© 2023 Stephanie thach

My design journey began in middle school, where I had some extra time to burn after I finished my work early in computer class. It was very rough and unrefined, but it was fun. Back then, it was only for satisfying my craving for customization. I only started taking design seriously in high school, where I joined the yearbook staff. I went from making designs every so often to pumping out yearbook spreads every week, which gave me a strong foundation and eye for design. I also got to dabble in copywriting and photography, which were great for creating descriptions and photos for my later design projects. ͏͏͏͏͏͏͏͏͏͏The most important part of my journey is when I decided to pursue a degree in graphic design. It was no longer a hobby, but something I wanted to do full-time and excel at. I dedicated myself to design, studying its principles and theories. My style is variable, as I employ the necessary skillset to tackle every design challenge I am faced with.͏͏͏͏͏͏My professional goal is to become a packaging designer, creating innovative and beautiful designs for the eyes to feast on. Additionally, those designs should tailor to the human experience and follow our natural inclinations to move and interact. In other words, good design is both aesthetically pleasing and accessible. My personal goal is to retain my love for design for as long as I can while maintaining a rich, internal life. Working hard all the time is not sustainable, so for me to keep working and loving what I do, I will need a break or two.If you are looking for my resume, please contact me.

Emergency Route Diagrams (ERDs)I developed this project using Adobe InDesign for layout and consistency. This project demonstrates my skill within the software through the use of master pages for consistency, quality of imagery, and proper typesetting.I am happy to say that my work demonstrates confidence and knowledge of the elements and principles of design. I developed a system of design elements that accounts for color blindness, readability, and language barriers. I carefully adjusted the weights of both type and line for hierarchy, without sacrificing aesthetics.For this project, I employed thumbnail sketching and interviews with the client. I used these to implement easily recognizable and readable elements for the average viewer, which would prove necessary in case of an emergency. Thumbnail sketches were very useful as a way to quickly plan out designs. My priority was to balance utility and form based on the critique I received from impartial viewers.During this course where the project originated, I received very constructive feedback from classmates, the client, the professor, and impartial participants, which I incorporated into the final deliverable. Due to this being client work, I did not have the opportunity to offer feedback to my classmates, who were off-site.In its course of origin, the project specifications and deadlines were defined by both the client and myself, which I made sure to follow.When I delivered the final project in its original class, it demonstrated excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. Before the final presentation, many rounds of client review were conducted, which limited mistakes in the final piece. Since the project was designed to print on regular office printers on letter-sized sheets, it was easy to check what the final product would look like.

Soups of the WorldI developed this project using Adobe InDesign and Illustrator for layout and asset creation respectively. This project demonstrates my practiced use of these digital tools as evidenced by the quality of the illustrations, consistent use of a grid structure, and proper typesetting.I employed the elements and principles of design successfully. The illustrations were created with a consistent style, while the layout and color palette were both appropriate for the intended audience. I carefully laid out the type according to packaging standards while using unique graphics to create interest.This project used thumbnail sketching. I used these to create variations on the theme and explore different types of graphics. My main goal was to tastefully represent food without using actual pictures as a challenge, which led me to illustrate the soups.During the course where this project originated, I received constructive feedback from classmates and the professor, which I applied and incorporated into the final piece. I was also allowed to provide feedback, which was mainly on layout and details that would lead to a professional-looking piece.In its course of origin, I followed the project specifications very closely and provided the flat versions for this portfolio.This piece exemplifies professionalism and excellent craftsmanship as it is on par with designs in the grocery store. Visual elements were validated through comparison with real products and the deliverable was already intended for print.

Weki Meki "I Am Me" RedesignI developed this project using Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator for image editing and optimization, and layout for the magazine and CD elements respectively. This project shows an advanced working knowledge of graphic design software as evidenced by the quality of imagery, layout of page elements, typesetting, and creation and use of die cuts and crop marks.This project demonstrates the effective use of the elements and principles of design. I developed a color palette and aesthetic appropriate for both the intended audience and the theme of the album, which was "up close and revelatory," (M, 2021). I carefully laid out elements to align with industry standards, while differing slightly to maintain interest.For this project, I used thumbnail sketching and mind mapping to create variations on the same concept. My main goal was to communicate the concept using a mix of nostalgic and modern elements. In addition, I looked through jewel covers that my parents have as a way to set a standard design for the medium.During the course where this project originated, I received constructive feedback from my classmates and professor, which I incorporated into the final deliverable. I was able to give feedback to my classmates as well, studying the standard of their chosen medium to deliver comments.In the creation of this design, I adhered well to the given directions and assignment specifications. The version I showed was a mock-up, which only showed the front cover of the case. I have already designed the rest of the pieces, which are now part of the final deliverables.When I delivered this project in its original class, there was great evidence of attention to detail and craftsmanship. This includes the clarity of the images, professional typography, and accuracy of colors. The color mode was appropriate for the intent, which is print.

Luc Belaire ViolettaThis piece was developed with Adobe Illustrator for high-quality graphics. This project demonstrates my practiced use of the program through the quality of the imagery due to the use of graphics, as well as the creation of custom die cuts and color separations.My work demonstrates confidence and knowledge of the elements and principles of design. I employed a color palette that juxtaposed the two main pieces that are appropriate for the intended audience. I developed a delicate design that contrasted with the color of the drink, meant to create drama and grab the attention of the audience (Gaskin, 2023).For this project, I used thumbnail sketching to develop variations of the packaging. My main goal was to have an eye-catching drink, which led me to take on a compare-and-contrast strategy for determining aesthetics.During the course where this project originated, I received constructive feedback from my classmates, which I incorporated into the final piece. I was able to provide feedback to my peers, which consisted of age-appropriate design and the inclusion of necessary information.In its course of origin, I followed project specifications closely. I have included the flat elements in the final portfolio, but I do not have another image as the final deliverable is no longer in my possession.This project has evidence of excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. The graphics are of high quality due to being vector, color accurate, and aligned properly to an underlying grid. The file is correctly optimized for regular print and vinyl printers.

Insect Exhibit PosterI developed this project using Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics, layout, and typesetting. This project demonstrates my skill with digital tools due to the proper formatting of content, consistency of text styles, and quality of illustrated graphics.This piece employs the elements and principles of design. I employed a color palette with a pair of complementary colors for contrast, as well as establishing a joyful atmosphere. I carefully laid out shapes and text to create sufficient white space.For this project, I used thumbnail sketching to explore layout options and points of interest. My main goal was to balance readability with design, which led me to prioritize typesetting and white space.During the course where this project originated, I received feedback from my peers and professor, which I incorporated into the final deliverable. I offered feedback to my peers, mainly addressing readability.In its course of origin, I followed the project specifications. I made minor changes to the type and document size to refine this project for my portfolio.This project has evidence of excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. The text is readable, while the graphics are high quality. The colors are accurate and the elements are organically laid out to match the content. The file is correctly optimized for print.