2
I am a woman of color that has seen first hand the effects
of design not connecting for the intended audience.
Diverse design solutions that adapt to the evolving needs
of society is crucial for the future of the field. One modern
solution tailored to an “ideal” audience does not connect
to the real-world environment it is being placed in. With
my background in Industrial and Communication Design
I aim to bring an underrepresented perspective to the
design community. Because of my interest in how the end-
product interacts with its users I am interested in working
in UX, UI design, environmental design, product design,
and packaging design. There is no one modern solution for
every problem and I believe a holistic approach to design is
instrumental to its success.
I utilize research development of personas, case studies
and data collection to a variety of design solutions. I
practice a thorough conceptual process of sketching and
technical drawings as a tool for exploration. I believe a
tactile approach to design leads to a better realized end
result that has a stronger impact to its intended audience.
4 ............................................................. PowerUp
14. ............................................................. Date IQ
23 .......................................................CitizenWolf
35 .................................................................KONG
46 .......................................Beginner Builder Kit
54 ................................................................ ProPin
68 ..........................................Colocha Curl Care
80 .........................................Colocha Exhibition
I believe that everyone should have access to design in
the similar manner that William Morris believed everyone
should have access to quality design through the Arts and
Crafts movement. A formula for modernization should not
be presumed to work in every instance, and marginalized
communities are in the constant receiving end of this
forced modern design that does not reflect their needs or
budget. I appreciate Morris’s enthusiasm for providing high
quality art to all classes, however there needs to be careful
research on audience needs. Through careful research,
exploration, prototyping, and visual realization design can
become accessible adaptable to audience needs. With my
diverse background and skill set I aim to bring a variety of
design solutions for complex problems.
54
PowerUpResponsive Web Design
In this project was tasked with creating a website
for a small company that recently raised funds
through KickStarter. This hypothetical redesign
would serve as an approach to how PowerUp
Toys would use the funds to improve their website
for the product/service fundraised. However,
after researching PowerUp Toys I found that their
current website was difficult to navigate and
showcase the new product.
Landing page responsive redesign.
Project 1 | PowerUp
76
After researching PowerUp Toys I found that their
current website was difficult to navigate and would
not allow for their intended audience to find the
new product. Upon searching for their available
products they mildly categorized with the majority
of their products being placed in hidden areas
of the site. In addition, their branding was not
consistent throughout the site.
(Left) Screenshot of PowerUp Toys “Shop” section of website.
Problem IdentificationWhen clicking on the store tab it would show the limited options in the “catalogue/front page” web page. Upon further investigation I found that there is much more products than what is immediately
accessible through the default site.
(Left) Screenshots of PowerUp Toys website showcasing the difference in visibility of products depending on site navigation.
PowerUp | Original Design Critique
98
When redesigning the website with a variety of
products, I carefully crafted a modular system of
rows that could be duplicated in code to allow for
adaptability for new products to be added.
(Left) Designed modular system layout. Created in Sketch.
Redesign Process
PowerUp | Process
1110
The final design was a two page (landing and
interior page) responsive website suitable for
desktop, tablet, and mobile. I categorized and
condensed the needs of the user by focusing on
educating what the actual products are, how it
work and where to purchase them.
The landing page contains a simple full width
block system that displays a video advertising the
new PowerUp 4.0, followed by a graphic (found
on their KickStarter site) explaining how the
product works, and finally a display of their basic
models that the user can then click on for more
information and purchasing options.
The interior page has the same structure with
the bottom section containing a rows of product
information categorized by model and function.
Hypothetical Redesign
(Above) Final responsive UI with a drop down hamburger naviga-tion menu, button with show hide feature displaying additional information on the products.
PowerUp | Final Design
1312
Final Responsive Design for Interior Page
PowerUp | Final Design
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Date IQBranding, UI, UX
Date IQ was a hypothetical app development
project made for academic purposes that required
students to develop design from a select theme.
Date IQ was the pre-established name described
as being a dating app for intellectuals.
Project 2 | Date IQ
1716
(Left) 3 personas crafted from research on dating app. Drawn illustrations.
