For this project, I’m not focusing on my individual exhibition work, but rather on the poster I designed to represent the entire exhibition. As one of the most experienced designers in my peer group, the professor entrusted me with the responsibility of creating a unified poster that would capture the essence of everyone’s work and reflect the overall theme of the show. My goal was to design something that not only showcased the diversity of styles and ideas within the exhibit but also felt cohesive and impactful as a single visual piece that symbolized the collective creativity of the group.
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Sketches
To begin the design process, I made it a point to ask everyone for their input what they hoped to see in the final poster and how they wanted their work to be represented. My initial idea was to create a collage-style piece that either combined elements from each project or paid homage to them individually. I began gathering inspiration and building a mood that could reflect the energy and diversity of the group’s work. However, I quickly realized that incorporating too many bold, eye-catching elements created visual clutter, ultimately diluting the message of the exhibition. To find balance, I studied the layered, expressive style of Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose work inspired me to focus on intentional composition and symbolism creating a design that felt dynamic, but still cohesive and meaningful.
SONDER
Name Collection
With everyone busy preparing their individual exhibits, the group spent about two weeks brainstorming a name for the show. Ideas were thrown around, but time was running short. Rather than submitting nothing to the professor, a handful voted in favor of the name "Sonder" a term that beautifully captures the realization that each passerby has a life as rich and complex as our own.
These two designs were the ones we initially presented for the exhibition poster. Unfortunately, the Art Director wasn’t satisfied with either. He described one as clean but too somber, and the other as energetic but overly cluttered and visually busy. While the feedback was tough to hear, it was valuable. With only three weeks left until the exhibit, and my own presentation still needed be to prepare, I knew I had to go back to the drawing board. I began diving deeper into research, searching for a balance between clarity and emotion a design that could reflect the vibrancy of the group without overwhelming the viewer. The pressure was on, but so was the determination to get it right.
TRANSCENDENCE
Transcendence
Short on time, we held a meeting to finalize the exhibition name, and this time everyone unanimously agreed on "Transcendence." For the new poster design, I wanted to create something that truly represented the entire group. I chose a woman as the central figure, reflecting the majority of my peers, and also included representation of disability to ensure inclusivity. I used a grid system to structure the layout for balance and clarity. The color palette features a deep purple, symbolizing the night sky and mystery, complemented by yellow, which highlights the subject rising from the clouds visually conveying the theme of growth, elevation, and transformation.
In this project, I learned the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and inclusive design. Balancing multiple voices, creative feedback, and tight deadlines challenged me to stay focused while still being open to change. I also deepened my understanding of how design can be used to represent a collective identity, not just individual expression. Most importantly, I learned that good design is not just about aesthetics it’s about meaning, clarity, and impact.
