GRAPHiC DESIGN
MESSAGE PRESiDENT FROM THE
Here we have the work of over 500 graduating Art and Design students—every one of them a marvel! Imagine the challenges they faced this year. Forced by the pandemic to work from their homes, denied the in-studio, shoulder-to-shoulder, hands-on learning experience they expected, they nevertheless forged ahead, defying all obstacles. They created makeshift work stations in their bedrooms, basements, kitchen corners and other unlikely locations. Focused, hardworking and energetic, they applied their ingenuity to learn, explore, experiment and achieve. And as we see from this catalogue, they succeeded. The work in this catalogue represents 16 of the School of Art and Design’s programs. In it we not only see the students’ finished products, but also images of how those projects evolved. These images help to reveal the creative process and the students’ individuality. Through it all, we sense their resilience and determination. Indeed, this vibrant catalogue— with its bright bold colors—pays homage to their optimism and extraordinary strength. I offer congratulations to these students and to the families and friends who supported them throughout this difficult year. Congratulations as well to the stalwart Art and Design faculty whose own skills and ingenuity rose to the pandemic’s challenge and provided guidance to their students with diligence and care. Dr. Joyce F. Brown President 2
EXPLORE
THE
SHIFTING PRACTICE
VISUAL COMMUNICATION
OF
BARTOLOMEO RANCI ORTIGOSA
MARISA HETZLER
FIT GSE ’21
GRAPHIC DESIGN
CHRISTOPHER COUGHLIN
The Graphic Design (GD) Program focuses on the study of intercultural issues in a complex/globalized and technologically advanced society. Our students explore the shifting practice of visual communication through research and experimental design practice that leads to new insights and broad perspectives. In the final semester, they engage in robust conceptual development of a chosen subject with applied normative and diverse methodology, as well as experimentation with a wide range of graphic media. Culminating work makes use of dynamic environments, 2D and 3D applications and diverse/ interactive media. Their profound studies lead to a vast variety of professional opportunities that range from cultural institutions, commercial studios, global corporations, political organizations, and the entertainment industry. Our GD Alumni are active participants in shaping the present and future visual voice of our society.
3
STATEMENT
PROJECTS
GABRIEL ALLIBONE 1.
DRESSING #2 Printed bandage
2.
DRESSING #1 Overlay Experiment
3.
CANNED Photograph
Frequently, stories traded back and forth between me and others involve mistakes that have led to bodily harm. I’ve questioned whether this is due to a lifestyle which has been called “accident-prone,” or if there is something universally relatable about these kinds of experiences. Physical missteps can be either earth-shattering or entirely inconsequential, resulting in daily occurrences of varying scale and importance. “Accident & Injury” is both an interpretive and literal representation of these shared narratives, posed to question whether or not these mistakes are indicative of underlying behaviors and patterns. A selection of anecdotal experiences is presented both in their entirety and as simplified motifs to help identify shortcomings and blind spots in both communaland personal realms. These, translated wonto commonplace items, speak as warnings and reminders inside private environments.
FIT GSE ’21
1.
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
4
INFO
@dianagbahena dianagbahena.com
PROJECTS
1.
SIMPLISIT SITE Website
2.
SIMPLISIT Logo
STATEMENT
DIANA G. BAHENA
After a year with a blurred line between work and home and inevitable burnout, I found myself blowing my neat freak levels out of proportion and looking for any excuse to step away from the screen. So why not create a business out of it? As designers, we are expected to create identities but not build and run a business when, in reality, they are not too far apart. “simplisit” was born with the intention to balance the outside chaos with aesthetically functional spaces by establishing systems under a “teach a man to fish” approach. After a deep dive into the factors that shaped the flying ’40s and how they mirror our current ’20s, the core of “simplisit” is inspired by the essence of both times. Above all, this project was a reminder to do whatever you do best and accept that time will change that — and that’s ok!
FIT GSE ’21
1.
2.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
5
INFO
@theodora28 https://youtu.be/IqKbCJzeZDM
PROJECTS
ARMANAMEA DIT ROMANIA Video
STATEMENT
THEODORA BICHI Have you ever heard of the Aromanians? “Armanamea dit Romania” is an informative video dedicated to bringing awareness to my disappearing culture and this long-standing minority spread throughout theBalkans. My journey in personal identity has been a long one, and my Aromanian heritage is definitely a big part of who I am. My video explores the history, culture, and beautiful traditions of the Aromanians, while also showcasing the internal conflict between the Romanian state and the Aromanian population. Without the Romanian state’s recognition of minority status for the Aromanians, it is difficult for effective cultural preservation to occur. I hope viewers will enjoy learning about my culture and take with them the importance of cultural survival.
FIT GSE ’21
GRAPHIC DESIGN
6
INFO
1.
”WORLD & NOMADS” Website
2.
”WORLD & NOMADS” Animation
3.
”WORLD & NOMADS”
STATEMENT
@aisuli aisuluu.myportfolio.com https://youtu.be/X078l8EST1M
PROJECTS
AISULUU BOTBAEVA
My ancestors were nomads, and as an immigrant, I often think of myself as a nomad as well. After moving around a lot and living in various places, I realized how important it is to see and explore the world. I believe adventures happen beyond the realm of usual things. After the pandemic hit in 2020, the whole world went online and digital nomadism became a solution for creatives to work and travel at the same time. In my thesis, “World & Nomads,” I’m suggesting a nomadic lifestyle and encouraging people to explore new cities and discover new cultures. Before planting roots, Generation Z and millennials can travel in search of the perfect place while working, freeing themselves from having to choose one place to live. I created a website to help young creatives find a suitable lifestyle, use the map for travel destinations, and find a suitable place to settle.
