I attended an open forum held by the University of Arkansas where over 400 administrators, faculty, and undergraduate and graduate students came together to discuss the pressing issues of systematic racism on campus and in our society. Here a dialogue, not a debate, was shared, and eyes were opened to what takes place - often unnoticed - to suppress people of color. Dr. Caree Banton, a tenured professor at the U of A, powerfully and unapologetically addressed her experiences as a black scholar and expressed her concerns for the state of the US and the U of A. These quotes above spoke to me. Dr. Banton boldly called out obvious issues in our system both nationwide and in institutions like the U of A. While many more needs and concerns were expressed during the forum, these in particular were ones repeated by every group, including administrators, POC faculty, white faculty, POC students, and white students. We came together to call the University of Arkansas into actions. No more statements. The time for that is over. We need action. While change is needed nationwide, we can begin with dismantling existing prejudices and injustices locally. Hold your chancellor, greek system, department leaders and faculty, and your peers to a higher standard. #BLACKLIVESMATTER
This was my first experience with augmented reality and motion design. The concept and design was based on the history of the smiley face symbol which began as a tactic to improve the office environment, but is now also associated with rave subcultures and grocery stores.
Using Artivive, anyone can experience this poster in augmented reality.
This grid is a personal endeavor collecting phrases I've come across. It's allowed me to freely explore type and color without the constraints of a brief. It's also forced me to intentionally retain ideas I find meaningful. While a personal project, it's shown me the power design holds. In our digital age, social media can be used as a tool to spread awareness and promote positivity. The feedback I've received from both peers in design and friends from life has been encouraging, reinforcing my goals of using my platform as a place to curate kindness and community.
Written in the midst of a global pandemic as many students are returning to college campuses:
To those who don’t feel the need to wear your mask.
To those who don’t see color.
To those who are oblivious to the injustices of this world.
Check Your Privilege.
What makes you better than the rest? Are you privileged enough to have a healthy body, a healthy family, and adequate health care? What about the person next to you - do they have those privileges? We are taught to love our neighbor as ourselves - where is your love when you’re not wearing your mask? Where is your love when people of color, women, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are being oppressed?
Check Your Privilege.
Treat people with kindness. Let’s overcome this together, united and equal as one.
To those who don’t see color.
To those who are oblivious to the injustices of this world.
Check Your Privilege.
What makes you better than the rest? Are you privileged enough to have a healthy body, a healthy family, and adequate health care? What about the person next to you - do they have those privileges? We are taught to love our neighbor as ourselves - where is your love when you’re not wearing your mask? Where is your love when people of color, women, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are being oppressed?
Check Your Privilege.
Treat people with kindness. Let’s overcome this together, united and equal as one.
ONGOING 2020