
IRIDESCENCE
COOPER HEWITT SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM




DESIGN CHALLENGE
Design a promotional print publication to help the Smithsonian’s Cooper Hewitt Museum promote a collection of your choice. Assess the message and use research to inform your design direction. Create dynamic type, image, and message in a visually engaging way. Think about the end-user experience to inform all design choices.
CREATIVE SOLUTION
Cooper Hewitt’s Iridescence exhibit used a dynamic color palette with luminous qualities. I curated objects that shared harmonious color palettes in teal patterns across various artworks. I structured the newspaper into three major sections—vases, jewelry, and bowls—spotlighting the most prominent pieces in the exhibit. The layout began with an introduction to Cooper Hewitt and an overview of the Iridescence collection, providing historical context and significance. By combining bold typography, compelling imagery, and structured compositions, the design enhanced the exhibit’s storytelling and immersed readers in the beauty of iridescence.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Physical newspapers offer a tangible, immersive experience that engages multiple senses, capturing attention and enhancing retention in a way digital media cannot. Their weight, texture, and print lend credibility and permanence, while structured layouts and intentional typography create a curated, distraction-free reading experience that fosters a deeper emotional connection.
DELIVERABLES
1) Eight-page Newspaper Club tabloid newsprint (289mm x 380mm)
2) Digital publication on issuu.com

Ideation and process work