V I S U A L D I S P L AY P O R T F O L I O
P O R T FO L I O OV E RV I E W
Formatted to resemble a sketchbook, these visual display designs are a personal journal of my inspirations, ideas, and thought processes. Each visual idea includes the initial inspiration, the key elements of the design, and a quick sketch of the idea. Additionally, a brief description is included with each design highlighting the core components of the display.
a s h le e rs cot t.co m
TA B L E O F C O N T E N TS
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FROZEN GROWTH // 03.20.16
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MIRAGE // 05.06.16
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BUILDING BLOCKS // 04.07.16
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WOLF PACK // 05.12.16
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GUILDED // 04.12.16
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BATH HOUSE // 05.13.16
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STARGAZE // 04.14.16
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ON THE COURT // 05.14.16
BACKSTAGE // 04.18.16
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METAMORPHOSIS // 05.15.16
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F R OZ E N G R OW T H // 03 . 2 0.1 6 I’ve always been fascinated by the changing climate of nature- how things grow, respond, and interact. This past winter, an ice storm settled in leaving the trees with a unique pattern of frost. I was immediately fascinated by the color, texture, and the contrast between the life of the plant and the cold blanket of ice. After doing some research, I came across an artist who had created a similar encounter and was inspired with the idea of applying the concept to a window display or even an in-store fixture. The concept would be to create a multiple-tiered platform, similar to a staircase, which would recreate this ‘frozen growth’ with plants and ice texture cascading from the platform. The platform could be used to showcase small accessories or jewelry. This frozen display would work ideally for a winter display and would also incorporate birch trees in the background, a snow covered floor, and frosted window panes.
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B U I L D I N G B LO C KS // 0 4.07.1 6 I came across these vintage photographs taken at lumberyards and was amazed at the sheer size and structure of these stacks of wood. Their unique shapes and raw, unfinished quality were visually appealing to me and I was inspired to recreate that effect for a window display. I pictured using these stacked structures to create an almost maze-like effect, where they would go from floor to ceiling and be angled in various ways. The stacks would be mostly neutral in color with various shades of brown and faint hints of cool blues and soft coppers. The displayed merchandise would be brighter in color to stand out from the background and would also be sleek in appearance to contrast the texture of the wood. The overall sense would feel modern and sleek in a somewhat industrial sort of aesthetic.
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G U I L D E D // 0 4.1 2 .1 6 Historical costuming is one of my hobbies, so it’s not surprising to know how much I adore period films. Historic adaptions always fascinate me for their intricate and detailed sets and costumes. I love the film “Anna Karenina” for its unique theatre-style production. I was inspired by the aesthetic of the film which exuded grandeur and luxury. Looking at the movie stills, I was inspired to incorporate vintage frames and suitcases within a window display. I also love the use of color and would have the props and background remain off-white with hints of gold. The featured gown would be a rich deep purple to not only stand out but to also convey that sense of opulence. While drawing much inspiration from the film, I still wanted the design to feel fresh and modern. The mannequin would sit atop a pile of suitcases and stacks of empty frames would be placed to the side and on the back wall to give a sense of drama while staying simplistic in form.
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STA R GA Z E // 0 4.1 4.1 6 Growing up in the country, one of my favorite things to do was to stargaze during the summer nights. Thinking back on this, I was inspired by stars and constellations. There is something mystical about the nighttime sky that makes it seem surreal and magical. I wanted to convey that idea into a window display but also incorporate modern geometric shapes to imitate the look of constellation mapping. The display would be dark blue with a large ‘growing’ geometric shape in the corner made up of white and mirrored pieces. Constellations and stars would be the background design with the lights twinkling and the lines connecting the ‘stars’ a subtle shade of pink. Using mirrors will also create a unique look as it will cast off the light in different ways. The products would be soft grays and silvers, giving a luxurious feel to better contrast the dark background. The silver color will also reflect the mirrors and lights in the display, creating a shimmering effect.
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BAC KSTAG E // 0 4.1 8 .1 6 I’ve always had a passion theaters, especially older historic ones. There is something truly breathtaking about the presence of the stage, but I have always found the backstage to be equally interesting for its own complete world that is so distinctly different from the grandeur of the main auditorium itself. I was inspired by the atmosphere of behind-the-scenes photos from the ballet. I wanted to create a ‘backstage’ inspired window that would incorporate elements like ropes, curtains, and rigging. Since these items tend to have a darker industrial feel, I imagined the product to contrast by being light and soft. This distinction would allow the merchandise to stand out as the focal point. I also pictured the display having a climatic feel to it, in order to evoke the sense of drama associated with the stage. The lighting would create this drama by focusing on the product and creating dramatic shadows. The merchandise would also draw resemblance to traditional ballet costumes.
