"Expect to be surprised." Illustrated by Caitlin Heimerl

Artist StatementWhen asked to create an image to contribute to 1200 Posters, how could I have said no? The first five designs have been wonderfully exciting, edgy, smart, and sweet. Each month I have found myself renewed by the fresh ideas brought to life by these hip young illustrators. I was definitely inspired to take on the challenge. Working on the April poster has been a terrific excuse to dust off my sense of whimsy and to be silly and to try something new. From now on, I will “expect to be surprised” by the boundless possibilities of imagery and design that come from a collaborative effort like this. I have felt most engaged in communities where I am asked to put my best foot forward and am met with support and respect. I think that this project has engaged me in a similar way. While sketching ideas for the poster, I felt like I had opened up a Pandora’s box of potential pictures. No concept was too absurd to at least put down on paper. Sunbathing beetles and levitatin