Words That Don’t Show.
Manifesto Poster 11x17
Adobe Illustrator
April 2024
I designed a manifesto reflecting who I am as a designer, my purpose, values, goals, and how I address ethics in design. I drew inspiration from Forest Young’s comparison of traditional graphic design to a flashlight—how it illuminates only what is directly in front, leaving out everything else in the periphery. This metaphor resonated with me because, as a designer, I believe graphic design should go beyond what is immediately visible or apparent.
For me, design is about revealing what isn’t being said, the unspoken narratives, and highlighting often overlooked perspectives. I approach design with a lateral mindset, striving to include multiple viewpoints and diverse ideas. I see my role as a designer as not just creating visually compelling work, but as someone who brings in voices and stories that might otherwise be missed, making space for a more inclusive and holistic perspective.
In my manifesto, I explored how my purpose in design is not only about communicating effectively but also about challenging the norms and expanding the boundaries of what is typically represented. This project allowed me to reflect on how I see design as a form of storytelling—where it’s not just about what is seen, but about what is felt and understood from all angles.
To create this poster, I began by capturing a photo of my desk lamp's reflection through my glass table. While experimenting with the composition, I rotated the photo horizontally and was struck by how much it resembled the barrel of a flashlight. This discovery aligned perfectly with the inspiration behind my manifesto, making the image an ideal visual metaphor. To enhance this connection, I added a spotlight effect, simulating the flashlight shining onto the words below and drawing attention to the core message.
Building on this concept, I placed words above the illuminated areas of light to further emphasize the flashlight barrel and its symbolic purpose in the design. The interplay between the light and text highlights the theme of focusing on overlooked or hidden perspectives, which is central to my manifesto. The result is a visually striking and meaningful composition that captures the essence of shining a light on the unseen and giving attention to the often-neglected aspects of design and storytelling.