Journal Entry
October 17, 2020
Pretty consistently, I’ve spent a lot of time this week focusing on the balance of work/classes/off-screen time. I’ve been thinking a lot this week about routine. I have slowly been adjusting my routine to allow for time to take a break, take a walk, do yoga, or whatever it might be. Since I’m really interested in wellness, routine is a key part of physical and mental wellbeing. I like having a schedule, and being home all the time means I have to make my own schedule to make sure everything gets done, but also that I have time for fun too.
October 17, 2020
Pretty consistently, I’ve spent a lot of time this week focusing on the balance of work/classes/off-screen time. I’ve been thinking a lot this week about routine. I have slowly been adjusting my routine to allow for time to take a break, take a walk, do yoga, or whatever it might be. Since I’m really interested in wellness, routine is a key part of physical and mental wellbeing. I like having a schedule, and being home all the time means I have to make my own schedule to make sure everything gets done, but also that I have time for fun too.
Inspiration
A Monument for the Anxious and Hopeful
Candy Chang’s A Monument for the Anxious and Hopeful was on exhibit from Feb 10, 2018 - Jan 7, 2019 at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City. It is an interactive installation work that invites viewers to write and post reasons why they are both hopeful and anxious on vellum cards. This results in interesting comparisons between the two categories. There have been over 55,000 responses, and a lot of them centered around the future and the unknown. This was installed in 2018, and responses are still being analyzed by information designers and psychologists as a bridge between the human psyche and design. The responses result in some fascinating comparisons, such as “I’m anxious because so few people vote” and “I’m hopeful because I can vote in the next election.” Some are much more honest than expected, like “I’m anxious because I don’t know how to be alone,” but the anonymity allows a layer of security and comfort.
She’s making commentary on mental health in a way that’s open and honest, and invites others to do the same. By opening up the conversations in a public way, she fosters changes in society to help those suffering from anxiety to be open and reveal internal struggles in an anonymous way, which is less scary to anxiety sufferers. One of mental illness’ strongest forces is secrecy and shame, which leads those people to suffer in silence and try and cope on their own. Lifting the veil opens up discussions about these hard topics.
A Monument for the Anxious and Hopeful
Candy Chang’s A Monument for the Anxious and Hopeful was on exhibit from Feb 10, 2018 - Jan 7, 2019 at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City. It is an interactive installation work that invites viewers to write and post reasons why they are both hopeful and anxious on vellum cards. This results in interesting comparisons between the two categories. There have been over 55,000 responses, and a lot of them centered around the future and the unknown. This was installed in 2018, and responses are still being analyzed by information designers and psychologists as a bridge between the human psyche and design. The responses result in some fascinating comparisons, such as “I’m anxious because so few people vote” and “I’m hopeful because I can vote in the next election.” Some are much more honest than expected, like “I’m anxious because I don’t know how to be alone,” but the anonymity allows a layer of security and comfort.
She’s making commentary on mental health in a way that’s open and honest, and invites others to do the same. By opening up the conversations in a public way, she fosters changes in society to help those suffering from anxiety to be open and reveal internal struggles in an anonymous way, which is less scary to anxiety sufferers. One of mental illness’ strongest forces is secrecy and shame, which leads those people to suffer in silence and try and cope on their own. Lifting the veil opens up discussions about these hard topics.
Poster Design
Inclusive/Wellness
This poster is the result of research into color studies in the context of accessibility, and thinking about inclusive design and wellness. The project started as a collection of colors recommended by the American Printing House for the Blind for visibility behind black text. My thesis book and this website’s color palette, typographic choices, and layout are driven by guidelines from the APH.
Inclusive/Wellness
This poster is the result of research into color studies in the context of accessibility, and thinking about inclusive design and wellness. The project started as a collection of colors recommended by the American Printing House for the Blind for visibility behind black text. My thesis book and this website’s color palette, typographic choices, and layout are driven by guidelines from the APH.
Editorial Design
Peloton
This editorial design plays with the content: Peloton’s Robin Arzon is warm, welcoming, and feminine, but she runs a tough class too. That’s part of her charm.
Peloton
This editorial design plays with the content: Peloton’s Robin Arzon is warm, welcoming, and feminine, but she runs a tough class too. That’s part of her charm.
Inspiration
Rietveld Academie
Educational spaces have a responsibility to create an environment that promotes student wellbeing. The school library at Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam is very intentionally designed for student wellbeing. The tables have cutouts for trees to grow through the space, and there are bookshelves with planters built in. It’s scientifically proven that plants can boost creativity and reduce stress. They also help with filtering and purifying the air. Giant windows that let in plenty of natural light also help with student stress. The natural wood paneling and ceiling offer comfort and softness. “A school’s architecture and design can improve student’s mental health by helping them overcome daily struggles, open unfiltered discussion, and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.” School libraries are a bit of an anomaly because they are a place for reading and writing, but also a place of extremely high stress. This aesthetically pleasing environment can help mitigate student stress and is a good example of design being responsible and thoughtful.
Rietveld Academie
Educational spaces have a responsibility to create an environment that promotes student wellbeing. The school library at Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam is very intentionally designed for student wellbeing. The tables have cutouts for trees to grow through the space, and there are bookshelves with planters built in. It’s scientifically proven that plants can boost creativity and reduce stress. They also help with filtering and purifying the air. Giant windows that let in plenty of natural light also help with student stress. The natural wood paneling and ceiling offer comfort and softness. “A school’s architecture and design can improve student’s mental health by helping them overcome daily struggles, open unfiltered discussion, and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.” School libraries are a bit of an anomaly because they are a place for reading and writing, but also a place of extremely high stress. This aesthetically pleasing environment can help mitigate student stress and is a good example of design being responsible and thoughtful.