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Gallery Mockups & Layout Experiments

As I design the layout for my thesis showcase, I’m thinking about how space influences experience. Do I want viewers to walk through the pieces chronologically, like a journey? Or should the works be arranged thematically, letting emotions dictate the flow?

I’m also experimenting with sound, lighting, and even interactive elements. Imagine stepping into a dimly lit room with soft whispers playing in the background as you approach Blueprints of the Mind—a way to immerse people in the concept of internal voices.

These are just rough ideas.

What’s the most memorable art exhibit you’ve ever been to? What made it stand out?

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Art as Advocacy: Tracing the Influence of the African Diaspora

The history of Black art is a history of resilience, innovation, and storytelling.

In researching my senior thesis, I’ve been diving into the works of artists who came before me—those who used their craft to document, resist, and redefine narratives. From Jacob Lawrence’s dynamic storytelling to Elizabeth Catlett’s powerful sculptural forms, I see echoes of their influence in my own work.

These are some pieces by Lawrence and Catlett that I’ve been inspired by for my exhibition.

What Black artists inspire you? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to discover more.

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Material Matters: Choosing Mediums for Impact

When deciding how to bring my ideas to life, I always ask: What medium will best serve the message? Hand painting allows me to connect physically with the work, every stroke an extension of emotion. Procreate lets me refine details and push surreal elements, blending fantasy with reality. Vector rendering, on the other hand, gives me precision—sharp, intentional forms that contrast organic textures.

For my senior thesis, I’m experimenting with all of these. The choice of medium isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how the message is felt.

What’s a medium that speaks to you?

Ideas for pieces to include in my senior exhibition.. thoughts?

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From Ideas to Canvas: The Making of ‘Blueprints of the Mind’

Mental health is often overlooked, but in the Black community, the conversation can be even more complex. Stigma, historical trauma, and systemic barriers make it difficult to openly discuss and address mental well-being. Yet, our minds—our thoughts, emotions, and lived experiences—shape everything. They are the blueprints of how we navigate the world.

That’s what inspired Blueprints of the Mind. I wanted to visualize the structure of thought, the way our mental and emotional landscapes are built over time. This piece is about the intersection of identity and mental health—how our history, culture, and personal struggles construct the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

As I worked on this piece, I thought about the invisible weight so many of us carry. I used layering techniques to symbolize the complexity of the mind, with bold, intersecting lines representing connections between past and present. The colors shift between warmth and darkness, much like the fluid nature of emotions.

Our minds deserve the same care as our bodies, and our stories deserve to be told.

What are your thoughts on mental health representation in art? Let’s talk about it.

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Blueprinting My Future: My Senior Thesis & Artistic Vision

For as long as I can remember, art has been my way of making sense of the world—of speaking when words don’t feel like enough. Now, as I step into my senior thesis project, I want to use my work to do more than just create beautiful visuals. I want to tell stories that matter.

My thesis will explore how art can be a tool for advocacy, particularly for African Americans and mental health. I plan to trace influences from the African diaspora, pre-civil rights movements, and contemporary struggles, weaving them into a body of work that speaks to both history and the present. Through this, I aim to highlight resilience, identity, and the unspoken battles within our communities.

Beyond this project, I see my career following the same path—using graphic design to make an impact. Whether in entertainment, fashion, marketing, or philanthropy, I want my work to resonate, to make people pause and feel something. I’m drawn to visuals that don’t just exist but speak, whether that’s through campaign work, album covers, or immersive exhibitions.

This journey is just beginning, and this blog will be my space to document it all. I’ll be sharing my creative process, sketches, inspirations, and thoughts as I build this thesis from the ground up. If you’ve ever wondered how an idea transforms into a finished piece—or if you’re just here for the ride—welcome. Let’s create something meaningful together.

Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to share your thoughts. How do you see art as a tool for advocacy?