Graphic Design
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10217/180169
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Item Open Access Lee Sissom: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Sissom, Lee, artistThe artist's statement: Lee Sissom is a multimedia artist and graphic designer pursuing a career in health communications. They pride themselves on being versatile, with the ability to create everything from deeply expressive personal pieces to minimalistic corporate designs. Their approach to design is rooted in collaboration. They often look for feedback and revisions from their team, and they love learning about others' perspectives on their work to make sure that it accurately conveys themselves or the brand that they are representing. Lee is trained in the Adobe Suite, including Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and Photoshop. They are familiar with commercial print processes and preparing files for merchandise. Some of their favorite traditional mediums are gouache and acrylic paint. They enjoy fusing their passion for multiple mediums with their design work. Their passion for health communications runs deep. While they found it challenging, they faced health issues of their own that became a large opportunity for growth and self-reflection. They aim to help others through similar experiences. They believe that every design is the ability to influence consumers, and health is a field that can easily feel convoluted. They enjoy adapting information to help audiences easily digest complex information.Item Open Access JP Gieser: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Gieser, JP, artistThe artist's statement: My work as a designer centers on the idea of elegant utility. I transform complex digital interactions into smooth, intuitive human experiences. I specialize in end-to-end product design, focusing on research, information architecture, and creating interfaces that meet business goals while keeping users happy. I strongly believe that the best design goes unnoticed, allowing tasks to be completed easily and building user trust. My approach is based on data-informed and iterative methods. I start by turning user needs, behavioral data, and technical constraints into clear design requirements. My process includes ongoing cycles of prototyping, user testing, and refinement. This ensures the final product is both accessible and high-performing. I use visual design not just for looks but to support usability, hierarchy, and consistency across every part of a digital product. Key themes in my work focus on accessibility, efficiency, and emotional design. I aim to include micro-interactions and thoughtful visual feedback that give the product personality and lighten the cognitive load. I draw inspiration from the psychology of interaction and the layout of everyday life, striving to create digital spaces that feel familiar and trustworthy. Ultimately, I want to design digital products that not only solve problems but also genuinely enhance the quality of daily interactions for millions of users.Item Open Access Alexa Rodgers: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Rodgers, Alexa, artistThe artist's statement: My work as a graphic designer centers on storytelling, warmth, and visual connection. I am drawn to design that feels personal and inviting, whether through hand-drawn elements, expressive typography, or narrative-driven layouts. Across my projects, I aim to create work that balances thoughtful structure with emotion, allowing design to feel both intentional and human. Illustration and custom type play a central role in my process. In Urban Green, I use hand-drawn imagery and personal typography to explore sustainability through an approachable and organic lens. Rather than presenting environmental messaging as rigid or technical, I focus on softness, movement, and visual rhythm to create a sense of care and accessibility. This approach reflects my broader interest in design that feels lived-in and expressive. Narrative is equally important in my editorial work. Between Cities is a travel magazine that captures moments of transition rather than destinations. Using personal photography and journal-style writing, the project emphasizes pacing, white space, and quiet observation. The design encourages viewers to slow down and engage with the subtle experiences that often go unnoticed, mirroring my own relationship to travel and place. My interest in storytelling extends into brand design as well. Camp Sunshine and Campfire Night is a conceptual retail brand created for Target that focuses on family connection, nostalgia, and shared experiences. Through illustration, color, and adaptable design systems, the project explores how branding can create emotional resonance while remaining functional within a commercial environment. This work reflects my goal of designing for real-world applications without sacrificing visual personality. Together, these projects represent my approach to graphic design as both a communicative and emotional practice. I am interested in creating work that feels warm, thoughtful, and accessible. Designs that invite people in rather than overwhelms them. As I move forward, I hope to continue developing work for brands, publications, and communities that value storytelling, creativity, and meaningful connection.Item Open Access Taryn Caquelin: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Caquelin, Taryn, artistThe artist's statement: As a graphic designer, I create work that is meant to have an