new ideas and a fresh perspective. This illustration began with creating each dessert individually in accordance with her prompts and share a pink and strawberry theme. My daughter's favorite color was pink at the time, and I tend to gravitate toward berry-flavored desserts (it's kind of healthy, right?). We have a tradition of always picking up a dessert downtown when we visit the Ped Mall downtown, so I found this illustration to be fitting for the arts and culture theme.

When creating this illustration, I was inspired by the well-loved food businesses in which I have frequented in my hometown - some of which I have been going to since I was a child. Heyn's Ice Cream, YoTopia, and Molly's Cupcakes are a few of our current Iowa City dessert favorites - each providing a unique and comforting atmosphere and an incredibly kind and welcoming staff. Many of the food establishments in Iowa City take a proactive approach in providing inclusive alternatives and ethically sourced product, as well as creating a personal connection with the community.

See the Display

The banner display includes a diverse selection of artists local to the Iowa City area. Whether you are visiting the Iowa City Public Library, strolling through the Ped Mall, or on your way to class at University of Iowa, take a peek around the block to view the new display and discover new local artists!

This display is currently available to the public at 21 S. Linn Street Iowa City, Iowa while the location is under construction.

Banner Display Location at 21 S Linn St Iowa City, Iowa