Reading Calvin & Hobbes comics as a kid is what inspired me to want to become an artist at a young age. I am mesmerized by Bill Watterson's art style and his ability to craft wildly humorous, smart, and occasionally quite emotional stories in such a limited format.
This illustration is a nod to Bill Watterson and his final Calvin & Hobbes comic strip. In it, Calvin & Hobbes emerge to a field freshly covered in snow, a frequent setting for their adventures — Hobbes marvels at the sight, comparing his environment to a blank canvas. Calvin replies: "It's a magical world, Hobbes ol' buddy... let's go exploring!" I've always interpreted this as a message from Watterson urging the reader to channel their imagination and to enjoy all the wonders that life has to offer, and it serves as a continued inspiration to this day.
