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Checkmate: Process


Research


In order to begin this project I had to become familiar with the game of chess. I researched strategies, the general rules, why the the pieces are shaped the way they are, and how each individual piece moves.

View more in-depth research and slice form inspiration links

>Exercises/Activities

To practice constructing slice forms, I cut out different shapes with Bristol and put them together to create a 3D form.


Iterations


My partner and I made a list of contrasting themes to choose from for our narrative.

View Heaven vs Hell Research

Sketches

We got to a point during our research stage where we struggled to pair the Heaven vs. Hell theme with the chess piece roles, so we made it easier on ourselves and changed our narrative to fit cowboys vs. aliens.

Mars iterations

Cowboy Iterations

Cowboy hat iterations

Horse iterations

Gun Iterations

Cactus Iterations


Concept Statement


My overall goal for this project was to redesign traditional game pieces in chess to fit the narrative of Cowboys vs Aliens, while still using the original rules, mechanics, and goals of the game. After researching and studying the history of chess, my partner and I worked together to pair the roles of the original game pieces with our theme. We specifically chose to use the clear board because the “battle” takes place on the moon. Each side is fighting to take back their home planet, Mars, the cowboys king, and earth, the aliens king. I focused on designing the cowboy side while keeping the original roles in mind. For my pawns I chose to use cacti because they are a defense mechanism. For my rooks I designed a pistol gun which protects the higher class pieces. Like the original knight in chess, I chose a horse which cowboys ride. For the bishop I chose a cowboy hat which protects cowboys from different elements and is a very important item to the queen and king. For the queen I have a cowboy because it controls a lot of the board and is the most important piece. For our materials, we used cardstock and layered the paper to create stability. My partner and I both focused on color and shape as our main design elements. To bring more emphasis to the opposing sides, I have my pieces as orange to give them a western feel and hers as green to fit alien colors. To harmonize each piece, we focused on the contours of each shape to create a 3D form using slip joints. Overall, each piece has its own story that comes together to create a narrative that relates to a traditional chess game.


Production


After many iterations of each piece, I finally finished designing each of the files and began constructing the final chess pieces.

King/Mars

Queen/Cowboy

Bishop/Cowboy hat

Knight/Horse

Rook/Pistol Gun

Pawn/Cactus

Final Chess Pieces

My favorite part about this project was getting to learn about how the game of chess works and its history, then taking that information to create and redesign a whole new narrative. Considering that I had never played chess before, I caught onto the rules and roles of the pieces pretty fast. I felt comfortable with my ideas and did a lot of research in order to start the iteration process. My initial plan was to use the laser cutter to cut my designs out of the balsa wood sheets I purchased. However, late in the iteration stage I hit an obstacle with the laser cutter due to its availability and had to switch to paper. I had to redesign all of my laser cutter files to work with the card-stock and had to figure out how to make the pieces sturdy. I used the Cricut to cut out my final pieces but the paper kept tearing and I faced additional challenges with the few resources available. I was able to come up with a plan and executed what I could in the time that I had. In the end I wasn’t happy with the sizing and craftsmanship of my work but felt that my concept could’ve been fine tuned if I had been able to redo everything in the proper proportions that I imagined.


Portfolio Project


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Gifting Design: Process


Research


I began this project by researching what a gift is and what it fully means. I then used that information to make a list of questions to ask my mentor to get to know her a little better.

Once I had an idea of what I wanted to make for her, I created a Pinterest board for inspiration for the container and the gift itself.

View full pinterest board

>Exercises/Activities

Exercise 1: Best Gift

#1: The best gift I ever received was getting the chance to go to Israel. It was special to me because I got to see first hand how my culture helped shape my family heritage. Both my grandparents and my parents have been, so getting the opportunity to go experience the places they went to was meaningful to me. It also taught me a lot about my culture, how different life is there, and so many other things. While being there I hiked the same mountain as my ancestors did, visited historical places, and even brought back gifts for those who made this trip possible for myself. I hope to go back one day and visit the same places with people I love. Overall it was a trip I will remember for a lifetime and places I will never forget that made it the best gift ever. 

