Custom Illustration Portrait | Chase Family
Today’s illustration spotlight was a super special project this year, and it was three months in the making!
Camber reached out in February asking me to create a custom family illustration portrait in honor of her 16-year-old son.
The reason this portrait was so special was because her son Brandon passed away in the summer of 2019 from suicide – just a couple months before this family photo was taken. They almost didn’t have their family photos taken, but the Chase family instead dedicated the photo shoot to Brandon; everyone wore shoes he had painted and in some of the photos everyone played guitars. Brandon was sweet, artistic, and a friend to all who lit up the room when he arrived. He painted on everything, and once in a while that paint ended up on a canvas. His mom wanted to turn this family photo into an illustration, and include Brandon in the portrait as well, to make it their last family portrait all together in his memory.
The temple behind the Chase family is the Fort Collins, Colorado temple; Brandon and his brother helped with the dedication, and his temple work will be done there. Because Brandon loved music, this illustration is hung in their home next to his his favorite guitar, where his ashes now rest. Their giant 30 inch by 40 inch canvas will be a special reminder for the family to cherish forever until they once again get to hug Brandon.
I am truly touched and honored to have been entrusted with such a personal piece for the Chase family, and I will forever remember this project and the family behind it. If you’re looking for your own custom illustration or one for another loved one, I have an entire section of my website dedicated to helping you learn more!