impact; design that not only communicates clearly, but also feels good to the people who interact with it. Design has the power to shape how we experience brands, messages, and even everyday moments, so I strive to make work that sparks a positive reaction and leaves viewers with something meaningful. My process is rooted in, collaboration, and care. I begin with sketches and rough block-outs to explore ideas, and share these early stages with clients so they can see how the project is forming. Through open communication, feedback, and thoughtful revisions, I guide each project from concept to completion. This ensures that the final design not only meets its goals but also reflects something we’re both proud of. The relationship between people and visual connection, such as how color, form, and layout can influence emotion and understanding. Whether it's part of a brand identity or a standalone piece, my goal is always to create design that feels impactful, and positive. Ultimately, design is a way to make experiences better and every project is an opportunity to create something that resonates, supports a message, and brings some positivity into the world.Item Open Access Taylor Vervaecke: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Vervaecke, Taylor, artistThe artist's statement: My approach to design is grounded in design thinking and research-based solutions, supported by excellent time management, organization, and communication. I thrive in collaborative environments, adapt quickly to new challenges, and am always eager to learn and innovate through both digital and physical making. My approach to graphic design is rooted in image making, with a fine art lens. I thrive when I can create imagery that not only fulfill a brief but become an object of its own. Process is the main way I explore my work. I take an inquisitive approach to making, often trying to combine materials and methods to create combinations of tradition and curiosity. I am drawn to the space between object and image, where the viewer finds themselves questioning what led me to each decision in the piece. Found objects are a common part of my practice as well. I often think about how art can be both an active event and a passive viewing. From a distance, my pieces may feel calm, but as you lean in, there are intricacies of the work that reveal themselves with attention. I want my work to invite people that question the world around them.Item Open Access Alora Graf: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Graf, Alora, artistThe artist's statement: My approach to graphic design bridges typographic systems with the human aspect of creating a brand or design project. I have attained a degree in drawing as well as graphic design, with a strong knowledge of Adobe products along with the visual language of how work is viewed when printed and presented to the public. Using these skills, I am able to create meaningful designs whether the final product is hand drawn, digitally illustrated, or technical in its typography. My goal is to create visual tools that are communicative no matter the scope of the product or project. By developing an understanding of balance, readability, and hierarchy in form, I have advanced skills in guiding the eye of the viewer which can be adapted project to project.Item Open Access Oliver Borst: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Borst, Oliver, artistThe artist's statement: Hello there my name is Oliver Borst. I design graphics that are bright, lively, and centered on strong, memorable characters. My artwork is inspired by the emotional storytelling of Studio Ghibli, the energetic melodies of Vocaloid music, and the imaginative worlds found in games created in Roblox. These works inspire me to create playful and imaginative artwork. Artwork allows me to express myself with authenticity while connecting with others through the stories and emotions woven into each piece. When I work with clients, I follow a thoughtful and collaborative process that brings ideas from early concept to polished design. I begin with a close consultation where the client shares reference images, mood boards, examples, and other visual materials to clarify their vision. I begin by creating 40–50 quick sketches to explore different directions and capture the overall feel of the project. From there, I refine the strongest concepts into 10–20 more detailed sketches to shape the project's final vision. Once the concept is approved, I create the main artwork in Clip Studio Paint and then add additional graphic and text elements using InDesign and Photoshop. This structured workflow helps me communicate clearly, stay organized, and deliver work that reflects both my artistic voice and the client's goals.Item Open Access Cameron Ziashakeri: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Ziashakeri, Cameron, artistThe artist's statement: As a designer, I create with the goal of making ideas feel clear, meaningful, and visually engaging. I've always been drawn to the way design can solve problems, connect people, and turn complex messages into something simple and memorable. My work reflects a mix of curiosity, experimentation, and a genuine love for the creative process. I use Digital illustration, typography, layout design, branding systems, and hands-on sketching to explore how visuals can influence emotion and understanding. My process starts with getting to know the project, and more importantly, the people behind it. I take the time to understand my clients, their story, their goals, and what makes