#2: The best gift I have ever received was a camera from my grandparents that I got as a graduation gift. It was special to me because I got the chance to go pick out the one I wanted with my grandpa. They wanted it to be perfect, so I did as much research as I could on cameras so we wouldn’t run into any problems. It was especially special to them because they knew it was something that I have wanted and it’s something that makes me happy. I love using it to capture moments, whether that’s when I am with my friends/family, traveling, or just walking around. I  take the footage and make one big video to share with others and it puts a smile on my grandparents faces.

Exercise 2: Container

For this assignment we were told to design a container for an object of our choice. Georgia, my partner from assignment 2, and I came up with the idea to make the container a bath tub for the rubber duck. The bathtub was our very first thought because that is where the rubber ducks are usually found. When you open the shower curtain it reveals the duck as well as the quote “wash away your troubles with some bubbles.” This assignment helped me think about unique ways to package a gift.


Iterations


Once I chose the design quote I wanted to incorporate in my gift, I began categorizing my ideas for the container and gift itself.

After collecting the information she told me, I decided I wanted to do some sort of time capsule/memory box. Inside the container would be envelopes that would hold charms based on the category which she would add to the charm bracelet when the time came.

As I started trying to collect the materials that I needed for this project, I noticed I was moving away from the design quote I was incorporating. The gift itself was starting to get complicated and not logical.

Container Iterations

Iteration #1: My first idea was to have the envelopes be stored inside the camera like a filing cabinet. So I designed the top of the camera to come off like a lid and reveal the gift inside.

Iteration #2: I decided I wanted the camera to open like an actual camera and have the envelopes be like film. So to practice I used the template I found online and then cut out the monitor window.

Envelope Iterations

I researched different ways to make unique envelopes to store the pendants in and tested out different proportions.

View template video

Pendants/Neck Strap Iterations


Concept Statement


My overall goal for this assignment was to design a gift for Sarah Torchia, who is in visual communication design. The gift was intended to highlight an idea that I have come to understand as fundamental about design while also creating a gift based on the information she gave me. My inspiration for my gift came from the quote “keep it simple, make it smart” which are the words of my mentor’s favorite designer, Paula Scher. For one of the very first projects in fundamentals, I wrote in the process post how I learned when starting a design, it would be better to start simple and not make it so complicated. I realized through my projects that if I keep it simple from the beginning, it’s easier to perfect that and make changes through each iteration along the way. For the container, I chose to make it a camera because she was introduced to VC through a digital art class in high school and it’s something she loves to do. Sarah is very passionate about living life and embracing moments as well as self growth/sentimental objects. The best gift she ever received was a piece of jewelry from her grandma because it’s something she will always have to remember about her. I decided to use that information and combine it with a separate quote that says “Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the Present.” I paired the words “yesterday”, “present”, and “tomorrow” with words that she lives by/images from her social media which gave the gift a purpose, meaning, and an experience for my recipient. I was designing my gift and making it smart with the information she gave me and then throughout my iterations made it simpler. The gift as a whole is something that she can continue to add memories to and share with others in the future which is what design is all about.


Production


Materials Used

Camera Base

Camera Lens

Envelopes

Lockets

For the pendants I took images from her social media and printed them out to put inside the resin.

Neck Strap

Final Gift

Overall this was one of my favorite projects this semester. When I first started, I was thinking too much about just a gift. When I connected with my mentor, and thought about how I like receiving thoughtful gifts, it became so much easier to create. I got a little lost in the moments and had fun making the experience special when she received my gift. But when I went back to her quote, it made me excited how everything connected. I asked for advice when starting this project and she told me to use a material that I am unfamiliar with. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone so I chose to use resin because its something that I have always wanted to try. Although I messed up the first time, which was my fault since I didn’t read the instructions, the final outcome was one that I was happy with. 


Portfolio Project


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Body Augmentation: Process


Research


To begin, my partner and I collaboratively worked to come up with a concept for our project.

View inspiration links

>Exercises/Activities

In this exercise, I worked with my table to design a form that communicates fluidity, dynamism, and power which has safety as its priority.


Iterations


In order to start the construction process, we developed a more detailed outline.

