Maya Dixon’s research into the psychological impact of climate change has led her to create a series of campaigning illustrations (and an associated app) applied to the packaging of common consumer items which contribute to climate change. Dixon is astonished that despite the impacts of the climate crisis already affecting us psychologically, we continue to blindly contribute towards it.

“I used imagery of a Polar bear, fire and flood as I know those concepts are influential and induce some strong emotional responses. My designs were then placed on the packaging of common objects, as the juxtaposition between the design on the object and the object itself makes for an interesting reaction. My hope for this project is to encourage the user or viewer to become more conscientious of their own impact and be reminded that we all have a contribution to climate change which consequently leads to a negative impact on our own mental wellbeing”.

Dixon’s work is heavily influenced by her passions for social justice and the environment and touches on modern political, environmental and social affairs in an attempt to draw attention to current global issues and encourage positive change.

“To me, being an illustrator means more than ‘just drawing’ – it is an opportunity to capture people’s attention and give them the information (or the push) that they need to make a change. I hope to use my platform as a designer to push boundaries and make a difference to our society.”

Sheffield-based Maya Dixon takes her inspiration from current global political affairs and filters this into her work. After studying BA Illustration at Sheffield Hallam University, she has found an interest in working in the Editorial Illustration field, however she is also keen on working within branding and packaging design.

Alongside illustration, Maya has experience in working in various disciplines within the art sector, with qualifications also in textile design and experience working with surface pattern design, animation, photography and film.