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InspirationIllustration

Hoop Dreams: Vivid illustration series celebrates designers' love of basketball

Using abstract jumping bodies as the focus of the work, these illustrations highlight the vibrant movement and street culture that surround players as they follow their 'hoop dreams'.

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All images courtesy of the artist

All images courtesy of the artist

Inspired by city life, street courts and the community built around the sport, the illustrations are an all-American tribute to the underdogs that play with the dream of making it big.

The quirky designs are by Drakecereal – an art brand created by Toronto-based illustrator, Sarah Brown. After being fired from a handful of casual jobs, Sarah bought a Wacom tablet to illustrate basketball courts and distract herself from the "anxiety of her uncertain future".

She explains: "As a basketball player myself, this project is a tribute to my personal history and love of all things basketball. My greatest influences are Michael Jordan and the movies I grew up watching like White Men Can't Jump, Finding Forrester and He Got Game."

Since launching her brand in 2016, Sarah has worked endlessly to promote her love of basketball while poking fun at popular culture through sneakers, city life and partying. Some of her recent clients include Nike, Red Bill, Giants of Africa and Tokyo Smoke. Discover more at www.drakecereal.com.

A stylised black silhouette of a basketball player in mid-jump against a vibrant red background, surrounded by abstract geometric shapes in purple, yellow and teal, with a basketball and hoop visible
Abstract illustration by Drakecereal featuring stylised figures in vibrant colours of red, blue, green, yellow and black jumping and intertwining against a textured purple background
Stylised green basketball player with red hair jumping toward a basketball hoop, with another figure reaching down to pass the ball, against a black starry background
Three stylised basketball players in silhouette with colourful accents jumping and playing on a coral red background, by Drakecereal
Stylised silhouette of a basketball player in mid-jump against a green background, wearing a numbered jersey and holding a basketball, by Drakecereal
Two stylised basketball players in dynamic poses against a vibrant, abstract geometric background with colourful shapes and geometric elements
Black silhouette figure in red shorts jumping with a Spalding basketball, surrounded by a basketball hoop, Bulls logo and trainers in a minimalist illustration style
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