Sweatshirt Iterations

Glasses Iterations

Mask Iterations


Concept Statement


My overall goal for this project is to design and construct a volumetric form that communicates a thematic narrative based on a pandemic of my choice. I collaboratively worked with my partner to create a framework and a design intention to begin our process. Our concept is based on a pandemic from the year 4191, which is the reverse order of when tear gas was first used in 1914 during World War 1. It is called Lacrima Larva, which stands for “tear mask” in latin. We both created our own composition that protects the world from tear gas that is being released through sewers and vents by the government. However, my partner’s design is a mask that is mandated by the government which secretly tracks you, while mine is made to protect and hide from government surveillance. Although we have the same concept, our compositions are very contrasting when they are side by side. My composition is made of three parts; a mask that protects you from inhaling tear gas, safety goggles that magnetize together to protect your eyes, and a hoodie that hides the rest of your face, all covered with holographic material. I chose to use holographic materials because it interferes with light and reflects back at you. However, I used a variety of different holographic materials to emphasize the sense of touch for each piece. With the use of color and shape, I created a harmonious, three-dimensional form that protects you from tear gas and the government.


Production


Sweatshirt Construction

Glasses Construction

Mask Construction

Final Composition

View project presentation

Overall, I really enjoyed how open-ended and creative this project was from the start. Now that we have been in a pandemic for a couple of years, it’s been interesting to see how our protections evolved. I used my own experiences and applied some of those ideas to begin my design process. However, once I got to the brainstorming stage, I got caught up in my ideas and had to sacrifice some of my craft. But in the end, it was fun to come up with my own concept and create a three-dimensional form for a pandemic that no one will ever experience.


Portfolio Project


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Dynamic Pages: Process


Research


To begin this project, my partner and I researched genres of music that we found interesting.

>Exercises/Activities

In this exercise, I explored how to make different types of paper mechanisms. I researched videos that were focused on pop up books and others that were more focused on pull tabs.

 

View video tutorial links


Iterations


Sketches

View other sketches

Stop Motion

To practice with stop motion, I used random objects and recorded them in the app, Stop Motion, on my iphone.

Test 1

Test 2

Stop motion test 1 video

Stop motion test 2 video

 

Illustrator Files

To get a better idea of what each frame would look like, I started working in illustrator and created layers to visually see my ideas.

Iteration 1

Iteration 2

Iteration 3

Iteration 4

After making a variety of iterations, I chose to use this one for my final project but changed a few things.

Iteration 1 video link

Iteration 2 video link

Iteration 3 video link

Iteration 4 video link


Concept Statement


My overall goal for this project is to use stop-motion animation and paper construction elements to emphasize the principle movement. After my partner and I collaboratively chose a song, we chose different five second portions that both correlate with the idea of disruption. Since the project is meant to be abstract, I am using different shapes and colors to communicate a crowded yet powerful composition. My main objective is to visually illustrate this narrative by using the principles; scale, repetition, and balance along with the element of contrast. I split the song into sections to communicate the feeling I get from each part. The beginning of the song feels packed and crammed which is why I chose to make the squares and triangles pointy as they move inward, leaving no space. The circle gets larger as it absorbs more shapes as well as turns into a darker shade of purple. Once the beat drops, the circle continues to get larger, representing that it’s gaining more power, however, the edges of the shapes burst out and are now rounded making the composition feel whole. 


Production


Illustrator

Before filming my final stop-motion video, I continued to use illustrator as a guide for each frame. I decided to manipulate the shapes, making them pointy in the first half and then rounded after the beat drop.

Recording

Using the app, Stop Motion, I was able to film my whole video in a few simple steps. The app put all the frames together and had a guide on the screen to show you where you left off.

In app I went through each frame and adjusted the lighting.

Before Editing

After Editing

Final Stop-Motion Video

This project introduced me to a new type of media that can be used to communicate a narrative. At the beginning of this project, I was having a hard time taking the feeling I get from my song and illustrating it in an abstract form. This project was very much based on a concept. I found that there was a lack of communication between my partner and I which made our compositions in-cohesive. This made developing my concept harder and very late in my process. I designed a lot of iterations that were focused more on the beat of the song rather than the emotion. It was a way of thinking that I wasn’t used to but once I broke the song up into sections, I created a animation that illustrated a crowded composition to a powerful one.


