Research & Other Exploration
These projects were done outside of the design program, where I had a chance to test my design skills in other specialties and topics.
Feminist Theories and Foundations - Research Project
Confined. designed. but credited?
This zine was created to illustrate the history, or lack thereof, of women in the graphic design profession. This zine explores the contributions of 10 key women to the field of graphic design. Analyzing and comparing the texts The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir, and Alms for Oblivion by Ellen Mazur Thomson brings attention to the disparities and struggles of career women. Beauvoir’s comment on existentialism focuses on navigating individualistic thinking with the tension between free will and societal constraints. Despite oppression and sexism, multiple women achieved professional status as graphic designers. However, women were forced into more “feminine” specialties at design schools such as the Bauhaus and/or were “lost” to history because, according to Thomson, they were not credited for their work. In addition, exploring the primary and secondary sources questions the definition of design itself and why the lack of clarity has made it difficult to identify women designers. Delivering this research in the form of a zine salutes one of the ways feminists communicate their views. The combination of photos, hand-drawn illustrations, and digitally rendered shapes & textures help point to the main ideas of each article. Overall, the zine captures key concepts of limitations within a male-dominated world, as well as the capacity, competence, and innovation of women in design. Created for the Feminist Theories and Foundations course (GEND219) and informed by my program, Bachelor of Design.
Roman & Greek Mythology - Creative Project
KING MIDAS AND HIS GOLDEN TOUCH
For this creative project, the Greek myth I chose was King Midas and His Golden Touch. This myth piqued my interest as it was the only one in which any of the gods have taken back a ‘gift’ that they gave to a mortal. The gift was given by Dionysus to King Midas. Grateful to the King for showing kindness to one of his followers, he gave him one wish. Selfishly and unsatisfied with his luxurious reality, King Midas wished for everything he touched to be turned into gold. However, what was seen as a blessing or benefit, was actually a curse. Everything turned to gold, including his food and family. Midas saw all of the benefits that his gift gave him. He was now the richest king in the world. However, that happiness and power quickly turned into anguish when he accidentally touched his daughter, turning her into a gold statue. He ended up sacrificing someone he loved for his selfish gain. At this realization, Midas begged the gods to take back this gift that had taken away his daughter. Feeling pity for the King, Dionysus told him to go wash his hands in a river and that this gift would be taken away.