them unique. From there, I move into research, sketching, early concepts, refining ideas, and shaping a final design that feels thoughtful, functional, and true to who it's made for. I'm especially inspired by storytelling and the challenge of finding that "sweet spot" where meaning and creativity meet. I love creating designs that are unique and sometimes unexpected, a design that pushes beyond the ordinary while still staying aligned with purpose. There's a time and place for calm, familiar design, but thinking outside the box and crafting something that feels truly personal is what excites me most. If everything looks the same, then nothing feels special. Whether I'm working on branding, posters, packaging, or digital experiences, I strive to make my work intentional, human centered, and visually strong. Collaboration is at the front of what I do, and I enjoy guiding a project from the first ideas through exploration, revisions, and final execution, ensuring the end result not only looks great but genuinely meets the needs and goals of the people it's designed for. My body of work represents growth, problem-solving, and a commitment to creating design that leaves an impact, no matter the scale.Item Open Access Nicole Solomon: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Solomon, Nicole, artistThe artist's statement: Welcome to me and my work! I am a graphic designer inspired by my religion and heritage, Brazil, and the many languages that shape our world—especially American Sign Language (ASL). For me, art is a way to communicate across cultures and experiences, creating bright visuals that are both meaningful and accessible. I truly believe in the principle of "less is more," letting simplicity guide my work so that every element has purpose and impact without being too overwhelming. I really enjoy working with a mix of digital tools and traditional techniques, as I grew up in a traditional environment, exploring color, typography, and unique layouts to bring ideas to life. My process usually begins with research and reflection, often drawing from cultural and personal experiences, before moving into concepts and designs. To me, each piece is an opportunity to show or tell a story. Much of my inspiration comes from my heritage; there’s such a fun and expressive energy in Brazilian culture, and the beauty of language in all its forms, that is just begging to be released. I aim to create work that communicates directly and emotionally, fixing gaps and sparking connections between people around the world. Through my designs, I aim to leave a lasting impression while keeping things simple, intentional, and thoughtful. Whether collaborating with clients or exploring personal projects, my work reflects who I am and the world I want to share with others.Item Open Access Miles Crock: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Crock, Miles, artistThe artist's statement: Grid systems, typography, and color theory are central to how I communicate ideas. They shape both the structure and emotional tone of my work, guiding how people understand and move through a design. My focus is on graphic design and UI/UX, where clarity, usability, and strong visual systems work together. I draw inspiration from architecture, music, photography, and design history, using those influences to approach projects with intention and balance. I work closely with clients from early ideation through final execution, making sure each design evolves clearly and serves its purpose. At the core of my practice is the belief that design should do good. I'm especially interested in promoting sustainable design solutions and using my skills to create work that is thoughtful, responsible, and meaningful beyond aesthetics.Item Open Access Regan Williams: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Williams, Regan, artistThe artist's statement: One of my main goals in my work is to make people think and see a different perspective. One of the best ways to do this is to tell stories through my work. I enjoy figuring out exactly how much to show and how much to leave out to convey a story to the audience without giving everything away, especially if it's a well-known story. When people are already familiar with the story you’re telling, it gives you more freedom to branch out with the imagery and go further than you could for stories people aren't as familiar with. I mainly use electronic art for my pieces because it allows me to be more creative and varied in how I approach projects than I would be when working with more physical mediums. One of my favorite ways to use electronic art and design is to add mixed media, specifically photography, to my pieces. I think of photography as similar to painting and drawing in that you have to consider the entire composition when you set up a photo. Not just in how the image looks by itself, but in the possibilities it will give you when incorporated into the final piece. By combining images I composed myself and my experience with various electronic art applications, I can push myself further creatively than I could with either medium by itself.Item Open Access Meg Merriman: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Merriman, Meg, artistThe artist's statement: My graphic design practice blends vintage inspiration with modern chic sensibilities to create work that feels both familiar and newly imagined. I’m drawn to the visual language of the past—its textures, typography, and nostalgic color palettes—but I approach these references through a contemporary lens, using bold