(Above) Logo Development
TECHIE
SOCIALITE
ENTREPRENEURAge: 50-60
Interests: Hiking, sports, finance, education
Background: Active adult, worked his way into the upper middle class and is now
looking to start his own business and investing in some start ups. Look-
ing for someone with drive and can keep up with him. Mid to high debt,
good credit, some higher education.
Age: 30-40
Interests: Beer, fashion, finance, family
Background: Single mother of two teenage sons. Grew up and lived in small town.
Was in a series of abusive relationships. Moved to the city and is studying
finance. Looking for someone compatible to her independent spirit. Mid
to high Debt, pursuing higher education.
Age: 20-30
Interests: Computer Science, Aerospace, Sci-fi
Background: Recent graduate and looking to find someone who shares interest and
education. Introvert, never really into a “serious” relationship. Low to
mid debt (wants to keep it that way), bad credit (overspending on tech),
higher education.
Date IQ | Process
1918
(Above) UI Wireframes madeusing Adobe Illustrator
DateIQ | UI Development
2120
UI DesignWith this dating app project, I used the pre-
established name of Date IQ as inspiration to
develop a scientific theme. When thinking about
the theme of an elevated dating app, I discovered
with a way that their various attributes could be
condensed and filtered through an algorithm that
would pair individuals using the app.
The periodic table was a launchpad for ideas
for grouping personality traits and background
information for users to easily filter through.
The app itself is heavily anchored in the needs of
the user. The persona development stage lead the
course of scenario mapping that was eventually
realized through UX and UI design. The final UI
specifically shows an example of the “Techie”
persona utilizing the app.
Given the periodic table inspired UI system, I wanted to create a vibrant interactive user flow. With each element describing what attribute that person used to describe themselves for instance Sc would be interested in science and Sp for sports and so on. Then each of the elements have a calibrated amount of compatibility with other elements that the algorithm cross-references to find an ideal match. (Above From Left to Right) Welcome, Profile, Match
DateIQ | Final Design
2322
CitizenWolfAudrey Twigg, Eric Tofsted, Karen Ventura GascaBranding, Team Collaboration
CitizenWolf was conceptualized as a reaction
to the news of the Chinese Government using
facial tracking technology to punish their
citizens spotted in protests. This led to the team
brainstorming ways that this technology can be in
the hands of the citizens for protection.
CitizenWolf Ad Design & UI: Eric TofstedLogo Design: Audrey Twigg, Eric Tofsted, Karen Ventura GascaFinal Logo Rendering: Audrey Twigg
Project 3 | CitizenWolf
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This project required careful research as our interest was in the user utilizing the app for self security. Here is the team gathered persona research.
(Left) CitizenWolf PersonasPhotography Source: UnsplashDesign & Copy: Audrey Twigg
(Above) Competitor Research for academic purposesDesign & Copy: Audrey Twigg
CitizenWolf | Research
2726
CitizenWolf Logo SketchesKaren Ventura Gasca
CitizenWolf | Process
2928
FACIAL RECOGNITION SECURITY
Logo Design: Audrey Twigg, Eric Tofsted, Karen Ventura GascaFinal Logo Rendering: Audrey Twigg
CitizenWolf Ad Design & UI: Eric Tofsted
CitizenWolf | Final Design
3130
CitizenWolf Ad Design & UI: Eric TofstedContext: Karen Ventura Gasca
CitizenWolf Ad Design & UI: Eric TofstedLogo Design: Audrey Twigg, Eric Tofsted, Karen Ventura GascaFinal Logo Rendering: Audrey Twigg
CitizenWolf | Final Design
3332
Brand & IdentityThe team wanted to focus on how to utilize this
new facial tracking technology as a weapon to
fight injustices. The power of the citizen was a
main objective and it became visually embodied
through the apps identity. The Wolf was a sign of
protection and power that the team developed
from a team brainstorming session. The need to
empower and protect the audience through this app
in combination with the iconography of the wolf
quickly materialized into a strong branding approach
using bright reds and bold typography.
This hypothetical branding project brought together
various components from the team members. Eric
Tofsted and Audrey Twigg were great collaborators.
