Graphic Design
In this section, I am showcasing a selection of design projects that required different approaches to meet the unique needs of each client. Each project is a reflection of how I use design principles to create visually stunning work. Ensuring that each design is tailored to the client's brand, messaging, and intended audience.
Exhibit Display - What Indigenous Knowledge Teaches About Living Sustainably
Problem
This group project consisted in creating an exhibit display that connected seven common themes that represent key values embedded in indigenous cultures, that can teach us how to live more sustainably. Along with two tactile displays in which they further represent speed and distance among the indigenous community, that individuals are able to interact with.
Solution
To start our group project, we created a contract that outlined everyone's roles, responsibilities, and contact information. This helped us stay organized and ensure we were all on the same page. Our first task was to develop a style guide, which included choosing colors, typography, and deciding what information to include in our exhibit. We assigned specific tasks to each team member and scheduled online meetings twice a week to provide updates, give feedback, and set deadlines. Clear communication and feedback were essential to maintaining consistency in our work. Our exhibit consisted of eight large panels and two interactive displays. We also designed marketing materials such as posters and social media ads. In our final presentation, we showcased our problem statement, solution, research findings, and deliverables, explaining how people would engage with our exhibit.
Software Used: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Dimension.
Group Members: Alyssa Speicher - Interactive Display 1, Claudia Obrien - Exhibit Promotional Poster, Interactive Display 2, Yeela Lee - Research, Interactive Display 2, File Organizer, Brian Joquin - Social Media Ads, Jimmy Vega - Exhibit Panels, Research, Mocks, Final Presentation.
Bidwell Park Magazine Feature
Problem
Create a full page magazine feature highlighting Bidwell Park in Chico CA incorporating original text and photography.
Solution
The way I chose to approach this was by inspiration from a local brewery in Chico, Sierra Nevada. I worked my way backwards from background to design on this project.
I began by photographing the park, keeping negative space in mind to allow room for design elements. Once having a final photo I edited some highlights and contrast and started with design. Adding a decorative border, green color palette and a bold serif typeface for the heading were the aspects of design that were inspired from Sierra Nevada. Finally writing a fun capturing paragraph about the park was easy for me as I enjoy walking it throughout the seasons. Overall this layout was one of many that were submitted to the local magazine Explore Butte County, and I was honored to have mine picked to run in their edition.
Software Used: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign.
Top 10 Trails in Chico
Problem
Design an informational poster balancing data, and presenting it in a way that's easy to understand. Topics had to have a dense amount of information and represent the local community in a way.
Solution
My project concept was centered on local trails in Chico, California, reflecting my passion for the outdoors. To captivate the viewers' attention, I took a step further and explored the nearby trails, in addition to conducting research on the unexplored ones. For each trail, I crafted concise yet informative descriptions to entice the viewers. I presented them in a well-organized manner, categorizing them from easy to intermediate and difficult, while also providing additional details such as trail length, pet and family friendliness. To make the presentation more visually appealing, I chose a color palette that included green and earthy colors for the background and created an illustration of a trail descending from the mountain and going through each of the trails. This process led me to my final result of an engaging and informative depiction of the trails in the region.
Software Used: Adobe Illustrator.
The Outsiders
Problem
Update the book cover of The Outsiders for a younger audience, incorporating modern design elements and typography while staying true to the essence of the novel's time period and themes, with the goal of attracting a new generation of readers.
Solution
After sketching out several ideas, I finally settled on a design direction that was sleek and intriguing, but not too dark or modern. To come up with ideas, I looked at best-selling book covers and experimented with different elements. Ultimately, I decided to use a large image that related to the main character, without giving away any important plot details. For the typography, I chose to use the font Montserrat and was inspired by the contrast of black and white to create an illusion of space and achieve balance and unity between the image and text.
Software Used: Adobe InDesign, Photoshop.
Chico State Earth Day 2022
Problem
Come up with a sustainable way to effectively market and advertise our Earth Month event, and coordinate an activity for attendees that provides education as well as engagement among students on campus.
Solution
I took an alternative to our marketing to this particular event, I wanted quick bold designs and colors that would catch attention to the fast paced environment on campus. Screen printing the posters would create a texture on the posters that would provide a simple yet captivating detail, compared to the rest of the folders printed on laser jet printers. And since we want to promote sustainability as much as we can, I opted to print on recycled manila folders gathered from various departments on campus.
For the activity I coordinated a sustainable screen printing activity, to utilize old canvas tote bags in our storage and give students the option to bring used clothing to print on. I was able to get funding to rent a locally owned screen printer on a bike, called Pedal Press. And we printed over 200 bags and over 50 items for students. I am proud to say was one of the most attended activities in the whole event, and was adopted by AS sustainability to continue every year.
Software Used: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop.
Bee The Change
Problem
This project was created with the purpose to spread awareness with a message that matters, and personalized to the Butte county area as this area is home to many beekeepers and agriculture. Bees are vital to our ecosystem, and they need our help!
Solution
My solution was to create this awareness campaign with a direct and bold statement to catch attention, as well as provide a direct call to action for people to take part of this movement. Each poster has a link for a free packet of flower seeds to support bee populations and the link is posted on my bio on instagram to make it easier for people to spread the message with friends and loved ones.
Software Used: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop.
Paul Bunyans Blues Festival
Problem
Create a captivating design that appeals to local and people that come from out of town that attend the Paul Bunyan Blues Festival. It had to incorporate an uplifting message (this year was the first year they had it after the 2021 Dixie Fire) and simple yet creative design that ties the town and festival together.
Solution
This design was very personal to me, as I grew up in the town that almost burnt by the 2021 Dixie fire. This event is one of the highlights of the summer every year, as it happens a week after the 4th of July. I was so excited and honored to be able to create a visual representation for the event I have attended every year with my family since I was a child. For this design I wanted organic lines and a bit of grit and a bold type to match the lumberjack/rugged aesthetic. I made a texture I then put on top of the design to give it more detail and added the "stronger than fire" to capture the resilience of my hometown and local community.
Software Used: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop.