Design becomes most captivating when it breaks away from the ordinary. Unconventional design challenges established norms, encouraging me to push creative boundaries and explore daring, experimental ideas. Through a process that often involves trial and error, this approach leads to truly original, innovative work that stands out for its boldness.
This book presents a collection of my work from my time at the Academy of Art University, showcasing my journey of creative discovery and the evolution of my design perspective.
UNCONVENTIONAL
FORM FUNCTION AND FANTASY
BY MARNI
REIMAGINING THE FUTURE
DAYLI
SHAPES & CONCEPTS
THE ART OF DEFYING CONVENTION
EXPERIMENTAL VISIONS BREAKING BOUNDARIES
TERRITORIES
FORM, FUNCTION, FANTASY
DAYLI BY MARNI
DAYLI by Marni
Skincare Reimagined for a Modern Market
DAYLI by Marni is a conceptual skincare line designed exclusively for the renowned Italian luxury brand, Marni. Known for its innovative approach to fashion across readyto-wear collections, handbags, shoes, accessories, and eyewear, Marni exudes a bold, modern style. DAYLI by Marni introduces an entry-level skincare line aimed at expanding the brand’s reach while preserving its distinct identity. This project bridges the gap between luxury and accessibility, all while reflecting Marni’s signature modern aesthetic.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this project was to create a skincare line extension that not only enhanced Marni’s product offerings but also seamlessly aligned with its established identity. The challenge was to introduce a new, approachable market segment while maintaining the modern sensibilities that Marni is known for. The branding had to evoke the same vibrancy and innovation that has come to define the brand, all while standing out in the competitive skincare industry.
SOLUTION
To capture the essence of Marni’s bold and playful style, I developed a packaging system that incorporated colorful, hand-drawn patterns, bringing an artistic and fresh feel to the product line. The designs reflect Marni’s modern approach to fashion, making DAYLI not only a functional skincare product but also a statement in its own right. This blend of creativity and accessibility ensures the product speaks to both Marni’s loyal audience and a new generation of consumers, opening the door to a broader market without sacrificing the brand’s iconic identity.
REIMAGINING THE FUTURE
düplex
düplex
düplex is a conceptual tableware brand specializing in glassware.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this project was to develop a packaging system that not only protects delicate glassware but also minimizes waste and allows for efficient stacking during shipping. The design and branding needed to align with the aesthetics of the chosen glassware while ensuring break-proof transport.
SOLUTION
To secure the fragile glassware, a tight-fitting packaging system was designed with a T-shaped ridge to prevent the pieces from touching. This feature ensured that the glassware remained stationary inside the packaging, reducing the risk of breakage. In line with sustainability goals, the packaging was crafted from a single sheet of material, minimizing waste. The name düplex was inspired by the design, reflecting the dual-unit concept present in the glassware itself.
glasswar e
REDEFINING SHAPES & CONCEPTS
TAPÓN
TAPÓN
Spanish and Japanese Fusion Restaurant
TAPÓN is a conceptual fusion restaurant blending the sophistication of Spanish cuisine with the rich traditions of Japan. The name "Tapón" means cap or lid in Spanish, but here it represents a combination of "Tapas" and "Japón" (Spanish for Japan). It’s a trendy spot where friends gather to enjoy drinks and delectable dishes in a relaxed, lively atmosphere. The ambience features moody lighting, layered textures, and elegant tableware, creating a space that feels both stylish and inviting.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this project was to create a playful yet well-designed brand, drawing on a sense of camp while maintaining elegance.
SOLUTION
To highlight the fusion of Spanish sophistication and Japanese tradition, elements from both cultures were incorporated into the branding. The design includes circular motifs to represent the Japanese flag, while a distinctive accent in the logo nods to the Spanish language, tying together both influences in a cohesive identity
Fusión Japonesa y Española
BOLD DISRUPTIONS 2022
SPLIT
A Book About Tabi Shoes
SPLIT is a conceptual book dedicated to exploring the history, evolution, and cultural significance of tabi shoes. The name "SPLIT" reflects the iconic split-toe design that defines the tabi shoe, a style that has captivated both traditional Japanese culture and contemporary fashion. From their origins in the 15th century as part of traditional Japanese attire to their current status as a fashion statement on global runways, this book delves into the unique appeal and enduring popularity of tabi footwear.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this project was to develop a complete book from concept to execution, centered around a distinct theme. The challenge was not only to gather the history of tabi shoes but also to create a cohesive visual that mirrors the avant-garde nature of the footwear itself.
