designer, researcher, and writer focusing on sustainable design, expressive use of typography, and design for communities.
As a designer, writer, educator, and artist, my work is inspired by strong interests in visual communication, sustainable design practices, community design, and expressive forms of typography. I am deeply passionate about the ways in which designers can do work that creates a positive impact on the world around them.
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
2019–2023
My concern about climate change and its impact on our planet has led me to understand how graphic designers can modify design thinking to address sustainability in design solutions. I believe that every design problem can include sustainable thinking. In the classroom, we’re experimenting with materials such as paper that uses end-of-harvest straw, reclaimed cotton fabric trim, and linters, and building molds with mycelium and calcium carbonate from egg shells.
DESIGN RESEARCH
2018–2023
My interest in typography studies—explorations in visual form—extends back to my graduate thesis project. My recent typographic studies use portions of Emily Dickinson’s poetry and climate facts—temperature increases, rising water levels, and changing landscapes—to process my feelings about climate change. Using non-traditional typographic methodologies that break the rules and push creative norms allows for the simple goal of discovery and creative expression. Other work in this section includes a series of laser-etched compositions based on Euclidean geometry and a collage series using discarded materials.
DESIGN COMMISSIONS
2020-2023
Contact me at smithboh@icloud.com
As a graphic design practitioner intensely interested in sustainable issues— the environment and climate, social justice, and other inequities—I seek design work with non-profits and small businesses to support their ability to do good work for people and the planet. Such commissions allow me to continue practicing in the design industry and parlay those experiences in my pedagogy and research inquiries.