Photo of final flag composition displayed on a Hayes window
Photo of light/color projection from sunlight hitting flag
GIF of dynamic heart/circle logo
Photo of my mentor, Ciera, holding the flag
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
In Module Three, the primary task was to design a flag for an upperclassman mentor. This flag was given to them at the end of the module with the goal of successfully representing them as a person and designer. First, I learned more about my mentor, including their passions, interests, and style. I then used this information to closely analyze what a gifted flag could do for them, especially from the perspective of their design discipline. Material choices and experimentation were also crucial, as this dictated how the flag could function. By intentionally enacting elements including color, space, and form, the final flag design needed to demonstrate harmony between the ideas represented and the form these ideas take.
STATEMENT:
My mentor is Ciera Yamarick, a graduating senior in the Visual Communication Design program. She is a talented designer who particularly enjoys brand design, but is passionate about many art forms from creative writing to painting. Her work and approach to client interactions are based on three values: inclusivity, intention, and excellence. She represents these as a plus sign, heart, and circle, and explained these symbols as the “equation to her brand and what sets her apart”.
Inspired by these symbols and how they successfully simplify meaningful ideas into recognizable icons, I created a flag design that borrows and morphs these symbols to represent how each value fits together. The heart and circle intersect in the center, while the plus sign encompasses the whole flag to represent overall inclusivity. It takes the form of a stained glass panel, yet is still recognizable as a flag due to its basic symbolism and geometric design. Spray painted acrylic makes up most of the form, and this is illuminated when placed near sunlight. The heart and circle form is also secured with wire as it hangs from the center, adding further dynamic qualities to the form. Bright shades of green and blue shine brightly through a window, where suction cups secure the form. The shadow and color projections reflect onto everything Ciera does, just as her values are present in all of her work.
REFLECTION:
Overall, I love how my final outcome turned out, despite a few minor areas for improvement. Although I have not yet delivered the gift, I am proud of how I adapted to Ciera’s style, approach to design, and interests in my design. I am confident she will immediately recognize the symbols used and the intended function of the flag. Additionally, I feel my design is appropriately accessible because Ciera and I will likely be the only people that would recognize the symbolism used. She loved the gift, and knew exactly why I chose each element in the flag.
I am particularly proud of how I overcame challenges with the laser cutter, as I had not used this tool extensively in the past. Learning more about preparing files, allowances in paths, and cutting settings helped me to significantly strengthen my skills and efficiency with the laser cutter. Additionally, using spray paint was interesting to experiment with - this was also new to me, but I think the paint I chose was very effective in accomplishing the desired “stained glass” effect.
With more time, I would have liked to continue improving in two primary areas. My neatness in assembly could have been better - I did not wait long enough for the paint to fully dry, so there are tiny scratches in a few spots. Additionally, I wanted to explore further advancements like a container or gift tag after finishing the primary flag, but given the time allotted for the project, I did not decide on a concept for this that was sustainable, realistic, and useful. However, for Ciera, the gift spoke for itself, meaning usage guidelines or instructions were not necessary. I am proud of how this project encompasses my Foundations skills and look forward to delivering the gift.