I signed up with the University of Hawaii Art Gallery to work on the catalogue during the spring of 2008. It was supposed wrap up by the summer. But, due to delays out of our control, the project dragged on into fall 2008...and then into spring 2009. Now, the catalogue is completely designed and in the process of being printed in Taiwan.

With an initially complex array of places, names, styles, and minority groups what were entirely unfamiliar to me, the project was an exercise in organization and information management. The design of the catalogue required a few set templates, but carrying those templates throughout the entire book, and resolving design inconsistencies was challenging. But, the project was rewarding and I was able to work with an excellent group of people that advised me along the way.

Like the Manoa Alcohol Project, this project required the creation of a map. This time, it was a more straightforward map, but it took many variations to get to the final map design (zoomed in):



One set of maps were made for the gallery, another set was made for the catalogue. Then, all those maps were scrapped in favor of a single map for the entire book. In the end, I think the solution we decided on was the best, simplest, and most elegant solution. Here's a screenshot of the earlier maps:

Labels: Design

When we started the MAP project, we were faced with the challenge: How can we best distribute information without being too preachy? How can we deliver messages about safe alcohol practices in a way that students will accept it, and not just ignore it? We finally addressed these challenges related to social marketing by creating a product that would be functional for students. We avoided creating "novelty" products or posters, because these objects have a short shelf life, and are often thrown away or forgotten after a few days.

Once our team decided to make a student planner, we brainstormed what kind of information we would put into it. Sumet led the effort on researching information related to alcohol. Gwen designed a sophisticated set of charts and diagrams. Alexis took charge of designing grad requirement information. I designed a map and directory for the University of Hawaii campus. After a lot of writing, designing, and revising with the help of Pedro from the Manoa Alcohol Project, we completed the student planner in time to have over 2,000 copies printed for the 2008 fall semester.

The student planner is the culmination of a lot of collaborative design. In the early stages of the design process, a lot of great sketches from all the designers involved couldn't be incorporated into the final planner. Here's my sketch that became the basis for the week template in the planner:



At one point, I wanted to literally create a "map" of the human body and highlight how alcohol affected each organ. The idea was scrapped, but I still like how my original sketch looked:



Another of my early planner concepts that wasn't used:



And another. I really liked the monthly calendar along the edge, but we ended up not using it in order to avoid printing complications:



Reflecting on the project, the experience was exciting and challenging. It was the first time that design students would be able to work on a "real world" project that came with a printing budget of over $20K. It was our first time working in a team. It was a huge exercise in writing. I think half the time was spent on writing content, rather than designing the planner.

Looking back, I think there are some things we could have done a little differently. I think we could have incorporated more of the marketing aspect into the campaign. The MAP team performed the marketing research for the project, and when our design team received the results, we did not incorporate many of the suggestions into the final design of the product. (It was a design decision to ignore some of the suggestions, but I wonder how it could have been different).

Additionally, the distribution and promotion of our product weren't integral parts of the campaign (it was left up to the MAP group once the planner was completed). If we had better planned the campaign as a whole, it may have been able to reach a wider audience. But, for the first time working on a project of this scale, I think it was a huge success!

Labels: Business, Design

Below was the initial creative brief that I wrote before designing the identity of my brand "PinPoint." While this was just a class exercise, I think it gives insight to how I think when brainstorming for an identity project:

Labels: Business, Design

When you first walk past the Manoa Valley Theatre you see a bright banner above the gate announcing the latest performance. Then you look around and realize that there are tombstones scattered around the front lawn. This strange juxtaposition of the theatre and cemetery was what sparked my interest in the place and led me to create the "Black Box" artifact.

Using black and white photography with a hint of red as a highlight, the dramatic tone of the project contrasts greatly from all of the other projects I've worked on. However, I think black and white was the most tasteful and appropriate way to compare the two dissimilar spaces.

Image of the exit curtain at one of the theatre doors:



Image of some chairs left on stage prior to a researsal:



One of the most unique things about the project is the fact actual artifacts from the theatre are included within the "Black Box" reliquary. With permission from the theatre staff, I rummaged through old props and some broken sets in the back of the theatre and found a piece of a styrofoam brick prop and a dusty old silk rose. These, along with a rock and a strand of beads were wrapped in long "shroud-like" pockets within the box. Viewers are encouraged to pick up and "unravel" each of the shrouds to examine the contents within.

Labels: Design

It was initially a challenge for 12 students to plan the "You Are Here" exhibit. Props to Alban for imagining such an intriguing and elaborate set up, and to both Alban and Gwen for figuring out the logistics of building such a complex structure. Below are some photos documenting the construction of the exhibit.

Wires are attached to the walls in 1-foot increments:



Exhibit signage is attached to the wires:



One of my classmates lays out the pieces of the signage:



The class discusses the next steps:



We start attaching long strips of receipt paper to the wires using binder clips:



The mass of paper becomes challenging to navigate through:



Check out the portfolio for images of the completed show!

Labels: Design

To clear things up, yes, there is no typo, I am writing "massage" and not "message," because according to legend, McLuhan's book was initially printed with the typo, but he liked that the mistake referenced the "mass age" as well as possibly some sort of "massaging" of the brain...

Labels: Design