FIT GSE ’21
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3.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
7
INFO
1.
FRUITLESS Preview of 4 spreads
2.
FRUITLESS Zine packaging + Zine cover page
3.
FRUITLESS Narrative Imagery
STATEMENT
@_caromaxi cmaxinec.com
PROJECTS
CAROLINE CAHILL
All five versions of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders are rooted in prejudice, abusive and ignorant forms of research. It is a senseless form of validation for those positioned to reap the benefits, a classist gate-keeping system, a regulatedperpetrator of sexism and (most relevant to my research) the source of all subconscious expectations surrounding gender identity. “Fruitless” is a zine of anonymous experiences and symbolic imagery. My intention is to create a sense of unity be- tween strangers, inspire some introspection, and instill hope for the expansion of understanding one another. This is my personal tribute to every person I have had the pleasure of experiencing raw vulnerability with: thank you for being exactly who you are.
FIT GSE ’21
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
8
INFO
1.
WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF FAN CULTURE? App
2.
INFOGRAPHIC OF INTERACTIONS App
3.
PICK YOUR OWN ADVENTURE APP App
STATEMENT
@unspillablebeans sharischan.com
PROJECTS
SHARIS CHAN
Fan culture started with storytelling in ancient Greece, and up until now, with the rise of technology, fan productivity is even more prominent with the use of social media platforms, such as Twitter, Instagram, Discord, and YouTube, among others. What should we anticipate for the future of fan culture? What are the possible outcomes when we look at the current rise in technology? Will it expand and intensify with the internet, or improve for the better? Experience it for yourself through this storytelling piece, “(F) anticipation,” which enables you to make choices that determine a user’s actions through an imagined community platform. It’s possible that we will continue cancelling and start rating each other on online platforms. Or, it can go in a positive direction, where, rather than cancelling everyone, we will start to do research and educate others with compassion. Whatever it is, it’s ultimately in our hands.
FIT GSE ’21
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
9
INFO
1.
A DIGITAL PLAYGROUND PROPOSAL NO.03 Logotype animation
2.
A DIGITAL PLAYGROUND PROPOSAL Booklets and a poster
3.
A DIGITAL PLAYGROUND PROPOSAL NO. 02 Poster
STATEMENT
@Queenadesign_ https://queena-chen.com/
PROJECTS
QUEENA CHEN
The development of technology has created a generation that has never experienced a world without social media and video games. With a decline in interactions among neighbors, co-workers, and friends, teens have turned to video games as an outlet to continue their relationships with these so-called “friends.” Besides dealing with social and psychological changes, they are competing with highly addictive video games in this technological age. As teens are immersed in the digital world, they lose sight of the world around them. It results in a whole generation wasting their childhood playing video games. Inspired by enviromental design, I wanted a clear juxtaposition against the digital world. My thesis, “Open Lab | A Digital Playground,” explores a digital playground proposal through a collection featuring mixedmedia, motion graphics, print, and 3D applications. Welcome to the Open Lab, a playground that aims to offer one the freedom to explore in a physical environment.
FIT GSE ’21
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3.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
10
INFO
1.
BRIDGE Branding
2.
BRIDGE Website
3.
BRIDGE Animation
STATEMENT
@imcy95 https://helloitscy.cargo.site/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWntXT_0Apk
PROJECTS
YI CHEN
Asian art is going through a severe “bottleneck period.” People are ashamed of designs containing their own mother languages/cultures, triggering a preference for foreign art. The main reason for this phenomenon is the lack of self-confidence in Asian culture. Due to traditional “humble” thoughts, Asians feel that foreign culture is better, and lack the courage to develop their own culture and style. The history of Asia has given it an inherent style. Many Asians have been trapped in traditional styles, making it difficult to develop a new “Asian style.” Today, we are seeking evolutions in the “Asian style.” “BRIDGE” is a platform for Asian artists to communicate by sharing examples of successful artists and organizing an Asian Art Festival, committing to promoting emerging Asian artists to promote more confidence in our own culture, and encourage more Asian artists to create new art styles that belong to this era.
FIT GSE ’21
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
11
INFO
@Free_World_Leader Andreschiu.com
PROJECTS
1.
WEBSITE Website
2.
INTERVIEW Website
STATEMENT
ANDRES CHIU
When I look at myself, I feel lost because of my lack of understanding of who I am; the constant questioning of what it means to be enough within my community. I wonder whether or not my experiences align with what is expected of someone of Latin descent. This perspective changed when I spoke with a close friend of mine whose experience differed from mine as well as what I thought to be the norm. With that, I became curious about what others experienced as members of the Latinx community. Listening to multiple testimonies of different people led me to create “Latin-X-perience.” This is an online archive of one-onone interviews of different members of the Latinx community speaking about their lives and thoughts on what it is like to be Latinx through their lens. Let it enlighten you, like it did me.
FIT GSE ’21
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2.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
12
INFO
1.
5 DAY MARKET Printed Magazine
2.
MOM WITH EOMJI,GONGJU Printed Magazine
3.
