master portfolio final
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A portfolio of graphics design.TRANSCRIPT
graduate portfolio of mary hill
graduate portfolio of mary hill
Digging is a design instinct. On the wide-open
terrain of ideas, designers approach the desert
sifting through dusty surfaces and overturning
natural evidence. Visual culture is the surface of
expression graphic designers work in. We detect,
decipher and build strategies for unearthing our
cultural codes.
Mary Hill is unearthing design. An arts advocate
for the Goldwell Open Air Printmaking Guild she brings
fine art to the surface through good design. A long-time
resident of Nevada, she believes in the power of graphic
design to bring communities together. Find out more
at www.mhill-designs.com.
graduate portfolio of mary hill
Digging is a design instinct. On the wide-open
terrain of ideas, designers approach the desert
sifting through dusty surfaces and overturning
natural evidence. Visual culture is the surface of
expression graphic designers work in. We detect,
decipher and build strategies for unearthing our
cultural codes.
graduate portfolio of mary hill
Digging is a design instinct. On the wide-open
terrain of ideas, designers approach the desert
sifting through dusty surfaces and overturning
natural evidence. Visual culture is the surface of
expression graphic designers work in. We detect,
decipher and build strategies for unearthing our
cultural codes.
2/3
00 preface 3
01 from the ground up 7
02 on the ground laughing 15
03 painted desert surfaces 27
04 sticks and stones 35
05 earthy delights 45
06 ground signals 53
07 mfa thesis; get lost 59
title 2 leaves + a budcategory/course package design 2instructor/dates tom mcnulty fall 2011 typography trade gothic, capistrano 6/7
01overview A “good thing” in a small package. The directive for
this began with looking at various tea products with
brand inertia. An identity lacking in brand equity or
needing to evolve. I considered how tea is savored
in the great outdoors.
approachI selected an American tea company for this project
called “Two Leaves and A Bud.” I evolved what was
known—their tea blends go well with food—with what
was unknown. That is this tea transports well and is
suited for the cosmopolitan adventurer.
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title 2 leaves + a budcategory/course package design 2instructor/dates tom mcnulty fall 2011 typography trade gothic, capistrano 6/7
01overview A “good thing” in a small package. The directive for
this began with looking at various tea products with
brand inertia. An identity lacking in brand equity or
needing to evolve. I considered how tea is savored
in the great outdoors.
approachI selected an American tea company for this project
called “Two Leaves and A Bud.” I evolved what was
known—their tea blends go well with food—with what
was unknown. That is this tea transports well and is
suited for the cosmopolitan adventurer.
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title 2 leaves + a bud 8/9
graduate portfolio of mary hill
Wrapping a duotoned image around the shape creates
this smooth visual transition. Modern sans serif type helps
make a clean statement and engages the reader quickly.
title 2 leaves + a bud 10/11
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title 2 leaves + a bud 12/13
graduate portfolio of mary hill
course integrated communicationsinstructor/dates marc english 2010 typography chaparral, secret typewriter
overview Comic escape at the drive-in. Research film makers
and present a design brief for a film festival that
shows their work in some unique way. Design brand
experience and show how the identity works across
a complete line of promotional materials.
approachGet down to earth and have fun. Think about what the
Vegas customer would enjoy. A hilarious escape with
raunchy reality. Presenting the comedy of Kevin Smith.
title hard taste 14/15
02
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title hard tastecourse integrated communicationsinstructor/dates marc english 2010 typography chaparral, secret typewriter 14/15
overview Comic escape at the drive-in. Research film makers
and present a design brief for a film festival that
shows their work in some unique way. Design brand
experience and show how the identity works across
a complete line of promotional materials.
approachGet down to earth and have fun. Think about what the
Vegas customer would enjoy. A hilarious escape with
raunchy reality. Presenting the comedy of Kevin Smith.
02
graduate portfolio of mary hill
Kevin Patrick Smith was born and raised in a large family
from New Jersey. His parodies on smoking, cussing and
batman comics inspired an adult plush toy to hang on
the car dashboard. It is styled like a comic cigarette butt
with a batman mask. Fun swag designed to glow at night
and poke fun at the “crappy” habits of smokers.
title hard taste 16/17
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title hard taste 18/19
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title hard taste 20/21
graduate portfolio of mary hill
it’s better to give and receive
hooray the crazy person is here
we can assure you . . . the drive in is open
The ticket palette is bright and sporty. It is derived from
the football jersey styling of Kevin Smith. The pouch
design is an invitation that holds the passes and more.
title hard taste 22/23
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title hard taste 24/25
graduate portfolio of mary hill
26/27category/course package design 2instructor/dates tom mcnulty fall 2011
typography horseface, akzidenz title arthouse paint
overview Home as deserts inspire. Uncover a famous designer,
architect or artist who has contributed high-profile
work that may be applied to line of home improvement
products. Craft a brand identity across labels and
execute them in functional formats.
approachMake your home a sanctuary from busy urban living.
