VISUAL DESIGN PORTFOLIO 2023

Visual Design

Designs By Wislers Joseph

CONTENTSCONTENTS CONTENTS

WISLERS JOSEPH

How’s it going?! My name is Wislers Joseph, I go by Joseph. I am the son of immigrant parents from Haiti. I was born in Haiti but raised in Virginia since I was three. Yes, my accent is non-existent. I became a recent graduate in Visual Design at Virginia Western Community College. I spend most of my time exploring the world of creativity and design. I am especially interested in product design, poster design, logo, and illustration. I am a creative problem solver with a keen eye for detail, and I am able to work well both independently and on a team. My personality in the workspace would be that I’m artistic, a great communicator, and innovative. I am eager to bring my passion and skills to a new role as a Visual Designer. My hobbies typically include drawing, writing, photography, travel, fitness, and cycling. I’m showcasing my skills in visual design, problem-solving, and illustration in this portfolio.

Current location: Roanoke, VA 24017

Wislers Joseph SELECTED

A Student Designer, Photographer, and Writer based in Virginia.

EDUCATION WORK EXPERIENCE

Associate Degree in Visual Design – Virginia

Western Community College

Roanoke, Virginia

Graduated: May 2023

Relevant coursework:

Adobe Creative Suite

Graphic Design

Illustration

Digital Media

Typography

Logo design

Word Press

Web Design/CSS/HTML5

User Interface (UI)

Blogging

Content creation

Video Editing

Color theory

SOFTWARE SKILLS

Photoshop

• Decade+ years performing demanding tasks and executing them efficiently.

• Decade+ years of experience in a fast-paced working environment.

• Innovative approach in a team or individual workspace situation.

• Resourceful and detail-orientated

• Dedicated, hardworking, and committed to hard work.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with clients and team members.

Visual Designer – 2019 – 2023

Skills:

• Quick learner and am always eager to learn new skills and technologies.

• Obtained a 3.9 GPA which reflects my commitment to excellence in education.

• Experience with Visual Studio Code in Web Design using HTML/CSS

• Proficient in freehand work with various mediums such as graphite, charcoal, pen, and ink.

• Continuous learning and practice to improve my skill and stay up-to-date on industry trends and technology.

• High knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite.

Freelance Photographer/Videographer – 2013 to Present

• Skilled in capturing stunning photographs of various subjects at events, and in shooting portraits.

• Proficient in using professional photography equipment.

• Diligent with editing software such as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

• Proficient in post-processing and retouching to enhance and manipulate images to meet clients’ needs.

• Strong understanding of lighting techniques and composition to produce high-quality images.

• Strong understanding of color theory and the ability to match and create specific color palettes in images.

Illustrator

• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

• Passion for photography and a desire to continue learning and improving skills.

• Willingness to travel for shoots and work flexible hours.

• Self-motivated and able to work independently or as part of a team.

InDesign

TYPOGRAPHY HISTORICAL DATE

PROMPT

Asked to visually describe a certain time period. The ratification of the Bill of Rights.

SOLUTION

Immediately I thought about combining text with the shape of the American flag. Portions of the text naturally match the red and white stripes respectively. The star section exists simply to complete the message.

The Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791 America. Although The Bill of Rights had a lot of Anglo-American influences. England’s King John enacted the Magna Carta in 1215, which put his seal to Magna Carta. It protects people against abuses from royal powers that be. Thanks to the pressure of rebels at the time. It brought about any prosecution to proceed according to the law of the land and banned any delay of justice and or ban of justice. In 1628 the Petition of Right was adopted by Charles I, which condemned unlawful imprisonments. Later in 1689, Parliament adopted the Bill of Rights. The name alone was a foreshadow for what the fourfathers would adopt for America. The English Bill of Rights had similar rights such as the 8th amendment, which is a ban on excessive bail or fines and also cruel and unusual punishment. It was a hard-fought compromise to save the constitution. It consisted of Federalists and Anti-federalists. Anti-federalists were supporters of the state and believed the states should have the most power. Anti-Federalist were George Mason, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry. The federal government wa was to protect the people from the British and the State, who may abuse their power over the people. The Federali Federalists were George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison. Anti-Federalists were the American people who most shed blood in the American Revolution. The revolution was a result of newly minted Americans fought for the rights they had as English men. They felt the King was tyrannical and were willing to fight for their freedoms and rights. The war was a self-determining battle about no one ever taking away the rights of the people again. Rights should be protected but no one wanted the protection of a King so the founding fathers wanted to enact the Constitution and have it ratified. After the failures of the Articles of Confederation, there had to be a different approach. James Madison was one of the founding fathers of the Constitution. Madison was an underrated founder and master of bringing everyone together to form the government. After four months of arguing for what would become the Constitution, George Mason felt there should be a Bill of Rights. Initially, the Bill of Rights was considered a “bad idea” by the federalists and other members. They believed that being distinctive about certain rights would mean other rights might be abused or mishandled or considered less important. There were full actual signatures from Ben Franklin, George Washington. When the constitution was presented to the people, they had the same sentiment as George Mason, “what protections do you have for the people’s liberties?” The people felt the Federal government was too strong. The thirteen colonies were to decide on the Constitution. Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Georgia, and the last minute Massachusetts approval to pass it. North Carolina did not ratify the Constitution without a bill of Rights. After Massachusetts ratified the new Constitution, those states wrote over two hundred amendments behind the ratification of the new Constitution. Ultimately the Bill of Rights was the answer. Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and others were not going to support the Constitution unless there were certain rights that the government can’t take away. Upon a political campaign after not getting support from most states, James Madison agreed to enact the Bill of Rights. Madison made sure the Bill of Rights was for the protection of the personal liberties of the people. It protected individual rights. This was all thanks to the state’s initial proposition of over two hundred amendments which Madison knocked down to about nineteen amendments. Congress passed only twelve amendments. The Bill of Rights was written in plain language. It allowed people to understand and participate in their own democracy. Two more amendments were dropped because they did not fundamentally affect the people in any way. Ten amendments were left and states including Virginia, which put the bill on top, were on board with the proposed Bill of Rights. On December 15, 1791, the Bill of rights was ratified.

PROMPT

Asked to

1. Illustrate a self portrait using three different mediums.

2. Illustrate the same self portrait using ONLY letter forms.

SOLUTION

A WORDY SELF PORTRAIT

After illustrating the three pen and pencil drawings, I scanned the pen drawing into InDesign and applied the corresponding letter form with the shapes of the portrait. I enjoyed the challenge of creating the straightest lines or curves using strictly letters and letter forms.

Sliiiiide

PROMPT

Asked to interpret a word visually. I explored the words “Slide” and “Contrast”...

TYPOGRAPHY DESCRIPTIVE TEXT

SOLUTION

I knew I had two words that one could easily over-explain. After applying the creative process, I solved the prompt with these final results.

Contrast Contrast

1040 TAX FORM REDESIGN

CLIENT PROMPT

itemizes on a separate return or you were a dual-status alien

Were born before January 2, 1958 Are blind Spouse: Was born before January 2, 1958 Is blind

SOLUTION

If more than four dependents, see instructions and check here .

Total amount from Form(s) W-2, box 1 (see instructions)

Household employee wages not reported on Form(s) W-2

Tip income not reported on line 1a (see instructions)

Medicaid waiver payments not reported on Form(s) W-2 (see instructions)

Taxable dependent care benefits from Form 2441, Line 26

Employer-provided adoption benefits from Form 8839, line 29

Wages from Form 8919, line 6

Other earned income (see instructions)

Nontaxable combat pay election (see instructions)

Add lines 1a through 1h

Attach Sch. B if required.

Standard Deduction for –Single or Married filing separately, $12,950 Married filing jointly or Qualifying surviving spouse, $25,900 Head of household, $19,400

If you checked any box under Standard Deduction see instructions.