CONSUMING Printed Magazine
STATEMENT
@jinshilchoi_ jinshilchoi.cargo.site
PROJECTS
JINSHIL CHOI
People often say the expression “that’s life” in many situations. In Korea, there are slang phrases that are commonly used, such as “What’s life? It’s just for eating,” or “All people live the same way,” which means that the lives of many people who seem to be different are the same if you look closely. Due to the 21st-century marketing industry, the word “lifestyle” is more and more specialized, differentiated, and gentrified. This magazine goes back to the initial meaning of the word lifestyle, when it was used more socially and culturally and gave the message that lifestyle is really just a story of people’s lives. Instead of talking about famous celebrities or influencers, the magazine tells the stories of people around us, like friends, family, or the lady next door, what they consume culturally and economically, how they spend, and what they live for. That’s life!
FIT GSE ’21
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3.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
13
INFO
@lilyallegra https://lilyconaty.wixsite.com/design
PROJECTS
IS COMMON SENSE REALLY THAT COMMON? Publication
STATEMENT
LILY CONATY The Law of Attraction, as theorized by scholars and philosophers, is the belief that the existence of positive or negative thoughts brings positive or negative experiences into a person’s life. Based on human experience, the Law of Attraction cancels things happening randomly by proving that if a person appeals strongly to others, they will be able to attract them and influence their behavior. This concept can be communicated through vision, demonstration, repetition and iteration, imagination, reason, and poetry. This project aims to project voices of those who believe in the ability to share it amongst those who limit themselves from transforming their beliefs into desires. Through storytelling of life experiences, I am able to capture the power behind wishes and intentions, and to receive, and ultimately allow, for my audience to come up with their own answer to the question: Is common sense really all that common?
FIT GSE ’21
GRAPHIC DESIGN
14
INFO
@catalianorletto https://nataliacorletto.com/
PROJECTS
IN PLAIN SIGHT EDITORIAL Publication
STATEMENT
NATALIA CORLETTO Did you know that Latin America is home to the largest population of African descendants outside of Africa? I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t, as Latinidad have done a near flawless job of systematically erasing Black people from every aspect of Latin American history, society, and culture. Thanks to this legacy of elitism and erasure, Afro-Latines only exist at the margins of the regional establishment, and are not center, left, or near any stage when most people think of “Latino” people or culture. “In Plain Sight” is a magazine dedicated to celebrating the beauty, the resilience, and the experiences of Afro-Latines, as well as our contributions to Latin American culture. This publication also puts a spotlight on the lack of representation in mainstream media and the prevalence of anti-Blackness in Latin American societies. We’re done with living in the shadows, being disregarded, and ignored.
FIT GSE ’21
GRAPHIC DESIGN
15
INFO
1.
GROWING RIPE MICROSITE LANDING PAGE Website — www.growingripe.cargo.site
2.
HEAD PUBLICATION SELECTED SPREADS Publication
3.
EXPERIMENTS 1, 2, 3 STILL IMAGES Claymation
STATEMENT
@elrcz ellecostanzo.com
PROJECTS
ELIZABETH COSTANZO
“Growing Ripe” is a micro-site dedicated to stimulating conversation surrounding the gender imbalance of sexual pleasure. For my thesis, I conducted research on the female orgasm, and how the practice and portrayal of feminine climax affect mutual pleasure. “Growing Ripe” consists of four parts, the first of which is my essay, “Why’s He’s Not Making You Cum,” the foundation to “Growing Ripe.” The second is “HEAD,” a zine comprised of interviews I conducted with sex workers; my personal essay; nude, macro-still-life, and candid-portrait photography; as well as illustrations and an array of typographic layouts. The third is a claymation film, which explores mutual pleasure in relationships, titled “Experiments 1, 2, 3.” The fourth and final part of “Growing Ripe” is a documentation process film, showing how I created most of the pieces included in my thesis. View the site here at: growingripe.cargo.site.
FIT GSE ’21
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2.
3.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
16
INFO
1.
MONSTER UNDER THE BED Wearable Sculpture
2.
MONSTER IN THE CLOSET Wearable Sculpture
3.
MONSTER AT THE WINDOW Wearable Sculpture
STATEMENT
@christophercoughlin https://ccoughlin.cargo.site
PROJECTS
CHRISTOPHER COUGHLIN
“Monster? I Hardly Know Her!” is a collection of wearable installations focused on the abysmal depiction of queer people in horror cinema, which is way too apparent and upsetting to a queer horror enthusiast like myself. Although we’re often framed to be monsters, I know behind that tacky veneer there are still recognizable and relatable human beings, even if we look a bit different sometimes. These three pieces combine cues from the historically queer-driven club scene of NYC, classic horror-story visuals, a smorgasbord of mediums and a frightening amount of rubber cement in order to drive home the simple message: No matter how scary you’re told something is, the unknown only stays unknown until you look a bit deeper.
FIT GSE ’21
1.
2.
3.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
17
INFO
1.
SPACE EXHIBIT 1 Architectural
2.
SPACE EXHIBIT 2 Architectural
3.
SPACE EXHIBIT 3 Architectural
STATEMENT
@still_kaliel
PROJECTS
KALIEL DE SILVA
Working in so many different styles is no easy task, and one of the most challenging things can be trying to replicate the universe in the appearance of its abstraction. An artist’s work is never done, as is the comparison of our space realm, which is persistently expanding. With unlimited ideology there is plenty of room for perspective, mediums, and vehicles that can be applied from our own imaginations, while the very thought of space is extremely complex, alike solidifying design methods. What better way than to allow this free flow energy to be looked upon than an exhibit? Everything is a work of art; from space in the universe to the distances between how space reacts with itself. While working, one thing will always lead to another, with or without space…
FIT GSE ’21
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2.
