VMPA Senior Thesis

Melissa Vilain
Graphic Design

Statement

My work is driven by emotion, identity, mental health, and the feeling of being out of place. I design to reflect on my own experiences and invite others to explore their own emotional lives and identities. Through my work, I aim to create an emotional connection with the viewer, drawing attention to details that might not be immediately noticed but add complexity to the work.

My Haitian-American background has influenced my work, especially when exploring themes of language, displacement, and duality. These elements add depth to my understanding of identity and help me express my place in the world. Mental health also plays a key role, as I use design to process emotions like isolation and vulnerability.

My process is raw, messy, and reflective. It’s a continual challenge to open up and find parts of myself while researching and creating art. Even as ideas shift, I stay connected to the heart of what I want to express—my truth, my experiences, and the emotions I hope to share with my viewers.

I believe design should reflect raw emotion and personal truth. My work is about embracing vulnerability and showing up fully in both the uncomfortable and the beautiful moments.