Portfolio Project


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Layering Space: Process


Research


For the beginning of this assignment, I collected different sceneries that I found interesting and spaces that had multiple layers to explore.

View inspiration links

>Exercises/Activities

This exercise taught me how to hide images within a form by using positive and negative spaces. I began by making a list of things that I like which helped me explore further into the shape. Using my middle initial, R, I created a scenery of the beach which is a place I love to be at.

View other exercise 1 iterations


Iterations


After exploring all of my options, I chose to do nostalgic points within St. Louis as my main scenery areas.

In illustrator, I explored different ways to communicate the city of St. Louis while still using the same elements.

I chose to go with the Ted Drewes ice cream cup as my main element and began changing the arrangement of layers.


Concept Statement


My goal for this project was to communicate space by layering components to create a sense of depth. I wanted each image to have a background, middle ground, and foreground so I could experiment with different perspectives. By researching images based on a specific theme in mind, I was able to narrow down my ideas. My intention was to compose a space that I connected to and that I can visualize the best. This would allow me to give meaning behind the placement of the elements in my composition. Using points throughout St.Louis that are nostalgic created a variety of elements to explore. Having the layers overlap one another and selecting a certain value scale, helped bring emphasis to the little details. These little details are outlines that are significant to what area I am communicating within St. Louis. From the start of the project, it was important to me that each layer would stand out on its own, which I did by having each one lower than the one behind it. I was able to bring the whole composition together by placing the Ted Drewes ice cream cone on top of the layers, while also having the layers look like ice cream.


Production


Page selections

Setting up vector files

View each individual layer

Final construction

Final Layering

Overall, I really enjoyed the freedom we had throughout this whole assignment. Starting from exercise 1 we were told to design a composition that communicated something about ourself which is something that I always have fun with. So I took that idea into my final composition by designing a space that I know the best and feel comfortable in. I was also introduced to the cricut which is a new tool that I adapted to fast and hope to use in future assignments. Although in the beginning I struggled with visualizing how the layers would be cut out physically, I was able to visualize it better once I looked at each layer by itself. The part that I wish I focused on the most was my construction but in the end, I am really happy with how my final composition came together.


Portfolio Project


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Sketchbook: Process


Research


To begin the process of my sketchbook, I collected a wide variety of images and sorted them into categories for inspiration.

View inspiration links

>Exercises/Activities

In this exercise I explored unique ways to make a mini sketchbook. As a table group, we answered the question “What Are Your Favorites?” to practice mind mapping. I like things to be organized, so I designed it to be sections to put each category in. When you lift each tab it extends out, allowing more room to write in.


Iterations


Before I began testing, I drew out what I wanted each part of my sketchbook to look like.

Front Cover Iterations

From the start of my research, I knew I wanted my cover to be black and white and to have color coming through the cut outs.

Page Iterations

My initial idea was to use different values of color for each of the sections. However, I realized that it would be too difficult to bind them all together so I narrowed it down to 4 different colors.

Connecting the the theme of the cover of my sketchbook, I wanted each colored section to have a cut out with a different shape. Although I didn’t have time to do alternating shapes, I was still able to cut out the star for each section.


Production


Final Construction

Cover Binding

Page Binding

Each colored section has a certain material bind to the Bristol.

Colored Sections

Element of surprise

Final Sketchbook

I really had fun with this project because I was able to create a sketchbook that I personally would use. By thinking through the materials I liked and keeping the sections simple with the use of color, the sketchbook began to reflect my personality and was functional at the same time. Once I created the the format, I also enjoyed adding details that were interactive and added an element of surprise. I was challenged with timing on using the laser cutter for some elements of the scrapbook but I was able to trouble shoot and still cut out straight shapes. I created the cover first and once I used it and saw what it could do, I had additional ideas to enhance my book.


Portfolio Project


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Mash-Up: Process


Research


I began this project by combining 15 nouns/adjectives and 15 verbs/adjectives to have a wide range of mashup words to explore.

Background inspiration research

I used these images as visual inspiration for my final layout.

