hymns - a studio 

Brand Identity
Digital + Print Design
Illustration
Photography
hymns is a design collective made up of four members: Hailey Blair, Myrlyn Duong, Nguyen Lam, and myself. Guided by our 
mantra—to create inclusive, human-centered design that sparks connection and balance—we built our studio identity from the ground up over the course of 14 weeks.

Our process included developing a brand identity, conducting market research, and ultimately designing our first product. The journey culminated in showcasing a real-life prototype at the 2025 Year End Show.

Our debut project, Hymns of Jasmine – Beginner’s Grow Kit, embodies the heart of our studio: playful, approachable, and supportive. Created with plant beginners in mind, the kit simplifies the learning process, making it less overwhelming and more enjoyable. It’s designed to empower new plant lovers by providing the guidance and confidence they need to grow and thrive.




Studio Inspiration
hymns draws inspiration from studios such as Greater Good Studio, Past Lives Studio, and Firehouse Art Studio—spaces rooted in human-centered and inclusive design. Like them, we prioritize empathy, accessibility, and the nuanced needs of people, ensuring our work fosters meaningful connections and lasting impact.

Low-Fidelity Business Card
Early iteration of hymns’ business card, featuring a lime green and dark red color palette.

High-Fidelity Business Card (Front)
Inspired by the symbolism and artistry of tarot, our final business cards reflect hymns’ creative foundation and values.  Each member embodies a core value of hymns. Like the interconnected motifs of a tarot deck, together we form a cohesive, purpose-driven design collective.


High-Fidelity Business Card (Back)
The back design incorporates jasmine flowers, an eight-pointed star, and intertwining vines—introducing our floral motif while subtly tying into our product launch.

Instruction Pamphlet
The Hymns of Jasmine instruction pamphlet (11x17, double-sided on glossy paper) provides step-by-step care guidance—from seedling to flowering—covering temperature, watering, and pest control at every stage. Each section is color-coded to match the kit’s pots. The illustrations were originally hand-drawn, then transferred onto rubber blocks and carved, creating a stamp-like texture that gives the pamphlet a warm, tactile quality.

Kit View
A detailed layout of the Hymns of Jasmine Grow Kit, including: drainage tray, biodegradable seed package, folded instruction pamphlet, pruning shears, three-level trellis, and a set of three pots.
Customer Experience
An illustrated walkthrough of the typical journey a hymns customer takes when interacting with our Hymns of Jasmine – Beginner’s Grow Kit.
Walkthrough of hymns’ website created in Squarespace.



2024
UIC DES421: INDEPENDENT DESIGN PRACTICE


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ABOUT ME

As a recent UIC graduate, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for analog art, working with traditional media such as painting, drawing, collage, linocuts, and creating objects with clay, and translating these pieces into the digital realm to create a dynamic bridge between physical and digital art. My work often explores personal themes that shape who I am—my Black and Mexican heritage, my environment, my thoughts, family and friends, and my evolving identity as an artist and designer.

Lately, I’ve been drawn to brand identity and logo design, exploring how visual systems can communicate ideas and values effectively. As I continue learning and discovering more about myself, I know I’ll also develop clarity about the kind of designer I want to be through these projects. Outside of my work, I enjoy exploring local spots with friends, shooting film, learning Spanish, and being a homebody with my cat.