Finding a Voice | Portfolio

Page 1

FINDING A VOICE

S E L E C T E D W O R K S 2 0 1 6 ­— 2 0 1 9

M E N GYI S H A O

M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

Finding a Voice:    Speaking    Through the   Language of    Graphic Design     /Selected    Works of    Mengyi Shao,       2016–2019   at Academy of           Art University

010

011



FINDING A VOICE S E L E C T E D W O R K S 2 0 1 6 ­— 2 0 1 9

M E N GYI S H A O

PROJECT 01 / 10 M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

010

011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O

M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

IPNRTORJO ED CU TC 0 T1 I /O N 10

Finding a Voice: Speaking Through the Language of Graphic Design /Selected Works of Mengyi Shao, 2016–2019 at Academy of Art University

006 010

007 011


Introduction Good design can speak for you. To generate good design, you need to figure out the purpose of your work and understand the needs of your audience. As a designer, I like to sit and talk with my audience, listen to their stories, and feel what they feel. Empathizing with the people I design for is a powerful method for me to unlock more creative possibilities and ultimately innovate effective design solutions.


FINDING A VOICE: S E L E C T E D W O R K S 2 0 1 6 ­— 2 0 1 9

M E N GYI S H A O

M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

IPNRTORJO ED CU TC 0 T1 I /O N 10

Who are the voices in  my designs? My portfolio  represents    my voice as a  graphic designer,     and how I have responded to the voices from my audience, finding

006 010

007 011


solutions to   create meaning ful works that    can help     solve problems, drive positive social changes and     contribute to making the world a better place.


FINDING A VOICE: S E L E C T E D W O R K S 2 0 1 6 ­— 2 0 1 9

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

IPNRTORJO ED CU TC 0 T1 I /O N 10

008 010

009 011


Table of Contents: 01: Fostering Community/02: Interpreting Appearances/ 03: Building the Future/ 04: Inspiring Lifestyle 05: Debating Typography/ p.012–061

p.062–099

p.100–125

p.126–145

p.146–171


FINDING A VOICE: M E N GYI S H A O

SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

06: Analyzing Choices/07: Friending the Planet/ 08: Designing Melody /09: Exploring White/10: Enlivening Movement p.172–193

PARBOLJ E T E COTF 0C1 O/ N1T0E N T S

M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

p.194–229

p.230–241

p.242–259

p.260–285

010

011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O

M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

Fostering Community: MFA Thesis: WEAVE/Semester: Fall 2018– Fall 2019/ Categories: UI/UX, Publication, Branding/ Keywords: Diversity, Inclusivity

010 014

015 011


Bridge the cultural gap between the long term local community and the newly settled young tech community for a more diverse and inclusive San Francisco. BACKGROUND/

INSTRUCTORS/

Over the past 20 years, San Francisco has become a hub

Wioleta Kaminska

of technological innovation, which is attracting a lot of young

Christine George

professionals from all over the world to the city. Their intel-

Phil Hamlett

ligence and creativity have brought new vitality to the city. San Francisco is known for its diverse cultures. However, the arrival of these newcomers is eliminating the unique identity of this city to some degree, which creates hostility among local residents. The gap between the newly settled young tech community and the long term local community is widening. APPROACH/

According to my research, there are many gaps between the long term local community and newly settled young tech community. As a graphic design student, I decided to focus on the cultural aspect and provide several design solutions, such as a website, app, event, and publication. WEAVE is

T Y PE FAC E S /

Poppins Source Sans DELIVERABLES

Identity Website App Event Magazine Brochure TOOLS/

a brand that cooperates with long term local residents in

InDesign

San Francisco to help newcomers understand local history,

Illustrator

issues, and culture. It provides opportunities for new and

Photoshop

long term residents to meet, talk and collaborate, which aims

Adobe XD

to eliminate hostility and increase understanding. I was

WIX

inspired by the diverse culture and colorful neighborhoods of San Francisco. I chose a vivid color palette and created one-line illustrations to communicate the hope of a vibrant, friendly and inclusive San Francisco.

