Hirshhorn
Mixed-Type Poster
Description
The goal of this project was to explore mixed typography through a poster design and the development of a customizable typeface.
Summary
I chose to design a poster for the Hirshhorn Museum, a Smithsonian institution dedicated to contemporary and modern art and home to a renowned sculpture garden. For the focus of the poster, I highlighted Barbara Kruger’s piece Doubt and Power, one of the museum’s longstanding and most iconic works.
Mood Board
This mood board was created to help define the visual direction of the poster. I primarily researched Barbara Kruger’s Doubt and Power, which features bold typographic messages spanning the walls, floor, and ceiling. I also explored work from other artists featured at the museum, in case I chose to shift the focus of the final design.
Sketches
When I moved into the sketching phase, I expanded my focus beyond just the room perspective used as inspiration for the homage. I also researched past and current exhibitions to better inform my concept and drew from the unique architectural form of the museum, which departs from traditional building shapes.
Digital Drafts
Revisions
Original
This is the original version of the poster, created during my first experience experimenting with the perspective tool to construct a room-like space. I also incorporated the blue tone from my mood board to establish a calmer, more relaxed mood within the design.
Current
This is the final version completed after my capstone course. The only change was relocating the additional museum information to the bottom under the “Smithsonian” title, resulting in a subtle but intentional refinement.
