For my last year in university, I was required to complete a thesis project. This exhibition was the result.

I explored the theme of value, asking questions like, ‘What do I value?’ and ‘Why do I value these things?’ These questions lead me to realize that I am a hoarder of memories, and the objects in which I place importance are not typically ‘valuable’ to everyone. I wanted to show how these artifacts that surround my life, however physically insignificant they may be, are quite irreplaceable. To execute this concept, I took things that I’ve held on to for years (ticket stubs, receipts, fortunes, photos, words, etc) and recreated them using various mixed medium techniques.

During the show, I learned that many people were just like me and keep the most random things just for sentiments. I asked the viewers to leave a memory behind and put a piece of their heart on display as well.

This is what people left me during the show.

A portrait series of some homies. Printed on vellum and sewn on top of watercolor patterns.

I lived in Italy for a year. This is a little bit of what I saw and experienced.

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The Cardinal is the annual publication for my alma mater, Andrews University. Because Facebook, Flickr, and other sites make it so easy to share photos and interact with others, the yearbook is becoming an out-of-date source for memories. Elements such as infographics, fill-in-the-blanks, and articles made 2010-2011′s Cardinal more dynamic and interactive than previous yearbooks.

Some kids in front of pretty floral backgrounds.

A concept for a fashion and lifestyle publication. As a collaborative effort, I was given the task to art direct, style and design. Portraits shot by Cody McCabe; still life by Anali Romo.

A design charrette in which 10 young designers create promotional materials for Radio Arte, a local Chicago radio station in Pilsen. Throughout 10 days, we created environmental graphics, posters, and a website. Sponsored by Firebelly Design.

Fall 2010 issue of Clear Magazine. During my internship here, I worked under Clear’s art director Mauricio Guillen. I was given the task to create various illustrations, the subscription card, website promotion page and assist work on other spreads.