The Mosaic Initative

art direction, design, photography


Summary
As one of the country's most tailored curriculums for autistic students, The Mosaic Initiative is a powerful peer-led program that supports college-level students on the spectrum at the University of Tennessee.

In preparation for Mosaic Week, I assembled a fresh rebrand of new short-form logos, long-form logotypes, and pin assets for students, mentors, and faculty.

Role

Background

The Mosaic Initiative started in 2008 and has prioritized an immersive college experience through student affairs, extracurricular activities, and foundational career objectives. Ten coaches, 15 facilitators, and 50 college student mentors participate and mentor students regularly. The program's core pillars highlight autonomy, authenticity, and interpersonal growth as essential frameworks for preparing autistic students for life after school.

"Our mission is to foster independence and community development with the ultimate goal of gainful employment in the student's chosen careers."
- April Jeanings, Mosaic Coach

Objective

The Mosaic Team were looking for a new rebrand for the start of the 2024 school year. The rebrand deliverables included a new short-form logo and a long-form logotype. Additionally, the team saw pin buttons that I created for The Library Studio and asked if I could create graphics for for potential pin assets.

Insights and Process

There were unique challenges when trouble shooting the solution for representing a program, highlighting disability. Images relating to the brain and puzzle pieces were antiquated and cliché, and we needed to find a modern solution. We collaborated to find the most appropriate and sympathetic tactic.

I focused on flat, digital vectors that were easily scalable from small assets to large deliverables like prints and banners. It was essential to come to a resolution where the technical parameters were met, and the approach still honored autistic students.

Below shows my design process, from brainstorming to the 3rd round of revisions.