3.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
18
INFO
1.
CONTROL & COMFORT Book
2.
ACT OF DOMINATION Book
3.
RELIEF OF AFFLICTION Book
STATEMENT
@rileyydeann rileydeangraphics.com
PROJECTS
RILEY DEAN
“Control & Comfort:” when one has control over their surroundings, they tend to feel a sense of comfort. However, it is impossible to have control at all times, so does that mean it’s impossible to find comfort at all times? Is it possible to find comfort in the acceptance of not being able to control everything? In order to determine how most individuals would respond to these questions, they will interact with a double-sided book. One side, (Act of Domination), will allow the viewer to arrange the context in any way they desire, while the other side, (Relief of Affliction), will be pre-arranged. Ultimately, an answer will arise as the audience decides if the side they had to control themselves was more comforting to read through, rather than the side that was already arranged in the correct order.
FIT GSE ’21
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2.
3.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
19
INFO
1.
DOING BETTER WEBSITE - RESOURCES Website
2.
DOING BETTER WEBSITE - LEAVE A MARK Website
3.
DOING BETTER WEBSITE - LATEST Website
STATEMENT
https://www.emmadomnisch.com/
PROJECTS
EMMA DOMNISCH
What are we really doing right today? When it comes to immigration, a lot of change has been made but it is still nowhere close to being where it should be. “Doing Better” is a look into what United States immigration looks like today and different ways to help those immigrating. It is a website that is unlike other immigration websites; it encompasses all aspects of immigration. The Latest page is a collage of the latest information from the different pages of the website in addition to stories that were told on the Leave A Mark page. The Resources and Policies and Reform pages help people know the latest about the process. The Statistics page explores the different numbers of the current immigration climate. Rounding out the website is Leave a Mark, where people can leave their immigration stories or resources to help others going through the process.
FIT GSE ’21
1.
2.
3.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
20
PROJECTS
1.
GAINING A LITTLE PERSPECTIVE Poster
2.
EXPRESSIONS Poster
STATEMENT
LISBETH FLORES Living in a world where there is so much controversy, it is difficult for us to understand one another. While interviewing people who belong to the trans community I’ve learned how it can be difficult for some tolive life when not everyone understands what they’re going through. There are many people who would consider being transgender a sin. These are the same people who claim that God loves everybody. My goal is not to change people’s opinions, but to help by “Gaining a Little Perspective” through the eyes of the trans community. I want to help amplify voices of people from this community by sharing their stories of what they have gone through. The Bible says “Love thy neighbor,” but is the way some of us treat our trans brothers and sisters an accurate representation of what the Bible says?
FIT GSE ’21
1.
2.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
21
INFO
1.
DAILY ROUTINE DESIGN Publication
2.
PARTICIPANT’S DAILY ROUTINES Data collection
3.
DATA COLLECTION Print
STATEMENT
@thecoolkelly https://kellyfng.com/
PROJECTS
KELLY FUNG
1.
2.
In March 2020, our lives took an unexpected turn. Suddenly, instead of waking up early, getting ready, commuting, and rushing to class while finishing my breakfast, I was waking up ten minutes before my class, washing my face, and sitting in front of my computer wearing my pajamas for (at least) the next three hours. After a year living in a pandemic with health regulations, social distance rules, and spending ninety percent of our days at home, I found myself needing to look into how we, as a collective, perceived this whole experience. By interviewing and asking participants to track their daily routine and emotions, “It’s been a Year” is a project that investigates the lives of twenty-one college students and how the pandemic has changed them, encouraging the participants and audience to reflect, reminding them that we are not alone, and of the need to put things into perspective.
FIT GSE ’21
3.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
22
INFO
1.
IDEALIZATION Kit scan
2.
ASSEMBLING Kit
3.
CONVULSED IDENTITY Kit parts
STATEMENT
@arting_mel artingmel.com
PROJECTS
MELISSA GUILLEN
We ask questions to get to know each other better but sometimes we end up saying things unintentionally. When asking the question, “Where are you from?”, is there some sort of microaggression and stereotyping that can affect the person? This project, Kit of Parts, reflects on how we can ask the question while being aware of where people originate from. The idea of creating a Kit of Parts is where you can take different items and “create” a person. When choosing the items it creates a “convulsion.” This is an homage to the surrealist’s exquisite corpse. My project aims to start a conversation on how we ask these types of questions and what exactly makes a person who they are.
FIT GSE ’21
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
23
INFO
@Fembpm brittneyhenriquez.info
PROJECTS
501 HOURS OF 501S VIDEO Video, Mixed Media
STATEMENT
BRITTNEY HENRIQUEZ This experiment, “501 Hours of 501s - Workwear versus Fashion,” serves as a visual testament to one of the most iconic items of the modern era: the blue jean. Equally personal and universal, a pair of jeans can be as expressive as it can be utilitarian. Over the course of 30 days, I spent about 501 waking hours wearing my Levi’s 501s. Each day a piece of the jean was cut and documented. The disintegration of the object not only created its own style, but it also showcased the craftsmanship of its construction. Even if the jeans were being ripped apart, they always still served their initial function. Their lasting material also brings up an important insight: as they decayed...did they evolve as a fashion symbol? As this workwear object develops personality, and becomes an object of style and culture, does this raise socio-economic concerns regarding privilege and class?
FIT GSE ’21
GRAPHIC DESIGN
24
INFO
1.