Tax-exempt interest

Qualified dividends

IRA distributions

Pensions and annuities

Social security benefits

If you elect to use the lump-sum election method, check here (see instructions)

Capital gain or (loss). Attach Schedule D if required. If not required, check here

Other income from Schedule 1, line 10

Add lines 1z, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b, 7, and 8. This is your total income

Adjustments to income from Schedule 1, line 26

Subtract line 10 from line 9. This is your adjusted gross income

Standard deduction or itemized deductions (from Schedule A)

Qualified business income deduction from From 8995 or Form 8995-A

enter

For Disclosure, Privacy Act, and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see separate instructions. Cat. No. 11320B Form 1040 (2022)

Asked to redesign the 1040 Tax Form.

Fairly straightforward — the biggest challenge was using the appropriate shapes and colors to make it convincing.

NEWSLETTER DESIGN

CLIENT PROMPT

Asked to design the first few pages of a newsletter.

SOLUTION

While applying the creative process, I did extensive research on the look and feel of a typical newsletter. I wanted to tackle the topic of business and technology. After ideation and thumbnails, I came to this solution.

CHALLENGE

The image choices and type were the most definitive components of the design to solve the newsletter look. When working with this many levels of type, it’s easy to overlook certain sections. This project was all about finding the correct copy and images to grab the attention of the intended audience. I believed I achieved that with this final solution.

BROCHURE DESIGN

CLIENT PROMPT

Building a logo and brochure for a Montessori school. The given brand name is ThinkSPACE.

SOLUTION

Several ideas and sketches later, I found a final logo and layout. The logo communicates visually with the icons surrounding the circle which represent a table. The colorful icons represent youthfulness. I think it’s a simple visual translation for a Montessori school.

CHALLENGE

Logo design is my favorite avenue. I knew it would require deeper research when creating a logo from scratch. Making the brochure came down to making sure the placement order was correct.

STATIONARY PACKAGE DESIGN

CLIENT PROMPT

The same client asked to create a stationary package for the Montessori school. One letterhead (8.5’’ x 11’’), an envelope, and a business card (3.5’’ x 2’’).

SOLUTION

I knew I had to explore presentation mock-ups after ideation and research. It was not too difficult putting the first phase of the project together given the strong logo. After finding the correct stationary mock-up, I went into Photoshop and put it together. The solution is fun and simple.

CHALLENGES

My biggest challenge was finding the correct mock up. Spent more time in the research phase to discover the proper mock up. I took advantage of the Adobe library to explore deeper into 3D design.

“MONEY” CURRENCY AND COIN DESIGN

PROMPT

Imagine you had your own country and had to design your own banknote. Go!

SOLUTION

I explored picking the proper effect for engraved money patterns you typically see on a dollar bill. I referenced the American paper bills to tweak and match inside of Photoshop for the final results. The name I discovered for my made-up country is TECHNA. Felt drawn to a “Futuristic Royal Utopia”. The solution here conveyed this very well visually. Proud of the final results.

CHALLENGE

Getting the right money engraved effect for the dollar bill.

20 20

SYMBOL DESIGN

CLIENT PROMPT

Asked to create signs that communicate a visual message. For example “Yield” signs, merge signs, etc. The three symbols I chose were “Trampoline Zone”, “Tailgate Area”, and “Time Out Zone”

SOLUTION

I simply took pointers from the good ole Yield Sign. The idea is to simplify the meaning as much as possible. With the Trampoline Zone, I used a triangle shape with an icon flipping in the center. I used a circle outline for the Tailgate area and a square for the Time Out Zone using a slash across the icon and humanoid figures signifying action.

CHALLENGE

Of course, a visual interpretation of words is already a challenge in itself. I knew interpreting a “Tailgate Area” was going to require some more research. You can imagine how many combinations can be had. I knew I wanted to incorporate at least a human figure and the vehicle part of Tailgating. Then I added the figure holding your typical tools when you’re grilling and tossing the ball around in a tailgate parking lot.