Take the work of C. Rennie MacIntosh and design it
as a line of home improvement products. Promote the
popular Arts and Crafts movement thinking for new
living spaces.
03
graduate portfolio of mary hill
category/course package design 2instructor/dates tom mcnulty fall 2011 typography horseface, akzidenz title arthouse paint 26/27
overview Home as deserts inspire. Uncover a famous designer,
architect or artist who has contributed high-profile
work that may be applied to line of home improvement
products. Craft a brand identity across labels and
execute them in functional formats.
approachMake your home a sanctuary from busy urban living.
Take the work of C. Rennie MacIntosh and design it
as a line of home improvement products. Promote the
popular Arts and Crafts movement thinking for new
living spaces.
03
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title arthouse paint 14/15
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title arthouse paint 28/29
graduate portfolio of mary hill
The logo is treated as a monogram and uses the
typeface “Horseface” by Robert Wilson. It makes
a chic geometric impression for an upmarket paint.
title arthouse paint 30/31
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title arthouse paint 32/33
graduate portfolio of mary hill
typography fette fraktur, adobe garamondcourse elements of typographyinstructor/dates carolina de bartolo 2009
overview The drama of attack. Research “biting” as a survival
topic for a limited edition hard bound book. Use an
abstract concept related to the topic. Compile text
and design appropriate charts and corresponding
photography. Include all the elements of a good book,
including chapter openers, contents, headers, index
and colophon.
approachGo outside and look at desert survival. Turn over rocks
and look closely at patterns. Study textures, look at light
for movement. Unearth the drama of venomous desert
creatures and make it relate to fine typographic design.
title envenom 34/35
04
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title envenomcourse elements of typographyinstructor/dates carolina de bartolo 2009 typography fette fraktur, adobe garamond 34/35
overview The drama of attack. Research “biting” as a survival
topic for a limited edition hard bound book. Use an
abstract concept related to the topic. Compile text
and design appropriate charts and corresponding
photography. Include all the elements of a good book,
including chapter openers, contents, headers, index
and colophon.
approachGo outside and look at desert survival. Turn over rocks
and look closely at patterns. Study textures, look at light
for movement. Unearth the drama of venomous desert
creatures and make it relate to fine typographic design.
04
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title envenom 36/37
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title envenom 38/39
graduate portfolio of mary hill
Visual information includes several technical illustrations,
diagrams and maps of the Mojave desert. Together they
tell the story of using venom to survive the Mojave desert.
title envenom 40/41
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title envenom 42/43
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title artisan olive oilcategory/course package design 2instructor/dates tom mcnulty fall 2011 typography wausau, akzidenz 44/45
overview Healthy holiday giving. Refresh the identity of any
olive oil company or producer. Design the labels and
packaging of a three part olive oil set and companion
product as a holiday gift collection.
approachFind unique hand-made and locally processed olive
oil ranches. Highlight the main sources of the fruit;
the earthbound olive trees.
05
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title artisan olive oilcategory/course package design 2instructor/dates tom mcnulty fall 2011 typography wausau, akzidenz 44/45
overview Healthy holiday giving. Refresh the identity of any
olive oil company or producer. Design the labels and
packaging of a three part olive oil set and companion
product as a holiday gift collection.
approachFind unique hand-made and locally processed olive
oil ranches. Highlight the main sources of the fruit;
the earthbound olive trees.
05
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title artisan olive oil 46/47
graduate portfolio of mary hill
Typographic texture on both sides supports the look and
feel of a rustic local brand of a hand-crafted olive oil set.
title artisan olive oil 48/49
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title artisan olive oil 50/51
graduate portfolio of mary hill
typography akzidenz, handwritten title beep magazine 52/53
overview Learning is fun. Design a magazine; create covers,
opening spreads and feature stories. Design an
appropriate pace and include a contents page and
any regular columns.
approachLook at kids magazines and start to relate this and all
projects going forward to thesis work. This magazine
hooks kids with gps games. That is how to play and
participate in a global hunt for treasure.