SVETHA WEDS MARK Website — www.svethawedsmark.cargo.site
2.
PODCAST POSTER Poster
3.
HOMEPAGE Website
STATEMENT
@dummyteeth dummyteeth.com
PROJECTS
MARISA HETZLER
As the product of a mixed marriage, I find that media portrayals of interracial relationships are inconsistent with my real-life experiences. After questioning which reality to believe, I decided to use my thesis project to uncover the true nature of multiracial households. “Svetha Weds Mark” is a three-part multimedia podcast centered around my parents’ wedding. Through family interviews, historical context, and vivid imagery, this podcast tells a linear narrative which describes the reality of interracial relationships. A love story at its core, “Svetha Weds Mark” ties the union of two families to the broader context of racial politics, tradition, and identity in the United States. Listen to the full podcast online at svethawedsmark.cargo.site.
FIT GSE ’21
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
25
PROJECTS
THE TWO Video
STATEMENT
TORI HUANG In this short video, “The Two,” I explore the relationship between my mother and me by analyzing who she was before giving birth to me, and digesting how generational and culture gaps created the distance between us. The video explores our rocky relationship, and how necessary it was to understand her past in order to understand her current perspective. I interviewed my mother during a recent trip to Columbus, Georgia. I focused on her experience growing up during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, on her being an entrepreneur, on her physical disability, and on her being a single mother of two during the one-child-only policy. I used audio, old family photos, and painting collages mixed with motion graphics to present the emotional and psychological experience. “Seeing the full picture requires willingness to see the other side first.”
FIT GSE ’21
GRAPHIC DESIGN
26
INFO
1.
TWO THINGS TRUE | NICE TO MEET YOU! Publication
2.
TWO THINGS TRUE | DATA VISUAL Publication
3.
TWO THINGS TRUE | CONVERSATION STARTER Embroidery
STATEMENT
@sydn.ie https://sydnie.cargo.site/
PROJECTS
SYDNIE JAIME
As individuals, we may go through similar experiences but learn differently from them. These differences develop our perspective and also our identity. “TwoThingsTrue” is a collection of embroidery pieces and a publication based on a questionnaire created as a way to virtually connect with people. Through this, I’ve been able to experience pieces of other people’s stories without ever meeting them or seeing what they look like. Embroidery as a medium is a great way to connect life and the process of making art. There were many mistakes and mess-ups, but I continued. Some of the mistakes I didn’t correct, and as a viewer, you won’t be able to realize it, and that’s important to recognize. “TwoThingsTrue” isn’t a space to reach one common truth, but a conversation with the goal to gain perspective and connect the process of making art, mistakes included, with the development of identity.
FIT GSE ’21
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
27
INFO
1.
HELPING YOUR LOVED ONE REMINISCE Publication
2.
REMINISCING: PACKAGE Logo Design
3.
REMINISCING: THE CARD GAME Card Deck
STATEMENT
@Lexi_kellner https://alexiskellner.myportfolio.com
PROJECTS
ALEXIS KELLNER
Each day, without anyone realizing, dementia patients can be made to feel aggravated or confused based on questions or statements they encounter. Interacting may not always be easy, but my goal is to help. “Reminiscing” focuses on providing information on how to talk to people with dementia in a way that will cause the least amount of confusion. I do this through a card game that has prompts for conversation starters and activities that can be played by patients and caretakers. The cards are color-coordinated; red — Conversation Starters: Level 1, yellow — Conversation Starters: Level 2, green — Senses, and blue — Music. Through my research I have tried to find the best way to word these cards, so that they are the least confusing for patients. Although dementia cannot be cured, we need to have constructive conversations that help dementia patients keep their minds active and stay connected with others.
FIT GSE ’21
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
28
INFO
1.
BLOSSOMS ON THE EAST LAND Virtual Exhibition
2.
BLOSSOMS ON THE EAST LAND Publication
3.
BLOSSOMS ON THE EAST LAND Collage
STATEMENT
@monicaleenyc www.monicaleedesign.com
PROJECTS
MONICA LEE
“Blossoms on the East Land” is a virtual exhibition and online publication. This project contains curation and regeneration of artworks from, and with, Asian female photographers and body activists who are mostly from China and Taiwan. It aims to subvert the classic Chinese femininity stereotypes and to reclaim their bodies and appearance against sexual objectification. The goal is to amplify the voices of Asian women in our new generation and evoke conversations about our individual and collective experiences. This comes from the perspective of being a female growing up in Taiwan and how the media perpetuated stereotypes of Asian women as either hyper-sexualized temptresses or sexually submissive. The media’s narrative has successfully created a contradictory social phenomenon among women from different generations. “Blossoms on the East Land,” a rebellious celebration of diverse Asian femininity, is an homage to women’s strength in Asian culture, empowering their raw and unapologetic selves.
FIT GSE ’21
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2.
3.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
29
INFO
1.
NUEVXFUTURO.CARGO.SITE Microsite — www.nuevxfuturo.cargo.site
2.
NUEVX FUTURO ZINE Publication
3.
