My Graphic Design Journey

Introduction Creativity is an evolving process, often starting with structured learning before transforming into something uniquely personal. As part of my creative journey, I revisited the Shadow Draw app, a tool I first discovered in January 2024. Initially, I used it as a way to clear my mind and focus on the simple act of drawing. The structured exercises eliminated the pressure of deciding what to sketch, allowing me to immerse myself in the flow of following lines. What began as a means of relaxation soon became a foundational step in my artistic growth, leading me to explore the intersection of line art, movement, and symbolism. Finding Flow in Line Art Shadow Draw’s “Women in Motion: Line Art Warm-ups” resonated with me deeply. The minimalist approach to figure drawing, focusing solely on contour and gesture, reminded me of the expressive power of movement. Each pose—whether a dancer reaching, a figure curled in rest, or a poised stance—captured emotion without unnecessary d...

Introduction As part of my coursework in the  Fundamentals of Branding  class at Keiser University, I’ve been exploring creativity through Regina Pacelli’s book,  Whole Lotta Creativity Going On.  This week, I’m working through  Exercise 18 , which asks me to think of two to three people I consider exceptionally creative and explain why they stand out to me. At first, I wasn’t sure who to choose. I’m still new to studying design and creativity—I only recently began this journey as a 40+ single mom of four. But when I really thought about it, the most creative people I know aren’t famous artists or designers. They’re my two oldest daughters, with whom I’ve lost touch, and an artist I’m still getting to know through social media, Banksy. But as I reflected, I realized something else: creativity has been a part of my life all along. Even though I never considered myself a serious artist, I’ve always found ways to express myself—through drawing, braiding, and even t...

  Introduction As part of my  Fundamentals of Branding  course, I’ve been exploring visual identity concepts for an Afro-Caribbean American fusion restaurant. This exercise challenged me to  translate the restaurant’s cultural essence into visual elements , using different shapes, typography, and symbolism to capture the warmth, heritage, and vibrancy of the dining experience. Concept Development In these thumbnail sketches, I experimented with a variety of  logos, wordmarks, and symbols  that reflect the restaurant’s identity. Key themes that emerged include: ✅  Organic & Natural Elements  – Palm trees, waves, and the sun symbolize tropical warmth and the connection to nature. ✅  Culinary & Cultural Icons  – Cooking pots, plates, and cutlery reflect the food-focused experience, while chairs and tables reinforce the communal aspect of dining. ✅  Handwritten & Serif Typography  – Different lettering styles were ...

  Introduction For my latest creativity exercise, I tackled  Exercise 17: Snap Solutions  from Regina Pacelli’s book  Whole Lotta Creativity Going On . The challenge? Imagine you and a friend are stranded in a rented boat during the off-season, with no oars and a ten-foot waterfall ahead. Oh, and to make things more difficult—your friend panics easily, is the only one who can swim, and won’t stop babbling about impending doom. With 20 minutes before disaster, what do you do? This exercise pushed me to think quickly, strategize under pressure, and come up with creative solutions that could mean the difference between safety and a terrifying plunge. My First Instincts My initial thoughts went straight to the obvious: Find something to use as an oar.  Branches, loose items in the boat—anything that could help us steer toward the riverbanks. Swim for shore.  The river is only 60 feet wide, and we’re both wearing life jackets. Since I personally know how to swim...

Where Rhythm Meets Flavor: A Night at Kaya’s Table  The first thing you notice when you step into Kaya’s Table is the scent—thick, warm, and inviting. The air hums with slow-roasted jerk spices, caramelized plantains, and the rich, buttery scent of cornbread just out of the oven. There’s a hint of coconut and something smoky, maybe a whisper of charcoal-grilled seafood kissed by the sea breeze. The aroma alone could make a full man hungry.   It takes a moment for your eyes to adjust to the lighting—soft golden hues cast from Moroccan-style lanterns that sway just slightly with the rhythm of the bass. Deep indigo and emerald walls, painted with sweeping murals of Black and Caribbean folklore, seem to shift in the flickering light. A large, open hearth near the back of the room cradles a cast-iron pot bubbling with something rich and peppery, its thick, slow-moving surface promising comfort in every spoonful.   And the music—*lawd*, the music. A live band sets up in the cor...

  Introduction Bringing Movement to Design For this project, I created a flyer that captures the energy and excitement of an  Introductory Acro Yoga Workshop . The goal was to design a visually engaging piece that effectively conveys the essence of the event while integrating expressive typography and dynamic elements. Concept & Inspiration Acro yoga is a practice that blends acrobatics, yoga, and trust-based movement. To reflect this, I wanted to use: Bold typography  that conveys movement and balance. A strong focal image  showcasing an acro yoga pose. A rich color palette  to create a sense of energy and professionalism. Decorative elements , like stars and gradients, to make the flyer feel engaging. I took inspiration from existing event posters but customized the design to emphasize the unique characteristics of acro yoga. Design Process Typography Selection "ACRO YOGA" is styled in a bold, uppercase font to emphasize the strength and balance required f...

Introduction Tattoo design is an art form that intertwines creativity, symbolism, and technical skill. My journey in designing my own tattoo has been a reflection of personal growth, healing, and persistence—especially when faced with frustrating software challenges. The Inspiration Behind My Design Elephants have always held a special place in my heart. Their grand and majestic presence, their deep sense of connection, and their ability to remember and endure resonate deeply with me. In many ways, I see parallels between my own life and that of an elephant—navigating obstacles, carrying heavy memories, yet moving forward with grace and resilience. I wanted my tattoo to capture this essence while incorporating other symbols that are meaningful to me: the lotus flower, representing growth and transformation; the butterfly, symbolizing change and freedom; and the rippling water, reflecting the continuous journey of healing and self-discovery. The Creative Process: From Vision to Frustrat...

Introduction Creativity exercises can be powerful tools for self-expression, helping us explore emotions through visual storytelling. In this exercise from Regina Pacelli’s  Whole Lotta Creativity Going On , I was challenged to  draw a pattern that represents sadness and slowly morph it into something happy . To complete this task, I used Adobe Illustrator’s  Blend Tool  to transition from a  blue and white square  to an  orange and red star . The Creative Process Choosing Symbols and Colors I selected a  square  to represent sadness because of its rigid, confined structure, reflecting a sense of being stuck or restricted. I chose  blue and white  tones, which are often associated with melancholy, coldness, and isolation. In contrast, I picked a  star  to symbolize happiness, as stars represent brightness, achievement, and energy. The  orange and red gradient  conveys warmth, excitement, and joy. Using the Blend ...

Overview As part of my design coursework at Keiser University, I embarked on a project to create a  tiny tattoos flash sheet  using Adobe Illustrator. This assignment originated from a rebrand assignment for a zoo, but I decided to pivot and focus on my personal journey of rebranding my tattoo work. This project challenged me to blend artistic symbolism with practical tattoo design, refining my approach to fine-line work and composition. Concept & Inspiration The inspiration for my flash sheet stemmed from my interest in tattoo rebranding, where I aim to merge beauty, healing, and empowerment through delicate, meaningful designs. I am also transitioning from the  old-school tattoo style  I learned at Florida Tattoo Academy to a focus on  paramedical tattoos, permanent makeup, and tiny fine-line tattoos . My aesthetic choices were influenced by: Lotus Flower & Mandala  – Representing transformation, balance, and spiritual growth. Butterfly  – A ...