color, clean structure, and intuitive composition to build designs that resonate with today's audiences. Working primarily with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, I explore a wide variety of styles as I continue to develop my own. This openness to experimentation is central to my process. I learn by trying, layering, adjusting, and discovering what visual choices feel most honest to my evolving voice as a designer. Color is often the emotional anchor in my work, guiding mood and guiding the relationship between vintage influence and modern form. Whether I'm creating brand identities, layout designs, or illustrative pieces, I strive to create visuals that feel intentional, balanced, and inviting, reflecting where I've been as an artist and where I'm still headed. My BFA repository represents this ongoing exploration: a collection of designs shaped by curiosity, stylistic range, and a love for transforming the old into something distinctly my own.Item Open Access Kaylin Hawkins: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Hawkins, Kaylin, artistThe artist's statement: For my BFA Capstone submission, I considered many of my projects as possible contenders for submission. I have so many projects that I have made through the various semesters of my time at CSU. After some deep thought, I came to the realization that the best reflection of my work as an artist would be best represented in the form of a book arts piece. Even better I could submit my handbound Capstone Portfolio. As a graphic design student I think it perfectly this project perfectly encapsulates my knowledge of typesetting and formatting, while simultaneously functioning to showcase some of my best graphic design projects from my undergrad experience at CSU. Despite the fact that a large portion of my projects for my concentration specific courses primarily exist in their digital form exclusively, I wanted to have a tangible physical representation of me as an artist to enter for the exhibition. Something a viewer can interact with and possibly hold and manipulate. Although I am graduating with a BFA with a concentration in graphic design. I would personally describe myself as an interdisciplinary artist, oftentimes experimenting with combinations of various media and I pride myself in my knowledge of multiple art forms including book arts and book binding. So, I think this form of media would be the most accurate representation of my technical skills as an artist. While also giving me the opportunity to hand bind my portfolio. The practice of book arts is extremely important to me as an artist for a plethora of reasons. Some of which I will include as a part of my artist statement, because the list is far too long to cover all of my reasons in purely an artist statement. One, historically graphic design is primarily rooted in books. As much as the world has shifted with technology to the digital age, there are still so many various terminologies and practices still present in the graphic design industry that come from archaic and ancient book arts/printing roots. Two, book arts is not commonly recognized as "fine art". With most sources listing the fine arts as, "Painting, Sculpture, Drawing, Fine-art photography, Architecture, Conceptual art, Decorative art, Mixed media, Printmaking" (From sources across the web). Although one could argue it falls under sculpture, conceptual art, mixed media, or maybe even printing roots. I would argue that it should and has the potential to exist as its own fine arts practice. In the off chance that it is included in discussion of the arts it is often not prioritized when included under the arts. Even here within the CSU art department, the CABIN (Center for Artists' Books & Inclusive Narratives) which houses the studio for Book Arts is entirely separated from the Visual Arts Building which is the center for all other studio practices. There also aren't many courses offered through the department that recognize Books as being their own form of art outside of ART 220 Book Arts--History, Meaning, and Form ([Which] Focuses on book arts and histories from a diverse perspective. Explores and applies conceptual, theoretical, and historical frameworks of the book as an expressive art form) and possibly some brief overview in some Art History courses. Even the ART 422 History of Craft, Theory, and Methodology course doesn't cover book arts history under its course description, "History, theory, and methodology of craft, including fibers, metals, and pottery". Some may argue that book arts can't be classified as a fine art because, "Books serve a practical purpose meant as a way to exchange knowledge, so they should fall under practical arts. " However, I strongly disagree with this sentiment. As books don't always have to serve a primaroly literary purpose or even opting out of including text altogether. I also believe this argument against the recognition of Book Arts is faulty given that there other several arts that fall under the "fine arts" definition that also serve practical purposes. For example, dishware and vessels/containers in sculpture, architecture serves as a physical structure typically housing a functioning business or serving as shelter, conceptual arts also exist with an extent of practicality challenging perceptions of what counts as art. And if mixed-media and sculptural works fall under the patriarchal-western umbrella of "fine arts", surely Book Arts should as well. Lastly, Book Arts as a practice is a dying craft. Not only due to techonological shifts that now