why i am a designer
fall 2019 • print & book binding
This book titled "Why I am a Designer" was created for one of my final classes at Northeastern called Degree Project One. I was assigned to design a book that was a representation of who we are by showcasing what has inspired us, taught us, and led us to becoming a designer. My book details my obsessions with whimsical objects, classical paintings and art history, and contemporary design work rooted in storytelling. I am especially drawn to the intersection of politics, gender, and design. This book was conceived, written, letterpressed, and bound by me.
A special thank you to Doug Scott and Suzi Cozzens who allowed me to use the RISD letterpress machines.
about the book
I designed and wrote this book as a representation of who I am today. I used this opportunity to reflect on what has inspired me along the way to becoming a designer, to highlight what has caught my eye, informed how I looked at designed objects, and to examine how I perceive the world and our society.
book design & binding
For this book I wanted a simple structure to allow for the content and the design details throughout to shine. Some of the elements that I adore in this book are my debossed initials that are letterpressed in the cover, the watercolor splattering I created for the cover, and all the watercolor painted shapes on the interior pages.
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personal collections
Before creating this book I did not realize all the little collections I have been gathering over the years of objects that have informed my identity as an individual and as a designer. I explore the collections that hold deep meaning for me like my jewelry, my postcards, my tote bags, and more.
influential artwork
I was fortunate to have private art lessons at a young age. This early introduction to art outside of school fostered my love of creating things and admiring other people's artwork, whether they are my peers or famous painters. How individuals choose to express themselves and the artwork they create will always be deeply inspiring to me. So it was very important for me to include these pieces in my book.
inspiring design work
Finally, another large section of this book was design work that informed my thoughts and my own work as a designer. These designed brands or campaigns have shown me the power of design in our society and have become North Stars to what I hope to create as a designer myself.
if you would like to look at and read my book in its entirety, please check it out here!