COLORS/


FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

010 014

015 011



FINDING A VOICE: M E N GYI S H A O

M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

San Francisco is known for its diverse cultures. However, long term locals believe the arrival of these newcomers is eliminating the unique identity of this city. The gap between the long term local community and the newly settled young tech community is widening.

SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

Over the past 20 years, San Francisco has become a hub of technological innovation, which is attracting a lot of young professionals from all over the world to the city for their professional development.

016

017


How can I help eliminate hostility and increase mutual understanding between the newly settled young tech community and the long term local community in San Francisco?


FINDING A VOICE:

PROJECT 01 / 10

018

Publication

M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

Application

M E N GYI S H A O

Interact

SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

Interviews

Website

Understand

Events

Trust

019



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 01 / 10 M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

020

021



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

025 011

WEAVE

HOME

CITY

024 010

=

+


Understand

WEAVE helps newcomers understand the unique characteristics of San Francisco through collaborating with long term residents to help newcomers understand the unique characteristics of the city.


FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

026

027


The thing I’ve always liked to do the most in the city is just walk around. I do everything on foot. It’s great when you come across something interesting and you will always see something new and different because of the mix of people. —Susan Pasley, 52 years in SF

The politics, the physical environment, the artistic and cultural, the historic and heritage, all of those things are making San Francisco. —Kaitlin Strange, 10+ years in the Bay Area

People come here from all over the world and they bring so many different traditions that become part of our local traditions. This is a very exciting thing. I love that about San Francisco. —Patricia Rose, 42 years in SF

San Francisco isn’t just a city to work in. It’s a city to engage in, to wander around, and get lost a little bit, to take time off. —Monica Berini, 27 years in SF


FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O

M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

I feel like I’m a tourist even though I’ve lived here for 30 years. I still go out like a tourist and take the boat somewhere. Because there are so many endless things to see and to do here. And that’s why I live here. —George Schupp, 30 years in the Bay Area

I think San Francisco always has that reputation. It’s wide open and free. People came here and do anything they want and be who they want to be. —David Keenan, 35 years in SF

San Francisco is a tiny city. It’s very small but there’s a lot to see. —Colin Blake, 16 years in the Bay Area

028

029


Interact

WEAVE educates newcomers about local history and culture through interaction with the city and people to help them find a sense of place in the city they will call home.


FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

030

031



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

032

033



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

034

035



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

036

037


Trust

WEAVE provides an open platform for both newcomers and long term residents to meet, collaborate, develop meaningful relationships and build trust.


FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

038

039



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

040

041



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

042 010

043 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

080

081



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

048

049



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

054

055



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

058

059



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

PROJECT 01 / 10

060 010

061 011


SAM M E N D E S , P H OTO BY B R I AN VAN D E R B RU G


FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O

TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

PROJECT 02 / 10

Interpreting Appearances: Project: Film Festival/Course: Integrated Communication/Semester: Fall 2018/ Instructor: Chris Morlan/ Category: Visual System

064 010

065 011


Choose a film director and design a film festival by conceptualizing a visual system and coordinating a complex set of materials. BACKGROUND/

K EY WO R D S /

Sam Mendes is a British film and stage director. Mendes’

Home

background as a stage director makes him focus more

Duality

on character development rather than rapidly moving plot.

Chaos

He is good at using nonverbal expressions and scenes, as well as visual symbols or metaphors, to depict stories. Due to his personal experience (his parents’ divorce), most of his films can be simplified in one repeated theme or obsession: his continued exploration of the changing concept of home. APPROACH/

Through my research, I found a common thread in most of Sam Mendes’s work: Confused characters lost in their current life are searching for home. At first, they misunderstand the true meaning of home, but eventually find it’s not a physical place supported by material things. Focused on interpreting the duality of home, the entire visual sys-

T Y PE FAC E S /

Akzidenz Grotesk Foster DELIVERABLES

Poster Catalog Tickets Schedule Soundtrack Stationery Website TOOLS/

tem is based on the concept of outside and inside the door.

Photoshop

I chose red and blue to represent the two sides of home.

InDesign

I used white painted wood to show the “perfect appearance”

Illustrator

of the home, combined with clear acrylic as “the window”

Handcraft

for the audience to look through and see the chaotic interior.