In this project we all had a similar vision on what
the end product needed to be. We drafted our own
variations on the logo with Audrey Twigg designing
its final iteration and Eric Tofsted designing the final
UI and marketing materials. I designed the final brand
standard presentation and provided extra resources
and assets that the other team members used. I also
helped fill gaps in the process as well as kept the
team organized with tasks and file management.
CitizenWolf Ad Design & UI: Eric TofstedAdvertisement Context: Karen Ventura GascaLogo Design: Audrey Twigg, Eric Tofsted, Karen Ventura GascaFinal Logo Rendering: Audrey Twigg
CitizenWolf | Final Design
3534
KONGBranding, Industrial Design
This was a class project to create a hypothetical
design for a new KONG dog toy. This initial concept
aims to promote behavior change for dogs with
excess energy and also helps resolve eating habits.
The final KONG toy concept holds treats or kibble
inside and requires the dog to dig or pull at the tabs
on top to release what is inside.
Final packaging rendering, Option 1.
Project 4 | KONG
3736
Problem Solving/ResearchDogs with exponential energy often busy
themselves through a digging type of behavior,
whether that is digging through the sofa and
ripping out the stuffing or digging holes in the
backyard. I focused on this behavior as I alsohave this issue with my dog.
Before arriving through the final concept, I
experimented with a variety of chew toys and
explored variations on how to create a toy that
keeps the interest of the dog, but also benefits it
in some way (cleaning teeth, puzzle solving skills,
and others).
KONG | Research
3938
When designing the dog toy, I wanted to create something that had an added benefit to the health of the dog. In this first in-stance I added grooves on the surface to act as a teeth cleaning element. The initial shape was a physical extension of the KONG logo mark itself, however as I pushed the capabilities of the toy I then separated the three sections that is then realized in the final mock up. (Above) Process Sketches for Concept 1 inspired from the Kong Logo
Ideation and Development
(Left Top) Concept 1 MockupCarved from Insulation Foam, Coated in White Gesso
(Left Bottom) Concept 1 Sketch Development
KONG: Concept 1
4140
Concept 2 MockupsCarved from Styrofoam, Coated in White Gesso
For this concept I took inspiration from dog treats. Specifical-ly from pig ear dog treats. With this concept I took the organic shape of the pig ear and refined it to create a multi-functional dog toy treat dispenser and teeth cleaner. The ridges expanding out-side of the ear can be used as a surface to clean the dogs teeth. The ball inside can be filled with peanut butter that the dog can then entertain themselves to try to lick. (Above) Process Sketches for Concept 2 inspired from pig ear dog treats.
KONG: Concept 2
4342
Concept 3 MockupsCarved from Styrofoam, Coated in White Gesso
KONG: Concept 3
4544
(Above) Final concept scaling sketch and render.
The final design consists of a two parts, one
that holds the kibble or treats and the other that
features a series of tabs. These “tabs” or “slits” adds
a layer of difficulty to dogs with rushed eating
or over eating habits, and also helps dogs with
digging habits. The tabs allows for the scent to
come through and allows for the dog to release its
excess energy by playing with the toy, thus leading
to less desire to dig holes.
The final packaging design on the left shows
two approaches to utilizing the KONG branding
standards. The first image above is taken directly
from the KONG packaging brand standards, with
the use of appropriate type (or closest I had access
to) and use of proper CMYK colors for the different
informational components. The packaging
approach on the bottom is not an extension of
the brand with the packaging being a tag with the
logo name and bar code. This packaging design is
more realistic given the larger size of the product
itself being freestanding and might be too heavy to
hang as seen in the initial packaging design.
Hypothetical Product Design
KONG | Final Design
4746
Branding, Identity, Packaging
In this project I was tasked with creating a toolkit,
and I wanted to create something in which I could
share my knowledge of Industrial Design through
what I learned with Communication Design.
I concepted a series of toolkits catered to a range
of ages and skill level. In this instance I created a
Beginner Builder Kit catered for ages 6-12 to learn
the basics of working with wood and plastic.
Beginner Builder Kit
Final packaging design of Beginner Builder Toolkit, view from back/bottom of packaging
Project 5 | Beginner Builder Kit
4948
For this project I wanted to create a simple legible design with visual reference to blue prints.