View background inspiration links

›Exercises/Activities

The exercise for this assignment was to find a text that represented our personality and transform it into a 3D isometric illustration.


Iterations


I chose the word heepy because I had the most ideas that could illustrate the words hug and sleepy. Using the techniques from exercise one, I began sketching out different ways to communicate my new word.

Once I did the sketches, I created a font that felt soft and rounded to better support my word.

Manipulating the text

 

Manipulating the background

I had an idea that I thought would work but then when I started creating it my illustrating skills needed improvement and was something that I would like to explore in the future. It was taking too much focus away from my main objective and I was getting frustrated.


Production


Final construction detail

Final Poster

I really enjoyed the process of coming up with my own word. It was fun to get creative with the brainstorming and coming up with ways to visually bring the word to life. After going through this whole process I learned that planning and sketching out all my ideas before working in illustrator is an important step in the design process. I was excited to animate my words and spent a lot of my effort on that, however if I had planned the room out more in the beginning stages, I would’ve had added more details than I have now. I focused a lot of time on trying to illustrate little details like the hands and definitely need to learn how to draw body parts. In the future I would like to improve on the way I process my ideas before I start working on the final product.


Portfolio Project


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Patterning and Abstractions: Process


Research


Abstraction Research:

I began this project by collecting 20 images (10 man-made/10 human-made) and analyzed each form by using my line drawing techniques and digital skills.

First Row: Original Images

Second Row: Proportion/Size

Third Row: Direction/Line

Fourth Row: Component/Shapes

Fifth Row: Value

View abstraction sources

Mandala Research:

I was having a hard time communicating visual rhythm in my composition so I did research for inspiration.

Rhythm in design is using a repetition of patterns and evenly spaced/angles lines. Having variety between the spacing of lines will create a flowing rhythm as well as suggest a movement for the eye to follow.

View mandala source

Color Research:

Analogous: color schemes are color combinations made up of those that are next to each other on the color wheel. These create a visually pleasing and calming design.

Split Complimentary: compromised of two colors that are opposite one another on the color wheel as well as immediately next to them. These create a good contrast and balance between different colors.

View color source

›Exercises/Activities

I used rhythm as my compositional principle by combining my umbrella and ocean wave abstractions. By using the basic shape of the forms, I was able to construct them together to enhance movement.


Iterations


Mandala and Grey Scale Iterations

To start my final mandala composition, I experimented with the radial, grid, and mirror tool to create different templates in illustrator.

Once I chose my final template, I began combining my natural and synthetic abstractions that would create visual rhythm.

View other iterations

The more I manipulated the design, I was drifting away from my main principle being rhythm. While using the same ideas from my first mandala draft, I was able to create a more rhythmic design by doing additional research and experimenting with visual rhythm.

Color Iterations

Using my grey scale value, I experimented with different translations by using related color application. Since my values of grey are very similar, I chose to use an analogous color scheme for my first color iteration.

I chose to use a split complimentary color scheme for my second color iteration because it created more contrast in my design while also creating a sense of  harmony.


Production


I was happy with how my final mandala design evolved but I changed some minor details to make it feel complete.

After the group discussions I received positive feedback that helped revise my final piece. I used illustrator to soften the hard edges where the triangles and the waves met. Below is the grey scale example of where I show a close up. I went back in and darkened the center of the waves to give it more depth as well as lightened up the center.

Final Design

Each composition creates a different feeling when placed side by side. This project taught me a lot about the process of getting to the best solution for my goals. That sometimes that a design that I like may look good but doesn’t always meet the initial goal. The more I experiment in these projects, I am learning to continually remind myself of the objectives for the assignment.

I’ve enjoyed learning new tools and techniques in illustrator that have made the design process easier. Although I’ve used illustrator in the past for basic ideas, I never knew all the shortcuts I could use to manipulate my designs.


Portfolio Project


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Space and Time Walk: Process


Research


We began this assignment by reading chapters from the book Slow Looking: The Art and Practice of Learning Through Observation by Shari Tishman.

I chose my final destination as the overlook of Mirror Lake.

