Design Portfolio by Kelsea Dill

design portfolio selected work 2013-14

00 index

01 intro 02 selected work FIRST AID KIT GREENLITE SIP N DIP MADD ADDAM TRILOGY CUPCAKEOLOGY FLAT OS X ICONS THE FRESH START EP DAY RESIDUE JEANNE D'ARC VOICES POSTER BEERADISE

01 intro

Nice to meet you I am a graphic designer and illustrator aspir-

I have worked on building my body of work

ing to create work that combines contem-

around designs that have a place in the real

porary, minimalist design and functional

world, function on multiple platforms, and

purpose for the modern world.

appeal to a broad range of audiences. I am

Staying true to the philosophy of “form follows function,” I design for the types of products and companies we are surrounded

particularly passionate about brand identities, packaging, illustration, interactive design, and print design.

by in our day-to-day lives. Determining the

I’ve done a bit of freelance work here and

end result of a design — the intended use of

there, and even worked in a letterpress

a product, a company’s service or mission,

studio, but what I really want to do is work

projected audience — and then creating a

with a design agency that has a unique, con-

concept from there is the most crucial stage

temporary outlook and an insightful design

in my design process.

process. As a newcomer, I think I can provide

I often feel that we are surrounded by an overwhelming amount of information, but good design can be the solution. Focusing on accessibility and clear communication,

a fresh point-of-view and an enthusiastic willingness to learn and adapt.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER!

02 selected work

this is what i do As a recent college graduate, I've spent the last three years developing and refining my design and illustration skills. During my time in college, I've created work that includes identity systems, interactive design, editorial design, packaging, and illustration. The following body of work has been selected to showcase my skills, particularly in concept development and art direction.

First Aid Kit This project was focused on challenging

this problem by simplifying and reducing the

myself to redesign a mediocre product. I

amount of information on the packaging and

chose a first aid kit because it provided an

guides, as well as creating a system of icons

opportunity to create a system of packaging

to visually assist the user.

that would simplify the usage of the kit.

The final packaging system consists of box-

In an emergency, it may be difficult to nav-

es, envelopes, and labels with a prominent

igate a first aid kit amongst all the chaos.

icon indentifying the product inside. Also

Medical and first aid packaging has a lot

included is a redesigned first aid guide in a

of information that is both confusing and

folding, poster-like format, also using icons

distracting when in a hurry. I aimed to solve

to quickly direct the user to the information.

PACKAGING Student Work March 2014

greenlite The challenge presented in this project was

in taking generally mundane packaging and

to rebrand the uninteresting. Inspired by

cleaning up the informational clutter, turning

Paul Rand's work for Westinghouse, I chose

it into something more approachable and

to focus on the lighting company Greenlite

appealing for the average person.

for this rebranding concept.

Using simple iconography, a unique, yet

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve often found most lightbulb packaging

appropriate color scheme, information

to be under-stimulating and generic, always

hierarchy, and clean, readable typography,

overwhelmed with confusing information,

I developed a concept intended to be ap-

resulting in text-heavy, cluttered, and overall

proachable and informative across a variety

inaccessible packaging. I found opportunity

of platforms, both print and digital.

IDENTITY Student Work December 2013

Sip n Dip food truck This is an identity concept for a class project

sandwiches. Using the logo as the highlight

in which we were to brand an imaginary

of the brand, I stuck to using mostly black

food truck. I often find that food trucks are

and white while trying to maintain boldness

over-designed and visually cluttered since it

in my design.

is easy to forget the intended function of a food truck design: to be quickly noticed by passersby. So, visibility and function became the focus in my design. I created an iconographic logo to quickly

The mobile app is one of the most important elements because it helps customers find the current location of the truck while on the go. Creating a consistent identity system was essential to carrying the brand from the

portray the food truck's products: soups and sidewalk to the screen.

IDENTITY Student Work November 2013

Madd Addam Trilogy This project was created for a class as-

ther into the series. All the typography used

signment in which I was to create a series

is Mission Gothic by Trevor Baum, which I

of typography-based book covers. It was

chose to use for its sans-serif, geometric

required that the typeface used was to be

qualities that I found to be subtley futuristic.

distorted in some way.I chose to create a

To make the covers remain cohesive, I chose

concept for the trilogy by Margaret Atwood.

a bold, primary-based color scheme con-

Inspired by the futuristic, post-apocalyptic themes, I distorted elements of the type to look like glitches or decay. The distortion becomes more pronounced as you get fur-

sisting of three colors, with each cover using only two of these.

BOOK COVERS Student Work November 2013

Cupcakeology As a project for a web design course, I was

Interested in the single-page trend, I found

instructed to design and code a website for

the subject matter to be appropriate for

a cupcake shop. Rather than sticking to the

exploring the format. In the coding pro-

typical cupcake themes, I thought it would

cess, I incorporated a fixed navigation and

be fun to make a science-themed bakery

smooth-scrolling. Other effects included

and give all the cupcakes latin names.

smooth transitions for button hovers and

I created all the illustrations and graphics in a flat vector style. I then designed the layout on a strict grid to keep things clean and organized and allow for a responsive design.

form selections, as well as hover animations on the cupcake graphics in the menu section. The website was coded using HTML, CSS, and jQuery.

INTERACTIVE Student Work July 2013

OPEN

Flat os x icons These icons were a self-driven project in

should not be the visual focus within a work-

which I aimed to simplify the icons used in

space; tools should be seen, not heard.

the OS X dock and system functions. Already interested in theming my devices, I had never actually designed my own content for them before this project.

I set out to fix this problem by simplfying the icons in a trendy, flat style. The icons only contain the visual elements that are absolutely neccessary to identify the function or

I've always found the rich and/or skeuomor-

program. I also aimed to make them visually

phic styles used for OS X too detailed, and

work as a system by reusing certain ele-

therefore, distracting. The dock is a tool, and

ments and shapes and sticking to a specific

although tools should easily visible, they

color palette.

INTERACTIVE Self Driven June 2014

The Fresh Start Ep This project was my first experience work-

that a hand-lettered logo would be useful

ing with real clients. Seattle hip-hop duo

for both adding a touch of street-inspired

Shelton Harris and Tyler Dopps came to me

style as well as giving their audience an

seeking a design for their first full-length

iconic graphic to remember them by. With

EP. The project evolved into a mini-identity

photography provided by my friend, Thomas

system with the creation of a logo, digital

Decker, the design spanned from the album

booklet, and versions of the album artwork

cover into the digital booklet.

to be used on various social media sites.

The album cover was created for both digital

The concept began with the design of the

download and physical copies. The booklet

cover itself. The clients and I both agreed

was only included in the digital download.

IDENTITY Freelance Work February 2013

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

24K Dreams

Intro 24k Dreams Let’s Go Crossroads Wake Up Diamond In The Rough

What would you say if I told you I’d be the greatest MC there ever was? What would you say if told you that I could take a bunch of kids from the bottom and bring them to number one? What would you say I told you a nobody would end up rocking for a sold out crowd? “Damn, that shit is crazy. He’d probably never make it.” Well you’re listening to that right now, because we on now. We’re gonna take it from the bottom to the top now, Rolling Stone; everybody wanna rock now “Shelton Raps?” Yeah, I get that shit a lot now And it feels great, tell me, why I’d ever stop now? Waking up to a new beginning, I’m dreaming, In 20 years I’ve come to notice something, a sequence The harder work will yield results; it’s all strategic Now I make a living making differences to non-believers It’s an anthem for dreamers. I know I’m chasing mine, I hope you get to see it I see a wave of hands, confidence will lie beneath it, So I tell ‘em throw it up, like the audience bulimic. You want advice? Take a picture; it’ll last longer Speak the real because the truth will make the rap stronger Give it everything you’ve got, don’t acknowledge hate, look head and let the past wander. Let’s make a toast to always kill, and put our heart up on the stage, I hope the people feel it I’m in the studio, headphones blaring until everything’s gold; 24 Karats I promise it’s my time, just keep on laughing. You’ll be running back when Nothing Better goes platinum You’ll be running back, and I’ll only look past you Because I’ll be at the top, you better run faster We’re one of one; nothing could replace this Pray to god I’ll the see the look up on their faces when they notice that it’s us And we’re rocking every show, and they’re rocking all our clothes that we made up out the basement This independent rap shit’s been killing, no deal, just fans, and the blogs still feel it Never had a doubt, and never seen the limit, Got convertible drive, like drop tops, no ceilings And people like it’s the craziest thing that I dropped my old life and I followed my dreams but still, I’m in studio, headphones blaring until every thing’s gold, 24k karats.

