Cute online. Cruel Offline.
Kaitlyn Kim
Visual Communication VI
Graphic Design Program
Arizona State University
Over the course of my senior year in the Graphic Design program at Arizona State University, I explored how design can communicate complex issues in ways that are engaging, informative, and visually compelling. By combining research, visual storytelling, and exhibition design, this project aims to reveal the hidden consequences behind seemingly harmless online content and encourage viewers to reconsider how wildlife is represented in digital spaces.
EXPLORATORY WORK
Throughout the year, a series of exploratory projects helped develop the ideas behind this exhibition. These projects investigated how social media shapes perceptions of wildlife and how design can communicate the hidden realities behind viral animal content.
Fundraiser Poster
This poster was designed to promote a fundraising event supporting the Graphic Design Senior Exhibition for the Class of 2026. The event included an auction and poster sales intended to help raise funds for the final exhibition.
Social Issue Poster
This poster was created to promote the Graphic Design Senior Exhibition and highlight the range of topics explored by the graduating class. The exhibition includes projects addressing a variety of social issues as well as work connected to the NASA Psyche mission.
Committee Collaboration
Working within the committee involved collaborating closely with classmates, coordinating campaigns, and ensuring the “Unfold” theme was clearly communicated across all promotional materials. This experience highlighted the importance of teamwork, organization, and strategic communication in producing a successful event that supported the Class of 2026 exhibition.
Social Issue Presentation
The social issue topic presentation introduced the research behind the project, focusing on social media, animal perception, weak law enforcement, animal exploitation, and the exotic pet trade. Presenting the research helped organize the key ideas that would later shape the exhibition concept