PRINT COLLATERAL
Refreshing print material throughout campus and
the museum
OVerview
As a Graphic Design Intern, I was responsible for creating and refreshing print materials used throughout the museum and across campus. These ranged from large exhibition posters and event flyers to visitor guides and inserts. Each piece had to carry the refreshed identity while staying approachable and functional for diverse audiences. I divided this work into three key areas: exhibitions, student/general public events, and visitor guide inserts.
How can exhibition design balance clarity with creativity?
I supported the museum’s curatorial team by producing exhibition graphics for both recurring and major events. This included everything from monthly object labels to large-scale introductory panels. My goal was always to keep the design clean, accessible, and consistent so that the focus remained on the artwork while still reflecting the Broad’s refreshed identity.
How can event materials connect students and the community to the museum?
In addition to exhibitions, I designed print collateral for both general public programs and student-focused events. Each piece served a practical purpose while reinforcing the museum’s visual identity, helping visitors navigate, participate, and feel welcomed.
How can advertising extend the museum’s reach beyond campus?
In addition to internal print materials, I designed advertisements for external publications to promote the Broad Art Museum’s exhibitions and programs. These ads gave us a way to reach audiences who might not otherwise engage with the museum directly, expanding our visibility in the broader Lansing and Michigan communities.
Every month I designed labels for The Vault, a dedicated gallery space featuring works from the museum’s permanent collection chosen by student employees. Each rotation required a new set of labels, which were intentionally minimalist to highlight both the objects and the student commentary. Working on The Vault taught me how subtle design decisions in typography and spacing could guide viewers’ attention while keeping the spotlight on the art.
The Vault
I also created section text, introductory panels, and exhibition labels for larger shows such as Unbecoming. These projects called for balancing the curatorial voice with visitor readability while still incorporating refreshed design elements like bold accent colors and the museum’s linework pattern. The layouts emphasized hierarchy and clarity so that every visitor, from students to scholars, could engage with the exhibition narrative without feeling overwhelmed.
Major Exhibitions
For general audiences, I created materials that emphasized accessibility and ease of use. This included parking maps and travel guides that outlined how to reach the museum, as well as signage featuring Instagram QR codes to encourage visitors to stay updated online. These designs prioritized clarity and functionality, removing barriers that might discourage first-time visitors from attending events or returning in the future.
General Public Events
For student-centered programming, I designed materials that went beyond function to create interactive and memorable experiences.
Student Events
This civic engagement initiative combined posters, postcards, and on-site activities to encourage voter registration and participation. My role was to design bold, eye-catching print materials that aligned with the campaign’s energy, while also producing smaller cutouts and handouts that students could take home. During the event, the museum also offered screen-printed tote bags, which tied design into an interactive, hands-on experience. These details made the campaign not just informational but participatory, showing students the museum could be a platform for civic and cultural expression.
Your Voice, Your Vote
For Takeover Tuesdays, a program where student organizations could rent the museum to host events, I designed flyers, posters, and print collateral that both promoted upcoming takeovers and supported wayfinding within the space. The design approach was lively and approachable, using color and pattern from the refreshed identity to differentiate each event while maintaining overall brand cohesion. The collateral helped student groups feel ownership of the space while introducing new audiences to the museum in a casual, social setting.
Takeover Tuesdays
How do we help guests discover exhibitions and events at a glance?
As part of the rebrand process, I helped implement a visitor guide system, which addressed one of the museum’s biggest challenges: there was no clear way for guests to orient themselves or stay informed about programs. The new quad-fold guides became the go-to resource, pairing practical wayfinding with inserts that highlighted current exhibitions and upcoming events.