(Left) Brand development, black and white, and color variation The final design tales visual cues from blueprints,
from the color and the lines creating a stencil like
look on the letters. The nesting of the letters echo
a bit of architecture as well as the alignment of the
title of the booklet on the bottom of the mark.
With this toolkit having a younger audience,
I created some characters to guide the user
through the kit. Bianca the Builder teaching about
materials and building processes, and Dave the
Drafter teaching how to properly prepare and
draw plans for a project.
Brand Development
Beginner Builder Kit | Process
5150
(Left) Initial Toolkit Mockup
The initial toolkit design was created for a type
of suitcase container with the lid holding the
instructional booklet and the heavier tools in the
base of the kit. Because the nature of the toolkit is
a bases of building knowledge I wanted practical
reusable tools to be inside the kit. The kit consists
most of the original die line contents with a tape
measurer, 6” ruler, safety goggles, eraser, pencil,
and instructional booklet.
Packaging and Die Lines
Beginner Builder Kit | Process
5352
(Above) Beginner Builder Kit InteriorBecause this kit was geared toward younger audiences I created some characters personifying the two different aspects of the toolkit. Bianca the Builder who is the main guide throughout the booklet and Dave the Drafter that guides through sketches and planning of a project. (Above) Beginner Builder Kit
Beginner Builder Kit | Final Design
5554
Branding, Identity, UI, UX Design
In this mobile prototyping project I was tasked
with creating a mobile app specific to a disability. I
challenged myself to learn about a new disability.
ProPin is a mobile app for people suffering
from chronic facial pain, Trigeminal Neuralgia.
This hypothetical app utilizes facial recognition
technology to pin point facial pain and provide
resources specific to needs and location ranging
from community based resources to local clinics.
ProPin
ProPin User Log In Screen Mockup
Project 6 | ProPin
5756
ProPin
Research and DevelopmentThis project required a heavy amount of research
on the disability of Trigeminal Neuralgia itself as
well as looking at what particular functions of a
mobile app could be better utilized for the user
interface and user experience.
A large portion of my process was anticipating
what the user needs and how they would better
utilize the app. This first image to the right shows
this first exploration of possible functions and
user flow of the app. The following images
demonstrate research through a user journey,
content mapping, and UI exploration.
5958
Provide InformationFacial Scan Pinpoint Facial Pain Filter Results Get Details
Optional Save throughmaking account
Intermediate Steps
User Thoughts/Feelings
• Start up the app and turnon camera for permission
• This allows for initial facial scan(important for personalized results)
• Retake feature available
a little insecurenervous
• Facial scan/photo and allows
• User will be able to choosefrom the three main sectionsof facial nerves to then go intodetail for specialized resources
for user to pin point where the facial pain is
• Based on specific facialregions resources willbe provided (ie. EMTspecialists, medicines,treatments, exercises,clinic locations)
• The information providedcan then be filtereddepending on users needs, location, and availability
• After the filteredresults are acquired it is displayed based onthe different result types
•• Community Resources
••
•• Local Treatment Options
•• Treatment Information
Medical Records/Symptoms Database
• After receiving theresources the user hasthe option to makean account for futurereference
• When creating anaccount the user cansave and track their facialpain so that the resourcesprovided better reflectstheir needs
• That way when there is aflare up they can identifythese irregularities andget additional help
unsure ofprivacy
willing toparticipatefor accuracy
nervous of appkeeping image data
anxiety from informationwary of use
of selfienervouson creatingan accountfeels app
is accurate
personalizedresults
feels confidentwith resultsbased off scan
relief/clarity on available treatmentand resources
confidence in appfor personalized experience
confident on the detailedresources available
confident on the detailedresources available
happy on abilityto save resources
happy with availabilityto save resourceswithout account
happy about retake featurefor more accurateresults
Provide InformationFacial Scan Pinpoint Facial Pain Filter Results Get Details
Optional Save throughmaking account
Intermediate Steps
User Thoughts/Feelings
• Start up the app and turnon camera for permission
