UC Davis
August 2026
In an effort to diversify my portfolio and in preparation for future roles, I designed multiple projects under the UC Davis branding guidelines (as outlined in the UC Davis branding Communications Guide). I challenged myself to create all three in one day, which I completed successfully.
In addition, I looked at different UC Davis-affiliated organizations to greater understand the branding structure.
I chose 3 different case studies to inform my design. UC Davis digital branding is cohesive in color and typeface. I noticed that the UC Davis Center for Student Involvement strays from the UC Davis digital colors, but keeps a similar visual style.
Though, each post has a strong visual hierarchy to maintain accessibility and avoid confusion.
For my first project, I created and followed a Client Brief:
Create an infographic on advice for incoming transfer students.
The deliverable is a 6 slide 4:5 Instagram Carousel.
I worked on this project in Photoshop and Canva, making sure the I maintain a clear design hierarchy and visual consistency throughout the Carousel. I went for a scrapbook/analog style while maintaining UC Davis's branding guidelines.
For the writing aspect, I pulled from my own experiences as a transfer student, analytics from UC Davis's website, and UC Davis's mission and core values. Using hooks, descriptions, and fun facts, I ensured the post was simple yet engaging.
For my second project, I wrote and followed a Client Brief:
Design a flyer for a resume workshop at 1210 Dutton Hall.
Create for an 4:5 Instagram Post & an 8.5x11 flyer.
Constraint: Must communicate date, time, location and CTA within 3 seconds.
Using a grid system, I mapped out elements, text, and shapes to create a minimal flyer design on Photoshop. After creating an 8.5x11 flyer, I designed the Instagram Post, keeping the same elements and visual style. I ensured the time, date, and location were clearly visible, and added a CTA to guide viewers.
On top of that, I made sure the branding style aligns with branding guidelines by using the colors and fonts outlined in the UC Davis branding Communications Guide.
For my third project, my Client Brief was:
Create an infographic spotlighting a UC Davis student's research.
The deliverable is a 6 slide 4:5 Instagram Carousel.
For my design, I showcased my Research Project for my Advanced Composition Class, where I investigated the dreamlike intrigue of liminal spaces.
Initially, I dove into the project making sure the student is showcased in the front. After designing the initial thumbnail, I didn't believe that it had the strongest hook to get a viewer to swipe through. Therefore, I shifted gears into focusing on the research instead.
The written content on this project was especially difficult, since I condensed 2,000 words of research into bite-sized sentences to not overwhelm the viewer. I did my best to simplify the research, while keeping it understandable. I also paired the written content with liminal space imagery, which I photographed myself for a liminal space inspired shoot, 'WAKE UP!'.
The design aspect was my favorite part, as I continued to adhere to the UC Davis branding guidelines while keeping a grunge style that fits the research topic visually. It was fun!