VESSEL Sculpture
STATEMENT
@fka.cris crstnmrtnz.com
PROJECTS
CRISTIAN MARTINEZ
“Nuevx Futuro” (“New Future”) is a digital zine that envisions possibilities for the future of Central America in a way that is inclusive and contemporary. Through decolonized perspectives and a focus on diasporic cultures, this investigation aims at becoming an instrument for reflection and identification as part of the artistic production from Central America, which often has no representation or is diluted by Eurocentric standards. After researching Mesoamerican design and (re)contextualizing artifacts in relation to indigenous traditions, this project ignores the construct of time while blurring the realms of real and synthetic. “Nuevx Futuro” lives on a microsite– encapsulated in the form of a “vessel” comprised of a MacBook, which has been modified in the tradition of Salvadoran buses. Using crystals, clay, and found electrical materials, I transform my Mac into a personalized expression of my aesthetic, disregarding the rules of modernity and Western influence. www.nuevxfuturo.cargo.site
FIT GSE ’21
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
30
INFO
@oaarc www.oaarc.xyz
PROJECTS
THE GREATER ISSUE THAT IS UNDERMINED, PROCRASTINATION Website
STATEMENT
JOSE MARTINEZ I have dealt with procrastination for as long as I can remember. I tried my best in school, but I never explored why I had this behavior since everyone was going through the same thing. Procrastination has become such a social norm that it seems normal. High schools and colleges fail to emphasize the issue by not properly educating students with ways to deal with it. After conducting my senior thesis, “The Issue That Is Undermined, Procrastination,” I have found the root causes of procrastination and how to overcome it. My goal for this project was to create an engaging platform elaborately defining procrastination and providing verifiable ways to deal with it. I focused on the visuals to guide the viewer by entering a 3D space that continues as they go through the website. This interactive form of learning keeps the viewer captivated, a fun way to absorb information.
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INFO
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TAPPED, AN EXPLORATION OF THE UNCONSCIOUS MIND (FULLY LAID OUT) Zine
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TAPPED, AN EXPLORATION OF THE UNCONSCIOUS MIND (COVER) Zine
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TAPPED, AN EXPLORATION OF THE UNCONSCIOUS MIND (PAGES 7- 10) Zine
STATEMENT
@mcgowanerin mcgowanerin.myportfolio.com
PROJECTS
ERIN MCGOWAN
The idea of the unconscious mind was made popular by Sigmund Freud and was later visually explored in depth by the Surrealist art movement. Having researched the unconscious mind for my thesis and always having had a great interest in Surrealist art, I thought it would be fitting to work with the two for this project. This zine, “Tapped,” explores the unconscious mind of a creative (me) through the creation of handmade visuals using the Surrealist technique of automatism. Automatism encourages the artist to express themself freely, without conscious thought. During the creation of this zine I used paint, tape, paper, ink, and found objects. I then digitally manipulated the visuals which are accompanied by Andre Breton’s 1924 Surrealist Manifesto.
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INFO
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MISSING HOME — TALE OF TWO HOMES: MERCEDES AND DAVID
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MISSING HOME — WEBSITE
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MISSING HOME — TALE OF TWO HOMES: EXENIA AND ARNOLDO
STATEMENT
@nestmenjivar nestmenjivar.com
PROJECTS
NESTOR MENJIVAR
As an immigrant, I’ve always struggled to find a place to call home. Since my mother and I moved to the United States, we never had a permanent place to call home, and El Salvador, the place I used to call home, was becoming a memory. Turning 18 and starting college, I struggled with my identity. Now, at 22, I have reconnected with what brings me closer to home — language, food, and music. “Missing Home” is about the struggles immigrants face remembering their past and finding a new home. There are five video stories, including my own: my parents, starting from different circumstances with different perspectives; my grandparents, who have been here for as long as I can remember; my cousin, who moved here when she was four; and a family friend who is here by himself. I focused on my family, but the themes of this project are universal.
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INFO
@sobnom_mimi https://www.sobnommimi.com/
PROJECTS
BEHIND EVERY GREAT MAN THERE’S A GREATER WOMAN Book, Animation
STATEMENT
SOBNOM MIMI We are conditioned from a young age to overlook female contributions and to celebrate superheroes like Spiderman or Superman without caring too much for their female partners. The problem with popular media is not the lack of representation,but of misrepresentation that makes women a target for violence, and stereotyping, which boxes them into categories less superior to men. Let’s take a closer look at these famous heroes that we grew up consuming and how their female partners’ contribution has been overshadowed by the media. Let’s illustrate these overlooked and stereotyped women as strong, independent and full human beings. Let’s retell their stories not as an object or as a damsel in distress, but as a strong, independent being who is self-reliant and capable of achieving greatness all by herself. Behind Every Great Man, There’s a Greater Woman…...
FIT GSE ’21
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INFO
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FINDING BARRY Video
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INDEXING SYSTEM 300+ cards typed individually on typewriter enclosed in wooden filing box
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CARD CLOSEUP Scanned card juxtaposed with typed information
STATEMENT
@meanleen_ www.meanleen.com
PROJECTS
KATHLEEN NOLAN
While researching my family history, I stumbled upon Barry. Barry was my grandfather’s adopted brother who ultimately had been ostracized for inquiring about his birth parents. After Barry decided to meet his birth mother, he was disowned by his adoptive parents and was never seen again. “Finding Barry” is a hypothetical indexing system, where adopted children can grow up with a glimpse of their heritage ranging in various degrees based on their type of adoption. Questioning one’s identity is not related to the adoptive parent, but an exploration of self. With this system, a child can get a glimpse of who they are, whether it be that their family has a medical history of schizophrenia, or that their maternal great-aunt was a world-famous juggler. Heritage should not be paid for; it is your right to know who you are. A person is not only a birth and death date.
