Work Collection

Speak the Echoes of Change
Transforming spoken word into an immersive experience

Role: Branding, Motion, 3D Design
Year: 2025
Deliverables: Event Identity, Motion Graphics, Interactive Installations, Posters
Context: Conceptual Project

Speak the Echoes of Change is a conceptual slam poetry convention celebrating Amanda Gorman's voice and vision for the future. Inspired by her inaugural performance of "The Hill We Climb," the brand system translates the energy and hope of that moment into immersive experiences for Gen Z audiences. Through bold typography, vibrant color, and interactive installations—including motion design, sound booths, and environmental graphics—the project creates spaces where poetry becomes participatory, inviting attendees to add their voices to the conversation.

VISUAL LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

The poster system evolved through exploring how to visually capture the layered, performative nature of slam poetry. Early iterations tested different approaches to typography, color intensity, and compositional energy before landing on the final direction.

Final Design Concept:

The design reflects the cumulative impact of spoken word—words building upon words, voices layering to create collective meaning. Each poster incorporates:

Layered Typography — Words emerging from and merging into one another, mimicking the rhythm and momentum of live performance
Gorman's Signature Palette — Bold yellows and reds drawn from her 2021 inauguration look
Poetic Anchors — "The Hill We Climb" title and a key phrase from the poem itself
Event Identity — Speak the Echoes of Change branding integrated seamlessly

The visual language emphasizes poetry not as static text, but as living, breathing performance—capturing the energy, urgency, and hope of Gorman's work.

VISUAL LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Final Design Concept:

The design reflects the cumulative impact of spoken word—words building upon words, voices layering to create collective meaning. Each poster incorporates:

Layered Typography — Words emerging from and merging into one another, mimicking the rhythm and momentum of live performance
Gorman's Signature Palette — Bold yellows and reds drawn from her 2021 inauguration look
Poetic Anchors — "The Hill We Climb" title and a key phrase from the poem itself
Event Identity — Speak the Echoes of Change branding integrated seamlessly

The visual language emphasizes poetry not as static text, but as living, breathing performance—capturing the energy, urgency, and hope of Gorman's work.

MOTION DESIGN PROCESS

The motion piece pairs Gorman's voice with expressive kinetic typography, using metaphorical imagery to capture the emotional resonance of her words rather than their literal meaning. Building to a brief appearance of Gorman herself, the piece concludes with the convention logo. Designed as an interactive exhibition element, it creates a moment of pause—inviting convention attendees to stop, watch, and reflect on the event's central message.

Design Approach:

Typography enters and exits in rhythm with Gorman's cadence
Imagery shifts mirror emotional beats in the poem
Layering creates visual momentum, building toward climactic moments
Motion emphasizes the performative, temporal nature of slam poetry

INTERACTIVE SOUND BOOTH

The sound booth extends the motion design concept into a personal, immersive experience. A single occupant sits inside while Gorman's voice plays, surrounded by kinetic typography that visualizes her words in real time—poetry becomes multisensory, enveloping the participant both aurally and visually.

The exterior serves dual purposes: one side displays reactive visualizations of the audio playing inside, engaging those waiting in line. The opposite side features semi-transparent panels, allowing passersby to glimpse the experience within. Private reflection becomes public anticipation.

Impact: Creates intimate connections with poetry while maintaining communal energy through exterior interactivity.

Closing Statement:

Speak the Echoes of Change demonstrates how design can transform poetry from page to participatory experience. By translating Gorman's message across multiple mediums—print, motion, and interactive installation—the project creates layered entry points for engagement, meeting audiences where they are and inviting them to add their voices to the conversation. The result is a brand system that doesn't just celebrate a poet, but activates her call to action.