06
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title beep magazinecategory/course publication designinstructor/dates lian ng spring 2010 typography akzidenz, handwritten 52/53
overview Learning is fun. Design a magazine; create covers,
opening spreads and feature stories. Design an
appropriate pace and include a contents page and
any regular columns.
approachLook at kids magazines and start to relate this and all
projects going forward to thesis work. This magazine
hooks kids with gps games. That is how to play and
participate in a global hunt for treasure.
06
graduate portfolio of mary hill
This magazine is inspired by the beginning phase
of thesis development. A way to reach kids is with
a game for them to play. This “zine” is designed to
teach navigation skills and encourage kids to have
fun by getting outside.
title beep magazine 54/55
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title beep magazine 56/57
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title get lost; graphic design thesiscategory/course directed studydates dec 2010-2012 typography akzidenz 58/59
overview This is a book within a book. The thesis deliverables
are presented on a timeline with images that tell the
story of a bookcaching event. approachPresent a visual timeline with gallery imagery from
an exhibit, a series of book jacket designs and all of
the pieces that communicate this. A system designed
to connect youth to books and writing with a game
of exploration.
07
graduate portfolio of mary hill
title get lost; graphic design thesiscategory/course directed studydates dec 2010-2012 typography akzidenz 58/59
07
graduate portfolio of mary hill
overview This is a book within a book. The thesis deliverables
are presented on a timeline with images that tell the
story of a bookcaching event. approachPresent a visual timeline with gallery imagery from
an exhibit, a series of book jacket designs and all of
the pieces that communicate this. A system designed
to connect youth to books and writing with a game
of exploration.
2009 >
> 2010
> 2010
project timeline
maymidpoint idea > Increase literacy in teens.
janconsult with librarians > Select fiction for anime posters.
maybook jacket as game > Design a board book for bookcaching.
maywork with local educators > Promote bookcaching in groups.
jun midpoint presentation > Track teens to find out more.
2012sepbooks as timeline > Mini-books detail design process.
novbooks that move kids to authors > Design covers that inspire writing.
sepgroup directed study > Branding begins.
sepopen gallery event > Hang posters and signage.
decclose bookcaching > Gather evidence.
augdesign gallery event > Work with teens.
“Connecting kids to libraries
with the language of location.”
title mfa thesis; get lost 60/61
graduate portfolio of mary hill
The brand experience for this project begins with a logo
that uses bold modern type. The “s” character is replaced
with bright opposing arrows moving both ways. As the
arrows suggest, there is more than one path to follow to
get what you want or need — especially at the library.
62/63title mfa thesis; get lost
graduate portfolio of mary hill
64/65title mfa thesis; get lost
graduate portfolio of mary hill
Bookcaches opened up showing the anime
posters of the fictional book characters.
man gallery location
informational graphics
young people photos
book quote posters
promotional banners
foot traffic
character posters
artwork legend
main entrance
grotto
library collections area
man gallery location
informational graphics
young people photos
book quote posters
promotional banners
foot traffic
character posters
artwork legend
main entrance
grotto
library collections area
This is an overview of the Sahara West Library. It is
designed at an angle to the main road, Sahara West
Avenue. The modern architecture features dramatic
angles, high arching ceilings, and curving hallways.
sahara west avenue
north
library drive
66/67title mfa thesis; get lost
graduate portfolio of mary hill
68/69title mfa thesis; get lost
graduate portfolio of mary hill
70/71title mfa thesis; get lost
graduate portfolio of mary hill
Display size anime posters of the fictional book
characters with geocodes of their location.
72/73title mfa thesis; get lost
graduate portfolio of mary hill
These information graphics show critical items used in
navigation; the map and compass. The map is drawn to
scale and designed to compare (using geocodes) the
location of all the district libraries to the wilderness areas
in southern Nevada.
74/75title mfa thesis; get lost
graduate portfolio of mary hill
76/78title mfa thesis; get lost
graduate portfolio of mary hill
When the exhibit closed, I began to distill the experience
in order to design a system of book jackets that are part
of the deliverables for this project. The primary function
is to direct the reader to discover more about high-profile
authors. The objective is to encourage good writing.
80/81title mfa thesis; get lost
graduate portfolio of mary hill
82/83title mfa thesis; get lost
graduate portfolio of mary hill
84/85title mfa thesis; get lost
graduate portfolio of mary hill
M.T. Anderson is a contemporary
American author of young adult
fiction. His historical stories are
woven with facts and imaginary
characters in time. This book is a
fascinating story of a young black
slave set against the backdrop of
the American revolution. Anderson
details tragic human crimes while
a young country and a young man
struggle to find identity and know
the value of freedom.