WIX COLORS/


FINDING A VOICE: S E L E C T E D W O R K S 2 0 1 6 ­— 2 0 1 9

M E N GYI S H A O TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

PROJECT 02 / 10

064 010

065 011



FINDING A VOICE

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 02 / 10 TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

010

011





FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

PROJECT 02 / 10

070 010

071 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

PROJECT 02 / 10

072 010

073 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

PROJECT 02 / 10

010 074

075 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

PROJECT 02 / 10

076 010

077 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

PROJECT 02 / 10

078 010

079 011



FINDING A VOICE

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 02 / 10 TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

010

011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

PROJECT 02 / 10

082

083



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

PROJECT 02 / 10

084 010

085 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

PROJECT 02 / 10

086 010

087 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

PROJECT 02 / 10

088 010

089 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

PROJECT 02 / 10

090 010

091 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

PROJECT 02 / 10

092 010

093 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

PROJECT 02 / 10

094 010

095 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

PROJECT 02 / 10

096 010

097 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O TWO SIDES OF THE DOOR

PROJECT 02 / 10

098 010

099 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O

E R ECTO R

PROJECT 03 / 10

Building the Future: Project: ERECTOR Rebranding/ Course: Nature of Identity/ Semester: Fall 2019/Instructor: Hunter Wimmer /Category: Branding

010 102

103 011


Identify a dead or defunct brand and create a new visual identity and brand guidelines with a new direction. BACKGROUND/

K EY WO R D S /

I chose ERECTOR to rebrand. It was the first American con-

Building

struction toy equipped with moving parts and motors. It is

Ingenuity

dedicated to fostering inventiveness, creativity, ingenuity, and

Collaboration

problem-solving abilities by providing the next generation valuable learning tools to build the future of their countries. APPROACH/

The new ERECTOR’s mission is to inspire people to apply their ingenuity through collaborative building. It will provide people a more supportive environment that brings all creative minds together, no matter what gender, age group, cultural background, to turn their current modest ideas

T Y PE FAC E S /

Neue Haas Unica Roboto Slab DELIVERABLES

Brand Guidelines Website TOOLS/

into future innovations. After I identified a new approach,

InDesign

I designed a new ERECTOR identity, which was inspired

Illustrator

by the idea of building. I created new brand guidelines for

Photoshop

the new ERECTOR and defined how the new ERECTOR

WIX

will expand in the future to reinforce its new mission. The website is a portal for the audience to experience the new ERECTOR.

COLORS/


FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O E R ECTO R

PROJECT 03 / 10

010 102

103 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O E R ECTO R

PROJECT 03 / 10

010 104

105 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O E R ECTO R

PROJECT 03 / 10

010 106

107 011


Building Bricks

+

Letter “E”

=

New ERECTOR Symbol


FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O E R ECTO R

PROJECT 03 / 10

010 108

109 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 03 / 10 E R ECTO R

010

011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 03 / 10 E R ECTO R

010 112

011 113



FINDING A VOICE

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 03 / 10 E R ECTO R

010

011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 03 / 10 E R ECTO R

010 116

011 117



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 03 / 10 E R ECTO R

010

011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 03 / 10 E R ECTO R

010 120

011 121



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 03 / 10 E R ECTO R

010 122

123 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 03 / 10 E R ECTO R

010 124

125 011



FINDING A VOICE: M E N GYI S H A O

SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 04 / 10

I K E A S U STA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T

Inspiring Lifestyle: Project: IKEA Sustainability Report/Course: Type Systems/ Semester: Fall 2017/Instructor: John Nettleton/ Category: Type Design

010 128

129 011


Redesign IKEA’s corporate sustainability report, which focuses on expanding its positive impact on people and the planet. BACKGROUND/

K EY WO R D S /

IKEA is a European multinational group known for its mod-

Sustainable

ernist designs and ready-to-assemble furniture. As the

Environmental

world’s largest furniture retailer, IKEA is also dedicated to

Organized

playing a very important role in sustainable development and environmental protection. IKEA’s sustainability report is one of the ways to show its impact on the people and the planet. APPROACH/

The simple, neat and modern products from IKEA have created a highly recognizable visual identity, immediately familiar to many people. Inspired by its iconic visual identity and its responsibility to the people and the planet,

T Y PE FAC E S /

Univers Akzidenz Grotesk Glypha DELIVERABLES

Booklets Envelope TOOLS/

I chose a new color palette, designed a neat and organized

InDesign

layout, and used a European typeface to convey the con-

Photoshop

cept of sustainability and the feeling of European interior design style. For printing and binding, I mimicked the recycled paper feeling and used a staple binding to better communicate IKEA’s impact on sustainable living.

