Spring 2026 ACC Viscom Grad Portfolio Show

Project Details

Spring 2026 Event Branding

Deliverables:

  • Poster

  • Brand Guidelines

  • Square Post

  • Horizontal Signage

  • Table Tents

  • Name Tags

  • Commemorative Sticker

Summary

I collaborated with another student, Faith Do, to develop the branding and collateral for the Spring 2026 Visual Communications Grad Portfolio Show at Austin Community College. Working with faculty and program staff, we created a visual direction that would appeal to both local design professionals and current students, while building a cohesive and engaging identity for the event.

The project centered on developing a theme rooted in our experience as design students, using that perspective to shape a visual system that felt thoughtful, inviting, and distinctive across all materials.

Discovery

We began our discovery process by looking at branding from previous portfolio shows, using it as a point of reference while intentionally pushing toward something new and distinct.

Brainstorming

The biggest initial challenge was developing a strong, original theme before moving into sketches. With so many possible directions, narrowing in on a concept that felt meaningful and cohesive took time and exploration. To generate ideas, I used a mind map to quickly explore connections and themes, while my collaborator was also developing her own concept directions.

My Mind Map and Theme Ideas

Faith’s Initial Ideas

Mood Boards

After brainstorming on our own, we looked for overlap in our ideas and grouped them into three distinct themes, each with a corresponding mood board.

Connections/Common Ground

Space Between/Becoming/Interval

Clarity/Making Sense

Poster Sketches Round 1

My Sketches

Faith’s Sketches

Typography and Color Exploration

After meeting with faculty, we decided to move forward with the theme of “Connections” as it was the most clear and developed direction. We also received positive feedback on the hand-drawn type and human elements, which led us to further explore typography, develop hand-drawn letterforms, and introduce a vibrant color palette to bring the posters to life.

My Type and Color Exploration

Faith’s Type and Color Exploration

Poster Sketches Round 2

My Sketches

Faith’s Sketches

Digital Drafts Round 1

My Digital Drafts

Faith’s Digital Drafts

Digital Drafts Round 2

Final Design

Reflection

This project pushed me to embrace more expressive, hand-drawn elements and appreciate the warmth and personality they can bring to a design. It also strengthened my ability to collaborate, incorporating feedback and direction from both a design partner and stakeholders to refine the final outcome.