PROJECT OVERVIEW
Simmons Talks is an ongoing speaker series from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), endowed by Dr. Ruth J. Simmons to spotlight Black innovators across art, culture, literature, science, business, and social justice.
As Lead Creative Director, Motion Designer, and Portrait Illustrator, I developed the full visual identity, illustration system, and motion package for the inaugural event, shaping the series’ look and tone from the ground up.
The project was especially meaningful because it allowed me to bring together my long history working with NMAAHC, my passion for portraiture, and my love for cultural storytelling. A personal sketch I created of Dr. Simmons ultimately became the foundation of the entire brand system which led to a design approach that blended illustration, motion, and color into a unified experience.
BRAND + MOTION + ILLUSTRATION + CREATIVE DIRECTION
BRAND + MOTION + ILLUSTRATION + CREATIVE DIRECTION
BRAND + MOTION + ILLUSTRATION + CREATIVE DIRECTION
SIMMONS TALKS
BECOMING
VISIBLE
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Simmons Talks is an ongoing speaker series from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), endowed by Dr. Ruth J. Simmons to spotlight Black innovators across art, culture, literature, science, business, and social justice.
As Lead Creative Director, Motion Designer, and Portrait Illustrator, I developed the full visual identity, illustration system, and motion package for the inaugural event, shaping the series’ look and tone from the ground up.
The project was especially meaningful because it allowed me to bring together my long history working with NMAAHC, my passion for portraiture, and my love for cultural storytelling. A personal sketch I created of Dr. Simmons ultimately became the foundation of the entire brand system which led to a design approach that blended illustration, motion, and color into a unified experience.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Simmons Talks is an ongoing speaker series from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), endowed by Dr. Ruth J. Simmons to spotlight Black innovators across art, culture, literature, science, business, and social justice.
As Lead Creative Director, Motion Designer, and Portrait Illustrator, I developed the full visual identity, illustration system, and motion package for the inaugural event, shaping the series’ look and tone from the ground up.
The project was especially meaningful because it allowed me to bring together my long history working with NMAAHC, my passion for portraiture, and my love for cultural storytelling. A personal sketch I created of Dr. Simmons ultimately became the foundation of the entire brand system which led to a design approach that blended illustration, motion, and color into a unified experience.
Project Highlights
Led creative direction, motion design, and illustration
Created custom portrait of Dr. Ruth J. Simmons that set the full visual direction
Developed brand system using NMAAHC’s palette and Freight Sans
Designed intro sequences, lower thirds, and in-event screens
Produced motion graphics + templates for social promotion
Collaborated with NMAAHC to extend their brand into a new space
Goals
Establish a distinct identity for a new museum program
Create a flexible system for future Simmons Talks events
Elevate speakers through portraiture, color, and motion
Support both in-person and online engagement
Results
Successful inaugural event featuring Amy Sherald and Bisa Butler
Identity system adopted for future Simmons Talks programming
Strong audience engagement through custom social motion
A pivotal project that merged my illustration practice with my creative direction work
Project Highlights
Led creative direction, motion design, and illustration
Created custom portrait of Dr. Ruth J. Simmons that set the full visual direction
Developed brand system using NMAAHC’s palette and Freight Sans
Designed intro sequences, lower thirds, and in-event screens
Produced motion graphics + templates for social promotion
Collaborated with NMAAHC to extend their brand into a new space
Goals
Establish a distinct identity for a new museum program
Create a flexible system for future Simmons Talks events
Elevate speakers through portraiture, color, and motion
Support both in-person and online engagement
Results
Successful inaugural event featuring Amy Sherald and Bisa Butler
Identity system adopted for future Simmons Talks programming
Strong audience engagement through custom social motion
A pivotal project that merged my illustration practice with my creative direction work
Project Highlights
Led creative direction, motion design, and illustration
Created custom portrait of Dr. Ruth J. Simmons that set the full visual direction
Developed brand system using NMAAHC’s palette and Freight Sans
Designed intro sequences, lower thirds, and in-event screens
Produced motion graphics + templates for social promotion
Collaborated with NMAAHC to extend their brand into a new space
Goals
Establish a distinct identity for a new museum program
Create a flexible system for future Simmons Talks events
Elevate speakers through portraiture, color, and motion
Support both in-person and online engagement
Results
Successful inaugural event featuring Amy Sherald and Bisa Butler
Identity system adopted for future Simmons Talks programming
Strong audience engagement through custom social motion
A pivotal project that merged my illustration practice with my creative direction work
BEHIND THE FRAMES
PURPOSE * PASSION * CURIOSITY
KEY ART & DESIGN
BEHIND THE FRAMES
BEHIND THE
FRAMES
PURPOSE * PASSION * CURIOSITY
PURPOSE * PASSION * CURIOSITY
KEY ART & DESIGN
KEY ART & DESIGN