During high school I visited the Oahu Care Facility, a nursing home in Honolulu, Hawaii. Living in a nursing home limits the residents visits and interactions with friends and family, making it difficult for them to stay connected with their loved ones. My objective was to get to know the residents by listening to their stories. With the information they shared, I asked if there was someone they wanted to send a letter to. I designed handmade cards for them to choose from and organized their thoughts into writing so their friends or family could hear their stories. I enjoyed talking with the residents and through this experience I was able to bring joy to them by essentially becoming their personal messenger.
I will continue my role as a messenger for others through my designs and artwork. Similar to my time spent talking with the residents at the Oahu Care Facility, I thoroughly listen to my clients’ stories and harmonize their ideas into a clear design that will deliver an appropriate message. My designs are sometimes very intricate with different layers and elements, but by listening to all of the clients’ ideas I can distinctly transform their thoughts into something visual. In this way, I give clients a voice to express their business or concept so others can hear their message.