PROJECT AURORA

I created 12 initial designs in Illustrator experimenting with layout. I then paired it down to four of the best layouts and presented them at the team’s meeting the following week. They then chose two layouts that fit the broad range of uses. In this meeting, I was asked to create a mock-up of what the installation might look like installed at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. To do this, I used Photoshop to place the simulated Aurora Display behind the glass of the museum window.

After being approached by the team, and agreeing to create the brochures, I began by researching the history and cultural significance of the Aurora Borealis. The cultural significance extends far past the Nordic regions, to almost every continent on the planet, and is often shrouded in wonder by inhabitants.

I also researched the individuals and companies I had been told the brochures would be sent too. Doing this gave me a unique and needed understanding of the aesthetic choices that would create the most impact.

After our first meeting, the team chose the two layouts that resonated most with their goals. These two being the more minimalist white variant, and the more experimental layout with vertical text. Iterating on my previous layouts, I worked on fine tuning each layout to make each as visually clean as possible.

I also adapted to the changing needs of the team, as it had been decided to send the second layout, to Razer, they asked if I could make the layout align with Razer’s brand identity in some way. To do this I altered the color of the vertical text to the same color of green Razer uses this in their promotional materials and branding. The secondary motivation for this choice was that it created a deeper connection to motivation behind the installation, to create a sense of wonder, the tagline of the exhibition. Turing the text a shade of almost glowing green created an immediate call back to the actual Aurora Borealis.

The final brochure layouts can be seen here. After iterating on feedback received after a short meeting, most notably changing the color of the silhouette to black, I sent the team the final versions.

Additionally, I was brought on to the project for additional work 3D modeling a variety of drill jigs for the fabrication of the installation. I created these models in Fusion360.

Project Aurora has appeared in Crosscut Seattle ↗, the Bainbridge Island Review ↗, and Refract Seattle ↗.

Through this project I had the amazing opportunity to work such a wonderful and inspiring team. I had the chance to specifically design for audiences who I normally I would have no contact with. These audiences being the gallery & curation teams as well as CEO's & board members to which are materials were sent. This exercise in graphic and visual design was an exciting challenge that pushed me out of my comfort zone in numerous ways.

Watch the Process video below to learn more about the project and Ginny!