SOLUTION
To emphasize the bold, avant-garde essence of tabi shoes, the design concept for SPLIT adopts a modern and experimental approach. Every element of the book reflects the fusion of tradition and contemporary style that tabi shoes embody. The cover was designed in a highly personal and creative way—using my own pair of tabi shoes, I physically stamped and stomped them into paint and paper, capturing the literal "footprint" of the shoe in the artwork. This method reinforces the tactile, expressive quality of the shoe while aligning with the book’s experimental tone. Throughout the pages, the layout is clean yet unconventional, utilizing sharp lines, contrasting textures, and dynamic typography to celebrate the distinctiveness of the tabi.
In essence, SPLIT is both a visual and tactile journey into the world of tabi shoes, celebrating their legacy and ongoing influence in fashion and culture.
THE ART OF DEFYING CONVENTION
DINE
DINE 'N
Conceptual Restaurant Reservation App
DINE 'N is a dependable dine-in reservation app designed to simplify the dining experience by securing table reservations, while also offering personalized recommendations based on users' previous visits and preferences. This app is tailored for food lovers— from casual diners to passionate food enthusiasts—who seek to enjoy exceptional dining experiences and explore new flavors.
OBJECTIVE
To design a unique brand identity for a conceptual service-sector app with a focus on creating a cohesive, memorable theme.
SOLUTION
In-depth research was conducted to understand the app's target audience, consisting of a broad spectrum of diners with a special focus on foodies and culinary explorers. With this demographic insight, a carefully curated logo, visual style, and brand i mage were developed to align with their tastes. The brand identity emphasizes a clean, recognizable logo and an inviting aesthetic to ensure DINE 'N stands out among competitors.
EXPERIMENTAL VISIONS
FOG
A Collection Inspired by the Phenomenon of Fog
FOG is a conceptual design series that explores and narrates the elusive beauty and mystery of fog. This collection of projects tells a visual story, delving into the many interpretations and transformations of fog across different mediums. Through a blend of photography, infographics, and handmade media, each piece reflects the essence of fog—its opacity, softness, and the intriguing way it obscures and reveals.
OBJECTIVE
To communicate the experience and essence of "fog" visually, without explicitly using the word in text, challenging the viewer to feel and understand its presence through design alone.
SOLUTION
By taking "fog" as a guiding concept, the project draws on photography, infographics, and various handcrafted techniques to evoke fog’s characteristics. Each design was carefully crafted to interpret fog’s abstract qualities, blending soft edges, muted tones, and layered compositions. This series captures fog’s ambiguity and subtlety, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the sensory atmosphere that fog creates, achieving a visually rich, immersive narrative.
BREAKING BOUNDARIES
NXT BEATS
Conceptual Branding and Design for an Electronic Music Festival
NXT BEATS is a vibrant, cutting-edge music festival dedicated to showcasing the energy and innovation of house and electronic music. The festival brings together top-tier DJs and emerging artists, creating an immersive experience for music enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective was to craft a visually compelling and cohesive brand identity that captures the dynamic essence of an electronic music festival. This included designing a distinctive poster, as well as supporting materials like a website, mobile app, and branded merchandise that fully embody the spirit of NXT BEATS.
SOLUTION
To resonate with house and electronic music fans, the branding incorporates an electrifying neon color palette paired with lush floral accents, symbolizing the fusion of natural and digital worlds that NXT BEATS represents. The festival's logo and name were crafted to be striking yet simple, making it instantly recognizable and memorable. The branding extended beyond posters to include a sleek, user-friendly website and mobile app for seamless festival access, as well as admission tickets and merchandise designed to engage and excite festival-goers. Each element of the NXT BEATS branding serves to amplify the festival’s atmosphere, creating a cohesive visual experience that resonates long after the last beat drops.
UNCHARTED TERRITORIES
MUSE MAPS
MUSE MAPS
Your Guide to Discovering Museums and Galleries Nearby
MUSE MAPS is a concept map app designed to enhance cultural exploration by helping users navigate the vast array of museums and galleries in their city. It offers art enthusiasts and curious visitors a convenient way to find and organize nearby art spaces, providing an intuitive platform to discover local exhibits, plan routes, and enjoy enriching cultural experiences.
OBJECTIVE
The goal was to create a user-friendly map app centered around a themed region, specifically for the San Francisco area. The app needed a cohesive brand identity, including a logo, color palette, and user interface that complements the app's theme. Designed for easy navigation by foot, bike, car, or public transit, the app required attention to UI/UX details and a layout that enhances the user experience through visually appealing infographics and an intuitive flow.
SOLUTION
MUSE MAPS was designed with a refined yet artistic aesthetic that appeals to art lovers, featuring a warm beige palette instead of stark white to add a welcoming and creative feel to each page. A clean and minimalist approach was applied to the navigation, showing only essential information to avoid visual clutter and ensure a seamless user journey. The app includes a simple yet visually engaging logo and streamlined pages, each crafted with thoughtful UI/UX considerations to offer an accessible and aesthetically pleasing experience for users exploring the art scene in their city.
M USE MA P
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COLOPHON
School: Academy of Art University, School of Graphic Design