Typographic Narrative

Joni Mitchell’s song, The Circle Game, uses a carousel as a metaphor for the passage of time. The goal was to convey this story of change, growth, and the circle of time by creating new narratives with design.

Project Created for: GDVX 734 Typographic Voice and Visual Narrative, Completed Spring 2023

The Carousel

As Joni Mitchell sings, we go round and round and round in the circle game, each turn of the carousel and each revolution of the circle game brings a new perspective and a chance to see things in a different light.

I created this short animation using Adobe After Effects. I experimented with the typography, transitions, and movement to make reference to an actual carousel.

Process Photos

Motion Sick

The rush of motion can make it feel like life is passing us by, and we may feel powerless to slow it down.

I created this projected animation video using Adobe After Effects. The goal was to build off of the previous animation, so I added in the human perspective by projecting it onto a model.

Process Photos

Tick Tock Clock

When we become too caught up in the circle of life, it's easy to overlook the beauty and richness of the present moment.

I chose to give my narrative context through space and place by documenting my commute in Chicago. I redeveloped the story by adding in my own personal “carousel of time” and the places I interact with on a daily basis.

I took photographs of all of the circles I came across during my walk to work, including elevator buttons, street signs, wheels, logos, and so on. Usually, I walk right by these things and don’t think twice about them. The main message is to stop and look around you, enjoy the present moment, because life moves quick.

Process Photos

Gleam App—UI/UX Design

Pay Your Interns Campaign—Experiential Design