VISUAL DESIGN
Sometimes projects start with little more than a vague directive; a half-formed idea looking for shape. Those are the ones I enjoy most. When someone describes what they imagine, I can see it take shape in my head. The work isn’t magic, but translation: turning intent into a visual language that conveys mood and meaning.
Here are some examples of my process for identity work. I begin each visual exploration by experimenting with color, typography, and reference imagery to shape a cohesive design language.
MOODBOARD STUDY
Explored a visual language of color, type, photography, and texture for the Kobayashi Group, a family-run real estate development company in Hawaii. The design direction emerged from their legacy, in-person meetings, and interviews with partners, with a slight refinement of their company mark.
PRESENTATION DESIGN STUDY
At the early stages of a real estate development with no established brand, I designed a visual language for the project’s presentation materials. Drawing from the concept for the building design and its proposed materials, I incorporated natural textures and accents to create multiple design variations.
VISUAL DESIGN FOR A WEB SITE
Though Parker Ranch’s identity was visible across its work trucks and merchandise, it lacked a formalized brand system. For the website redesign, I refined and expanded the color palette, introduced typography, and established a visual language that reinforced the brand mark while capturing the ranch’s heritage and character. I provided several interpretations.
MODERNIZING AN EXISTING BRAND
With brand guidelines untouched for over a decade, the website redesign became an opportunity to modernize Aloha Federal Credit Union’s visual identity. I ensured colors met WCAG accessibility standards, expanded the secondary palette, and introduced web-friendly typography. Style tiles showcased updated patterns, accent typefaces, and textural elements, giving the client multiple refreshed directions for the brand’s digital presence.
STYLE TILES
Developed style tiles for the Hawaii Tourism website, combining type, photography, and brand tapa patterns to meaningfully represent Hawaii’s cultural heritage.
