Broly Su, a talented illustrator and graphic designer, is currently based in Atlanta. His artistic journey began early on when he was introduced to hip-hop culture by friends. This vibrant and rebellious music style deeply influenced his creations. A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Broly has always adhered to his unique street style in illustration. This dedication not only advanced his personal artistic career but also attracted the attention of McDonald’s design team.
McDonald’s Invitation and Challenge
In May 2023, McDonald’s design team approached Broly with a proposal to create a 10-foot-long mural for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, to be displayed at the 88Rising Music Festival in New York. The project aimed to celebrate and promote AAPI culture, using art to increase awareness and respect for this community. Despite the project’s two-week timeline, Broly eagerly embraced the challenge. He recognized it as a prime opportunity to showcase his distinct style, and even though it was a commercial collaboration, he remained true to his creative principles and intentions.
While incorporating the necessary elements specified by McDonald’s, Broly unleashed his imagination to redefine a McDonald’s AAPI cultural world. Through delicate strokes and bold colors, he highlighted the richness and diversity of AAPI culture. In addition to the mural, McDonald’s suggested using the same illustration to design a special 88Rising-themed New York City “MetroCard,” which entitled holders to a free McDonald’s meal at the event. This initiative not only served as an artistic expression but also as an interactive promotion of AAPI culture.
The event atmosphere was incredibly lively, and Broly’s work received significant interaction and praise. Through his illustrations, the audience experienced the unique charm of AAPI culture, and Broly successfully used his art to promote and celebrate the AAPI community in the United States.
Collaboration and Breakthrough with the NFL Seattle Seahawks
Following the McDonald’s project, Broly soon embarked on another major endeavor—a collaboration with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. With the launch of the 2024 NFL season, the Seahawks’ publicity department aimed to work with visual artists to create superhero-themed imagery for their games and players. This innovative idea was intended to attract more fans with visually striking artwork.
Donny Brock, the Seahawks’ design director, reached out to Broly to illustrate the Seahawks’ game against the Cardinals, particularly highlighting linebacker Boye Mafe. Donny envisioned Boye as a superhero with the ability to teleport, reflecting his outstanding ability to stop the opposition as if he could instantly appear in front of them.
Broly was filled with passion and creative inspiration for this collaboration. He depicted Boye as a powerful and agile superhero against a dynamic and energetic game backdrop. This collaboration not only garnered more recognition for Broly’s work but also marked a significant step in his career. Within a day of the Seahawks’ official Instagram posting the illustration, it received over 20,000 likes and more than 100 comments, injecting substantial excitement into the Seahawks’ new season.
From Street Style to the Global Stage: An Artistic Journey
Broly’s story continues, much like his street-style illustrations. From promoting AAPI Heritage Month to creating artwork for the NFL, each piece reflects his passion and dedication to the art of illustration. Broly’s artistic journey is undoubtedly filled with passion and creativity. He constantly pushes his boundaries, using art to bridge cultures and impact more people.
Broly’s success lies not only in his artistic talent but also in his deep understanding of culture and unwavering pursuit of art. Each of his works is a manifestation of his emotions and thoughts, a profound interpretation of life and culture. In the future, Broly will continue his artistic exploration, using his creations to tell more compelling stories and showcase the beauty of diverse cultures.