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Sara Alway

Artist Statement

I have worked professionally in various fields and the experience has given me a unique perspective of the design world. I have been a portrait photographer, a design educator, a designer for the environment, web and print, and even a quilter. These positions have given me an arsenal of diverse skills that I utilize in my work. Within each design process, I have learned how to communicate to my audience with intention. My work is direct and informative, while still being playful and humorous.

Though many of my interests are eclectic, they have all contributed to every project I’ve designed. When growing up I became enamored with children’s books: I loved writing them, illustrating them and binding them and became a very prolific self-publisher. The intensity of this interest introduced me to graphic design and since then I’ve made many more books. With each I experimented with the book’s content and illustrations, as well as the actually book structure. Today, I am careful to choose an illustrative form or media that uniquely fits each subject and intended audience. I continue experimenting with my illustrations and don’t stick to just one style. I believe this gives my work more variety and interest, and is certainly more enjoyable for me to create. The media chosen is also an important factor for a design. It may be more appropriate for the intended audience to be reached via the internet or a brochure, rather than a poster. Being able to make these decisions gives me the freedom of expression that makes every project a new discovery.

Whether I am commissioned for a project or have authored it myself, I begin by researching the subject matter and finding the target audience. it is important that the original design intent communicates with its audience quickly. The overall concept will drive where I begin researching the color palettes and imagery, as well as the appropriate language and media. When I begin plotting out ideas, I like to find a way to present the subject in a unique manner that is both appropriate and amusing. I know that every detail down to the binding technique and paper choice will decide whether the design intent gets across to the audience, therefore I am diligent and decisive when I make these choices. I have often developed my projects and designed several components for each. I believe by creating several pieces that all work together, the original design is supported when each element reaches the audience from different directions. As a result, the piece, as a whole, is ultimately more successful.

My ability, as a designer, to educate the public is a privilege I don’t take for granted. my many interests continue to give me ideas that I develop into projects that are informative, while having an aesthetic and structure that is attractive and entertaining.


Curriculum Vitae

www.sarakalway.com


Education

Temple University
Tyler School of Art
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Master of Fine Arts : Graphic Design
Spring 2009: Graduation expected

Alfred University
New York College of Ceramics
Alfred, New York

Bachelor of Fine Arts : Graphic Design
2004 : cum laude graduate

Victoria University of Wellington
School of Architecture & Design
Wellington, New Zealand
Spring 2003 : Study abroad
 

Publications and Awards

AIGA Philadelphia : February 2008
“Sustainable Student Project Comes to Life: An Interview with Sara Alway“

Eco-Projects by Peter Fine : Winter 2009
Green Cards

Semi Finalist : Adobe Design Achievement Awards 2008
Sara Alway Portfolio Website

Flux Design competition : 2008
honorable mention : Shaken & Stirred
honorable mention : Sara Alway Portfolio Website
certificate of merit : Green Cards
certificate of merit : Bauhaus of Cards


Exhibitions

AIGA campaign to Sustain poster Exhibition : January 2009
Crane Arts Building, Philadelphia

Tyler School of Art Annual Packaging Exhibition : January 2009
Temple University, Philadelphia

 


"Do This, Not That" Classroom Poster Series
16" x 20" inkjet prints


 

 


"Soilmates: A Vegetable Dating Guide"