Charity Art Auction 2015 – Nelson Mandela Inspired
April 2015 – Evi Goossens
Project Overview
In 2015, I created a unique artwork for an annual charity art auction. The event raised money for a good cause, and each participating artist contributed a piece to support the fundraiser. It was one of the first opportunities for me to see how my creativity could make a real impact.
My Creative Role
For this project, I was responsible for the full creative development of the artwork:
Concept Development
Visual Storytelling & Illustration
Creative Direction
The Story Concept
I wanted to create something bold—an artwork that would immediately draw attention and give Nelson Mandela the vibrant, powerful stage he deserves. Bright colors, abstract forms and strong visual contrasts became the foundation of the piece. My goal was to evoke admiration and curiosity, celebrating Mandela’s legacy through an expressive, modern interpretation.
Process & Approach
Started with a mind map and moodboard to explore themes, colors and visual directions.
Sketched several abstract compositions before refining the final concept.
Followed an intuitive, creative flow—embracing sudden inspiration and shaping it into something meaningful.
Fully developed the artwork in Adobe Illustrator, translating hand-drawn ideas into a polished digital illustration.
Final Results
The artwork was sold for the second-highest bid of the entire auction, raising significant funds for the charity. It was the first time my creative work generated real value and contributed directly to a meaningful cause. This project became an early milestone—proof that art can make a difference.
Key Takeaways
At just 15 years old, this project opened my eyes to how much I loved creating art, experimenting with color, and thinking outside the box. It marked the beginning of my creative journey.
