VISUAL DESIGN
Most of the visual works featured in this section were created as part of my coursework in the journalism program at the University of Missouri. I explored a variety of storytelling tools — including Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign — to develop my creative voice and technical skill.
"Speak. Shape. Spark." — Stylized Vector Self-Portrait
Adobe Illustrator | Pen Tool, Shape Tool, Pathfinder
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This self-portrait was created as part of an exploratory vector illustration project. Drawing from my own image, I reimagined myself as a magical figure — confident, expressive, and creatively charged. Using the pen tool and shape tool in Adobe Illustrator, I traced, layered, and stylized my features with bold outlines and simplified forms, inspired by pop art and graphic novel aesthetics.
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The color palette reflects both warmth and power: rich purples and blues evoke a cosmic, dreamlike backdrop, while sharp yellows and reds give energy to the visual narrative. Magical elements like stars, moons, and a wand anchor the theme of transformation and voice. The phrase “Speak. Shape. Spark.” is both a personal mantra and a call to action — celebrating the creative power of self-expression.
"Karate Monkey" — Photoshop Clipping & Print Ad Layout Exercise
Adobe Photoshop | Layer Mask, Drop Shadow, Text Layout, Visual Integration
This project involved isolating and recontextualizing a photographic subject — a karate-uniformed monkey — as part of an introductory Photoshop composition and print ad layout assignment. Using a layer mask, I carefully clipped out the subject from its original background, refining the edges to preserve detail and dynamic posture.
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To build a playful and eye-catching layout, I selected a bold red background for high contrast and visual impact. Behind the figure, I added a yellow diagonal pattern with textured edges to ground the composition and suggest energetic motion. The drop shadow beneath the figure creates a subtle sense of realism and dimensionality.
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CRAB Studio Logo Design
Concept & Visual Identity | Adobe Illustrator | Naming Strategy + Symbolic Typography
This logo was created as the visual identity for CRAB Studio, a student-led creative agency developed as part of a strategic communication campaign at the University of Missouri.
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The name CRAB was my original concept — an acronym formed from the last names of the four founders (Claeys, Rohan, An, and Bradford). More than just initials, the word “crab” naturally echoed our team’s creative philosophy: moving sideways, staying adaptable, and thinking beyond linear paths. In this way, naming became the foundation of the brand identity.
Visually, I designed the logo to extend this metaphor: the letter “C” becomes a crab, with integrated claws, legs, and antennae symbolizing grip, curiosity, and agile movement.
Strangest Species
— Print Ad Layout Exercise
Adobe InDesign | Typography | Visual Hierarchy | Color Contrast Practice
This print advertisement was created as part of a classroom exercise focused on layout design and visual organization using Adobe InDesign. The image and headline were provided as sample materials for technical practice.
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In this project, I practiced:
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Arranging typographic elements to establish clear visual hierarchy
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Managing white space and balance within a print format
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Applying complementary color theory to enhance contrast and visual impact
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Aligning elements precisely to achieve a clean, structured composition
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The assignment helped me develop essential skills in print layout, typographic spacing, and color-driven visual attention — foundational techniques for visual storytelling in both editorial and advertising contexts.
Personal Business Card Design — Visual Identity & Logo Creation
Adobe Illustrator & Adobe InDesign | Typography | Brand Concept
This business card was created as part of my personal branding, combining my identity as a visual storyteller and a self-proclaimed magician.
The logo on the back was designed in Adobe Illustrator, where I built a clean, balanced mark using the initials of my name. I intended the logo to feel simple yet personal — a unique signature of my creative identity.
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I used Adobe InDesign to develop the overall layout and typographic structure of the card. Through careful spacing, alignment, and font selection, I crafted a design that feels both minimal and intentional.
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The red background with green accents was a deliberate choice: these are complementary colors, traditionally seen as opposites, but here they work in harmony to represent how I thrive within existing frameworks while creating standout moments. This color pairing visually expresses my belief that creative breakthroughs can happen inside structured spaces.