COLORS/


FINDING A VOICE: S E L E C T E D W O R K S 2 0 1 6 ­— 2 0 1 9

M E N GYI S H A O

PROJECT 04 / 10 I K E A S U STA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T

010 128

129 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 04 / 10 I K E A S U STA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T

010 130

011 131



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 04 / 10 I K E A S U STA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T

010 132

133 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 04 / 10 I K E A S U STA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T

010 134

135 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 04 / 10 I K E A S U STA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T

010 136

137 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 04 / 10 I K E A S U STA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T

010 138

139 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 04 / 10 I K E A S U STA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T

010 140

011 141



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 04 / 10 I K E A S U STA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T

010

011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O I K E A S U STA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T

PROJECT 04 / 10

010 144

145 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O

CONVERGE

PROJECT 05 / 10

Debating Typography: Project: Type Conference/ Course: Type Systems/Semester: Fall 2017/Instructor: John Nettleton/ Categories: Visual System, Type Design

010 148

149 011


Redesign a visual system and conference materials for a design conference in order to enhance its concept and theme. BACKGROUND/

K EY WO R D S /

ATypI, Association Typographique Internationale, is the

Future

global forum and focal point for the type community and

Innovation

business. ATypI announced their 2016 Global Typography Conference, Converge, in Warsaw, Poland. Though the entire visual system was visually appealing and strong, it didn’t convey the theme very well. APPROACH/

I conducted very detailed research to understand the content and theme of the conference, which helped me develop design strategy and gave me inspiration. The main discussion topic of the conference was about gathering ideas and exploring ways of shaping the future of interaction with text. As my concept was developed based on the main topic and the theme of the conference, I used

T Y PE FAC E S /

Univers DELIVERABLES

Poster App Website Program Tickets Name Badges Signage TOOLS/

series of graphic elements, vibrant colors, and a variety

Photoshop

of typefaces in different languages to convey the idea of

InDesign

converge, future and innovation.

Illustrator Handcraft COLORS/


FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O CONVERGE

PROJECT 05 / 10

010 148

149 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 05 / 10 CONVERGE

010 150

011 151



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 05 / 10 CONVERGE

010 152

153 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 05 / 10 CONVERGE

010 154

155 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 05 / 10 CONVERGE

010 156

157 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 05 / 10 CONVERGE

010 158

159 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 05 / 10 CONVERGE

010 160

011 161



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O CONVERGE

PROJECT 05 / 10

010 162

163 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O CONVERGE

PROJECT 05 / 10

010 164

165 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 05 / 10 CONVERGE

010 166

167 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 05 / 10 CONVERGE

010

011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 05 / 10 CONVERGE

010 170

011 171



FINDING A VOICE: M E N GYI S H A O

SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 06 / 10

CLEARSKIN

Analyzing Choices: Project: Skincare App/Course: Digital Design Studio/Semester: Spring 2019/Instructor: Bob Slote/ Categories: UI/UX, App Design

010 174

175 011


Design a mobile app that can help address a problem in people’s daily lives. BACKGROUND/

K EY WO R D S /

The ingredients of many skincare products are too scientific

Organic

and complicated for people to understand, so sometimes

Natural

they waste their money buying inappropriate products. As a

Delightful

skincare and beauty lover, I would like to design an app that can help people choose clean and appropriate skincare products easily. APPROACH/

According to my user research, people are not willing to read long scientific ingredients reports. Instead, they would like to quickly see if the products include any ingredient that is inappropriate for their skin. I named app ClearSkin,

T Y PE FAC E S /

Big Caslon Avenir DELIVERABLES

Prototype Logo TOOLS/

and the logo simply shows its main function: Scan and

Adobe XD

analyze the ingredients of skincare products. Since my pri-

Illustrator

mary audience is women, I chose a light pinkish color

Balsamiq Mockup

palette and used organic shapes, with hand-drawn graphic elements to convey a natural, clean and relaxed feeling.

