Graphic Design

Charts and graphs often require the use of color to make collected data legible. I assumed that color choice was a subjective sort of thing best done off-the-cuff, but doing a series of graphs forced me to question that assumption. I realized that picking more than 5 distinct, harmonious colors is pretty difficult without a method to make sure that they aren't too close to each other . Picking more colors than this is even more difficult.

I decided to systematize the choice of colors, and generate a palette of colors that I could use in my graphics. I drew up a specification for the colors, along these lines:

- The colors should be relatively muted, so as not to disrupt the overall visual impression of the page they are on. Not too light, dark or saturated.

- The colors should be similar enough to 'go together', while at the same time being different enough to be distinguished from each other.

I developed this pallet by numerically generating colors that satisfied these requirements. The palette can be expanded by adding warmer colors, but I found that it is generally best to over-represent shades of green and blue since our eyes are so sensitive to them.

In Spring of 2007, the Cambridge Music Center asked me to do a shop display. The purpose of the display was to attract the attention of passers by, hopefully drawing them into the store. I collaborated with my friend Aaron Flynn, and over a period of about two months, designed and built a fantastical scene which was installed in this local landmark.

The display was reminiscent of classical Ascension scenes, featuring angelic guitars flying above a surprised, toga-clad population. After collecting suitable source artwork, we created a mockup of the display. This mockup also shows the black vinyl masking we would use to vignette the window for theatrical effect. Next, I drew up a plan of the sub-structure on which the slanted floorplane would rest, showing also the back panels. This sub-structure had to be designed to be the correct height for street-level viewers, while at the same being easy to assemble in-shop.

The final installation was quite dramatic, featuring lit-up stars and colored lighting. This was a really fun project, one which gave me an oppurtunity to meet a lot of Cantabrigians who came in to ask about the display.

This is a recipe for chocolate mousse. It contains no words, but accurately describes the process that results in chocolate mousse.