M. T. Anderson lives and works
in Boston, Massachusetts. But
you can track his works by using
gps. Use the geocodes along with
the map to locate your libraries,
discover gps games like library
bookcaching and more about real
revolt in las vegas and around the
whole world.
get lo
st w
ith m
.t.anderso
n
stories of revolt
n36° 16.9573', w115° 15.7748'
n36° 12.0609', w115° 18.0923'
n36° 13.0354', w115° 15.5539'
n36° 10.7014', w115° 3.2859'
Find creative inspiration and study
apps at www.mhill-designs.com.
co
de sn
atc
h
map of gps coordinateswith bookcache treasurein the las vegas area
north
with m.t. anderson
Charles Dickens is best remembered
for his books about real life conditions
in the work place and home. He wrote
short works of fiction and many novels
during the 1800s. His stories reach
all around the world with rebellion and
social reform. Follow this story about
an orphaned boy who makes his way in
the poverty and crime filled streets of
London during the industrial revolution.
Charles Dickens lived and worked in
London, during the 1800s. But you
can track his works by using gps. Use
the geocodes along with the map to
locate your libraries, discover gps
games like library bookcaching and
more about what it feels like to be a
hold out in a confused world.
get lo
st with
charle
s dicke
ns
with charles dickens
stories of survival
n36° 16.9573', w115° 15.7748'
n36° 10.7014', w115° 3.2859'
n36° 12.0609', w115° 18.0923'
n36° 13.0354', w115° 15.5539'
Find creative inspiration and study
apps at www.mhill-designs.com.
co
de sn
atc
h
map of gps coordinateswith bookcache treasurein the las vegas area
north
86/87
Roland Smith started to write about
rescue adventures while working
on animal rescue efforts during the
Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1990. He is
a professional zookeeper who has
a penchant for outdoor adventure. In
this book, Smith captures the trek of
Peak, a young teen about to take on
the epic challenges of Mt. Everest.
Roland Smith lives and works in the
northwest United States. But you can
track his works by using gps. Use the
geocodes along with the map to locate
your libraries, discover gps games like
bookcaching and more about real risk
in las vegas and around the world.
get lo
st with roland sm
ith
with roland smith
stories of risk
n36° 16.9573', w115° 15.7748'
n36° 10.7014', w115° 3.2859'
n36° 12.0609', w115° 18.0923'
n36° 13.0354', w115° 15.5539'
Find creative inspiration and study
apps at www.mhill-designs.com.
cod
e sn
atch
map of gps coordinateswith bookcache treasurein the las vegas area
north
title mfa thesis; get lost
The works of J.D. Salinger reflect his
own inner angst of growing up in urban
America. He uses his own experiences
to create a memorable story about the
importance of loyalty, the phoniness of
adulthood and the myriad of struggles
we all must face.
J. D. Salinger was an American writer
from New York City during the 1950s.
But you can track his works by using
gps. Use the geocodes along with the
map to locate your libraries, discover
gps games like library bookcaching
and more about what it feels like to
be a hold out in a confused world.
get lost w
ith j.d. salinger
n36° 16.9573', w115° 15.7748'
n36° 10.7014', w115° 3.2859'
n36° 12.0609', w115° 18.0923'
n36° 13.0354', w115° 15.5539'
Find creative inspiration and study
apps at www.mhill-designs.com.
code sn
atch
map of gps coordinateswith bookcache treasurein the las vegas area
north
with j.d. salinger
stories of angst
graduate portfolio of mary hill
88/89
conclusionBe more mutable. Make design a public experience
that is flexible, adaptable and able to bring meaningful
cultural expressions to the surface.
title mfa thesis; get lost
graduate portfolio of mary hill
graphic design portfolio m. hill, mfa candidate, 2012
book typography berthold akzidenz/perpetua
photography/illustrations/event staging m. hill
book printing/production blurb.com with slipcase by m. hill
copyright © m. hill 2012, las vegas, nevada
published by m. hill for master portfolio class spring 2012
instructor jeremy stout, graphic designer, assistant director aau
academy of art university, san francisco, california
contact mary hill, graphic designer
home studio 7509 wheat grass ct., las vegas, nv, 89129
phone 702.236.8264 email [email protected]
online www.mhill-designs.com
thank you everyone at aau for sharing your graphic design expertise