allow for mass manufactured machine bound books, but also more recent technological advancements that have brought us into the digital age we are beginning to see less and less production of printed books. Cover: Backing Material for Cover | Chip Board Layered with Foam Core, glued with PVA. Book Cloth | Faux Leather with Light Weight Iron-On Adhesive and Newpaper. Spine | Backing Material reinforced with cardstock, attached via a doubled up 100% cotton strip, (replacement for gauze strip in case bound hard cover), glued to front and back cover in an opposing fashion. Interior Cloth | Lace mounted onto Black Cotton fabric with Water-Soluable Iron-On fusible interfacing, backed with Light Weight Iron-On Adhesive and Newpaper, glued to Backing Material. Textblock: Interior pages | Personal Undegrad Design Projects printed on LaserJet printer, bound with Comb Binding, using Comb Binding Machine. End paper | LaserJet printed imagery glued to Cardstock. Bookmark Ribbon | Sourced satin ribbon with sourced charm and handmade brass charm, attached with a jump ring and ribbon end clamp, glued between backing board and book cloth. Business Card Page: Faux Leather pockets | PVA glue for faux hem attached to backing material prior to gluing of book cloth to cover. Business Card Pocket Flap | Faux Leather flap with Television Test Card LaserJet print mounted on poster board, attached via PVA glue. Business Card Pocket | LaserJet Transparency of black bars, attached to faux leather pocket, via Light Weight Iron-On Adhesive, reinforced with PVA glue Business Card | Cardstock card with Barrier-Grid (Picket Fence) style stop animation graphic and personal contact information, with personal brand insignia and vector "accessory self-portrait" graphic.Item Open Access Natalia Flores: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Flores, Natalia, artistThe artist's statement: With my pieces the main thing I focus on is what emotions I want to evoke for the viewers but also I create my work to show a certain memory that correlates to the theme of the artwork. I always try to create artwork that can be colorful, fun and eye-catching for myself and viewers. I start off with a long process of choosing what is right and looks well with the pieces, each time I create something I like to draw multiple sketches just so I can get a good idea for me making art forces me to slow down, observe, and fully think about my experiences to make the work feel more personal or be able to create a piece that would evoke different feelings. When I create my pieces I think about ways to create something simple but visually pleasing, a way for people to want to get up close to the piece and find something new within the work. Sometimes combining digital media with physical media has been a fun way to showcase different meanings because many viewers can connect with physical media more than something digitally.Item Open Access Trin Bonner: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Bonner, Trin, artistThe artist's statement: My name is Trin, and I am a Graphic Designer and Illustrator. Cartoon characters and vibrant, fun world-building inspire me. Growing up on Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon heavily influenced the kind of art I love to consume and create. My work explores character design and imaginative worlds within the context of graphic design. I'm especially interested in the interaction between typographic systems and illustration—my process is guided by a sense of fun and nostalgia. When I design brand identities, I embrace illustrative elements, expressive type, and bold colors. I believe the graphic design world could benefit from a bit more playfulness. While delivering a clear message is essential, I aim to do so in a way that also brings joy or a smile to the viewer's face. I primarily use Adobe Creative Suite for design and Krita for illustration.Item Open Access Caeley Eddy: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Eddy, Caeley, artistThe artist's statement: As a Graphic Designer, I am interested in creating an impact using the human experience as a tool. I want to take what most view as mundane and transform it into a new opportunity. Most people would look at a blank piece of paper and think it is just printing paper or something to be written on. But from my eyes, I see its growth, the change it had to undergo to become just a plain sheet of printing paper. The process is truly what matters in my artistic experience, getting your hands dirty to make the final product. The method of making a design is what I strive to master, from starting with a rough sketch, to transferring it into Adobe Photoshop and adding visuals or typography, to the final product. My work is not mundane but a culmination of a process that will create the finished design and be used to inspire others, just like a piece of printing paper.Item Open Access Emily Dowdey: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Dowdey, Emily, artistThe artist's statement: Beginning my art career at a young age, storytelling has always been my main objective. I have always strived to create visual narratives that evoke emotion and empathy, inviting viewers to connect with the figures I depict on a personal level. Whether it's a poster, book cover, or anything else, I aim to tell stories that feel alive and emotionally valuable. I am equally fascinated by the discipline of drawing and hold the techniques I have learned over time incredibly valuable to my practice. Figure drawing is a central focus in my work. The human