@sheltonraps @ tylerdopps sheltonraps.bandcamp.com

Life’s good, getting old now, so what? Things change and I guess I’ve gotta grow up Nothing better than having your first headlining show, come out and the whole town shows up But shit’s not how it used to be And that brainwash is not getting through to me I go to school, yeah, I’ve got a job, but could really care less if my shoes are clean, now, Let’s build a fan base from the ground up, Because to beat the eyes, you’ve gotta round up Nowadays everybody too stiff, nice job, got cash, but forgot how to have fun. Not me, not I, never will be, All grown up, new life, but I’m still me Chart topping, yeah, the top rhymers Still puttin’ hot sauce in my top ramen, go.

Let’s Go

Crossroads Wake Up, it’s another day to raise up my eyes, of course I’m on my way up, and with great fans it gets easier to stay up, and great fans are coming easier than lay ups, I’m learning never just to go with the path that I’m given And this is what happens when you trade it for passion at living The top is close, I can see it in the distance, give me all of your support and I swear I won’t forget it this is new wave rap, the next generation, hands to the sky, it’s a fucking celebration, let’s make a toast to the kings who are not here because you’re the reason that we got here I spent my whole damn life trying to right my wrongs, and last 12 months trying to write these songs, made some mistakes but they’re so far gone, so it’s pedal to the metal and i won’t except bronze, nothing better.

Treating each day like my last one Learn thing you won’t see up in a classroom each step is progress, like what’s a bad move? Shit, I dunno, I ain’t never had one. 10 year degree, and can’t use it Promise to win, and these kids just losing, It’s just me, but I’m feeling like they’re teaching us the wrong damn thing, No Jay-z, Blueprint I’d rather do what I love, and keep spittin’ We’re all tryna eat, we’re all tryna get it, But I’m staying true, and if I can’t do that, Then I’d be just another brainwashed kid tryna fit in That’s why I’m tryna make it in this rap biz, And make a path for the ones that never had shit Take flight, we’re rising above, I never follow a script, cause I’ma do what I love. It’s like that.

This is for the people that defeated the eyes, we give it up to the air, march on, march on there’s nothing better. because this is just the start, we’ve only just begun It was us against the world, but I’m feeling like we’ve won. Let’s make a toast to the good times, with good people and cheap wine, where we never count flaws, we only count dreams and we plot our next move while them haters count sheep I’ve been on my next drop now, y’all should catch up sick of being slept on, gettin’ fed up, times looking hard, still hold my head up I havent made it quite yet, but i’m never gonna let up I’ve been trying to shed light like a beacon barely getting a peek in, working every night and partying every weekend, They’re all talk, but ain’t living what they’re preaching, music saves lives when creativity sinks in That’s why I dedicate my all to this rap life The best part, you don’t even have to ask twice, is when a fan looks you dead in the eye, and says the music that you’ve written gave them reason to fly, there’s nothing better.

Wake Up

Life’s short, so I never take a look back Slip up, get stuck moving backwards Some say it doesn’t matter where your heart’s at; to me it’s a factor. Went broke so I’m working up in retail, still broke, guess rap is the new plan Ex said that I need to find a new job, told her that she needs to find a new man Mom said that she’s got me if it falls through, Told her “if it don’t, then it’s all yours” First show, didn’t see a single hand up, Leave now, whole crowd yelling “Encore” Bottom line, can’t make it if you don’t try. And don’t ever let your dreams get let down. In high school man they tried to give me F’s then, guess what, I don’t really give an F now.

