Density 2 Drawing

I'm a Chicago brand designer exploring the fundamental relationship between gestural lines and essential shapes. The graphic nature of my work is inspired by the Bauhaus aesthetic that prioritizes abstract shapes with intentionally applied color. I value craftsmanship and the handcrafted aesthetic in the work of 1950s graphic artists and draftsmen whose connection to their work was visible in every brushstroke, line, and illustration. I begin each of my composites by drawing in simple Field Notes memo books, where I enjoy the restriction of working in a minimal utilitarian format. The pages are scanned at high resolution and enlarged, highlighting each ink stroke's nuance and unintentional beauty. I then use design software to combine my pen lines with bold graphic shapes. My composites value hierarchy and white space. I sign each composite with a small stamp as a nod to maker's marks and industrial ephemera. More than a simple signature, this small graphic device adds a level of depth that finishes off each composite in the same way a period finishes a sentence. As a designer, this graphic approach feels natural. As a brand designer and creative director, I've created, evolved, and activated many brands throughout my career. The connecting thread I'm most proud of through the work I've created for those brands has prioritized the essential and minimized unneeded noise. I apply the same approach to these graphic composites by focusing entirely on the relationship between lines and graphic shapes protected by a border of white space. I graduated with a BFA from Ball State University and have earned numerous branding and graphic design awards during my career. With my background in design, I don't consider myself an artist–I'm a designer. It's a mindset that determines how I interact with the world and the designed decisions we encounter every day. Design is pervasive; it's everywhere in every part of our lives, and it is challenging for me as a designer to unplug from the constant critique of our designed world. Creating these composites is a calming experience where I'm making and exploring entirely for the joy that comes from enjoying the journey.