Hmong Motifs

Role Designer

Duration 2 months

Tools Firealpaca, Canva, Adobe Photoshop

Context

I was tasked with designing a series of Hmong cultural motifs to be used by the organization for presentations, events, and programming. Each motif was created as a standalone file in Canva, allowing for flexible arrangement and included both English and Hmong translations. Additionally, I developed a comprehensive flyer showcasing all the motifs alongside their translations, creating a visually engaging and educational resource that highlighted the richness of Hmong culture.

Research

To begin, I conducted thorough research to identify the most common Hmong motifs and symbols. Drawing from books and online resources, I curated a focused list of symbols to design. Next, I analyzed Hmong textiles that featured these motifs, paying close attention to the traditional color palettes. One challenge was ensuring that each motif had a unique, culturally authentic color while maintaining overall cohesion in the collection. After careful study, I assigned a distinct color to each motif, ensuring no overlap and representing Hmong culture faithfully.

Design

Using Firealpaca and a Wacom tablet, I meticulously drew and colored each motif, ensuring consistent dimensions across all files to make them easy to arrange. Over the course of the project, I designed 25 motif symbols. However, one motif, representing a pinwheel, was excluded from the final collection as I was unable to verify its correct Hmong translation. This decision underscored my commitment to cultural and linguistic accuracy, even if it meant revising the final set.

Assembling

For the flyer, I used a 5x5 grid layout to ensure consistency and legibility, as the motifs were similar in size. As I assembled the layout, I included both English and Hmong translations for each motif, prioritizing clarity and accessibility. For the header, I selected the Norwester font, aligning with the Museum's logo and branding, while Montserrat Classic was used for motif labels to maintain a professional and cohesive aesthetic. To keep the design balanced and emphasize the vibrant motifs, I opted for a white background, ensuring the layout remained clean and visually striking.

Final Product

This project was both a creative and deeply rewarding experience. I thoroughly enjoyed designing the motifs, refining my technical skills, and delivering work that exceeded the museum's expectations. Beyond the technical aspects, the project gave me a greater appreciation for Hmong textiles and the cultural stories they tell. Learning about the meanings and significance behind each motif deepened my connection to my heritage and reinforced the importance of preserving and celebrating our traditions.