COLORS/


FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 06 / 10 CLEARSKIN

010 174

175 011



FINDING A VOICE: M E N GYI S H A O

SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 06 / 10

CLEARSKIN

ClearSkin Understand the ingredients in your skincare products easily and begin a healthy skincare journey.

010 176

177 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 06 / 10 CLEARSKIN

010

011


Scan & Analyze Scan the ingredients and get an easyto-understand analysis report.

Newsletter Feed you skincare articles based on your interests and concerns.

Doctor Your personal doctor answer your questions and give you helpful advice.

Community Share your skincare stories and experience with your friends.


FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 06 / 10 CLEARSKIN

010 180

011 181



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 06 / 10 CLEARSKIN

010 182

183 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 06 / 10 CLEARSKIN

010 184

185 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 06 / 10 CLEARSKIN

010 186

187 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O CLEARSKIN

PROJECT 06 / 10

010 188

189 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 06 / 10 CLEARSKIN

010

011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 06 / 10 CLEARSKIN

192

193



FINDING A VOICE: M E N GYI S H A O

SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 07 / 10

G O - G O E C O PA C K

Friending the Planet: Project: Promoting Reusable Packaging/ Course: Visual Thinking/ Semester: Fall 2017/Instructor: Sandra Isla/Category: Branding

010 196

197 011


Identify a problem that can be solved by graphic design and integrate a variety of design solutions to help address the issue. BACKGROUND/

K EY WO R D S /

Many people cannot distinguish recyclable and unrecyclable

Ecological

single-use packaging. And many of the single-use food and

Friendly

beverage packaging cannot be recycled or composted. Most

Vivid

people choose to use single-use packaging for their convenience; however, if we continue using this packaging, it will threaten our health and planet. APPROACH/

I created a brand Go-goECOPACK, which aims to encourage commuters in the financial district of San Francisco to reduce and ultimately quit using single-use food and beverage packaging to better the environment. In order to raise people’s awareness, I designed a series of posters to educate people and encourage them to take action. Also, I created a new service to help people green their habits and open their

T Y PE FAC E S /

Cocogoose DIN DELIVERABLES

Process Book Posters Advertisement Brochure App TOOLS/

minds to moving beyond single-use packaging in their lives.

Photoshop

I chose a vivid, ecological color palette, friendly typefaces, and

InDesign

developed a series of icons to make the project look appealing

Illustrator

and engaging.

COLORS/


FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 07 / 10 G O - G O E C O PA C K

010 196

197 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O G O - G O E C O PA C K

PROJECT 07 / 10

010 198

199 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O G O - G O E C O PA C K

PROJECT 07 / 10

200 010

201 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O G O - G O E C O PA C K

PROJECT 07 / 10

203 011

GO-goECOPACK

UTENSILS

RECYCLE

INFINITY

202 010

=

+

+



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O

G O - G O E C O PA C K

PROJECT 07 / 10

e for you to reduce your n single-use packaging health and our planet. e is not the only choice.

SOON ADDS UP 204 010

205 011


If we continue to use these single-use items, there will be estimated 6 trillion pieces of plastic, which are killing fish and wildlife, threatening our health and our planet.

IS NOT SINGLE


FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O G O - G O E C O PA C K

PROJECT 07 / 10

206 010

E-

SM

207 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O G O - G O E C O PA C K

PROJECT 07 / 10

208 010

WILL NEVER

209 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 07 / 10 G O - G O E C O PA C K

010 210

011 211



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 07 / 10 G O - G O E C O PA C K

212

213



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 07 / 10 G O - G O E C O PA C K

010 214

215 011



FINDING A VOICE: M E N GYI S H A O

SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 07 / 10

G O - G O E C O PA C K

Flyers Every person who goes into Go-goECOPACK cooperative restaurants will get a flyer, to help them to know how this service works.

