Behind the Scenes: Creating Quora's New 2017 Artwork

The April 2017 artwork on Quora's login page was created by the renowned artist and illustrator Maya Lin. Known for her unique style and significant contributions to art and architecture, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., this artwork reflects her distinctive approach to design and creativity.

Collaboration and Innovation

While Maya Lin brought her expertise to the Quora project, the artwork's creation involved a collaborative effort. This piece was further developed by artist Gwendal Le Bec, in close collaboration with Quora's product designer. The process of creating this artwork involved a series of ambitious goals and creative challenges.

Gwendal Le Bec, a talented illustrator known for his editorial and children's book illustrations, took on the project with enthusiasm. His experience with editorial work helped him incorporate a wide range of themes from human behaviors and knowledge-sharing into the artwork. The collaboration was initiated by Jen Lee, Quora's Platform Design Lead, who saw the potential to enhance the Quora brand through visually engaging content.

Process and Inspiration

The process involved a significant amount of back and forth between the illustrator and Quora's team, exploring various styles and themes to find the perfect fit. Gwendal talked about the challenge of creating an illustration that stood on its own while also allowing for individual elements to be reused.

The final illustration is a detailed, wide-ranging work of art that incorporates a vast array of subjects. Gwendal described the process as feeling like he was "in a Hieronymus Bosch painting, looking for Waldo". This playful and intricate design reflects the diverse range of topics discussed on Quora.

Previous Inspirations

Before this ambitious project, Quora had experimented with other illustrative and iconographic styles. For example, in 2014, Nathaniel Russell created illustrative artwork in collaboration with Quora designer Holly Gressley for their anthology of answers. Additionally, in the past, artist Josh Cochran had created a previous all-purpose illustration that Quora frequently reused.

About the Artist, Gwendal Le Bec

Gwendal Le Bec’s background in illustration and graphic design has allowed him to explore a diverse range of projects. He graduated from an MFA program and has worked on a variety of editorial and book projects. Gwendal also expressed his interest in blending his editorial illustrations with commercial projects, providing a unique perspective on design and illustration in the tech industry.

Conclusion

The artwork on Quora's login page is a testament to the creativity and collaboration that drives innovative design. From Maya Lin's initial contribution to Gwendal Le Bec's detailed illustrations, this piece stands as a unique representation of the platform's rich and varied content. The process and outcome of this project showcase the potential for rich visual storytelling in the digital age.