Art and Design Commons^™

Cliffhanger, Micah Mickles

MFA in Visual Art

I am Micah Mickles, a mixed-media visual artist in St. Louis, Missouri. My artwork is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and serves as a memorial and monument to counteract the enduring effects of grief and loss. What sets my work apart is the transformative impact of my everyday encounters, inspired by my 14 years of experience working at Trader Joe's. These encounters have led me to reflect on my profound connections with diverse communities. By delving into the hidden narratives of mundane materials encountered in the workplace, I prompt a reexamination of convenience and supply chain origins. Inspired by …

Crux: Urban Ecology And Cultural Essence, Maria Del Valle

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

The CRUX, stands for islands grappling with the aftermath of hurricanes. Its transformative vision is set against the backdrop of a city scarred by abandoned homes, tainted water sources, agricultural decay, and a crippled electrical grid. CRUX aspires to breathe new life into this urban landscape, envisioning a self-sustaining city dedicated to nurturing community ties for the resilient people of Yabucoa. The testament to the restoration is not just physical structures, but the research studies the very spirit of the community. By delving into the realms of art, farming, Afro-Carribbean culture, and food, the project seeks to create a vibrant …

The Perfect Model: Exploring Gender Differences Within Commercial Graphic Design Preferences, Adeline Roberts

Undergraduate Theses

Personal preferences within graphic design are heavily shaped by social factors, including cultural practices. This project explores the effect of gendered-based experiences on visual design preferences, through investigating men’s and women’s preferences regarding graphic design elements, and the source of these opinions. The data was then used to create two educational images, which mimic contemporary magazine covers, visually illustrating the effects of gendered marketing and experiences on personal design preferences. These images were then attached to an interactive website, so that the findings and pieces from this project can be easily accessed by future audiences.

Becchiomikaela_Ddx173.2_24t1, Sae Institute

Exemplars

The presentation showcases how the website's user interface (UI) design responds to the findings of the user experience (UX) report and improves its usability.

Unveiling Existentialism And Self-Expression: Utilizing The Arts, Raquel Eduardo Nunez

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This analysis is an exploration of identity through the examination of art as a means of self-expression and societal critique. It delves into existentialism to explain the impacts of art on both positive societal experiences and negative interactions unique to the immigrant and Mexican American community. The artist, Raquel Eduardo Nuñez, examines their own art to dissect their position in life as a Mexican-born individual living in a foreign country. This method was chosen to allow a space of self-reflection and awareness to explore the components that shape identity and reveal art as a medium for interpretation of links between …

Pictorial Bionomics: Santa Ana River Record And Survey, Caleb Lachelt

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Intense conflict is unfolding in Southern California, and it runs right through our cities every day. It goes unnoticed by most, but its outcome will decide the future for humans and nature alike. This conflict is between human development and the natural majesty of our waterways. The foundation of Orange and surrounding areas is historic wetlands, which have caused massive flooding that destroys human lives and buildings. In response to this destruction, we have unleashed our own damage, paving entire sections of our rivers and erecting dams and levees wherever we can. Through this process we have successfully protected those …

Researching & Designing Marketing Materials For Rachel Messer & Connor Dale, Isabelle Bauer

Honors Projects

Isabelle Bauer’s Honors Project, “Researching and Designing Marketing Materials for Rachel Messer and Connor Dale” is split into two components. First, the research paper titled "The American West as a Cultural Phenomenon" explores the fascination with the American West and its integration into various aspects of American culture, particularly in music, film, and art. The essay discusses the historical significance of the West and its transformation into a cultural obsession. Focusing on the resurgence of Western aesthetics in modern country music, the project’s second component involves the creation of marketing materials for country artists Rachel Messer and Connor Dale.