010 216

217 011 Final Deliverables

Deliverabl


Map Guides you to find the closest drop-off locations and return reusable items

Scan & Redeem Scan to return items and get points for redeeming in cooperative restaurants

Activity See the level of contribution that you and your friends have made to our environment

Reminder Provides a clear list to remind you to return items and redeem points in time


FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 07 / 10 G O - G O E C O PA C K

010 218

219 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 07 / 10 G O - G O E C O PA C K

010

011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O G O - G O E C O PA C K

PROJECT 07 / 10

010 222

223 011


STEP 01 SCAN

Use your phone and open Go-goECOPACK app to scan

Deliverab

Return mach

STEP 02 INSERT

Insert Go-goECOPACK reusable products. One item at a time.

STEP 03 PRESS BOTTON

Press the green botton to confirm

STEP 04 GET POINTS

Select “get points” on the screen and then points will be in your Go-goECOPACK account and you can check it later

STEP 05 COLLECT RECEIPT

You will get a paper receipt after you return the products.

THANKS! Dear Edam, you’ve returned 45 times! Thank you for helping us to make our earth a better place!

KEEP GOING! SEE YOU NEXT TIME!

You get 10 points today You have 245 points in your account

We’re here for an infinite earth.


FINDING A VOICE:

ble 01

hine

SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O G O - G O E C O PA C K

PROJECT 07 / 10

Side View Front View

224 010

225 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 07 / 10 G O - G O E C O PA C K

010

011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O G O - G O E C O PA C K

PROJECT 07 / 10

228

229



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O

L ET BYG O N ES B E BYG O N ES

PROJECT 08 / 10

Designing Melody: Project: Music Poster/Course: Type Experiments/ Semester: Spring 2018/ Instructor: Stan Zienka/Categories: Type, Photography

010 232

233 011


Interpret a piece of music by designing a typographic poster that expresses its feeling and emotion. BACKGROUND/

K EY WO R D S /

My chosen music is Almost Lover. The song is about a

Memory

girl recalling her almost lover from the past, who gave her

Burning

the most happy and heartbreaking moments in her life.

Darkness

When I listen to the music, I can feel each of her memories, sweet, sad, heartbroken, and hopeless. No matter what the past was, she wants to say goodbye to her almost lover and past memories. APPROACH/

According to my feeling towards the song, I would like to show the process of how the girl recalls her past memories

T Y PE FAC E S /

Gabriela Stencil Baskerville DELIVERABLES

Poster TOOLS/

and says goodbye to the past. I printed text and imageries

InDesign

on transparent films, projected the films on a screen, and

Photoshop

took photos. I also used a colored glass vase on the top of the projector to create different kinds of light effects. For the layout, each piece of imagery represents a different moments that the girl experienced in this relationship. The overall color tone and blurry imagery convey a feeling of burning memories.

COLORS/


FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O L ET BYG O N ES B E BYG O N ES

PROJECT 08 / 10

010 232

233 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O L ET BYG O N ES B E BYG O N ES

PROJECT 08 / 10

234 010

235 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O L ET BYG O N ES B E BYG O N ES

PROJECT 08 / 10

236 010

237 011



FINDING A VOICE: S E L E C T E D W O R K S 2 0 1 6 ­— 2 0 1 9

M E N GYI S H A O L ET BYG O N ES B E BYG O N ES

PROJECT 08 / 10

238 010

239 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 08 / 10 L ET BYG O N ES B E BYG O N ES

240 010

241 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O

W H AT I S W H I T E

PROJECT 09 / 10

Exploring White: Project: Personal Journal Design/ Course: Type Experiments/ Semester: Spring 2018/ Instructor: Stan Zienka/ Category: Book Design

244 010

245 011


Choose a theme and document a journey in life through utilizing typography and photography to express the narrative. BACKGROUND/

K EY WO R D S /

As a graphic designer, it is quite important for me to observe,

White

to explore and get inspired. When we talk about WHITE, we

Simple

may think of color, race, snow, light or milk. But what else?