figure is incredibly expressive, and I find exploring the human condition through the creative process can be a powerful way to create empathy and connection between my art and others. As I have worked with a graphic design concentration, digital illustration consists of the bulk of my work. Through this, I have kept my traditional drawing background at the core of what I make and is often a driving force in my inspiration. Sketching and brainstorming is my favorite part of everything I do, as I have found that it is the most authentic aspect of every project, showing not only what can I create, but also inviting mistakes to happen, as these often lead to the best outcomes. This fluidity in how I view my work has allowed me to form a style that is sincere yet playful. I encourage all viewers of my undergraduate work to see past the destination and enjoy the journey.Item Open Access Nolan Ferrovecchio: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Ferrovecchio, Nolan, artistThe artist's statement: I am a graphic designer specializing in character design, brand illustration, and custom lettering. My work explores the intersection of visual identity and narrative, using bold color, stylized forms, and expressive typography to communicate both personality and purpose. I approach every project as an opportunity to build connection through visual storytelling. Whether developing merchandise for organizations, crafting labels for consumer products, or creating illustrations for digital and print, I focus on crafting visuals that are both memorable and meaningful. My design process is rooted in clarity, curiosity, and a strong sense of play. I'm particularly drawn to projects that invite humor, cultural relevance, or unexpected visual elements. I believe that great design not only serves a function, but also evokes emotion- and that thoughtful aesthetics can spark lasting engagement. Ultimately, my goal is to create work that feels intentional, approachable, and alive — pieces that resonate with audiences and stand confidently in their own visual voice.Item Open Access Justin Trinh: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Trinh, Justin, artistThe artist's statement: As a graphic designer, my creative practice strongly reflects my personal background and the importance that I hold towards wanting to bring out stories and culture that are often overlooked or underrepresented. I see design as a tool for communication, connection, and empowerment all while valuing creativity with aesthetics. Using my own experiences and interest in communications and media studies as inspiration, I believe that design has the power to challenge dominant narratives and change people's perspectives. My types of work include a wide variety of mediums, such as digital art, photography, and physical media. I showcase the richness of different lived cultural experiences that are usually stereotypically displayed in the general media. Design is something that we all encounter on a daily basis without even knowing it, and with that in mind, I use it in ways that bring out its true potential. In today's fast-paced, image-driven world, it's important as designers to be very intentional with certain design choices. My goal is to contribute towards a more inclusive world of design that celebrates difference and cultural heritage.Item Open Access Kenneth Whitehead: capstone(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Whitehead, Kenneth, artistThe artist's statement: Hello! My name is Kenneth Whitehead, I'm a graphic designer with a passion for blending playfulness with purpose. My work is all about creating designs that are both engaging and clear visuals that catch your eye and make you think. I love to play with color, typography, and shape, finding ways to balance boldness with simplicity. Each project is an opportunity to explore new ideas and create something that feels fresh but still functional. Over the years, I've had the chance to work on a variety of projects, from designing logos for Airbnb listings to crafting posters for events and personal initiatives. In each case, my goal is to create designs that not only look good but also serve a clear purpose. Whether it's a logo that represents a brand's identity or a poster that communicates an event's vibe, I want my work to resonate with the audience in a meaningful way. My process starts with simple sketches or brainstorming sessions where I let ideas flowerily primarily find inspiration from many cartoons and pop culture references that are appealing to a large group of people. I also find inspiration in the world around me whether it's in the shapes, colors, or patterns I encounter daily. From there, I refine my designs, experimenting with different styles and making sure that every element works together to communicate the message. I'm always looking for ways to add a touch of personality or unexpected detail to my work without losing sight of the core idea. I work with a mix of traditional tools like pencil and paper, as well as digital tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, depending on what the project calls for. I believe in the power of collaboration, so I enjoy working with clients to bring their vision to life. From the first concept to the final product, I make sure we're on the same page and that the design reflects their goals while adding something unique. Ultimately, my aim is to create designs that feel approachable and effective, something that catches your eye, tells a story, and sticks with you long after you've seen it.