FIT GSE ’21
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
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INFO
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BOOKLET Publication
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WITCH BITCH Fabric Posters
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BOOKLET Publication
STATEMENT
@valtruith https://valtruith.wixsite.com/valtruith
PROJECTS
JENNIFER PAREDES
After researching South American witchcraft and occult history, as well as the persecution of witches that began in the 15th century, I came to realize that this is where modern-day stigmas around witches were born. This thesis project, “Witch Bitch,” focuses on these stigmas and how they affect modern-day witches and their craft. Using photography from Frances F. Denny, as well as various interviews and my own personal experience, I dove deeper into these stigmas an illustrated how they distort society’s view of witches and occultists.
FIT GSE ’21
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INFO
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RE_EMBODIED A promotional poster design for RE_EMBODIED.
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RE_EMBODIED A digital poster promoting a dance video design exploring the human body as a point of intersection between identity, reality and technology.
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RE_EMBODIED An infographic poster design for RE_EMBODIED. Based on a timeline of the most significant moments of the short film.
STATEMENT
@vale_priolo https://www.vpriolo.com/
PROJECTS
VALENTINA PRIOLO
This interdisciplinary piece is my quest to reclaim the unadulterated body, free from societal disguise, unencumbered by constructs of an imposed identity, unwilling to conform to the dictates of a conditioned world. Utilizing a multi-media of video dance and print and digital poster design, I dissected the multiple layers of a fractured reality that veils our bodies and inhibits our most authentic expression. I shook away he body’s eclectic, exposing it as an emotional and mental dumpster of habitual patterns that have set us on autopilot, and boldly replaced it with an embodied mindfulness that engenders experiences. I further drew on contemporary forms of dance video and somatic exploration to coin an idiom of embodied urgency and tap an unexplored reservoir of knowledge, spirit, and perceptive awareness. Stripping away the externals, I shed the outer shell – only to reconnect to my body’s wisdom, and rekindle my true self.
FIT GSE ’21
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37
INFO
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PROLOGUE CONTD. Book
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BEGINNING OF THE STORY Book
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PROLOGUE Book
STATEMENT
@barranci https://bartranci.com
PROJECTS
BARTOLOMEO RANCI ORTIGOSA 1.
We are both storytellers. Lying on our backs, we look up at the night sky. – John Berger, 1984. There is a particular effect that stories have when they are recounted directly in front of you. The sensory information from the environment starts to fuse with the narrative itself, creating an experience that is equally physical as it is psychological. This is what I will do. I will tell you a story: At Daybreak, from Italo Calvino’s Cosmicomics, by embedding it within the room it is told, through the use of sculptural installation, ink transfer, and photography. The story will take place neither here nor elsewhere, but somewhere in the middle; between you and I – We.
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INFO
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POLICE RECIPE Book
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SUGAR COATED RECIPE BOOK Book
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JOB INTERVIEW RECIPE Book
STATEMENT
@naturalrain https://lorraineross64.wixsite.com/mysite/welcome
PROJECTS
LORRAINE ROSS
People start life as authentic. They start to change when different situations cause them to be an outsider. We emulate our surroundings to become accepted by one group. We change to fit other people’s tastes, but sometimes don’t even recognize who we are. I am exploring the depths of code-switching and linguistic profiling on a person. What better way to navigate these waters than through cooking? Learning what you need in order to become palatable! This tutorial video and recipe book, “Sugar-Coated,” will equip people to get through life’s most “interesting” moments. This recipe book will enlighten, yet you will hunger for more. To be culturally acceptable, we must gain the ingredients and learn processes that help us “fit into a mold” and become more desirable. The more artificial flavors people gain, the less natural they become. With a closer look at ourselves, do we recognize who we are?
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INFO
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FRAMED VIEW OF SPRING WATER FINAL INSTALLATION Animation/Installation
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FRAMED VIEW OF SPRING WATER Environmental Installation
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PROCESS Video
STATEMENT
@sazibustos https://anasazibustos.com/
PROJECTS
ANASAZI SANCHEZ-BUSTOS
“View of Spring Water” is an environmental installation built using red/white cedar and 3D-printed PETG. The structure reflects the form of a home’s central crossbeam. I chose to focus my thesis on creating sustainable architecture through renewing traditional methods of construction with modern technologies. Ancient Japanese architecture focused on ease of disassembly, standardization, and prefabrication. The two joints I designed and used in the installation are a simplified dai mochi tsugi joint (台持ち継ぎ) and a modified tsuri waku joint (つり づ か), using a 3D-printed lock. These two joints could be used to support a 1,500-pound roof. With this project I wanted to create practical designs that shift labor away from the commercial market and encourage a communal or personal application. The aesthetic goal of the work is to frame nature within an architectural form, while also framing the form as small within a larger natural landscape.
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INFO
liliasimone.com
PROJECTS
THE UNSEEN PAIN Publication
STATEMENT
LILIA SANGSTER “The unseen pain” is dedicated to offering a perspective on what verbal and emotional abuse looks like. My thesis highlights how verbal and emotional abuse is often overlooked and excused as being less severe when compared to other forms of abuse. Through my research, I discovered how many victims of verbal abuse are unaware that what they’re experiencing is abuse, due to things like manipulation and our society’s inability to validate something they cannot see. Through my personal experience with this topic, I wanted to create something that spoke for people who feel unheard and undervalued. “The unseen pain” offers a look at the true definition of verbal abuse while giving real-life context in an attempt to paint a clear picture for the reader. “The unseen pain” sets out to provide a supportive and authentic approach to storytelling through a cohesive blend of photography and typography.
