I’m a research and concept driven designer who draws on design and art history to develop creative solutions that are unexpected, thoughtful, and functional.

My design process is heavily driven by research and conceptual thinking. I typically begin projects with broad research into the subject matter, gradually narrowing my focus to uncover unique qualities, connections, and patterns that might not have been immediately apparent. From there I begin visual research, considering how these ideas can be represented in a graphic context. I often draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, from design and art history to typography, visual culture, archives, and even objects and materials connected to my own family history.

For me, research gives design greater substance. It allows the work to go beyond surface level aesthetics and become something that communicates ideas more clearly and meaningfully. I’m especially interested in solutions that are not obvious at first glance, ideas that subvert expectations while still remaining functional and accessible. When aesthetics support and reinforce function rather than simply accompanying it, design becomes more engaging and invites the viewer into a deeper conversation with the work.

Get out of your head and just start making. The ideas will come if you just begin and allow yourself to explore rather than waiting for the perfect idea.

One of my favorite memories was visiting the Uffizi Gallery while studying abroad in Italy. It was surreal seeing so many works of art that we had only seen projected on a screen in class. Experiencing them in person completely changed the way I understood them and made art history feel much more real and tangible.

My favorite class was History of Graphic Design with Professor Speaker. It really put design into perspective for me and gave it context, showing what design has done and what it is capable of doing. The class also gave me a kind of design rolodex of styles and ideas that I can look to for inspiration.

The 100 sketches assignment in Methods of Ideation was a pivotal moment for me. It taught me that sometimes you just need to keep pushing an idea and exploring possibilities. The first idea is usually far from the best one, and the best solutions often come after continuing to iterate and develop the concept.

I’m still figuring out exactly what my next step will be, but I hope to work at a design studio and continue pushing myself creatively in both design and photography.

I hope my work encourages people to look at things from a different perspective. Good design has the ability to reframe a problem and make ideas clearer, and I hope my work helps people think about challenges in more thoughtful and creative ways.