The …

My Daily Grounds: A Journal Of Creative Alchemy, Kathleen A. Donovan

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

My Daily Grounds: A Journal of Creative Alchemy is a project intended to renew artistic confidence and prepare a mindset for a writing retreat in Ireland in June 2024 by revisiting childhood memories and exploring the impact of early domestic abuse through a visual journaling process. This endeavor aims to stir up the creative voice and find authenticity in creation by gathering and clarifying personal data visually, following the Creative (CPS) approach to unlock new insights and ideas for writing. The resulting essays will illuminate the unseen effects of trauma and are intended for publication, reflecting a co-creative process between …

An Empirical Study On The Efficacy Of Llm-Powered Chatbots In Basic Information Retrieval Tasks, Naja Faysal

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The rise of conversational user interfaces (CUIs) powered by large language models (LLMs) is transforming human-computer interaction. This study evaluates the efficacy of LLM-powered chatbots, trained on website data, compared to browsing websites for finding information about organizations across diverse sectors. A within-subjects experiment with 165 participants was conducted, involving similar information retrieval (IR) tasks using both websites (GUIs) and chatbots (CUIs). The research questions are: (Q1) Which interface helps users find information faster: LLM chatbots or websites? (Q2) Which interface helps users find more accurate information: LLM chatbots or websites?. The findings are: (Q1) Participants found information significantly faster …

Art And Math Via Cubic Polynomials, Polynomiography And Modulus Visualization, Bahman Kalantari

LASER Journal

Throughout history, both quadratic and cubic polynomials have been rich sources for the discovery and development of deep mathematical properties, concepts, and algorithms. In this article, we explore both classical and modern findings concerning three key attributes of polynomials: roots, fixed points, and modulus. Not only do these concepts lead to fertile ground for exploring sophisticated mathematics and engaging educational tools, but they also serve as artistic activities. By utilizing innovative practices like polynomiography—visualizations associated with polynomial root finding methods—as well as visualizations based on polynomial modulus properties, we argue that individuals can unlock their creative potential. From crafting captivating …

The Influence Of Culture On Graphic Design: Rebranding Glossier For The Japanese Market, Hannah Kuvshinov

Senior Honors Theses

Due to globalization, many companies are expanding their reach into foreign markets that have different cultural contexts. As a result, having versatile branding that can be easily adapted to different cultures becomes extremely important when communicating with consumers from other countries. To develop this branding it is crucial for companies to employ cross-cultural design, which involves much more than simply translating text into the consumers language. In order to successfully expand its products to the Japanese market Glossier will have to apply cross-cultural research to redesign their current branding materials and communication channels. This project focuses on preserving brand cohesiveness …

Implementing Effective And Meaningful Environmental Graphic Design Within Modern Protestant Church Buildings In The U.S., Hannah Gilmer

Senior Honors Theses

The Church, the body of Christ, is filled with people gifted in visual arts, which should present boundless creative opportunities to encourage the body and glorify Christ. However, many modern Protestant churches in the U.S. do not reflect this creative potential in their interior spaces. Christian graphic designers have the unique gift of bringing all the visual arts together into a whole solution that communicates the message of the gospel with richness, power, and beauty. This thesis will show the process of creating environmental graphic design solutions that are intended to encourage a local church and glorify the Lord, building …

The Interaction Of Strategy And Design In Comprehensive Branding, Tiana Miller

Senior Honors Theses

Branding directs how consumers view businesses. Focusing on strategy and design equally aids in making a brand comprehensive, cohesive, and effective. Different aspects of brand strategy determine how to effectively build the backbone of the brand. Understanding design elements and the creative process are important in developing the visual identity of the brand. The findings were combined to create comprehensive personal branding for Tiana Joy Creative. This creative application included an archetypal brand strategy with deliverables including a logo and brand elements.

