ILLUSTRATION & LAYOUT | 2019-20

Semifinalist in 2020 Walt Disney Imagineering’s Imaginations Design Competition

Exystence is a place of relaxation, fellowship, and immersing oneself in nature and the exterior. First, the garden begins with tranquil waters — creating a refreshing section of Exystence. With the state's humid, subtropical climate, the flowing of streams and sprinklers allows the community to revive themselves. Not only can they cool off and relax, but children can have fun as well. Next, the rooms are intimate spaces. Within Exystence, these peaceful sanctuaries can be used for students to study, or others can read or work on projects. Plus, with nature surrounding them, it will give the citizens a productivity boost. The bike trails are for beginners and expert riders alike. These passages expand throughout the trees and provide both shade and sun, depending on the individuals' preferences. Not only will the cyclists improve their strength and balance, but they will also enjoy viewing wildlife and appreciate the species living within the area. Lastly, the amphitheater is a place of social gathering. Whether having a picnic or playing outdoor games, this section of Exystence is a space for interactivity among diverse individuals for community purposes. It provides a form of structure and foundation of society.

This year’s project challenge was to create an iconic installation on your campus or city that serves as an inspiration, honors the past, and is a vision of the future. It could be architectural, ornamental, static, active, whatever the team felt was the best way to represent their unique chosen location. It could be intimate or grandiose, but it should always be appropriate for the location selected. In telling the very unique story of our chosen spot, it should respect and integrate local traditions and geography. Our icon should be a place to gather and celebrate, as well as reflect and educate the community. A concept that will go down in history as symbolic of our campus or city.

The project was conceived by the Louisiana Tech University Team and created for the 2020 Walt Disney Imagineering’s Imaginations Design Competition. This project is the sole property of Walt Disney Imagineering and all rights to use these ideas are exclusive to Walt Disney Imagineering. The competition is a way for students and recent graduates to showcase their talents and for Walt Disney Imagineering to identify new talent.

MFA THESIS & CROSS-PLATFORM | 2018-19

My research explores curriculums within high school educational systems in the states of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. My research also shows how incorporating graphic design courses could impact communities predominately comprised of people of color. Graphic design education encourages students to be engaged in community activity in addition to their studies. When the youth become involved in anything, there is a strong chance their parents will join in as well. This field provides an opportunity to reach two generations simultaneously. Graphic design could also improve students’ social well-being and educate and inform them of today’s issues.

Not only could graphic design high school education create and encourage more diversity in the field of graphic design, it could also create an additional platform for people of color to share their talent and ideas. The purpose of my research and work is to elevate the visibility of graphic design early on in a student’s education to encourage people of color to consider these fields of study in college. I believe this is essential in changing the minds of people who oppose graphic design as a professional choice, especially at an age where it could be a pathway to not only higher education, but their futures as well.

My goal is to have students never feel alone as I once did when I was first getting involved in the creative field. As a graphic designer, I want to show students there are always opportunities on the horizon, just like any other field, because we continue to shape the world today. 

HOSPITALITY DESIGN & BRANDING | 2019

Welcome to the hotel, The Norman — a place where your experience is not only comfortable and relaxing, but memorable before, during, and after your stay. 

Our story behind the hotel comes from the historical context of what makes Memphis today. It is all about connections between the city, the Mississippi River, and the most important aspect — you, the people. You are part of the story of Memphis. Thank you choosing your stay with us and enjoy your journey. 

It started off by doing research on the city of Memphis. We were big on historical context since the building we’re incorporating our hotel & restaurant in was the American Snuff Company. 

As we got the opportunity to go to Memphis, we went further into our research off the key snippets of what makes Memphis what it is today - the people, the culture & diversity, history, especially the Mississippi River. We were big on connectivity, which guided my partner and I to develop our concept question — what if our hotel were an oxbow? It is a U-shaped lake that forms when a wide meander of the main stem of the river is cut off but yet it’s still considered part of that river. 

