Historically, the Poster has been the main medium for the communication of ideas. From political protests to marketing campaigns, the role of the poster changes based on the intention of the designer. For this project, the task was to design a typographic poster that conveyed a message meaningful to me, using my writings or thoughts.
On my way home on the Metra, I jotted down some thoughts that helped clarify what I wanted to express. At that moment, I was feeling reflective, thinking about my past and how it has shaped who I am today. Writing these thoughts down allowed me to better navigate the message I wanted to communicate through the poster.
I revisited my journal and wrote down all the homes I could remember in chronological order. For the ones I couldn't recall, I reached out to my mom to get the exact addresses. Initially, I planned to visit each of these homes, but due to the number of locations, I decided instead to take screenshots of each one using Google Maps. I collected all the images and edited them in Photoshop. I chose to render each home in black and white so they would blend together, creating a cohesive look. Since most of these homes are made of brick, I knew the texture would add a gritty, raw edge to the images.
Next, I imported each image into Illustrator and started working on the layout. I envisioned a collage-style design for the poster, as I’m naturally drawn to this approach. To me, a collage represents the collection of different elements coming together to form a complete, unified artwork. In my head, I envisioned the composition as somewhat disorganized, and I wanted to capture that energy in the poster. The typeface selected is Adobe Caslon Pro Semibold Italic, chosen for its refined form that provides more prominence than the regular style, offering a strong presence without being too bold or overpowering. I aimed to convey the story of my upbringing without overwhelming the poster with too much text. Throughout the process of creating this poster, I had the opportunity to carefully consider the message and context I wanted the audience to take away.
This poster is a tribute to the homes I’ve lived in throughout my life. In 23 years, I’ve moved over 10 times, and while I’ve had many different experiences, my upbringing wasn’t always the most stable. The changes I faced in love, family, friendships, and finances shaped who I am today. Growing up, none of these homes ever truly felt like "home." Stability is crucial to everyone’s sense of security, and for me, having that constantly upended changed the way I see the world. I longed for a sense of belonging but never knew when I would find it.
Now, as an adult living on my own, I’ve finally created the home I had been searching for. It’s a space that is safe, comforting, and healing—something I couldn’t find in my past homes. Looking back, I can see that all the places I’ve lived, despite their imperfections, played a role in shaping who I am. They provided shelter and protection when I needed it most, and for that, I’m grateful. Each home holds a special place in my heart, filled with a mix of memories, both good and bad.
I’ve noticed that when people are with friends or family, they often say, "I just want to go home." It’s a reminder that, despite the challenges life brings, the ultimate goal is to find our way back to a place of safety and peace. "We’re All Just Trying To Go Home" is a visual reflection of the homes I’ve lived in, but it’s also an invitation for viewers to reflect on what "home" means to them.
Poster dimensions: 24x36, Black and White