Cooper Hewitt
Design Challenge
Design a print publication to help the Smithsonian’s Cooper Hewitt Museum promote a collection of your choice. Curate a selection of images and do research to inform your design direction. Use Adobe InDesign to create a cohesive visual system of type, images, and messaging. Consider the narrative flow and movement throughout the publication. Be mindful of the target audience, as well as Cooper Hewitt’s brand identity.
Creative solution
The collection I chose from the museum was Willi Smith: Street Couture. I aimed to highlight Willi Smith’s groundbreaking approach to fashion, which blended everyday wear with art, performance, and social commentary. To organize the content, I categorized the work by themes such as performance, fashion, and film, emphasizing how Smith used clothing as a tool for self-expression and inclusivity.
I pursued a clean, minimal layout to keep the dynamic imagery and bold ideas at the center of the publication. Designed to promote a current exhibition, the piece combines narrative and curated imagery to create an emotional connection with the audience. Strong typographic hierarchy and thoughtful spacing bring a sense of movement and accessibility, reflecting Smith’s work, while all design decisions align with Cooper Hewitt’s brand guidelines to ensure a cohesive and contemporary result.