Final year project
Viable: An Eco-Anxiety Relief Publication [Read more]
Cover Page
The concept behind this front page illustration is to reassure readers that we are not out of time yet. There is still a chance to revoke the damage done to the environment. This summarises the primary message of the entire publication.
Article One
Each article focuses on a different approach for easing the reader's eco-anxiety. Article one discusses the concept of zero waste shops. The following page then lists the names and locations of these shops in the local area. The purpose of this article is to advise ways in which the reader can make a difference, even providing the necessary resources (shop suggestions) in order to consume in a more eco-friendly way.
Article Two
The purpose of this second article is to inspire change in young people by highlighting what others in their local community have been doing. Focussing on a local scale makes the concept of global warming appear much smaller and more manageable. This is necessary since so many teenagers reported feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of news stories concerning global warming.
Article Three
This third article offers more general suggestions of greener habits the reader can adopt in order to feel as though they are making a positive impact on the environment. Research suggests that taking action, making small changes and developing new habits can lessen feelings of powerlessness.
The Menopause Card Game
The game comes in three stages: the ice breaker, the educational quiz, and the more personal prompts. The three stages aim to ease people into discussing their personal experiences gradually, rather than throwing them into the deep end.
Part One - The Ice Breaker
This stage works just like Cards Against Humanity. Before getting personal, women should be able to speak candidly about what menopause really entails. Some of the topics mentioned in this part of the game are often considered ‘embarrassing’ or ‘gross’ but they should be normalised.
Part Two - The Quiz
Menopause needs to be understood the same way one would understand a medical condition; it is more than just the occasional hot flush or bout of irritability. For some women, it can be extremely debilitating. The lack of conversation means that even women who are currently going through menopause don't fully understand it. In my initial survey, two women reported feeling as though they were 'going mad', that it was all in their head and they were somehow to blame for it.
Part Three - The Prompts
This is where the real conversation starts. The players are asked to write down answers to the prompts and then share their answer with the group if they feel comfortable doing so. Hopefully, women will begin to realise they are not alone in their experience, there are many others in the same situation.
Alexandra Franks
This final year I chose to specialise in branding and information design. My aim was to showcase my multidisciplinary skills by incorporating a range of illustrative styles into my projects, demonstrating adaptability.
My first project aims to combat eco-anxiety in teenagers aged 16-18. The term refers to excessive worry about climate change and the future of our planet, resulting in an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. It is a growing trend, particularly in young adults due to scare tactics used by climate change activists and the media. This monthly newsletter focuses on the positives: progress that has been made, changes beginning to take effect, and advice on how the reader can contribute.
The second project showcased tackles the stigma around menopause. I want to kickstart conversations between women who are going through menopause, encouraging them to open up about personal struggles. It is common for women in this stage of life to feel ashamed about the changes their body is going through, lacking the confidence to seek medical advice or support. This leaves women feeling isolated and affects their mental well-being. My solution was to create a card game that would be used at meet-ups run by the existing organisation, Menopause Cafe, which events for those experiencing menopause, perimenopause, or even those who just want to learn more about the topic. The card game takes the awkwardness out of talking about something so personal with strangers.
When responding to a brief, I try to challenge myself to explore the most effective solution to the problem. What would actually help to resolve the issue? Is it something my target audience would be interested in? I base my response on the answer to these two questions so that the result is both innovative and practical.
Upon graduation, I'd like to work in a graphic design agency where I can make the most of my ability to design for a range of target groups and across multiple specialisms. The diversity in clients and projects and their associated challenges is what entices me to an agency role.
Final year project
Viable: An Eco-Anxiety Relief Publication
Work Experience
Design Intern at Barret UAE, July 2020 - September 2020
As part of a small agency, I worked closely alongside the creative director who became a mentor of sorts, throwing me straight in the deep end. I was placed in charge of a project for a Dubai Police department, which included a logo redesign and environmental design. Other projects consisted of social media marketing, a visual identity for a new restaurant, and environmental design for Van Cleef & Arpels.
While only interning at Barret for 3 months, the constant challenges and array of briefs taught me a lot. Meeting and pitching to clients and the pressure of running my own projects shaped me into a much more confident and adept graphic designer.