Progress:

https://apocalypse-prevention-agency.tumblr.com/post/184774867041/the-progress-of-my-drawing-for-jazzas-isolation

(I'm sorry this is pretty dark, things get better for them I promise)

I know there's a lot of people for an artwork that's meant to be about isolation,

but I wanted to incorporate as many of my characters as possible, and the

different ways they feel isolated. The multiple versions of each character is

meant to give a time lapse effect, and/or possibly hint at time travel. The

lack of interaction between characters also illustrates that whether or not

they are actually isolated, they feel alone.

The white lighter is a reference to the line "I'm using white lighters to see

what's in front of me" from 'RIP 2 my youth' by The Neighbourhood, which

itself may be a reference to the 27 club conspiracy (several famous musicians

died at age 27, allegedly in possession of a white lighter.) The loss of

innocence and naivety, and death, that are referenced in the song are major

themes that my characters deal with. They're scared of growing up, and would

rather face their demons alone than risk being seen as weak or heartless.

Helena

(top left): Quiet, introverted, scared of what she's becoming, afraid to open

up, afraid losing her childhood best friend Phil (bottom left) and the

compassion they had for one another as their relationship changes

Alden

(top left): Afraid of losing his (adopted) brother (Phil), scared of what he

needs to do to save the people he cares about, wanting to be more than Helena

and Phil's third wheel or a tamer Edmund (centre left), overwhelming

stress/depression that leads to him developing a serious drug addiction, would

rather be broken than resilient because then he doesn't have to deal with

anything

Phil

(bottom left): Emotionally damaged from childhood trauma, feels like he is

losing his ability to feel empathetic and scared of becoming like his abusive

father, struggling with cancer treatment and knowing his best friend will

betray him

Edmund

(centre left): Once outgoing and extroverted with aspirations to become an

actor, or at least as successful as his doctor/lawyer siblings, now struggling

to deal with new responsibilities and what he knows about the future.

Over-committed to being supportive of his girlfriend (Larna) to the extent of

dangerous self-neglect including using alcohol as a coping mechanism

Cordelia

(centre right): Afraid that her desire for control is what causes everything to

fall apart, mourning the loss of her son before he even exists, conflicted over

whether she should pursue selfish or selfless motives, and whether it would

even make any difference. The title "The emptiness inside, the truth it has to hide"

is a quote from the song I wrote for Cordelia but applies to all of them, it's also a

reference to the artwork I made for the future click-bait themed competition "The truth

about time travel" which features a lot of the same characters/concepts.

Madeline

(far right): Determined to be independent, pursues excitement and adventure,

and more afraid of what will be mundane than what will be tragic

Larna

(top centre): Already lost the person she cares most about, feels like she

can't connect to anyone else, wants escape and freedom, feels trapped and

scared of what she's done

Rosenhan

(behind): Has seen the fourth wall break, convinced there is no free will and

nothing anyone can do to prevent anything, everyone he cares about are victims

of fate