diamond in the rough

Tell why it’s feeling like I fight for the right to be faithful? Tell me i didn’t earn this, but I’m grateful can’t stand sitting back while i’m eating mine, but hate won’t put food on the table now they’re all attacking ‘em, cause I’m passionate, Nissan; gotta take it to the maximum, told them I was next and they laughed at ‘em so i didn’t say shit, I just backed it up. But we’ll see who gets the last laugh, going hard now, no one can stop me and where i am after all of you that talked shit? I’ve got the right to be cocky On and on, it goes on and on, got the whole crowd lost in that ambience with their hands up, surfing that audience and the girls in the front like “oh my god” See the problem with the game now, there’s no sense of direction I used to fit in with that lame crowd because the fear of rejection Now i’ve found me, found that in the booth, fuck living lies, rap is the truth The spot light isn’t what it seems all i know is, if it’s all a dream then I don’t wanna wake up. Just be you. That doesn’t sound hard does it? Everybody says they’re trying to make a lane now, but that’s a huge part of it. I’ll be on top and none of y’all can touch it, Say I changed up, but all of my fans love it, shout out to my friends, they’ve been here from the beginning cause they were holding me down when all my fans wasn’t, now we just bounce to the beat of the drums and back, The whole crowd’s gonna be eating it up and yeah, treating every show like our last one, Said there’s nothing better, you ain’t even gotta ask Back to back hits, say we gonna get it, back to back hits, but still, i ain’t finished back to that studio, back to that life, not bad for coming from nothing now is it? See the problem with the game now, there’s no sense of direction I used to fit in with that lame crowd because the fear of rejection Now i’ve found me, found that in the booth, fuck living lies, rap is the truth The spot light isn’t what it seems all i know is, if it’s all a dream then I don’t wanna wake up.

2013, new year, same me I’d say we’re about to kill it, but then they’d think it’s a new thing. I’ve worked hard, a constant battle with my fear To be another rapper claiming that it’s my year Nah, I promise, Nothing Better; I rocked it Put my heart on an album and dropped it without a profit On to rocking shows, keeping up with my fans Make a couple thousand dollars, fund a tour out of pocket Get it? Yeah I got it Recognize that we on, Who’d have thought I make a living from memorizing these songs, My story is still the same, this chapter is moving on, acknowledging all my strengths but recognizing my flaws Wonder why i didn’t make it, blame it on the hate? Yeah right, stop faking. Looking at the game, it’s mine for the taking I’ma give it all I got until my doubt line’s vacant. They’ll recognize real, and passion when they see it Real is what I’ve got, and passion’s what I’m bringing, A diamond in the rough, like treasure in the sand, This is everything I was, and what I truly am. So we go hard for the people that we came for, go hard, show them what they know my name for go hard, because the music is the best part, Feeling pretty good, but i’m looking for a fresh start Why wait until January 1st to give it all? You finally think you’ve made it out of the box, then you fall, Slipping, But it’s my year I’m about to make man, I swear, listen, Nah, you’re just another rapper with the game twisted I’m on a different level, my focus on progression, Tryna make a mark and leave my people with a decent message Lyrics speak, so the music’s my impression, murder every track, kill the game without a weapon I came to kill it, told a story with Wake Up, got my city’s attention, and plenty more on the way up, damn, if that’s the start then i can’t wait to see the finish, my future was a blur but right now I see it vivid. These bars have got me, and there is no bail, You can try and stop me but i will not fail, They say practice makes perfect, so it’s grind all year, I put my all into the last, and it got me here. We started from the bottom, and still ain’t at the top, in every thing we do, give it every thing we’ve got, And even when it’s hard, know we’re never gonna stop, So they notice who we are, but remember who we’re not. I’m looking for a fresh start.

Shelton To the fans. Whether that be the ones that have been there since the beginning or the new ones I gain every day. You are the people that make this possible and give me a reason to put out the music that I do. To my family. I just want to make you guys proud, and give you everything you deserve. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I am. To Tyler Dopps, for putting in the time and hard work necessary to present you with this project. To Alana, for being the best girlfriend I could ask for and sticking with me through the good and the bad. To Trace Bartoli for being not only an incredible audio engineer, but a great friend. I can’t thank you enough. To Tom Decker, Zach Cruz, and Kelsea Dill for bringing this music to life through photos, videos, and graphic design. There’s never a dull moment with you guys. To my Sharkfacegang family. Without question you have been the greatest teachers I’ve ever had, whether you realized it or not. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. To all of the growing artists from the northwest, whose constant progression always pushes me to be the best that I can. And lastly, to my incredible friends and anyone that’s ever supported what I’ve done. I wish I could personally tell you all how much of an impact you’ve had on what I do. No matter what happens, I’ll always remember who was there when I had nothing. I love you all.