Communication Branches Out: Developing Interpersonal Skills Through Genealogical Research, Julian Costa, Gary Snyder

Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association

Communication students of the twenty-first century must not only be able to interact in multiple formats but be able to express their ideas across varied platforms. A common deterrent faced by students conducting research is the lack of applicability of the subject matter to their lives. The integration of genealogical research can address this issue because it allows students to learn about, and celebrate, their family history. While engaged in such a pursuit, students will develop core communication skills, such as speaking and listening, online research, and message design.

The Art Of Motion, Audrey Caleb, Selina Shang

SACAD: John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days

Animation is an integral part of our daily lives. From entertainment, to advertisements, to medical visualizations and everything in between, it permeates our world. But what makes animation so compelling? Why do we connect with it so well? And what makes it visually appealing?

Humans are story driven creatures, and so we gravitate towards time-based media—it’s the perfect vehicle for telling stories. Our goal was to explore the variety of styles and tools used in animation, research the 12 principles, understand the process of creating a work from start to finish, and successfully demonstrate the science and art of animation.

Front Cover (Spring 2024), Tina Geissler

Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges

Tina Geissler is a graphic design student at Tidewater Community College.

Enhancing Information Architecture With Machine Learning For Digital Media Platforms, Taylor N. Mietzner

Honors College Theses

Modern advancements in machine learning are transforming the technological landscape, including information architecture within user experience design. With the unparalleled amount of user data generated on online media platforms and applications, an adjustment in the design process to incorporate machine learning for categorizing the influx of semantic data while maintaining a user-centric structure is essential. Machine learning tools, such as the classification and recommendation system, need to be incorporated into the design for user experience and marketing success. There is a current gap between incorporating the backend modeling algorithms and the frontend information architecture system design together. The aim of …

Chapter 07: What Can Instructional Designers Learn From Graphic Designers?, Mark Richard Parsons

Instructional Message Design, Volume 3

Instructional message design uses learning theories to effectively communicate information using technology. The instructional designer identifies the main objectives and skills to be learned to devise and deliver a strategy for the learner. The graphic designer plays a role by helping guide the learner through the material without distraction. Graphic design plays a vital role with visual learners. Using instructional and graphic design principles is important for effective instructional message design. This chapter looks at the importance of graphic design in the instructional design process. It will explore what skills and strategies instructional designers can utilize from a graphic design …

¡Mujeres Chéveres! – Cool Women!, Hernan A. Gonzales Mejia

LSU Master's Theses

¡MUJERES CHÉVERES! – Cool Women! is a body of work and writing that looks into the history of feminism and analyzes the activism of Colombian women, highlighting their resilience and spirit. Policarpa Salavarrieta, Maria Cano, Madre Laura Montoya, and Adriana Ocampo are a few examples of Colombian women’s contributions to social movements and gender equality. Movements like “Estamos Listas” in Medellín are discussed for their role in advocating for women’s rights and societal change.

As a self-identified feminist male, this body of work, draws from my upbringing among influential women to investigate the societal roles of Colombian women. This …

Windows To The Infinite, Michael Suriano

Undergraduate Research Symposium

A research based installation art piece created for the ODU Math Department, celebrating Geometric Patterns in Islamic Art, World Cultures, and advanced concepts such as Penrose Tiling. Created to make math evocative and thought provoking.

Creating An Index To Graduate Theses To Support Their Discoverability, Ellen Petraits

Transforming Libraries for Graduate Students

As a Research and Instruction Librarian, one of the most frequent questions I'm asked is how to find past theses on a particular topic or theme. There is an active thesis culture at RISD that goes beyond writing and binding a text. An exhibition is held in the graduate gallery to celebrate a curated selection of theses at the beginning of the academic year. (See Book of Thesis Books) Theses can range in format from an artist book to a loose-leaf portfolio. Many emphasize the visual and are a bridge to the student’s studio work. They may include unusual or …

Neighboors, Alanna Joiner

Student Sequential Art and Comics

Mini comic about a new neighbor moving in next door.

