Matt Thomson's profile

Virgil Abloh Tribute, Editorial

Virgil Abloh Tribute
3D Modeling, Copywriting, Editorial Design
RECOGNITION — AdFed, The Show 2023, Bronze Award
*Created in Cinema 4D. Rendered with Octane. No mockups in use.


BACKGROUND — If I was limited to a single mentor, I would choose Virgil. I’m astounded by his visionary approach and the connections we have from being born in the same rural town of Rockford, IL. We were dramatically influenced by skate and music culture during our childhoods, sparking our love for identifying with brands. Virgil has said that “Everything I do is for the 17 year old version of myself.” I find myself frequently revisiting the golden era of my childhood, circa 2011-2012. It was during this period when I found my identity, passions for graphic design, and the live music industry were first ignited, and I will forever draw inspiration from that childlike version of myself.





LAYOUT & STORYTELLING — An elaborate grid system seamlessly integrates the headline, alongside corresponding photos and their respective captions, in addition to the rest of the spreads. I conducted a thorough examination of his career, extracting several of the most significant moments to share with you. 

The last two spreads showcase his collaborations with Gorden Wagener and Rimowa, which serve as catalysts for my future aspirations. Virgil isn’t just a designer but an effective storyteller through various mediums, making him undoubtedly influential for an entire generation of creative minds.


Virgil invites you into his design process.
Virgil Abloh Tribute, Editorial
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