OUT - Canada's History Out of the Closet
Exhibit Design
Branding
Illustrator
The Rundown
The 2SLGBTQI+ community has a complex history in Canada, filled with discrimination and injustice. As the country continues to grow and right the wrongs of the past, it is important to acknowledge the historical context of trauma that has passed down through generations of 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians. To reshape the future, there must be reflection on the past. To address this growing need, this exhibit will not serve only as a reminder of the injustices the community experienced, but celebrate the resilience of 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians, reinforcing the importance of Pride.
Motivations
In recent turns towards conservative values and a push to remove DEI efforts from everyday life, it is more important than ever to highlight history to illuminate the past mistakes not to be made again.
Goals
- Educate the public on the history of 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians
- Highlight and amplify 2SLGBTQI+ voices and perspectives
- Create a memorable experience that resonates with visitors long term, motivating further education and engagement in active allyship
Responsibilities
I worked on this educational project during my time at Algonquin College. I spearheaded this project indivudually, with all research, development, and deliverables being my responsibility.
Skills
- Concept Development
- Visual Identity
- Branding
- Exhibit Design
- Print & Digital Assets
Software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
Research
The significance of storytelling and human connection is the core of this exhibit. To connect with the audience on an emotional level, the exhibit will take on a warm educator tone, balancing being informative with an inviting tone, creating a more personal experience. Historically, the 2SLGBTQI+ community was dehumanized, so infusing the experience with humanity breathes life back into the history that was stripped of it.
Location and Values
The Canadian Museum of History is Canada’s largest museum of human history, and one of the most-visited museums in the country. With the utmost dedication to museological excellence, the museum continues to make an effort to share Canada’s human history to both Canadian residents and global institutions. The Canadian Museum of History is dedicated to its core principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. All of these values, paired with their dedication to exhibition excellence, proves their alignment with the mission of this new exhibit highlighting the human history of 2SLBGTQI+ Canadians.
Current Exhibits
As a primary competitor, the only current exhibit highlighting 2SLGBTQI+ history is Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada’s LGBT Purge, located at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, alongside a smaller travelling version for pop-ups across the country. It focuses on the systematic discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQI+ in government organizations, being a very niche subject. Secondary competitors are other exhibits and museums located in Ottawa, such as the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Canadian Museum of Nature, and the Canadian War Museum. All compete for the interest of museum go-ers, and where visitors spend their time and money.
Ideation
Conceptualizing the Design System
After compiling the necessary research for the exhibit and gaining a better understanding of the direction I wanted to go in, the ideation process began. Exploring titles that would explain the exhibit and still catch people's attention was an important step to workshop. I had originally settled with Coming Out in Canada: The 2SLBGTQI+ History of Canada. I later ended up pushing how to simplify it without losing meaning, and decided to use OUT: Canada’s History out of the Closet, pulling on two major terms used in the queer experience. This was also the phase where I began to conceptualize how the exhibit would feel to experience. I sketched out the space and developed the mood I wanted for the exhibit and campaign as a whole.
Development
Building out the Brand
In this stage, visuals really began to develop. As a main graphic element, I developed this glowing silhouette of a person standing in a maple leaf doorway. This visual provides a slightly abstract perspective, but holds deep meaning that can change from viewer to viewer. The imagery can be interpreted as someone leaving the closet, with the light being the freedom to be themselves. It can represent stepping into Canada with the hope for better treatment as a 2SLGBTQI+ immigrant or refugee. It can be seen as Canadians stepping into a new chapterof community and joy. All interpretations of the visual reinforce the unique experiences that 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians experience in their journey to find themselves, present, past, and future. As meanings grew deeper with this graphic, it soon became the core element of the exhibit promotion.
Refinement
Building out the System
With the majority of graphic elements and language being settled on, piecing everything together to blend harmoniously became the priority. My advisor suggested I add more colour to my designs and figure out how to integrate the pride flag into the design system to create a more eye-catching and holistic system. I settled on using gradients as a way to keep the flag slightly more abstract.
Execution
Finalizing the Designs
After a final round of feedback, it was time to create the final look for the design system. Bringing together the graphics developed, the colours, and historical photography, the design encapsulated the emotions and experiences of 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians, breathing life into the exhibit and the promotional materials for it.
Final Design System
With the timeline provided, there was not enough time to build out each section of the exhibit and all the promotional materials for the exhibit. In the end, the final designs represent the system holistically, showing off how strong graphics and effective language can resonate deep with viewers, resulting in an impactful and long-lasting design system.
Mockups provided by Freepik. Photo Credit: Jearld Moldenhauer (Ottawa Demonstration 1971, Toronto Gay Pride Week 1972), Kyle Darbyson (All4Love Protester), Mission City Record (Alternative Protest Background). Images used for educational purposes.
Interested in Collaborating?
I’m excited to hear about all your great ideas and how we can work together to make something memorable. All you have to do is reach out!