The Yellow Wallpaper: Character Design by Juliette Reyes
https://juliettereyes.squarespace.com/
The Yellow Wallpaper: Character Design is a digital art project that reimagines Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s classic short story through heartfelt illustration. Her work focuses on visually translating the story’s critique of patriarchal attitudes. By designing characters as if for an animated film, Reyes brings a new lens to the narrative, centering the emotional and psychological complexity of the protagonist’s descent into madness.
I admire Reyes’ personal connection to the story. Having read the text in a previous semester, she related to the main character's sense of isolation and inner conflict. Over time, Reyes recognized that her own sense of confinement was often shaped by internalized societal expectations placed on young women. Having strong desire to express these struggles add depth to her interpretation, making the work not just a retelling, but an act of personal reflection.
She designed the project using Procreate. The illustrations feature expressive, stylized figures to embrace the character's embattled state. Juliette plans to present the project either as a behind-the-scenes art book or through social media platforms to engage her audiences.
The Yellow Wallpaper work aligns with Reyes’ broader artistic focus on mental health. By revisiting this classic through a modern visual approach, she not only honors a foundational feminist text but explores how its themes remain relevant today. Her illustrations are a powerful take on the enduring impact of societal pressures on women’s autonomy and mental well-being.

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