This personal project was born out of my desire to learn from my favorite designers—Paula Scher, Sister Corita Kent, and most notably, Lester Beall—to refine my design aesthetic. To avoid mere imitation, I created African Beall, a series inspired by Beall’s process and style but grounded in my interpretation. In December 2020, while struggling to find a theme, a serendipitous discovery at a cabin changed everything. I stumbled upon a book of ancient African proverbs whose earthy and ethereal qualities provided the perfect foundation for my creative exploration.

To immerse myself in Beall’s approach, I studied a book on his work and his artistic references, taking detailed notes and distilling his methods into insights. Each poster began with a proverb at the top of a sketchbook page. For 30 minutes, I brainstormed relentlessly, filling two pages with ideas without judgment. After stepping away to let the concepts breathe, I returned to refine my selections, sketching them into tangible designs. While some ideas evolved naturally in Illustrator, others took unexpected turns, reminding me that the process was as rewarding as the outcomes.

The result was a collection of 30 posters inspired by Ashanti proverbs, representing the rich culture and history of Ghana’s Ashanti Region, known as the “Kingdom of Gold.” These proverbs guided the design’s vibrant energy and thoughtful composition, making the project a study of Beall’s influence and a celebration of African heritage. This exploration deepened my understanding of design as a dialogue between inspiration, process, and cultural storytelling. PERSONAL PROJECT