Natalie Orlando

In anticipation of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, this project aims to inspire young people to use their voices by voting and actively participating in democracy. Many young individuals feel disconnected from politics, often due to a lack of representation or understanding of the political process. To address these barriers, we are launching a social media content competition focused on creating eye-catching, informative, and accessible youth-led campaigns. The competition invites young people to develop content that encourages their peers to engage, register, and vote. I collaborated on this project with my classmate, Lauren Moore. Our goal was to create a social media campaign aimed at encouraging young Americans to vote. We focused on highlighting the significant role social media plays in the lives of Gen Z and Millennials, and how it can be leveraged for more than just casual scrolling. As part of this project, we created an Instagram carousel, a motion video, and a vlog, all featuring a trendy and playful cut-and-paste style aimed at younger audiences. The result is a cohesive design system that’s not only engaging but also promotes something meaningful.

This project aimed to create a campaign for the Detroit Lions that targeted a specific demographic while conveying a clear message. The campaign included branding design, motion graphics, social media strategies, and advertising. I worked on this project with classmates Lauren Moore, Maddie Beattie, and Kate Dembrowski. We worked as a team to target young girls involved in sports, specifically in Detroit. We found that young girls involved in sports in Detroit and the Detroit Lions share a common ground in facing underdog expectations yet constantly proving their strength, resilience, and potential. Both are often underestimated but have a powerful impact on the community, inspiring pride and demonstrating that dedication and hard work can defy stereotypes and lead to greatness. This project was a team effort where each of us focused on different aspects of the campaign. I was responsible for the social media content and advertising designs, while my teammates worked on motion design, supergraphics and collaborated in social media. Although we worked separately on our tasks, we collaborated to create a cohesive and impactful campaign that conveyed a powerful message.

In collaboration with Midea Appliances and fellow designers William Darby and Dominic Cancino, we reimagined the dishwasher experience to appeal to eco-conscious and cost-aware users. This project introduced a streamlined interface and a companion app, enhancing functionality and sustainability. Our approach was comprehensive, incorporating user-centric research to guide the design of both the physical interface and the companion app. This ensured that each aspect of the redesign was aligned with the needs and preferences of our target demographic. The Midea dishwasher project highlights the transformative power of integrating thoughtful design with smart technology, setting new standards in appliance usability and eco-friendly practices. It represents a significant step forward in making daily chores more intuitive and aligned with modern values.

This project, which I worked on with my partner Ethan Cwiek, focuses on reframing immigration as a positive force for America. Together, we aimed to shift the conversation from challenges to the many benefits immigrants bring to the country, socially, culturally, and economically. Our goal was to create a more inclusive narrative, and we collaborated well to combine storytelling, data, and visuals that highlight the valuable contributions of immigrants. The campaign features multimedia content like videos, infographics, and social media posts, all designed to showcase immigrant success stories. We also organized community events to foster dialogue and partnered with local organizations to broaden the impact. Ultimately, Ethan and I worked seamlessly to create a campaign that inspires a more unified, positive view of immigration, celebrating its role in shaping America's identity.

As part of the 826 literacy program, I developed MINE BODY, a wellness hub designed for kids ages 2–12 and based in the serene setting of Sedona. This project involved creating a unique brand that encourages creativity and wellness in young children. Key tasks included selecting the ideal location, defining the store’s concept and promise statement, and crafting an inviting logo and cohesive brand identity. I designed mockups for products, advertisements, and store layouts, ensuring a vibrant, playful aesthetic that resonates with children and their families. MINE BODY exemplifies how thoughtful design can communicate a brand’s mission while engaging its audience meaningfully.

The Traverse City Cherry Festival is a beloved annual event that celebrates the local cherry harvest with tons of activities, food, and entertainment. My project was all about designing a poster that really captured the heart of the festival, reflecting its fun, festive vibe, and local charm. To get it right, I dove deep into research and even visited the festival in person. Seeing the atmosphere firsthand gave me a better understanding of the event and helped shape the design. The poster went through a lot of revisions to make sure it truly felt like the Cherry Festival—full of bright cherry imagery, playful fonts, and a color scheme that matched the lively mood of the event. In the end, the goal was to create something eye-catching that would speak to both locals and visitors, inviting them to enjoy everything the festival has to offer while celebrating the region’s love for cherries.