• This allows for initial facial scan(important for personalized results)
• Retake feature available
a little insecurenervous
• Facial scan/photo and allows
• User will be able to choosefrom the three main sectionsof facial nerves to then go intodetail for specialized resources
for user to pin point where the facial pain is
• Based on specific facialregions resources willbe provided (ie. EMTspecialists, medicines,treatments, exercises,clinic locations)
• The information providedcan then be filtereddepending on users needs, location, and availability
• After the filteredresults are acquired it is displayed based onthe different result types
•• Community Resources
••
•• Local Treatment Options
•• Treatment Information
Medical Records/Symptoms Database
• After receiving theresources the user hasthe option to makean account for futurereference
• When creating anaccount the user cansave and track their facialpain so that the resourcesprovided better reflectstheir needs
• That way when there is aflare up they can identifythese irregularities andget additional help
unsure ofprivacy
willing toparticipatefor accuracy
nervous of appkeeping image data
anxiety from informationwary of use
of selfienervouson creatingan accountfeels app
is accurate
personalizedresults
feels confidentwith resultsbased off scan
relief/clarity on available treatmentand resources
confidence in appfor personalized experience
confident on the detailedresources available
confident on the detailedresources available
happy on abilityto save resources
happy with availabilityto save resourceswithout account
happy about retake featurefor more accurateresults
ProPin | Research
6160
Takes Photo/Scan Pinpoint Pain ProcessingAdditional Symptoms
Camera Permission
Yes/No
Welcome Screen User Login
Make an AccountConfirm Filter Settings Filter ResultsFacial Scan
Retake Scan?
Show ApplicableResults
Community Results
Facebook Groups
Support Groups
Self Help Books
Scientific Studies
Scientific Journals
Detailed Symptoms Detailed SymptomsDetailed Symptoms
Medical Records/Symptom Database
Treatment Research
Home Remedies
Treatment Options
Treatment Case Studies
Exercises
Local Doctors
Local Treatment Options
Local Clinics
ENT Specialists
View Timeline
OpthalmicBranch
MaxillaryBranch
MandibularBranch
Edit Pain Area
Save Resources
Share Resources
Email Resources Social Links
Email Resources Social Links Print
View Saved Resources
View Profile
Yes/NoUse Scan?Yes/No
Yes/No
Confirm
Go back to Edit Go back to Edit Go back to Edit
Go back to Edit Go back to Edit
Go back to Edit
View Saved Resources
EyeUpper JawLower Jaw
Takes Photo/Scan Pinpoint Pain ProcessingAdditional Symptoms
Camera Permission
Yes/No
Welcome Screen User Login
Make an AccountConfirm Filter Settings Filter ResultsFacial Scan
Retake Scan?
Show ApplicableResults
Community Results
Facebook Groups
Support Groups
Self Help Books
Scientific Studies
Scientific Journals
Detailed Symptoms Detailed SymptomsDetailed Symptoms
Medical Records/Symptom Database
Treatment Research
Home Remedies
Treatment Options
Treatment Case Studies
Exercises
Local Doctors
Local Treatment Options
Local Clinics
ENT Specialists
View Timeline
OpthalmicBranch
MaxillaryBranch
MandibularBranch
Edit Pain Area
Save Resources
Share Resources
Email Resources Social Links
Email Resources Social Links Print
View Saved Resources
View Profile
Yes/NoUse Scan?Yes/No
Yes/No
Confirm
Go back to Edit Go back to Edit Go back to Edit
Go back to Edit Go back to Edit
Go back to Edit
View Saved Resources
EyeUpper JawLower Jaw
Content Mapping
ProPin | Process
6362
Brand Development
ProPin | UI Development
65
With the range of specific facial nerves I wanted to have a simple interface that can pin point specific parts of the face I created over a hundred possible screens. With seventy of those screens prototyped with InVision.
https://invis.io/4JWCTJR7RCN#/408335893_1-
Loading_1
(Left) UI Exploration
64
ProPin | UI Development
6766
UI Design The final UI design utilized Android material design
with a simple color palette that reflects the brand.
This material design utilizes a geometric block
style UI that aids in accessibility and navigation,
which is useful for those with chronic pain to
navigate the app without need of complex
gestures. I minimized the amount of buttons to
allow for ease of use.
The user flow is simple and straight forward with
the user inputing their information and receiving
refined resources. The most complex approach
to the design was the UI for the facial recognition
software or facial scan feature of the app. I wanted
to create a way for people to pinpoint exactly
where they feel pain in order to receive proper aid
or treatment for that area or see if there are other
nerves that are contributing to that pain.