>Exercises/Activities

Exercise 1: Written Directions

Specific Directions: Start at the entrance of Hayes Hall and walk directly straight on the path that leads to the first red circle. From there, turn right and stop at the center of the oval to look around at all of the buildings. Next you are going to want to continue forward and observe the William Oxley Thompson Statue that is in front of the Thompson Library. When facing the library, turn around so you are looking at the path that you just came from and walk straight until you reach the third path on your right. Now you will want to keep walking on that path until you see the path split on the right that goes between the Mendenhall Laboratory (on the left) and the Orton Geological Museum Building (on the right). Take that path and it will lead you to South Oval Dr. and you will want to walk on the left of the building which will lead you to Hagerty Drive. Across that road should be two sidewalks that you can take, choose the one on the right side and that will lead you to the center of the south oval that has a tree in the center. With the Museum behind you, take the path on the right and walk directly straight and you will now approach the Browning Amphitheater that has many features to admire. After you get a good like, continue to your right down the few steps and in front of you will be Mirror Lake. Take a right and go around the lake which will finally lead you to the destination, lake stone grotto. From here you can see the Amphitheater on the right, Pomerene Hall right ahead, Campbell Hall on your right, and so many amazing features of the lake.

Creative Description: I wander across the paved path in front of Hayes hall, with the crisp morning air surrounding me. Ahead is a web that connects the different thoughts of each student. To my right is the path left empty, escaping the chaos. I make my way towards the center of the oval that is filled with life and happiness. The sun begins to shine brighter reflecting off of the William Oxley Thompson Statue that I will soon begin approaching. I begin feeling lifted by the leaves falling and the smell of fall around the corner. I turn back towards the center of the oval as the cool wind blows my hair. Each building provides its own purpose, as I focus on one, the Orton Geological Museum Building. Behind it is a tree which leaves me with curiosity. Around this tree is darkened by the shade and seems left untouched. I see a glowing entrance to my right which is provided with life. I approach the Browning Amphitheater where students are working and it feels like more of a reality. Down the stairs is a path that leads me to my destination that allows me to take in all of my thoughts without the worries of others. Lake stone grotto overlooks views that allow you to use your imagination.

Exercise 2: Pictures

My overall idea for my journey was to point out parts that I visited when I decided to commit to OSU.

Starting Point: Hayes Hall was the first academic building that I wanted to see because of the Foundations Program.

Point 1: The Oval is where I got to see a lot of the student life as everyone crossed my path.

Point 2: On my way to see the library I stopped at The William Oxley Thompson Statue.

Point 3: Students had a stand by this tree in the south oval about Buckeyethon which was something I was really involved with in high school.

Point 4: I found the Browning Amphitheater very peaceful and unique.

Final Destination: The overlook of Mirror Lake is the spot that my mom made me take a photo in front of and is when I decided to commit to OSU.


Iterations



Production


Final Map

Throughout this project I was able to gain a better understanding of what it means to communicate through design. Learning different techniques through slow looking allowed me to interpret those senses within my map. I had to get out of my comfort zone and dig deeper when asked the meaning behind certain points. But by doing this, I have become more confident with communicating designs and expressing a variety of ideas.


Portfolio Project


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2D to 3D Translation: Process


Research


›Exercises/Activities

Exercise 1: The Perfect Cube

Exercise 2: The Letter “F”


Iterations


For this project I chose to explore the shape found in the negative space form my assignment 2 composition.

After creating a 3D form of my shape, I began exploring different solutions in order to create a more complex form.

Iteration #1

Iteration #2

Iteration #3


Production


I chose to further my exploration by constructing form #3 as my final 3D model.

After making many iterations of my template (view PDF here), I finally perfected the angles and measurements to create my final 3D form.

Once I completed my final template and 3D form, I chose to further my exploration by adding negative space into my form.

Final Forms

When comparing these two forms above, it is very obvious what is the same and what is different. The form on the left is closed and contained not having much freedom. But the image on the right has holes and gaps that creates triangles and squares, which has more of a visual experience.

This project taught me that when starting a design, it would be better to start simple and not so complicated. As I built upon my design I faced many challenges in the construction. If I had started with a simpler form and mastered that, it would have been easier to make changes through each iteration.


Portfolio Project


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