THANK YOU Tyler My parents and sisters for putting up with the racket coming from my bedroom, my girlfriend for not getting upset when I choose staying home to work on music instead of going out, Trace Bartoli for working the long, late nights with us to present the project in front of you today, Thom Decker at Mad Cats Galore for documenting all of our shows and everything in between, and Kelsea Dill at Mad Cats Galore for busting her ass putting together the design work for the entire album. Fear of failure, doubt, expectations, and ambition for pushing me to put out the best work I could onto this project. All of my friends, acquaintances, and anyone who’s ever met me at a show or told me they like my work for making me feel like what I do matters to other people. Shelton, for becoming one of my closest friends, being my partner in music, and most importantly for teaching me to believe in ourselves, to and believe in the music we present to you. And lastly, you. if you’re reading this or have even heard any of our music ever, posted about it, tweeted about it, talked about it, even thought about it, you’re the fucking best. we love you.

All songs written by Shelton Harris and Produced By Tyler Dopps. Mixed And Recorded By Shelton Harris, Tyler Dopps, and Trace Bartoli. All photos taken by Thomas Decker. Cover and booklet designed by Kelsea Dill.

Day residue This project was for my Typography class.

nipulation for the image. For the typography

We were required to design a cover for a

I chose to use modern, geometric typefaces,

record using the imaginary band FPO (For

and a glitch-like effect on the title.

Placement Only) and the title "Day Residue".

The typeface used for the title is Avril by Ben

Day residue is a psychological term used to

Dalrymple and I digitally manipulated it to

describe an element of a dream that is re-

simulate computer glitch. The other type-

lated to the pervious day's events. Because

face is a customized version of Futura.

of this, I tried to portray a dream-like, yet digital-age feel. I used my own motion-blur photography paired with some photo ma-

The full design includes full vinyl sleeve and label for the LP.

PACKAGING Student Work June 2013

jeanne d 'Arc This illustration was for a project in which we The Arcade Fire song does not particularly were to create an illustration inspired by a

suggest that the singer's modern Joan of Arc

song. Inspired by Arcade Fire's song "Joan of

is a leader, but rather just a modern muse.

Arc," I created a modern interpretation of the So, I mixed in stylistic elements suggestive historical figure. Referencing the form used in Romanticist

of today's typical "cool" girl to make the contemporary interpretation more prominent.

Dante Gabriel Rossetti's painting "Joan of

As in most of my illustration work, there is

Arc Kisses the Sword of Liberation," I aimed

a strong emphasis on color palettes. Pink,

to keep subtle historical references while

purple, and peach tones really helped push

keeping the overall style simple and modern. the feminine theme I was aiming for.

ILLUSTRATION Student Work February 2014

voices poster This illustration was created for a project in

night time, haziness, and of course, voices.

which we were to create an illustration for an

However, Phantogram is mainly electronic,

entertainment event. At the time, the band

creating music that is precise and mechanic

Phantogram had just released a new album,

yet upbeat and poppy.

so I made a poster concept for a world tour.

With all of this in mind, I created a minimal

The band's music is described by Pitch-

interpretation of the album's themes and

fork as having "gritty edges and nocturnal

overall vibe. To achieve this effect, I used flat,

ambience." The album's themes cover inner

geometric shapes, a monochromatic color

turmoil, psychosis, and general overall dark

scheme, and a gritty texture to top it all off.

subjects. The lyrics mention bones, smoke,

ILLUSTRATION Student Work March 2014

Beeradise After reading an article about Seattle's Beer

beer-lover fantasy. A river-like flow of beer

Week, I was inspired to create an editorial

was added to create more movement in the

illustration for a class assignment. The au-

overall piece.

thor called Seattle's Beer Week a paradise, and instantly I knew I wanted to create an exaggerated version of a beer paradise. I created simplified visuals of objects rele-

Embracing color as always, I created this color palette by sampling colors from photos of beer to create a bright, yet monochrome palette. Then I added the complementary

vant to beer-geeks â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a pilsner glass, growler, blue to really make the yellows, oranges, and mug, and a firken â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and intensified the size,

browns pop, and perhaps subtlely maintain

adding little human-like forms enjoying this

a Northwest feel.

ILLUSTRATION Student Work June 2014

like what you ' ve seen? Keep in touch

Kelsea Dill GRAPHIC DESIGNER / ILLUSTRATOR 360 710 7166 KELSEADILL@GMAIL.COM KELSEADILL.COM

Cheers!