“TOKYO” TRAVEL MAGAZINE COVER DESIGN

PROMPT

I had to choose a topic for a magazine cover. I chose “travel”. A topic I personally am interested in. The name for the magazine I chose had to do a lot with being a digital nomad and working remotely. I called it “OFF THE CLOCK”

“OFF THE CLOCK” Travel Magazine

A magazine where aspiring travelers and seasoned travelers can keep up with travel technology, applications and destination recommendations.

SOLUTION

This was one of my favorite projects in the portfolio. I did deep research on what makes a great magazine cover. Behance, cover-junkie, and Adobe’s library templates were really helpful. After thumbnail ideation and sketches, I had the layout. My destination of choice was Japan. Immediately the color palette had to be red, white with accents of black. One feature that magazine covers all usually share is enticing cover lines and a powerful Masthead. Proud of my final solution.

CHALLENGE

The biggest challenge here was choosing the correct image. I think I made a good choice here. An intriguing image that makes you want to flip more pages.

EDITORIAL SPREAD DESIGN

PROMPT

Asked to pick a topic for an editorial double-page spread. We had to write original copy.

SOLUTION

After educating myself on “How to design an editorial spread”, I dived right in. I have a natural affinity for photography, and combining that with the original written copy was interesting. The topic I chose was fashion and why one should “WEAR MORE RED”. I researched the impact of colors on humans on a physiological level. It was great exploring this topic for the project.

CHALLENGE

What I had to solve here was making sure the layout was presentable. You don’t want to break any rules here or try to be mysterious with the copy. Here I am confident the visual communication is designed beautifully and the copy is straight to the point.

WEAR MORE RED

WHY YOU SHOULD WEAR MORE RED

Wearing red projects a sort of confidence that you don’t get from any other color. It is passion. It demands attention, and it brings about a stop and stare energy with every room you walk into. It evokes emotion and warmth. Some keywords associated with the color red: Power, Love, Passion, Confidence, Fierceness, and Dominance.

CAUTION!

Do NOT wear this color if you do not want to attract people! If getting noticed everywhere you go is not in your plans for the day, stay away from this bold color! Red is loud and proud. It is a primary color in the color wheel. Pure in it’s nature. This color

Written by Wislers Joseph

usually comes with a smile. People that wear red simply possess that friendly ‘Kool-Aid Smile’ that everyone finds attractive. It’s a color of vitality and exuberance, as well as luxury. Making a statement with red by pairing it with complementary colors or by making it an accent piece. Such as an all-black top and bottom with red leather shoes. Red has an ancestral component to it. We simply gravitate towards it. You can imagine seeing a red fruit for the first time amongst a sea of inedible greenery. The first bit was sweet and inviting. The brain will hold on to that encounter with this red substance till you meet with it again. Bringing back those feelings and emotions of warmth and passion. The color red sends out a message to be more alert of its presence. That alertness has a subconscious hold on humans and species alike. Red holds a lot of power and gives off a leader vibe. Like purple, the color red in certain cultures is seen as royalty.

Yes, red is even seen in science as having an impact on how the brain views the color red. A region of the brain sparks up that is associated with fear and rage, as well as many other emotional triggers. Red in the workplace is not encouraged as an everyday color, of course not. Although this hue can make you more productive and energized to do and complete a task. In Asian cultures, the color red is a sign of good luck. In countries such as Japan, the color red symbolizes strength, passion, and happiness. People would wear this color at events such as birthdays and weddings.

This Page: Light Jacket by ZERO Photography by Reece Van Der Merwe FASHION MAGAZINE • Page 2

“The color red, to me is Power, Love, Passion, Confidence, Fierceness, and Dominance.”

PACKAGE / PRODUCT DESIGN

PROMPT

Asked to create a salsa company’s package and product design. We had to give it a brand name and include all the packaging information that comes with your typical salsa jar such as UPC, ingredient information, nutritional facts, etc. Mild, Hot, and Spicy were the three separate heat levels we had to design. In addition to the designs, we were asked to create mock-ups as well.