FIT GSE ’21
GRAPHIC DESIGN
41
INFO
@chynnajs https://chynnasierra.cargo.site/
PROJECTS
BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE EXILED Publication
STATEMENT
CHYNNA SIERRA Exile is the situation of a person who is forced to leave their own country, or a period of voluntary absence from one’s country or home. “Behind the Scenes of the Exiled” is an experimental zine that looks into writers who were driven into exile, forced to leave their native land, but have found a way to express themselves about their situation. I chose these writers because they all have a different story as to the reason for their exile and what might’ve been going on in their era. I’d like to analyze the writing of these specific writers and find out what was happening in their world at the time. Were there hidden meanings behind their writings? What did their writings depict about their emotions while in exile? Taking a step back to the early 20th century, what did these great writers leave behind in the literary world?
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
42
INFO
@kamilwwpi https://www.behance.net/kamil_w
PROJECTS
PULLED AWAY Book
STATEMENT
KAMIL WIERCISZEWSKI Immigration has always been a part of the American culture; however, the challenges immigrants face when starting their life in a different country are rarely talked about. This book, “Pulled Away,” has been inspired by those exact challenges and it aims to reach a younger audience through the mixture of three formats: storytelling, pictures, and a comic book, along with the use of elegant typographical elements, all combined into one. The way one deals with situations in their life is always up to the individual, and the choices made affect us just as much as they affect everyone around us. The goal of this book is to present the changes within the family structure and the difficulties an immigrant family, or a family member, might face while trying to adjust to a new culture.
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INFO
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WORDS WE HEARD GROWING UP Publication
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COVER Publication
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ANTI-APPI RACISM Publication
STATEMENT
@fannyy_w fannywu.com
PROJECTS
FANNY WU
Many immigrants living in the United States find the need to Americanize and conform when they should embrace their identity and heritage. The narrative of Chinese Americans is one of assimilation and loss of cultural identity. Growing up, I always tried so hard to fit in. Now that I’m older, I realize that there is no need for us to fit in, but for us to really embrace and carry that identity with us. “Remembering Traditions, (Zine Title: Jooksing),” reminds us that there are a lot of traditions in the Chinese culture that are never really written down. If it weren’t for our elders, like our grandparents, many of the things we celebrate and take for granted would probably be forgotten. I want to reflect on what we learn from our history, remember the traditions that our family celebrates, and share this culture with future generations.
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INFO
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RE-HARMONY | APP_SOUND Publication
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RE-HARMONY | PUBLICATION Animation for UIUX Design
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RE-HARMONY | APP_INTERFACES Animation for UIUX Design
STATEMENT
@_zyuannnnn http://zhiyuanxie.cargo.site/
PROJECTS
ZHIYUAN XIE
Everyone knows what nature is, but this impetuous world disconnects us from it. We, as humans, help to create negative impacts on nature. However, the COVID-19 pandemic was like a serious warning from nature; it forced us to slow down and reflect on our actions. Humans need to develop a better relationship with nature and show it more respect. My project is inspired by the environmental aspect of a traditional Chinese philosophy called Taoism. It teaches people to live in harmony with nature and follow the way of Tao. “Harmony” is an app that helps people cultivate their inner energy by using the energy from nature. People can appreciate nature’s beauty and reconnect with themselves. Next, “RE” exposes the consequences of human greed. Humans should re-recognize the importance of nature and understand how much it contributes to human civilization. Coexisting with nature is the long-term prosperity of human civilization.
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45
INFO
@x_x_hsu_x_c https://chongxu7.com
PROJECTS
OBSERVER’S EXPERIENCE Zine
STATEMENT
CHONG XU How does one of the mainstream values of the current society, group living, view a solitary lifestyle? Undesirable, unfavorable, pathological, and harmful? The thought that “solitude is a reasonable life choice, just like group living” may have never crossed their mind. My thesis, “Solitude Is A Reasonable Life Choice & More,” considers that a solitary life is a choice that reasonably exists in human society and I hope that society reconsiders the correctness of the one-sided stigmatization of loners. The zine titled “Observer’s Experience,” as an independent digital zine, is not only a medium that presents my thesis, but also my personal experience. Due to the pandemic, I experienced something new. After such a long period of being isolated and blocked from society, solitude has evolved into an isolation with negative effects. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to learn and keep a balance between solitude and social interaction.
FIT GSE ’21
GRAPHIC DESIGN
46
INFO
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KASPAROV & DEEP BLUE Chess Set
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KASPAROV & DEEP BLUE Chess Set
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KASPAROV & DEEP BLUE COLLAGE Collage
STATEMENT
@maryyaz www.mahryyazliyeva.com
PROJECTS
MAHRY YAZLIYEVA
In 1997, Kasparov, the world’s best chess player lost a match against an IBM supercomputer called Deep Blue. He resigned after 19 moves. This had never happened before, creating a societal shift in which AI began to fulfil what scientists had always known it could do. Although AI is thought to have fascinating capabilities, it also presents ethical issues, and while we are surrounded by it, a lot of people feel uneasy, and perhaps even assume that “robots will eventually take over.” That being said, it’s important to take into consideration that AI cannot function without humans and the two working together have a lot of potential to solve limitations. So, by taking chess and bringing it back to the ’90s, when AI first began to make its major mark, the set aims to bring computer and humans together.
FIT GSE ’21
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www.fitnyc.edu/gse @fitgse2021_GraphicDesign