So You’re a graphic design major
+ Tools : Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign
+ Type : Exhibition Curation + Design
So You’re a Graphic Design Major? Is my final BFA exhibition that explores the stigma surrounding the field of graphic design. Through personal interviews, storytelling, and interactive elements, this exhibition aims to challenge misconceptions and highlight the value of design in everyday life. It combines a wall and website with shared stories, a narrative-driven book about the design process, and a video that contrasts a world with and without graphic design. This project is a reflection of my passion for the field and a response to the question, “Why is graphic design important?”
Project 1 is an exploration of the stigma surrounding graphic design, presented through an immersive and modular exhibition layout. I interviewed classmates, professors, and professionals to gather a range of perspectives, which were featured on a website accessible via QR code to keep the wall content clean and focused. The final design combined squares, circles, and rectangles to create visual depth, and I mounted selected quotes on canvas for a polished look. Vinyl text on the side panels added an additional layer of storytelling, despite the challenge of working with the material for the first time. The result was a thoughtfully crafted space that reflected months of experimentation and growth.
Part 1 - Interviews + website
Project 2 focused on highlighting the value of graphic design through storytelling rather than data. Instead of relying on statistics, I created a narrative-driven book featuring a character named Jordan, who walks the reader through the process of designing a logo. This story offers a personal and engaging look into the creative problem-solving involved in design work. Originally planned as a zine, the format evolved into a more traditional book to better suit the narrative. I hand-produced 50 copies, each featuring two interactive 3x3-inch flaps integrated into the story. The process was labor-intensive—cutting, taping, folding, and binding each book by hand—but the result was a tactile, thoughtful piece that invites readers to understand and appreciate the work of graphic designers.
Part 2 - Book
Project 3 is a video that explores the impact of graphic design in everyday spaces by visually highlighting how essential it is, often in places we take for granted. In some segments, I ask viewers to imagine these environments without design, then black out the graphic elements to create a striking contrast. This technique helps audiences recognize how deeply design is woven into our world. The video also features interviews with designers, elements of humor, and an overall message meant to inspire both creatives and non-creatives. Although structuring the video was a personal challenge, the final piece successfully tells a compelling story that goes beyond facts to emotionally connect with viewers and elevate their appreciation for design.
Part 3 - VIDEO
process book
for a complete PDF of the book feel free to click the button below!
The branding for this project was a deliberate departure from my usual design choices, pushing me to explore new colors and typography that would better reflect the heart of the work. After weeks of experimenting and stepping away from my go-to shades like red and off-white, I discovered a bold pink that sparked a new direction. This led to a unique palette of pink, purple, mint, and orange, each symbolizing a core theme: care, ambition, creativity, and new beginnings. For typography, I chose Novecento Sans Wide for its strong, all-caps clarity in titles, paired with Filson Pro for body copy due to its soft readability. Together, the colors and typefaces convey a tone that is approachable, thoughtful, and visually cohesive with the project’s message.
