Hidden in Plain Sight is an imaginative reality filled with characters, adventures, challenges, environments, everyday objects, and magical ones. Through my use of 2D and 3D work, I showcase what depression can feel like through a monster character known as The Light Keeper. The main character, Ember, comes face to face with this creature, only to find that it is forever present in her world thereafter. I have used character design, sculpture, illustration, world building, and visual storytelling to explore mental health issues that many humans face daily. To further develop this work, I will create more characters that depict other mental health issues, and I will continue the world building to eventually create a graphic novel. I hope to help remove the stigma around mental illness, and I plan to give 50% of the proceeds from the merchandise I create to help fund more research and resources for those suffering from mental health issues.