We found something interesting about an event that took place somewhat near the area of where our hotel is located. A man by the name of Tom Lee rescued 32 men from a sinking ship called “The Norman.” He did not even know how to swim, but still managed to save those men. The city gave him the title “the worthy Negro.”

This project was a collaboration with interior designer, Madison Mitchell.

HOSPITALITY DESIGN & BRANDING | 2019

The Griffin is located on the fourth floor of The Norman Hotel. It is a place where your come in and fill your soul with not only good food, but with fellowship and know the true difference between eating and dining.

The story behind the restaurant comes from the historical background of the old business, Griffin Studios. Customers could come in and buy film, camera, photographs, or even get their picture taken. This historical concept proves why our boutique hotel and restaurant are big with the past, because it defines who we are today. Enjoy the atmosphere, be vulnerable with your choosing from the menu, and enjoy your journey.

This project was a collaboration with interior designer, Madison Mitchell.

CROSS-PLATFORM | 2017

5th Louisiana Biennial: The Art of the Poster

Student Best of Show ADDY Award

Gold ADDY Award

Silver ADDY Award

(31ATE) is a local food campaign educating consumers on geographically localized food, its advantages, and importance of why it should be bought. The strength of this strive is consumers’ fear of unhealthy food choices or desire to achieve good health. The goal is getting consumers to become part of the movement. 

To determine success, the campaign looked into social media effectiveness, new members vs. returning ones, marketing materials, and word-of-mouth. People standing behind, loving, and promoting the food in their community is what (31ATE) hoped to achieve. The purpose was to increase local food production and consumption through consumers’ demands. This campaign’s top three objectives were: 1) Informing the consumers of the importance of buying local food regards to health and where their food actually comes from, 2) Enriching their social community, and 3) Promoting food culture. 

ART PUBLICATION | 2017

This layout design consisted of artwork created by Anna Helper. The article was consisted of four spreads with images of her installation during that year and detailed information of what the work was about.

INFOGRAPH | 2019

Gold ADDY Award

Black Panther is a 2018 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. This informational design consists of the film’s accomplishments, box office success, spoken languages, and the number of times characters said or done the Wakanda Forever salute.

MAGAZINE COVERS | 2017-18

These cover designs are made for a fictional magazine, entitled Rosé. It is a magazine specifically made for ladies, ranging from teens to young adults, involving topics related to fashion and beauty benefitting them throughout the year.

INFOGRAPH | 2018

Bronze ADDY Award

People’s Choice ADDY Award

Invasion of Privacy is the debut studio album for rapper Cardi B. This interactve, informational design consists her accomplishments and specific details of each track since its release.

ANNUAL REPORT & WEB DESIGN | 2017

Best Friends Animal Society is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to build effective programs for animals and preventing them from entering shelters. I had the opportunity to design an annual report acknowledging their accomplishments, documenting their finances and activities from the previous year. I included a digital portion of the annual report by developing a website that explains the same context.

LAYOUT DESIGN & COLLAGE PRINT | 2019

Black History Month began in 1976 to remember the important people and events in the history of African culture. People pay tribute to the generations of African-Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society. Even though many people celebrate black culture all year-round, February is the specific month of the year to GREATLY seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history. I used this month to acknowledge those before me, those currently, and the ones who will come after. I believe that as a culture, a movement, everyone should be here to root for any and everyone black. THIS IS OUR MONTH. OUR TIME. OUR LIGHT. WE MATTER.

My collection features prints of notable African-Americans, such as Nina Simone, Taraji P. Henson, and much more. Each print features remarkable facts and achievements from blacks, who have paved the way for generations to follow.

TYPOGRAPHY | 2018

This project consisted of manipulating imagery and implementing them into the letters of the alphabet using the Didot typeface.

SCREENPRINTING | 2016

L’éléphant are a set of custom notepads that I designed due to elephants being my favorite animal. The name is in French, since I have taken French classes for about four years. The inside pages contain a map to flow with the color palette of the covers.