Grc: A Mustang Quest, Jackson T. Alexander

Graphic Communication

The main purpose of this study is to define the overall effectiveness of visual marketing through animation and storytelling narration. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo has dozens of potential majors that interest students, thus leading to specific programs such as Graphic Communication (GRC) gaining fewer numbers compared to other College of Liberal Arts (CLA) fields. By analyzing what key elements are necessary for gaining outside attention and intrigue about a college program, I can better understand what information needs to be presented in my video project. This video will focus on defining what Graphic Communication is as a …

Dim111.1 Scholarly Perspectives On Design: Essay Example, Sae Institute

Exemplars

Example of the DIM111 essay format

What Does One Billion Dollars Look Like?: Visualizing Extreme Wealth, William Mahoney Luckman

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The word “billion” is a mathematical abstraction related to “big,” but it is difficult to understand the vast difference in value between one million and one billion; even harder to understand the vast difference in purchasing power between one billion dollars, and the average U.S. yearly income. Perhaps most difficult to conceive of is what that purchasing power and huge mass of capital translates to in terms of power. This project blends design, text, facts, and figures into an interactive narrative website that helps the user better understand their position in relation to extreme wealth: https://whatdoesonebilliondollarslooklike.website/

The site incorporates …

Ecological Functions Of The Document In Art And Design: Diplomatic Documents In Artistic Inquiries, Yann Aucompte

Proceedings from the Document Academy

A certain ecologist art form has been on the rise for the past twenty years. Those artworks include documents. The analysis will take two examples : Tale as Tool, and Chroniques de l’accueil. The use of documents doesn't deal with representation, as it used to be in art, but with inquiries. The ecological art tries to trigger testimonies and transformations of the common representation of nature. They don’t use documents as a trace but for their diplomatic capabilities. The document doesn’t record events or facts but it changes the situation. The ecological artists come with this paradoxical art stance : …

Present Time Company: A Global Media Entity Dedicated To Documenting, Illustrating, And Expressing Art And Cultural Narratives From The Chinese Standpoint To The World, Yixuan Helen Han

MA Projects

Present Time Company, a trailblazing entity at the convergence of innovative storytelling and diverse art and culture, aims to demystify the art world and make cultural experiences accessible to all. The company strategically blends Eastern and Western art perspectives, excels in dynamic content creation, and leverages social media adeptly in a competitive landscape. Opportunities arise from the burgeoning Asian art market, global interest in diverse cultural narratives, and the
potential for strategic partnerships. The marketing strategy focuses on brand awareness, audience engagement, and community cultivation, seamlessly integrating art into daily life through diverse content and strategic collaborations. The pricing model, …

Art Therapy Awareness: A Social Media Campaign, Hannah Barnes

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

A push towards advocating for mental health has made mental health services and care a primary focus. There are numerous ways to receive mental health care, art therapy being one option. This project seeks to provide information and resources on art therapy while also bringing awareness to the field and challenging misconceptions.

Beyond The Veil: Hijabi Superheroes And The Power Of Representation, Moom Thahinah Ms

Theses and Dissertations

As a Hijabi woman, I am often misrepresented by stereotypical narratives in Western media that obscure my individuality and agency. My thesis addresses the misrepresentation of Hijabi women, challenges audience perceptions, and empowers Hijabi women to confront these narratives.

Informed by design and media discourse, I developed a narrative and a Hijabi superhero character appropriating tropes of Western comic books. The resulting research combines two outcomes: a print-based narrative and a transformative garment. Print media is used to address the lack of Hijabi representation in Western comics while showcasing the character’s ability to combat discrimination. Derived from the comic format, …

Encapsulating Scars, Ashley Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

My work explores scars through encapsulation, a desire to enclose and express the emotional scars of memories or physical scars of the body. Life’s experiences impact the living, leaving behind scars that we feel the need to understand. Through the mediums of metal and mixed-media photography, I utilize found and created imagery, as well as a triality of text in order to preserve and remember these scars.