We Asked 6 Artists To Draw Illustrations For The Causes They Care About

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2020 has been an eye-opening year. It’s pushed many to deeply reflect on what is most important to them and how they can best use their platform for good.

So we asked six talented artists to reflect the times in their own style and use their artistic voices to illustrate the causes they’re most passionate about.

LGBTQ Rights

Illustration by Kevin Valente © BuzzFeed 2020 / @kevinvalente

"As a gay man, activism weighs heavily on my mind. We are a community that must constantly fight against the forces that seek to push us down and to make us less than. In today's political environment, especially now with the death of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, I feel that the future of our equality, and any other minority for that fact, is extremely precarious. I hope this piece will be a reminder to all of the LGBTQ community that we are a strong and vibrant group. We must stay vigilant, be vocal, and of the utmost importance, we must vote so that we will not be forced back into the closet, back into being second-class citizens." — Kevin Valente

Mental Health Awareness

Illustration by Victoria Reyes © BuzzFeed 2020 / @victoriaayes

"Our minds are a beautiful thing — they help us cultivate thoughts, feelings, and among millions of other things, create an entirely unique existence. Something this important should be taken care of and looked after. Unfortunately to this day, there is still a stigma against mental illness and a complete lack of knowledge, awareness, and education. We need to be open and accepting of those struggling to find a voice or an outlet. We need to be brave and express self-love as well. During these uncertain times, we need to take care of our mental health as much as our physical health and know we are not alone." — Victoria Reyes

Environmentalism & Ocean Pollution

Illustration by William Smith © BuzzFeed 2020 / @willsmithx4

"Environmentalism is a cause I’ve rallied behind my whole life. Pollution is just one way that humans have managed to muck up a planet of balance and beauty. Sadly, we are not the only ones to suffer from this.

Earth's ecosystem is entirely dependent on its oceans, which have been ruthlessly poisoned by the trash and chemicals we wash into them on a daily basis. The wildlife and flora upon which the world relies are dying — but it's not too late to start doing something about it.

We have to start practicing less wasteful habits, actively pursuing green solutions, and holding mass polluters accountable before we cause irreparable harm to our home and its inhabitants." — William Smith

The Importance Of Voting

Illustration by Daniel Blaushild © BuzzFeed 2020 / @imdb_13

"Practicing the right to vote — not just in presidential elections, but also in all local and primary elections — is a hallmark of a functioning democracy and one of our best ways to enact change as citizens. Our elected officials have the power to make laws about the environment, education, racial justice, income inequality, and so much more. That is why it is important for everyone’s voice to be heard, whether it’s as simple as encouraging people to get out and vote, or increasing access to voting in areas in the country where that right is being suppressed." — Daniel Blaushild

Arts Education Funding

Illustration by Nicole Ench © BuzzFeed 2020 / @nicoleench

"I grew up with the immense privilege of being able to pursue my interest in art from a young age. My public school’s program was by no means large. We had trouble filling classes at times, and we knew that the school focused its efforts and funding on STEM learning. Despite this, it was never a question on if I would have the materials or educational support needed to sustain my artistic interests. I often think about kids who don’t have these outlets, whose schools can’t provide them with materials or even the teachers that they need because they haven’t been given the proper funding.

It’s been proven many times over that art education often helps kids to succeed in other areas of education and helps those with a higher risk of dropping out to stay in school. The arts allow them to pursue opportunities and interests that may feel more personal to them. It allows them to thrive in a way that they wouldn’t otherwise and creates a spark that can set them off on lifelong artistic pursuits. Art programs are constantly at risk for being underfunded or cut completely. I know there is so much to be done in order to provide proper funding for kids who deserve a chance to follow their artistic dreams." — Nicole Ench

Protecting Wildlife Habitats

Illustration by Marjan Farsad © BuzzFeed 2020 / @marjanfarsad

"We focus most of our energy on solving human issues, but we care so little about the animals and other species who keep losing their habitats every day due to human activity and intervention. Forests, swamps, rivers, lakes, and other places that once were home to many species are now being cleared, burned, harvested, and used for agriculture, industrial development, housing, etc. Humans have caused climate change and pollution that is now disrupting ecosystems and has put many species and their habitats at risk of extinction.

It’s important for governments to establish policies to protect wildlife habitats and for people to change their behaviors because it’s already too late." — Marjan Farsad

Adobe Creative Cloud was used to help bring these illustrations to life! Check out the full suite of tools for yourself, and see how you can help fight for the causes that are most important to you. And if you're a student, you can save up to 60%!