Moodboards are both research and artforms in themselves and create a visual emotion like nothing else can. Another highly favored method of research I use are mindmaps (please see my blog for more on my research methodologies).

The collage represents the fragmentation of the signifier through ripped and cut out pieces of paper, and the surrealist approach adds an intensity to the viewer/subject relationship through a dreamlike approach possessing unreal qualities conceived by the author somewhere between asleep and awake.

This postmodern piece is an illustration that signifies what it means to be looked at through layers of theoretical examinations that are historically rich in context and contemporary culture.

What is shaping the unattainable beauty ideals within the industry and what are some of the effects this is having on pop culture?

A visual response to how the beauty industry makes us think and feel through magazine advertisements.

Rant and Rage is a zine that started from my research for the Master of Arts program in graphic communication through IDI/University of Hertfordshire. Practice 1 and 2 continue to inform my practice and MA project as phases of portfolio work and research methodologies on cultural issues and debates. Experimentation through practice led research processes aim to resolve design problems that have not been considered in this sector of visual culture.

Rant and Rage is a zine that takes social issues and communicates them through visuals and research methods of communicating a purpose to different audiences. It incorporates research with unconventional visuals to challenge the mind and create awareness of societal detriments which could otherwise go unnoticed. Because current issues can have devastating effects without one even noticing what is happening, Rant and Rage aims to bring forth awareness to help the community recognize the signs.

This 2nd phase placed more focus on the fragments whereas phase 1 placed more emphasis on the whole picture. In this phase new questions and strategies were formed leading to deeper research methods and complex outcomes linking possible motivation or scenarios behind self-disclosure. The narratives critically approach these findings and considers the ambiguities in visual communication.

The phenomenon of this culture to become “Insta-famous” has contributed to inappropriate behaviors where the selfie-subject objectifies themselves for the spectator’s pleasure. This far reaching trend of sharing inappropriate self-images with the public appears to have subsidized the new normal.

We must also consider some of the complications that have risen out of the influential behaviors that seemed to have triggered a narcissistic generation into exploding social media with selfies. Are these effects manipulating mass media culture into accepting exponentially blurred lines between socially accepted and ethical behaviors with this visual practice?

Foundation Scripture: Ezekiel 11: 19-20
19 Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, 20 that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God.

Design Problem – Youth countercultures tend to isolate themselves into groups with the tendency to identify themselves as exclusive while alienating other groups in a variety of ways. This can create prejudice against other genres, group cultures such as racial, political, or subcultures who base their identity on sexual orientation. Media and self-expression in a graphical context play an important role in the identity of youth subcultures.

Objective – Solve the design problem by using graphic design to create a mural that will blend the styles and art forms from binary opposition youth countercultures in one piece to communicate the message of coexistence. The style and content of the completed mural will represent the highly artistic nature that these countercultures exemplify within their cultures.

Competition Brief: To propose a new typographic identity for the museum that includes print, screen and environmental applications with typographic guidelines.

The foundation of this project began with the creation of a modular alphabet inspired by children’s building blocks…

The brief was to create a book cover for the historically endeared child’s book Carries War. This children’s classic novel has been published many times, and each time with a different cover, therefore it must communicate the story in a new and exciting way. The cover must show an understanding of the history and culture of WWll from a children’s point of view and the emotional turmoil of displacement and fear of what the future had to hold. It must be imaginative and appeal to a very broad audience: 9-11 year olds and to the adults who buy books for children. Bringing a children’s classic war novel to a new generation of readers; this idea shifts and builds with culture and technology, as new relationships, and types of consumption create new questions especially to an audience of children.

When I was commissioned to create seasonal posters for upcoming exhibits for the Arts Council Main Street Gallery, I thought what better way to showcase art than dig back into history and render some digital illustrations in celebration of some great artists. This series of posters honored Pablo Picasso, Gustav Klimt and Georgia O’Keeffe. 

A personal project as a tribute to the movement that embraced commercial techniques creating a mass production mocking the established art world and its fascination with popular culture. Using Dadaist ideology of satirical language by appropriating images from mass media, icons, capitalism and the street and presenting it as art marks the era in which the countercultures of the 60s and 70s were represented.

Two editorial spreads for the theme human achievement. I chose the following article to produce two images for the fictional scientific magazine “The Scientific Reader”
The article It takes more than an IQ to describe how our brains work required extensive research in order to craft supporting imagery for the spreads. Some of the points that sparked great interest through research were:

Through extensive investigation create a distinct and original brand identity for The Traders’ House, a retailer of international fair-trade products from developing countries. Through research into likeminded companies who represent a global movement of fair trade I was able to gain a number of perspectives into the trends in design and found that most are very simplistic with similar color combinations of red + orange, brown + green+ blue over a variation of jute tones. This created an opportunity to create something that would be strikingly different yet still be as colorful as the many countries the brand represents.

Design-build and branding project for local Fair Trade coffeehouse. We took an old preschool playroom and gutted it to create a warm place for people to gather. We embraced the fair trade concept by evoking a hand painted effect on a wall feature. This was a very simple design to appeal to children and families.

The business is focused on cosmetic surgery, hair transplants, hormone replacement therapy and other health and appearance related procedures. The business is trying to draw in more male clients and needed a new look.