Story

Back in March 2021, I was working as a creative director for a brand called NEWEARTH. We had just finished our last collection and were focusing on building out Chapter 2. I was inspired during that time by Matisse’s work near the end of his life—work that felt loose but heavily inspired by a spiritual foundation. During our exploration, we drew countless doves, trying to perfect the shape. We ended up going in a different direction, away from this loose illustrated process, and settled on a more grounded, photorealistic representation.

Why do I bring this up? Much of the work that we toss can always be reused.

I was shortly let go from NEWEARTH after laying some of the base for Chapter 3. As I grappled with this new space in my life, I was invited into another opportunity—serving again as a creative director, but this time for an unknown artist named Mon Rovîa. We had previously worked on single and album covers together and were quickly cycling through multiple brand identities, trying to nail down the perfect one that spoke to his audience but, more importantly, spoke of his journey. Each time I approached it a little differently. We always had a saying in our group chat: “the only way is up.”

As I was doodling I thought about this saying, but this time with a different perspective. I thought much about the last six months of trying to grapple with the loss of what I felt was a high point in my career. This reflection led me to think about the peace I found in this new community—it was gentle. As Mon Rovîa's career pivoted to a different, more focused sound, I started to draw this dove again. This time, instead of loose lines, it took on a bolder, more realized shape. This time, it was clear.

This identity went on to become the main identity of the artist Mon Rovîa. It seemed to contextualize how our small team acted and how our community engaged with us. As our engagement grew, the brand itself also felt tethered to this symbol. I like to think that those drawings on those big white sheets of paper landed somewhere beyond the trash. The truth is, I don’t know, but I know my career and the direction I thought my life would take ultimately felt close to this symbol, inspiring me constantly to remind myself that the only way is up.

The Brief

No Logo
Unknown artist
Build a narrative focused icon using the past as a reference

Reference / Process

30 different hand drawn sketches of doves

Application

This work has now been seen by millions of people across the world. Our small community views it as a symbol of peace, while also recognizing what love can look like in the future. Sometimes the smallest ideas are meant for the biggest journeys.

A Stolen Chapter