Final UI (From Left to Right) Facial Pin Point, Profile Screen, Loading Search
InVision Prototype
https://invis.io/4JWCTJR7RCN#/408335893_1-Loading_1
ProPin | Final Design
6968
Colocha Curl CareBranding, Identity
Colocha Curl Care Products was a self directed
project in which focused on bringing awareness
to the diverse range of curly hair. In this project I
created a hypothetical brand that funds programs
and resources for small businesses to get their
natural hair products on retail shelves. The end
goal being to add more diversity to the shelf.
Colocha final website design.
Project 7 | Colocha Curl Care Products
7170
Passion ProjectThis project began as a poster series that aimed
to educate the public that there is more than one
type of curly hair. As I began to develop this idea
of educating the public, I then worked on the idea
of a brand that would educate the public through
its packaging, branding, and advocacy. A brand
that not only focuses on providing a product for
their community, but also providing a service to
the community to thrive together,
The packaging would feature a diverse range of
curly hair types on the label itself that by its display
on shelf visually introduces audiences to the
different curly hair types. In addition, th labeling
would have a section describing the hair type
displayed on the label and discuss how best to
care for the hair by utilizing specific ingredients.
(Above) Colocha screen printed shirt and canvas bag.
(Above) Colocha initial sketches and inspiration.
Colocha Curl Care Products | Process
7372
Process for product labels. Final product packaging with brand messaging of the importance of diversity and inclusion within the retail environment.
Colocha Curl Care Products | Final Design
7574
For this series of advertisement I wanted to feature different types of curly haired women to show the range of curly hair. Then by placing them with or by the product the audience can see how the product labels visually show this diversity through the illustrated hair silhouettes on the packaging itself. (Above) Colocha advertisements
(Above) Colocha advertisements
Colocha Curl Care Products | Final Design
7776
To build upon the branding of Colocha, I devel-oped a hypothetical website and online presence on Facebook. Through this I was able to push the branding by determining a digital brand standard through choice to lowercase type and a bright warm color palette. (Left/Bellow) Colocha Curl Care Products hypothetical website design.
(Above) Colocha advertisements
Colocha Curl Care Products | Final Design
7978
The final brand development was realized through
various explorations and case studies that ended
up into this wholesome identity of diversity and
advocacy. Colocha Curl Care Products brought
together my need to educate the public, while also
laying down the foundation as to how this idea
can materialize through community programs.
The final brand educates the public of the different
hair types through its packaging design and
through its visibility on shelf. The final hypothetical
brand would utilize funds from sales into small
businesses and entrepreneurs working on getting
their natural hair products on retail shelves. By
helping other brands reach the retail shelf, natural
hair becomes more visible and better reflects the
reality of our diverse society.
Hypothetical Branding
Colocha Curl Care Products Mockup Facebook Page.
Colocha Curl Care Products | Final Design
8180
Colocha ExhibitionBranding, Identity, Packaging, Environmental Design
I continued to push the concept of the Colocha
Curl Care Products project into a BFA Thesis
Exhibition. I used the end of the previous project
as a basis for the exhibition, however I focused
more on issues within the retail hair industry, such
as visibility, attainability, ingredients, and social
acceptance.
Colocha Exhibition Mockup. 17x20” posters with branded packaging displayed in front.
Project 8 | Colocha Exhibition
8382
Concept DevelopmentColocha is a narrative critique on the current
climate of natural hair products in the beauty
industry and provides insight on the lack of
diversity. Colocha features a series of posters with
narrative typography addressing specific issues of
false advertisement of ingredients, and using curly
hair as a way to falsely promote diversity without
research. Colocha also introduces a hypothetical
brand of curly hair products satirically critiquing
current representation of natural hair in retail
environment and creates an ideal product for its
intended natural hair audience. The exhibition
serves as an educational experience for those
who are unaware of this issue and to promote the
importance of diversity and visibility.