Clean

I’m curious about the stories behind WHITE, even if it seems the simplest “thing” in the world. APPROACH/

This book includes my different stories and interpretations of WHITE. I used my camera and cell phone to document each moment related to WHITE when I walked around the city and wrote my feelings and thoughts about these moments. I chose a very simple and limited color palette to match the

T Y PE FAC E S /

Neue Hass Grotesk Baskerville DELIVERABLES

Book TOOLS/

theme of the book. Also, I developed some graphic elements

InDesign

that could better express the meaning of the stories. At the

Photoshop

end of the book, I left some space to engage other people to

Illustrator

observe their surroundings and write about their own feelings and interpretations of WHITE.

COLORS/


FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O W H AT I S W H I T E

PROJECT 09 / 10

244 010

245 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O W H AT I S W H I T E

PROJECT 09 / 10

246 010

247 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O W H AT I S W H I T E

PROJECT 09 / 10

248 010

249 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 09 / 10 W H AT I S W H I T E

250 010

251 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O W H AT I S W H I T E

PROJECT 09 / 10

010 252

253 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 09 / 10 W H AT I S W H I T E

010

011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 09 / 10 W H AT I S W H I T E

010

011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O W H AT I S W H I T E

PROJECT 09 / 10

258 010

259 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O

M OTI O N G R AP H I C S

PROJECT 10 / 10

Enlivening Movement: Project: Motion Graphics/ Course: Topics in Motion Graphics/Semester: Spring 2019 /Instructor: Colin Sebestyen /Category: Motion Design

262 010

263 011


Utilizing motion design skills, create a series of motion graphic pieces to tell stories with time-based media. APPROACH/

K EY WO R D S /

P R OJ E CT 01

Vibrant

The project was to introduce a topic in 30 seconds. I chose to

Playful

introduce the unique cultures of San Francisco in order to

Fun

encourage more people to explore the city and culture. I used the five senses as the main concept to engage people to experience the cultures of San Francisco in terms of neighborhoods, architecture, local businesses, people, cuisine, and music. P R OJ E CT 02

The goal of this project was to design an interactive magazine

T Y PE FAC E S /

Akzidenz Grotesk Caecillia DELIVERABLES

Videos TOOLS/

cover for the IdN magazine. I chose the Wayfinding Issue and

Illustrator

animated an eyeball’s journey of finding its way.

After Effects

P R OJ E CT 03

The project was to tell an interesting story with a chosen piece of music. I chose music with a strong beat. The electronic feeling of the music gave me a deep and mysterious feeling, which inspired me to tell a story about a little planet and its changes in the universe. I animated a circle and matched its changes and movement with the music.

COLORS/


FINDING A VOICE: S E L E C T E D W O R K S 2 0 1 6 ­— 2 0 1 9

M E N GYI S H A O M OTI O N G R AP H I C S

PROJECT 10 / 10

262 010

263 011





FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M OTI O N G R AP H I C S

PROJECT 10 / 10

266

267



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M OTI O N G R AP H I C S

PROJECT 10 / 10

268 010

269 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 10 / 10 M OTI O N G R AP H I C S

270 010

271 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M OTI O N G R AP H I C S

PROJECT 10 / 10

010 272

273 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M OTI O N G R AP H I C S

PROJECT 10 / 10

010 274

275 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M OTI O N G R AP H I C S

PROJECT 10 / 10

010 276

277 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M OTI O N G R AP H I C S

PROJECT 10 / 10

010 278

279 011



FINDING A VOICE:

M E N GYI S H A O SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

PROJECT 10 / 10 M OTI O N G R AP H I C S

280 010

281 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M OTI O N G R AP H I C S

PROJECT 10 / 10

010 282

283 011



FINDING A VOICE: SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

M E N GYI S H A O M OTI O N G R AP H I C S

PROJECT 10 / 10

284 010

285 011


Thank You T O M Y FA M I LY /

Christopher Morlan, thank you for being strict

Mom, dad, uncles, aunties, and sisters, thank

with us and teaching me to make decisions

you for always giving me such a loving and

on my own. I appreciate having had you as my

supportive family that respects my decisions

instructor to guide me through the hardest

and encourages me to pursue my dream.

course at AAU.

