Andrew Chen’s ePortfolio

https://www.slideshare.net/secret/CJmcXnA48Zx0yB

It was really kind of the client to send photos of the exhibit, so I could see how it looks. But I can’t wait to visit in person and experience it for myself. Seeing it at full size and in the actual space will be something special. I’m excited to see how the design fits with the environment and to feel the atmosphere around it. I’ve worked so hard, and I can’t wait to see the finished piece in person. It’s going to be an unforgettable moment.

Working at Exhibitista Creative has given me the best experience. I’ve learned so much, developed my skills, and had the opportunity to be part of such meaningful projects. The chance to work directly with Johanna Goldfeld and handle real-world design tasks has been invaluable. It’s a place where I’ve grown both as a designer and as a professional, and I’m grateful for everything I’ve gained from this experience.

My boss shared the great news that the client approved our work, and I felt proud of what I had done. I thought I had done a good job and was happy with my progress. But when I saw my boss’s submissions, I was surprised to see that she had done more than 10 times the work I had. Not only did she finish everything I had, but she also made sure that all the work, fonts, colors, and layouts matched perfectly.

This made me realize that I still have a lot to learn. I understood that while I’m improving, I need to get better at managing my time and handling the workload faster. With more practice and experience, I believe I can create high-quality designs in less time.

My boss was very kind and told me not to worry. She reminded me that I’m still new to the job, and it’s normal to take longer at first. She reassured me that, with time, I will get better at handling the work more quickly. I really appreciated her support and encouragement, and I’m motivated to keep improving.

Creating mood boards for the Bush/Isaacs/Scudder family timeline was a process of trying out different ideas. I experimented with ways to connect the family members, especially highlighting those who were slaveowners, Patriots, or Loyalists. One of my more detailed ideas was using a whip to link the slaveowners. I also tried adding tree shapes and abstract designs to represent the family tree. However, during a review, the client suggested simplifying the design because there were too many things going on, making the layout feel messy.

At that point, I felt a bit stuck. I had spent a lot of time on these ideas and didn’t know how to move forward. Thankfully, during a one-on-one meeting with my boss, Professor Goldfeld, she gave me some helpful advice. She reminded me that in design, less is more. She suggested focusing on the shapes in the layout. This simple tip helped me see things differently.

When I took a step back, I noticed that most of the images the client gave us were square or rectangular. This became my starting point for a cleaner and simpler design. I started making new drafts, playing with these shapes to organize the timeline better. I also tested different color options to make sure the design fit the historical context and was easy to understand.

This process taught me that keeping things simple can be powerful. Simplifying didn’t mean losing creativity—it meant making careful choices and letting the main ideas stand out. It’s a lesson I’ll remember for future projects, thanks to my boss’s advice and the back-and-forth nature of design work.

While working on other small projects, we heard back from the Greenwich Historical Society. They approved our work and asked us to move forward with the project. The client wants to highlight how the Revolutionary War affected the local community and share personal stories and decisions made during that time. They prefer designs that use original historical materials, such as letters, documents, and images, to keep it authentic. They also asked us to avoid using red or blue to keep the design neutral and inclusive.

For the rest of the week, I spent my time researching design ideas and inspirations. I looked through historical archives, studied other Revolutionary War exhibits, and saw how personal stories were shown in those displays. I also explored different fonts, color choices, and layout styles that would fit the client’s vision while staying true to history. This helped me come up with ideas for a design that feels real, interesting, and respectful of the time period.

Last week, I watched a webinar by Chris Do, the founder of The Futur and a designer who helps creatives succeed in business. The session was based on his guide, Pricing Design Work & Creativity, and it completely changed how I think about pricing my own design work. Here’s what I learned and how it’s shifting my mindset.

Focus on Value, Not Time

One of the biggest lessons was to price my work based on the value it gives the client, not just the time I spend on it. Instead of charging by the hour, Chris explained that we should think about how our design helps the client’s business.

For example, if a logo helps a company stand out and attract thousands of new customers, that logo is worth much more than just the hours it took to create it. Thinking this way can lead to better pay and stronger client relationships.

Know Your Worth

Chris also talked about how many designers charge too little out of fear that clients will say no. But when we underprice our work, we hurt ourselves and lower the value of design.

He encouraged us to set fair prices and be confident about them. If clients understand the value of good design, they will respect your rates. I realized that trying to fit everyone’s budget meant I wasn’t valuing my own skills and experience.

Learn to Negotiate

Chris made it clear that negotiation is just as important as designing. He shared helpful tips for dealing with clients who question your prices. One great tip was to ask clients what their goals are and talk about results instead of cost.

For example, instead of saying, “This project costs $1,500,” you can say, “This $1,500 investment will help you get more customers and increase sales.” This shows how your work solves their problem, not just that you’re charging for a service.

I recently attended an event where I had the chance to meet Cheryl D. Holmes-Miller, an advocate for diversity in the design industry. She works to increase the visibility and recognition of Black designers and address the challenges they face in the creative world. Her message inspired me to support these important changes.

Cheryl talked about the lack of representation of Black designers in the industry. For many years, Black professionals have been underrepresented in design schools, professional networks, and leadership roles in design firms. This lack of diversity makes it harder for Black designers to be noticed and valued. Cheryl believes it’s important to change this so the design world better reflects the diversity of society.

Cheryl also works on creating spaces where Black designers can thrive. She encourages the creation of organizations, events, and online platforms that support Black designers and promote their work. These spaces help build communities where designers can connect, collaborate, and share their work with more people. I was inspired by her commitment to making the design industry more inclusive and will work to support similar efforts through my own work.

At Exhibitista Creative, ethics are a big part of everything we do. We make sure to respect intellectual property rights by always giving proper credit to the original creators. When we use images from websites or other sources, we make sure to acknowledge where they came from. It’s not just about doing the right thing, it’s about respecting others’ work.

As the only worker here, I’ve seen how important these values are to the business. I work for my boss, Johanna Goldfeld, and the work environment is based on respect, responsibility, and personal integrity. It’s a positive, creative space where doing the right thing always comes first, and I’m grateful to be able to work in such a thoughtful environment.

Even when brainstorming ideas, we believe that no idea is a bad idea. Every suggestion is important and helps with the creative process. This open approach lets us explore different perspectives and find new solutions. We encourage free thinking because even the most unusual ideas can lead to something great. It’s all about creating a supportive environment where creativity can grow without fear of judgment.

The Hope poster case taught me about the challenges between art, copyright, and political messages. Shepard Fairey used a photo from the Associated Press, which raised questions about whether he had the right to use it. Even though Fairey changed the photo to create something new, the legal battles showed how important it is for artists to respect the work of others. This made me realize the importance of finding a balance between creating something new and respecting the original creator’s rights.

The case also showed me why it’s crucial to always credit artists for their work. Giving proper credit not only shows respect for their intellectual property but also helps avoid legal problems. It’s important to follow this practice, especially as I continue with creative projects like my internship. By giving credit where it’s due, I can ensure I’m working ethically and respecting the contributions of others in the creative community.

While working on various projects with Exhibitista Creative, I’ve gained a lot of experience using InDesign, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite tools. It’s great for designing everything from brochures to exhibition layouts. The layout features are very flexible, making it easy to create precise designs. I like how I can use grids, guides, and styles to keep things organized and consistent. It also makes working with long documents or multiple pages really simple. One of the best things is how well it works with other Adobe programs, like Illustrator and Photoshop, making it easy to move elements between projects. Overall, InDesign has really helped me bring my design ideas to life in a professional way.