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M I R AG E // 0 5 .0 6 .1 6 Inspired by the desert landscape, I drew creativity from the concept of a mirage. Since a mirage causes one to see something more than reality, I was also inspired by the sense of surrealism, where things are often not what they appear. Following these ideas and concepts, I wanted to create a window display for accessory items with a sort of “Sands of Time” theme. I imagined taking larger than life hourglass props that have broken apart or fallen over to give that surreal feel. The broken hourglasses would cause the sand to fill the room as it’s pouring out. I pictured using accessories that would either look as if they were breaking through the hourglass, or some could still be trapped inside. It creates a sense of chaos, as things are falling apart and the landscape is constantly changing. Additionally, from a back corner I would install a sweeping sand wall to create more drama and tension, as well as balance the overall look. The color scheme comprises of mostly neutrals with hints of blues and purples.
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WO L F PAC K // 0 5 .1 2 .1 6 I was inspired by the arctic landscape for its dramatic and moody atmosphere. Looking into this terrain, I also was inspired by wolves and their threatening yet regal appearance which was so befitting of this frigid scene. I wanted to take these elements to create a window display that felt powerful and dramatic. I wanted to use these column-like rock formations as the backdrop of the window, keeping the cool blue and gray colors. The mannequin would be seated on the rocks, and I also pictured an elegant beaded gown and luxurious furs to be on display. I also wanted to incorporate wolves in the display to further give the sense of untamable nature. The color scheme would stay mostly grays and blues to match the winter landscape. The lighting would highlight the mannequin and wolves while also reflecting on the rocks to make them appear as though they were glistening from snow or ice.Â
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BAT H H O U S E // 0 5 .1 3 .1 6 Inspired by the simple idea of a bubble bath, I wanted to create a fun and playful window display that was youthful and whimsical. To match this sort of playfulness, I wanted the colors to be pastel pinks and blues, with the merchandise being hot pink to stand out as the focal point. The display would use a large vintage bathtub that would have the mannequin inside where only the head, arms, and legs were visible making this better suited to showcase accessories. I wanted the tub itself to have an overflow of bubbles spilling out to make it feel even more fun and light-hearted. The flooring would be white tiles, giving a traditional bathroom feel, and the walls would be a soft pink color. The tub itself would be a pastel blue. Hanging bubbles would cascade from the ceiling to add to the idea, and be translucent with a slight sheen to give it that bubble appearance. Placing the display and props in the center of the window will also create a symmetrical design.
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O N T H E CO U RT // 0 5 .1 4.1 6 As the sportswear and the athletic trend continue to gain more and more popularity, I was inspired to use this trend and blend it with bold geometrics and primary colors. I loved the idea of incorporating this color-blocked, Mondrian feel with such high energy. I wanted to use these bold colors, but in a way that wouldn’t be too distracting, so I decided to concentrate these primary colors on the back wall of the display and keep the props and merchandise white to stand out. The one mannequin would be placed on the right side, and a large white basketball goal would be placed on the opposite side to balance the display. There would then be solid white balloons or balls cascading from the hoop to the ground, drawing the eye straight towards the merchandise. This display would merge a sense of modern art with a modern and active lifestyle.
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M E TA M O R P H OS I S // 0 5 .1 5 .1 6 I became inspired by the recent Alexander McQueen collection that featured multiple butterfly motifs. I also liked how the collection was darker and more dramatic than what one typically thinks of when it comes to butterflies. I wanted to create a window display that showcased a piece from the collection and had a dark, romantic feeling to the design. I was inspired by the process of metamorphosis and how things change or evolve. For the display, I imagined one mannequin positioned on the left side with an array of butterflies ‘flying’ off into the other direction to give the sense of movement. I also thought to have the butterflies both on the back wall and suspended in mid air to create a more three dimensional effect. The butterflies would mostly be black and white with a few being shades of oranges and pinks. Also, the back wall would be an off-white color and the side walls and flooring would be black.
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