Grandpa and grandma, thank you for under-

Hunter Wimmer, thank you for always sharing

standing my choice to study aboard and

interesting stories in class, being productive

not being with you these years. I will use my

and organized, and encouraging me to be

capacity to take good care of you, just like

confident to express myself.

you cared for me when I was young. TO MY INSTRUCTORS/

Mary Scott, thank you for your patience and

John Nettleton, thank you for your precision in the details which made me fall in love with typography.

dedication to every student. Thank you for

Colin Sebestyen, thank you for being so

always pushing and guiding me to build up a

patient to every student and trying your best

portfolio that I’ll be proud of. I’m grateful

to help us solve each problem.

for having had the chance to work with you to make this portfolio possible.

Susan Pasley and Monica Berini, thank you for working with me through all these semes-

Phil Hamlett, thank you for being our depart-

ters, guiding me to explore ideas and develop

ment director and my instructor that always

concepts, and for sharing your stories with

inspires me to develop my ideas, guide me to

me. It’s been such a wonderful thing to see

improve my work and give me valuable advice

you two in class or lab.

for a successful career.

Mona Shaath, thank you for being so patient to fix every single one of my problems, questioning me and practicing with me to improve my English and ideation.


FINDING A VOICE:

fidence in my work. I’m glad you were the teacher of my first class at AAU and it’s great to have had you in class three semesters.

Marwa Al Bahrahi, Peter Asadamongkol, Min Huei Lu, thank you for being my classmates also friends to inspire me, work and

Christine George, Wioleta Kaminska, Bob Slote,

help each other to overcome difficulties

Sandra Isla, Andrew Loesel, Scott Rankin,

and share happiness.

PC A RO KN J EOCWT L0E1D /G 1E0M E N T S

me when we studied together at AAU. M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

me to be a confident speaker and have con-

M E N GYI S H A O

Ash Xu, thank you for taking good care of

SELECTED WORKS 2016 — 2019

Jill Ballard, thank you for always encouraging

Shel Perkins, Theodore Somogyi, Nita Ybarra, Joohye Jubilo, Renee Snyder, and Scot Crisp,

TO MY SF COMMUNITY/

thank you for all the time and effort in our

Adam Marsh, Colin Blake, David Keenan,

classes. I’ve learned so much from each of

George Schupp, Patricia Rose, Pam Coates,

you and I really appreciate it.

Kaitlin Strange, David Wasserman, thank you for being my interviewees, teachers, also

TO MY FRIENDS/

my good friends to support me to develop

Stacy Huang and Wen Teng, I remember every

my thesis. Your interesting stories and

day and night that I work with you two and

different visions of San Francisco helped

thank you for giving me a place to share my

me have a deeper understanding of the

tears and laughs.

unique and charming San Francisco, and

Shiying Sun, thank you for taking care of me and always feeding me delicious foods.

made a three-year newcomer fall in love with the city.

Yijing Yan, thank you for being supportive and sometimes “mean” to me. I learned a lot when you were working seriously, but also loved to sit with you enjoying delicious food.

286 010

287 011


Colophon CON TAC T /

Copyright © 2020 by Mengyi Shao

Mengyi Shao

All rights reserved. No part of the publica-

mshao.design@gmail.com

tion may be reproduced, stored, in retrieval

+1 925 314 5082

system, or transmitted in any form by any

mengyishaodesign.com

means electronic, mechanical, photocopying,

SCHOOL/

Academy of Art University, School of Graphic Design 79 New Montgomery Street San Francisco, CA, USA MAJOR/

MFA, Graphic Design INSTRUCTOR/

Mary Scott BOOK TITLE/

Finding a Voice: T Y PE FAC E S /

Albra Alliance No.1 PHOTOGRAPHY/

Mengyi Shao B O O K B I N D E RY /

The Key Printing & Binding PRINTING/

Graphic Imagery TEXT STOCK/

Mohawk Superfine 100lb Uncoated

recording or otherwise without expressed written permission from Mengyi Shao.


FINDING A VOICE S E L E C T E D W O R K S 2 0 1 6 ­— 2 0 1 9

M E N GYI S H A O

PROJECT 01 / 10 M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

010

011



FINDING A VOICE S E L E C T E D W O R K S 2 0 1 6 ­— 2 0 1 9

M E N GYI S H A O

PROJECT 01 / 10 M FA T H E S I S : W E A V E

010

011



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.