In November of 2017, I accepted a challenge to make one beat every day for 30 days. I completed the challenge, and for each beat I made, I posted it on Instagram with artwork that I drew by hand. After the challenge, I realized that I hadn't drawn anything for myself in years - I spent all of my time in front of a computer designing corporate stuff that I didn't care about.

I knew I need something for me - I just didn't know what. However, during the challenge I got such great responses to my beats and artwork, and I wanted to do something more with the art. I wanted to continue to express myself through these drawings. But first, I needed a name. The name I landed on was Stella Ultra - Latin for Beyond The Stars.

Don't be afraid. - image 1 - student project

I came up with the name after revisiting one of my favourite songs of all time - You Can Do It Too by Pharrell Williams, featuring Jamie Cullum (The Yessirs version, of course).

In the outro, Jamie Cullum repeats the phrase "Don't be afraid to look up in the sky...". That was what I needed to hear. I was too afraid, creatively, too look up in the sky and see what's possible for me. Metaphorically, when I look up in the sky, I hope to see the stars, and even beyond that to what lies in wait for me. The theme of the Pharrell song is that being creatively free and doing what you love is not only reserved for him, but other kids like me as well. He told me that I could do it too.

I had the name, now I need a logo. I went through a few iterations, and then settled on one that I liked.

Don't be afraid. - image 2 - student project

Don't be afraid. - image 3 - student project Don't be afraid. - image 4 - student project Don't be afraid. - image 5 - student project

Once that was settled, I created my Instagram page, @StellaUltra, and began to showcase my work to the world. But it wasn't for the world. It was for me, and for others who needed to be encouraged to not be afraid. The character above that represents Stella Ultra, also represents me: no more having my head down, hiding my light, my gifts and the talents behind a corporate wall; beginning to show the world who I am. The poster below encapsulates everything that is Stella Ultra, and everything that is me.

Don't be afraid. - image 6 - student project

Christian Bortey

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