Inspiration Paintings Matthew Smith
Inspiration Paintings Contained within these pages you will learn about some amazing people. Forty of them to be exact. The idea to do this project came from deep within in me. There was something inside me nudging me to do some type of painting project involving my typeography skills. Since the idea did not go away after a month, I decided to go ahead and do it as the Catholic season of Lent was approaching. I wanted to be extra generous this time. Lent came and I made a list. I had to revise it over and over until it became the right one. Some people who do inspire me did not make the list and that does not make them matter any less to me than others. There are many people I wish I could have asked to do these paintings for, but it did not work out as I thought it would. The number forty comes from the forty days of Lent. I was supposed to do a painting a day for each person who inspires me, but this project became a four month process because I wanted to spend much more time on each one.
My process came first, from asking these forty people for quotes, songs, or other words or phrases that inspire them in their lives. It took weeks, even months for some of them to answer me with these quotes and phrases. I asked for favorite colors as well, and once I had these pieces, I researched and looked for font and type design inspiration. The examples of fonts and typography that I was viewing was pertinent to completing this project in the most proper way possible. After I found a font that I felt embodied the person I was painting for I’d begin to sketch. I sketched different compositions until I was content with the final. I then, gridded out the sketch on watercolor paper and painted it. Each is a 9�x12� painting. I purchased the frames to give each person once I finished. To finish, I photographed each individual painting in an outside environment. My aim was to individualize each painting as much as possible. I hope you can be inspired by these people just as much as I have been. Enjoy what you see!
My sister Jeanne and her husband Will exemplify leadership and humily in their holy marriage. They inspire me as I see them raise their children. I hope to become as strong, faithful, and devoted as they are as I grow to become the husband and father that I’m meant to be.
Dave has was a youth group leader at my church when I was in 7th grade. Because of him, I’ve learned how to experience my faith and have fun. Since then, he was ordained a Catholic priest and has baptized my niece and nephews. His example reminds me that I can be cool and be faithful.
Danielle is like a little sister to me. She is such a passionate and matter-of-fact person and I was blessed to go on a service trip to Lourdes with her. She has struggles and her faith, especially from the book of Joshua, helps her be courageous and strong as she deals with them.
Jordan is a campus minister from St. John’s University. She constantly challenges me to think more positively, give people the benefit of the doubt and give more of myself to others. Mother Theresa inspires her as she commits her life to service, and this quote brings that to life.
Nick constantly inspires me to get out of my comfort zone. We’ve been on mission trips, retreats, and high school classes together. He is a true friend. Back to the Future is his favorite movie of all time. It inspires and reminds him to make his life the best life that he can live out.
Chase is an incredibly thoughtful and minful individual and I had the pleasure of leading a bible study with him throughout my senior year at St. John’s University. He always came and always had something to say. He inspires me to be a better friend and devoted to the people I love.
Taylor worked with my at the Art Office at St. John’s University. After four years of knowing her I have been inspired to work my hardest and be as genuine and caring to others as I can because I saw her do it every day. This statement reminds her that she can accomplish whatever she wants.
Professor Lauto goes to my church and is the head of the art department at St. John’s University. Her compassion and critical motivation has impacts me to be who I am and who I wish to become. Faith guides her through her life and this quote reminds her to be humble in it.
Taylor worked with my at the Art Office at St. John’s University. After four years of knowing her I have been inspired to work my hardest and be as genuine and caring to others as I can because I saw her do it every day. This statement reminds her that she can accomplish whatever she wants.
Jon has been a close friend of mine for about eight years, and he has always inspired and pushed me to physically push my limits. He never stops till he puts all his effort in and that includes running a 50 mile race. He asked for a surprise and, I could not think of a better phrase for him.
My friend Nick was the first person to welcome me to St. John’s Campus Ministry community. He took me to different events and was always a friend to me. He has a huge sense of humor too. His faith gives him strength in his life and he embodies this quote as he journeys through his life.
My cousin Shane is a pharmacist and adventurer. He courageously lives his life to the fullest and inspires me to hopefully go on trips and adventures while doing what I love for a living just like he does. I have a long way to go, but he gives me hope that I can. This song inspires him in his life.
Ricky is my best buddy and he is such a blessing to have in my life. He inspires and reminds me to be a person of faith in the real world. He encourages and inspires me to live my best life and to have fun doing it. This quote reminds him of how he wishes to live his best life
My cousin Sherry is studying Music Therapy at a University where she has a diverse friend group. She has a strong faith life in a place where many people do not, yet she is resilient in her faith. This Bible verse inspires her to keep her resilience alive in her day to day life.
Aidan has shown me what it means to truly live life fully alive. His devotion to his faith and living authentically as himself inspires me. This song, Southern Skies is by a band called Matrimony. Whenever I listen to it I think of Aidan and his incredible influence on me.
My friend Stephen has been a constant inspiration since we ran Track in High School. He’s pushed me to even run a marathon with him. He has a strong devotion to Mary, Mother of Jesus of the Catholic faith, whom inspires him as he studies to become a priest.
Philip is a man of strong conviction and leadership. He knows how to stay true to himself and what he believes in. No matter where he goes, Philip stays true to his convictions. This quote inspires him and reminds him to follow his dreams as a scorewriter and com-
Kailyn is a true example of a devoted friend. She has so much love in her heart. She inspires me to always show that special care and love toward others whenver I can. Her devotion to her Catholic faith blows me away. This quote is where she gets her strength from.
