Overview
Last Words: Julia Couzens marked the final physical exhibition at Sacramento State’s University Library Gallery before its closure in 2023. I collaborated closely with the artist to design a visual identity and supporting materials that reflected the expressive, contemplative nature of the exhibition while honoring the legacy of the space.
This exhibition served as both an artistic meditation on endings and a farewell to the gallery’s physical presence. My goal was to create a cohesive design system for the catalogue, signage, and promotional assets—one that translated Couzens’ richly layered work into a tactile, visual experience that would carry emotional and aesthetic resonance.
publication specs
Size: 8 x 10 inches, Perfect Bound
Quantity Produced: 250 copies
Printing Process: 4/4 (Full Color)
Paper Stock: 80# Mohawk Everyday Digital Silk Cover
Printing Equipment: Indigo 5500
Specialty Finishes: Soft-Touch Lamination
concept/execution
The LAST WORDS exhibition centered on texture, contrast, and emotional weight—elements I reflected in the design of the accompanying catalogue. The soft-touch cover mimics the tactile nature of Couzens’ textile work, creating a sensory connection to the themes of memory and finality.
The custom lettering for LAST WORDS evokes layered materiality, while the black-and-white palette keeps the focus on the artwork and mirrors the show’s light/dark contrasts. Inside, I used Futura for its clean geometry—balancing the handmade quality of the art with a modern, minimal layout. The catalogue combines full-page visuals with intimate close-ups, encouraging a slow, immersive viewing experience.
DESIGN APPLICATIONS
The identity extended across a variety of touchpoints:
Exhibition Catalogue
Designed as a tactile artifact with portfolio-style layouts and custom lettering
Promotional Postcard
6”x9” print piece for distribution, echoing the catalogue’s tone
Gallery Signage
Exhibition title wall and show introduction graphic
Digital Banners
Web graphics for university news coverage and event promotion
reflection
It was a rare and meaningful opportunity to collaborate directly with the artist on this project, especially for such a symbolic final exhibit. Designing for Last Words allowed me to work in a quieter, more poetic visual language—one that honored both the work itself and the space it occupied.