Beast of Burden

Project Overview

•This series of illustrations, titled Beast of Burden, employs the metaphor of a mule—a symbol of enduring heavy loads—to explore the cyclical nature of relationships and their lasting impact. Through carefully selected moments in the protagonist's life, the work traces how familial dynamics, particularly with a parent, shape the patterns that emerge in adult partnerships.

•Departing from a conventional comic format, I designed a series of standalone illustrations to capture defining moments in the character's journey, from childhood to adulthood. The narrative builds toward a pivotal argument with a significant other and its emotional aftermath, revealing how unresolved tensions resurface across generations. Each piece is crafted to evoke the weight of inherited emotional burdens and the impact of these burdens on human connection.

•Through its evocative imagery and narrative depth, Beast of Burden underscores the interplay between personal history and intimate connections, offering a poignant meditation on growth, conflict, and reconciliation. This intentional approach emphasizes the universality of these experiences, inviting viewers to reflect on their own relational cycles.