THE INSECT ASYLUM
As a speculative project, I created an advertising campaign for The Insect Asylum, a taxidermy museum located in Avondale. Having visited the museum, I was enthralled by its collection of local art, historic specimens, and live animals, and I wanted to create an advertisement campaign that was educational about the museum and intriguing to potential customers. I went with a "Freak Show" concept, leaning into the museum's oddities and wonders and calling back to collaborations TIA has done with Sideshow Gelato, which has a similar carnival aesthetic. I pulled the color scheme from historic two-toned branding often found at carnivals to evoke wonder and joy in the audience.
LODGE ON THE DESERT
I was commissioned to create merchandise for Lodge on the Desert. I gathered materials from their photo archives to develop a line of merchandise that fit within their existing branding while paying homage to the hotel's iconic heritage. In collaboration with the team at Lodge, I was able to conceptualize three final designs, which will be used on various merchandise in the gift shop and by employees.
For this project, I honed in on skills in logo design, merchandising, branding, and surface design.
Peek behind the curtain and see some unused designs and early sketches!
WICKED GROVE
As a personal project, I decided to develop a rebrand for Aldi's hard cider brand, Wicked Grove. As a recent Aldi convert and cider enthusiast, this was a perfect opportunity to demonstrate my skills in surface design, branding, and packaging design. This year is Wicked Grove's tenth anniversary, so what better a time! While I enjoy the nostalgia of Wicked Grove's current branding, I wanted to explore what it might look like if the packaging had a more modern spin. While developing my designs, I wanted to make sure customers would still be able to locate their favorite cider in stores, so I kept a similar color palette, but explored some modern design elements that would also help set it apart from another well-known cider brand. I also wanted to be conscious of Wicked Grove's multiple flavor options, and created a design that could be easily adaptable to other products.
For this project, I honed in on skills in packaging design, merchandising, branding, and surface design.
See some of my creative process below, in my original sketches!
GALLERY
I am also an avid printmaker, and the materials and techniques involved within printmaking influence my work heavily, even when I am working digitally. Through this, I have been able to curate a personal shop of prints and clothing items with custom carved designs on them. I primarily work within linocut, but also have experience with lithography, intaglio, woodcut, silkscreen, and riso.
During Summer 2024, I participated in One Summer Chicago's collaboration with the Wabash Arts Corridor. This allowed me to add two of my own mural designs to the Columbia College Chicago campus, as well as assist in the completion of two outdoor murals. This project was sponsored by Behr Paint and Home Depot, who provided the paint and supplies.
Pictured above is the digital concept and final production of my first mural, "Ode to Illinois," which is located in 623 South Michigan. It incorporates state flowers and the state insect of Illinois and includes themes of growth and change.
The second mural, titled "Community Garden," is located in 618 South Michigan. It demonstrates the diverse and accepting community at Columbia College Chicago.
I also assisted in the completion of two outdoor murals. The first, pictured left, is "Curious Bunny" by Cheri Lee Charlton. I assisted in the painting and stenciling of the project. The second, pictured right, is by Cecilia Beaven. I assisted in sketching the design onto the final wall and painting.
I was also commissioned to create a third mural, which was installed on the exterior of the Hilton on 720 S. Michigan Ave. This mural, "Blue Birds," was created as a peaceful and calming reprieve from the bustling downtown Chicago life. It features floral and avian motifs and draws inspiration from folk art and painted porcelain tiles.