Designed and typeset a long-form feature essay written by Matthew Zhao for The Collective Magazine, Issue 18, exploring the complexity of human identity and the qualities that make each individual unique. The project focused on developing a cohesive visual system through typography, composition, imagery, and color.

With Issue 18 centered around the theme “Real,” I wanted to explore a visual direction that felt natural, authentic, and true to the individuality of each person. I designed this piece to evoke the freedom and individuality explored in the essay, while placing a strong focus on composition and cohesive visual identity. Each of us has qualities that make us distinct and beautiful, just as animals have their own unique patterns and details. Even within the same species, no two coats are exactly alike. Each has its own variations, markings, and details that make it unique. I wanted this idea of natural individuality to carry throughout the spreads, using changing compositions and visual elements while maintaining a cohesive identity.

Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop

Designed the cover, editorial spreads, and promotional assets for Issue 17 of The Collective Magazine, a nonprofit student organization. The featured piece, “Conoscerà,” written by Gianna Casanova, is a whimsical short story following a little girl’s experiences at the beach.

Translated the dreamy atmosphere of Gianna Casanova’s story into a cohesive editorial identity through expressive typography, experimental layouts, and a soft yet vibrant color palette. Combined oversized display type, layered imagery, and contrasting textures to create visual rhythm throughout the feature spreads. Extended the identity into two teasers for social and print: a pink graphic announcing the issue at the start of the semester and a purple one building anticipation just before publication.

Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator

Explore my name, Clare Heemin Nam, into an abstract, eye-catching graphic mark. I approached the piece as an exploration of self-branding, using my name as both the subject and the visual identity.

Researched and sketched the name across several graffiti and bubble-letter font styles, pushing how far individual letterforms could interlock and overlap before the piece reads as one abstract shape rather than legible text. I chose graffiti as the medium because of its ability to capture attention in public spaces and communicate with a broad audience, while allowing me to explore typography through a bold and unconventional visual language.

Ink Pen, Paper, Adobe Illustrator

Munch is a mobile app concept designed to help University of Illinois students facing food insecurity plan meals and find campus and community food resources, without adding more stress to an already difficult situation.

Started from a research question—how a mobile app could offer both emotional support and practical resources—then grounded the direction in student surveys and a user persona. From there the design moved through loose, tight, and final sketches into low-, mid-, and high-fidelity prototypes, landing on a calm, low-contrast interface built around guided meal planning, budget-aware suggestions, and a support chat.

Figma, User Research, Prototyping

This mock campaign is for the LASFILM event, a retro-themed film festival held in Downtown Las Vegas, featuring early 2000s films that feature the city as a backdrop.

I developed the event’s branding from start to finish, including the logo, theme, merch, and social media marketing. With a retro theme and Las Vegas as the foundation, I have designed visual elements and aesthetics from the era to create a nostalgic and engaging experience for the audience.

Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop