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CLIENT: Central Michigan University Capstone Exhibition
CMU Senior Thesis
![MichaelOatman9x6Horizontals-2.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/263445_03a103cba1d346ca8b421d0e3854533a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_930,h_620,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/MichaelOatman9x6Horizontals-2.jpg)
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Keeping it Queer:
Alternative Approaches to Dominant Social Norms.
Living in a time when the call for progress is ongoing, my task as a graphic designer extends beyond aesthetic appeal to encompass a catalyst for societal transformation. By harnessing my capacity to craft influential messages through design, I embark on projects with the intent to foster dialogue and promote the evolution of universal acceptance.
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Recognizing the influential power that comes with a platform, my objective for this particular project was to bridge historical achievements with modern-day movements and to incite conversation around a future unconfined by rigid norms and outdated ideologies. The design strategy was to juxtapose the past with the present, visually correlating the strides in progress with current issues, thereby encouraging a deeper understanding and commitment to continual advancement.
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To wield engagement while conveying substantial topics, I employed design as a medium to balance education with entertainment. The result was a series of thought-provoking yet approachable materials that relayed crucial messages while incorporating humor. This levity provided accessibility, inviting audiences to laugh, learn, and forge connections within the context of complex social narratives.
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The visual content crafted for this initiative opened a gateway to hard conversations without the weight of didacticism. By presenting information through a lens of wit and relatability, the designs succeeded in reaching a wider audience, sparking dialogues necessary for building an inclusive and progressive society.
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Engaging with this project has been a dynamic exercise in wielding design as a potent tool for social commentary and change. It stands as a testament to the potential of graphic design to transcend traditional roles, acting as an essential part of our collective journey towards a future that embraces a spectrum of identities and perspectives rather than confining us within boundaries of the past.
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