Colocha Exhibition Mockup. 17x20” posters, Version 2
Colocha Exhibition | Process
8584
Designing for a 3D SpaceGiven the opportunity to transform my messaging
into an interactive experience allowed me to
practice various problem solving skills. Initially
I was thinking of creating something more of
“pop up shop” or small mock booth satirically
discussing the damaging impacts of ill-informed
hair companies promoting unrealistic hair
expectations.
As I explored the retail space further, I was then
thinking of recreating a retail space still holding
the messaging as mentioned earlier, but in a more
subdued manner.
The final mock ups and renderings now reflect a
more educational environment that displays the
posters and packaging in a way that promotes the
messaging of inclusion within the hair industry and
reviews over specific case studies that the public
could learn from.
(Right) Initial sketches for Colocha Exhibition.
Colocha Exhibition | Process
Colocha Exhibition Mindmap and Initial Brainstorm.
8786
Colocha Exhibition Mockup Render 2.Colocha Exhibition Mockup Render 1.
Colocha Exhibition | Process
8988
(Above From Left to Right) Colocha Poster 1, Label 1, Bottle 1
I wanted to illustrate the messaging of each poster through the expansion from poster message, to label that details the issue, that then becomes a take away for people to take with them and think about
Messagingbell hooks discusses in The Oppositional Gaze
how the black female spectator perceives
themselves through their representation on film.¹
Colocha focuses on the idea hooks introduces
of not seeing yourself until you see how others
perceive you. The retail environment holds a
strong reflection of society through its very nature
of providing basic needs. With the large mix of
individuals in the country it is quite shocking that
within the hair retail environment, there is limited
representation for people of color. This lack of
visibility quickly becomes an issue in terms of
how we understand the world around us. Without
seeing the full perspective, society can develop
a warped idea of what is normal or acceptable.
Maurice Merleau-Ponty discusses this importance
of seeing the world from all sides in order to
have a better understanding of how you fit within
it throughout his essay Phenomenology and
Perception². I am interested in showcasing this
alternative perspective to advocate for a deeper
understanding of what inclusion means. Many
people say that they want diversity, yet they do not
realize how their ideas of inclusion and or practice
of diversity is actually internalized by those they
are trying to include.
I aim to educate the public on this alternative
perspective of hair culture, to identify the
underlying problem with current diversity trends
and to advocate for a deeper understanding
of inclusion. Through the narrative posters
of Colocha, I invite the audience to question
the realities of diversity and challenge their
assumptions of social norms. With the branded
products presented, I welcome possible
educational solutions through advocating for
deeper understanding of inclusion.
¹ hooks, bell. “The Oppositional Gaze: Black
Female Spectators,” in Black Looks: Race and
Representation. South End Press: Boston, 1992,
pp. 115-131.
² Merleau-Ponty, Maurice. Phenomenology and
Perception. Trans. Colin Smith. 2nd ed. New York:
Routledge, 2005.
Colocha Exhibition | Final Design
Project
9190
Project
9392
Online ExhibitionDue to unforseen circumstances the exhibition
was not able to be displayed in a physical space.
The exhibition has since been moved into an
online format to where I volunteered to be apart
of the online exhibition committee. The Thesis
Exhibition course brought together two art classes
and one design class to create the show, with it
now being an online format I alongside two to
three classmates were in charge of setting the
framework on Square Space to allow for students
to upload their work, provide technical assistance,
and training to the classes all within a three to four
week turnaround.
In the committee I worked with the team to create
the back-end support for developing the site and
generating templates for the students to use. I also
led team meetings to teach students and faculty
how to maneuver the site as well as provide
any technical support or design suggestions
for their particular pages. Adjusting all student’s
physical exhibition to a digital format did take a
lot of collaborating from all students and faculty
involved. It took constant learning on the job,
communication, planning, and patience to be able
to coordinate this project with three classes.
https://www.msudenverbfathesis.com/
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All contents are original concepts and designs copyright of Karen Ventura Gasca with credit given to colleagues and associates that have given consent for their contributions to certain projects to be shown.
©KarenVenturaGasca 2020
This body of work has been set in Jos Buivenga’s
Museo Sans font family of the Exljbris Font
Foundry and Eric Gill’s Gill Sans Semi Bold
of Monotype. This book is perfect bound,
with printing done by blurb.com on premium
matte100# paper.
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thank you.