My Sister Chrissy inspires me every day to work harder no matter how difficult I may think my situation is. She has taught me that positive character in the workforce makes an impact like no other. Harry Potter inspires her and she requested this quote, specifically.
Victoria works to bring awareness for Fair Trade products and fair wages for laborers. She inspires me to work toward global equality, especially where I can do my little part. Her Grandpa used to always say, “God is good.� This phrase inspires her and reminds her of him.
Tim is a courageous person. He wants to dedicate his life to helping and protecting people. He inspires me to give more of myself to others and to protect in the ways I can. This song by Lynyrd Skynyrd inspires and reminds him of what kind of man he wants to be.
Rose has a layed back personality, yet a burning fire within her for life. She serves and volunteers almost all year long. She inspires me with her zeal for her faith, and in her servant’s heart. This Bible verse encourages her to remember why she does what she does.
Professor Sherin has impacted and shaped me into the graphic designer I am today. Without her constant critiques and sarcastic comments, I’d be nowhere. She also loves the planet and does all she can to promote sustainability. She is an inspiration like no other.
Professor DeLuna has always taught me to think and dream bigger when it came to my projects. No matter what she’d provide even more possibilities. With her passion and scrutiny over typographic details, she has inspired me become the passionate designer I am.
Nolan Reynolds was my youth minister as I went through middle school and high school. He was an influential guide for me throughout my life. “Memento Mori” means “You will die” in Latin. Nolan was reflecting on death and this reminds him to make the most of life.
Anthony Muhs is a musician, web designer, youth leader, husband, and father. He has six children, whom he supports with his diverse mix of work. He inspires me as I grow closer to doing my own work. This phrase impacted him and inspired a song based off of it.
Patrick is a really good friend of mine. He always pushes me in the right direction and he knows exactly what to say when I am doubting myself. Patrick embodies what it means to be a Catholic Man. This quote reminds him of his belief that Jesus lives through him.
My friend Mark has been a constant encouragement for me in my life. He challenges me to think before I speak and inspires me to be more empathetic. This quote comes from a band that connects us. When he hears this music he feels like he is on a cloud.
Mike is an incredible graphic designer and even more of a genuine person. He inspires me to push and do more than I need to when it comes to my design projects. He chose this phrase because it encourages him in the way he approaches and lives his life out.
Steven is a huge graphic design inspiration to me. He has always inspired me to present my work in the most professional manner I can. He even suggested making this book. Steven is a man of humor and laughter. This quote reminds him of how important it is.
Brother Mike is a spiritual guide for me in my life. He guides young people to understand the wants and desires of their hearts and how they can enact those desires in harmony with the world. This phrase comes from the Marianist Brothers, the community he lives with.
Anthony served in our campus ministry together since we began school at St. John’s University. He has so much care for the people around him from co-workers to family members. He inspires me to show such love. He loves Disney, but Snow White is his favorite.
Dr. Traina taught me my Math core class at school. I thoroughly enjoyed the class because of this man. He inspires me to hopefully be a kind, gentle soul one day. If I could be a grandfather, I’d want to be like this man. His mom used to say this phrase to him all the time.
Mary is the sweetest person I’ve ever met. I am so grateful to have a friend like her. She’s an attentive listener, and inspires me to ask others about themselves, even strangers. She has such a love, and it all stems from the love that she feels connected to in this song.
Yusef is a fellow grapher designer from St. John’s, and he inspires me to be more creative. His design sensibility, and his ability to think differently about projects inspires me as a designer, and what a personality. This phrase encourages him as he lives out his life.
Dr. Sutton taught my favorite theology class on beauty. He is an amazing man of faith and is raising five daughters right now. He inspires me to hopefuly be a loving husband and father like him one day. This Psalm inspires him to live out his life as the man he is.
Max was my supervisor and professor at St. John’s. He puts enthusiasm and intensity into his work like no other person I know. I am blessed to see him work so hard, and raise two children in the midst of all he does. His art professor said this phrase to him as a student.
Nerissa was my supervisor for four years. She buys Christmas presents, birthday cakes and is always a listening ear for her workers. Nerissa has given me some of the best advice I’ve ever needed. She chose such a simple, yet powerful phrase to hang in her house.
Mrs. Coffee went on a mission trip to a place called Nazareth Farm in West Virginia with me when I was in high school. She has been a light to me since that trip and constantly gives me books along the way. This phrase encourages her as she lives out her life of ministry.
Father Joe has pushed and encouraged me to give everything I have in service to others. He inspires countless young people to take their faith life seriously, including me. He requested this, his favorite Bible Quote, which guides him as he ministers as a Catholic priest.
Thank you Your interest in this project is super appreciated. Thanks for stopping by. I am so thankful for these people in my life and for this opportunity to show you how much they inspire me. I look forward to many more opportunities to use my skills and talent to create beauty for even more people, strangers and friends alike. The front cover was my graduation cap from my graduation at St. John’s University May 2018. The quote is from a band called The Lighthouse and the Whaler. Their music inspires me as I look toward my future as a graphic designer. The font used is:
Montserrat Medium If you like what you see here, you can find this and more on my website at smithlydesign.com.
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