TDuque-CDE3180

This image from Hard Jewelry’s fourth anniversary magazine captures everything that defines the brand: edgy, rebellious, and unapologetic. The design shows a close-up of a mouth biting down on several of Hard Jewelry's silver jewelry pieces that they sell. The most prominent being their “Psycho” Pendant, and the other being their “Down Your Throat” pendant. This visual isn't just part of an advertisement; it's more of a statement. Included as a gift with any purchase during the brand's anniversary drop, the magazine feels more like a collectible work of art than a superficial promotional extra. Each page is a new, yet familiar experience; they all tie into one another and carry similar vibes.  What captivates me the most about this design is how it transforms their jewelry from an object into an attitude, gritty and edgy. Hard jewelry doesn't just sell accessories; it sells identity and originality. The company's scope expands beyond necklaces and rings into hoo...

At Don’t Be a Stranger, a networking event hosted by Elon University's School of Communications, I had the opportunity to connect with several notable alumni excelling in their careers. Networking is always the number one piece of advice I hear, especially at networking events, but this time, two conversations truly stood out.  One was with Aarti Rishi, who works in Brand Marketing at Grubhub and is a former member of Elon News Network. Her advice was simple yet effective: to take advantage of every opportunity available to you as a student. She emphasized that many of these experiences are free, easily accessible, and made to help you build your skills and resume. More importantly, they offer you real-life examples to share in interviews and demonstrate that you’ve gone beyond the classroom to learn and grow. The second piece of advice came from Daniela Pereyra, a Real Estate Broker and Investor, who spoke about the importance of confidence. She explained that confidence should no...

Tell Me Tell Me isn’t just another pub— it’s a cozy British spot right in the heart of the West Village. Think dark wood paneling, a warm fireplace, and the smell of classic pub grub that instantly makes you hungry. Whether an ex-pat catching the big match, a student looking for a hearty meal, or anyone who enjoys a great selection of beers on tap, Tell Me is the place to be.  This entire branding project was created as part of a class assignment, where I was challenged to develop a full logo concept rooted in storytelling. Run by a British ex-pat and his American wife, this mom-and-pop spot blends authenticity with a welcoming, energetic vibe. It’s not about being fancy, it’s about good food, good drinks, and a good time! This is the exact energy I wanted to translate to the logo. Initial Iterations The first iteration leaned on a stamp-style mark. Clean, yes. Memorable? Not really. This design felt too cliche for a pub with lots of character. So, back to the sketchbook I we...

Typography extends beyond arranging letters; it is about using visual contrast to create impact and capture attention. In Design with Type , Carl Dair explained that designers can make text stand out by using contrast, like altering the size, weight, form, structure, color, or direction of the letters. These principles can transform plain writing into eye-catching elements, allowing for a stronger message. By using Dair's principles to analyze typographic designs, we can see how different contrasts make typography more than words.  This design highlights contrast through size, weight, form, and color. The oversized “J” instantly draws attention, acting as a focal point before the viewer’s eye moves onto the smaller text. This change in scale creates contrast in size. At the top, the blue letters demonstrate contrast in weight; although the font is the same, the outer letters are bolded while the center ones are not. Another layer of attraction is added through form, with some words...

While writing can help designers improve their craft, it can do so in different ways. Considering these approaches can expand our view on the importance writing holds as designers. One perspective is that writing can support us personally, helping us think clearly, stay organized, and communicate with intention. Writing can even act like a design tool itself. This is relatable because we often write just to get ideas out of our heads and onto paper, though we may not have connected that habit to becoming better designers. Another perspective focuses on the external benefits of writing, showing how it helps us connect with clients, communities, and target audiences. For example, explaining design choices clearly can build trust and writing with SEO in mind can make our work more discoverable. This shows that writing is not just about clarifying our own thinking, it is also a tool for building stronger relationships and expanding the reach of our work as designers. Generally, writing is ...