SOLUTION

After applying the creative process. I discovered the solution while illustrating the thumbnails. Once I had the peppers drawn and rendered and the brand name set up, I knew the final solution would be fun to put together.

CHALLENGE

Grabbing a realistic mock up to showcase. I’m interested in product design, the challenges were met with great levelheadedness and patience. Fun project.

REAL Energy™ DRINK DESIGN

PROMPT

Asked to create my own energy drink that includes all components that come with it. The logo, the name, the nutrition facts, the UPC code, and the list goes on.

SOLUTION

With so many different components coming together into one finished piece. I did plenty of research before ever touching any Adobe application. I took inspiration from similar energy drinks, making my design a direct competitive chose from other makers. I knew I wanted a two-tone layout with a strong recognizable logo. The lightning bolt is a strong indicator of raw and pure energy that strikes fast and leaves a mark in its path. That easily translates to the mark you’ll leave on the world after just one sip! Yellow/Navy is the main color for the mock up here, with opportunities for it to change easily while keeping its shape and look for a cohesive design throughout.

CHALLENGE

When two colors share the same logo, you can imagine finding the balance could be challenging. I faced this with the best of my abilities using the Adobe tools, pens and papers in my possession. The final results I am very proud of. It pushed my creativity and knowledge of the tools and resources at hand.

“LOST LOVE” LP ALBUM/ BOX SET DESIGN

PROMPT

Asked to design an LP album with all its elements.

SOLUTION

Frank Ocean is my favorite musician of the 2010’s era. I already had a head start with the research because I knew the artist so well. When I jump into illustrating one of my ideas, I had many iterations. I knew I wanted to include a head shot of the artist. I wanted to make it a heartbreak album, so the expressionless face here was a must. After removing the background in Photoshop, I simply placed it into my vinyl’s layout and worked extensively on the typography. The final solution here coveys a sad artist recovering from a misplaced love and the stages of grief one goes though.

CHALLENGE

Making sure the layout was concise and completely convincing.

INFOGRAPHIC DESIGN

Asked to create a visually informative graphic on the topic of The Constitution and Bill of Rights. After educating myself on this subject, I jumped in.

SOLUTION

Simple. Deep research into the infographic design world. Applying your newfound knowledge on thumbnails and ideation. Finally executing the final solution.

CHALLENGE

Making sure the icons adapt under whichever color chosen.

First Amendment You have the Freedom of religion, speech, press, and assembly. Without infringement of Congress.

Second Amendment It is the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, and should not be infringed.

Third Amendment No Soldier is allowed to occupy a private home by forceful means. In peaceful times nor in times of war.

Fourth Amendment The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause.

Sixth Amendment

Fifth Amendment No person should be sent jail without first coming before a Grand Jury, nor shall any person be tried again for the same crime; private property can not be taken without compensation from the government.

You have the right to a speedy and public trial. The trial must be held in the state or district the accused crime was committed and you must know who accused you and for what.

Seventh Amendment You have the right to a jury when it’s a civil case. A civil case is any case in which it is between two people. (Yourself and them)

Eighth Amendment Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Ninth Amendment The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. Basically: You have rights that are not mentioned in the Constitution as well.

10th Amendment

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to

“WHEN IN ROME” POSTER/ MOVIE POSTER DESIGN

PROMPT

Create a beautiful and exciting poster/movie poster.

SOLUTION

My absolute favorite assignment. I plan on exploring deeper into a poster design. At this point, my creative process is fine-tuned and my research ability is quick and effective. Here I applied the creative process and came up with my title, a mysterious yet likable main character, and wording that brought in viewers to see the movie. Also in a home setting, it can be a conversation piece.

CHALLENGE

Making sure the poster, especially in a movie theater setting, can be seen from three distances. From afar you can make out the character at least, midway you can see the title. Finally, up close you are sucked in by the intriguing supporting text as you start to wonder what this movie is about. One bonus is making sure we include who we are giving credit to and the many hands that came together to make the movie. Equally as important.