SENIOR THESIS / EXHIBITION DESIGN / PRINTMAKING

Price of Pretty

TOOLS: ADOBE INDESIGN, PHOTOSHOP, FIGMA

PROJECT OVERVIEW

During my summer in NYC, I discovered the concept of “Pretty Privilege” through experiences in nightlife, where women access exclusive events for free, yet at a deeper cost. My thesis investigated the preferential treatment of conventionally attractive individuals and its influence on interactions, opportunities, and societal expectations.

The project consisted of:

  1. A collage-like timeline documenting the evolution of beauty standards from the 16th century to the present day.

  2. A collection of anonymous interviews from diverse backgrounds (ranging from an average 18-year-old to a NYFW supermodel) and their thoughts 

  3. An in-depth zine that explains the origins of beauty standards and how it’s evolved throughout the years

  4. Final Thesis Book containing my thesis projects + overall progress

01: Brainstorming

My first step was to create a methodology map to organize my thoughts and streamline my focus on various topics.

From this, I identified my research questions/methods:

  • History

    • Finding different beauty standards through different eras/cultures

  • Interviews

    • Interviewing people from diverse backgrounds on their experiences/perspectives on Pretty Privilege

  • Settings

    • Pretty Privilege in different sectors: online, workplace, education, etc.

02: Process

EXPERIMENT PROJECT #1: Pretty Posters

← NEXT PROJECT: CATALOG OF INFLUENCES

Before diving straight into my final deliverables, the specifics of which were still uncertain, I decided to work on a few experimental projects. My aim was to explore, enjoy the process, and refine my vision for the final exhibition.

A series of posters, inspired by Joe & the Juice's "For the Plot" poster series. I wanted to create eye-catching, and somewhat satirical slogans paired with images online/taken by myself. 

#whyisiteyecatching? #looksmakeheadsturn

NEXT PROJECT:  IMPACT & EMPATHY →

04: Exhibition

03: Deliverables

EXPERIMENT PROJECT #2: Cards for Thought

Inspired by the Catalog of Influences, I designed a set of cards with questions related to pretty privilege. These cards are meant to provoke deep thought, ranging from surface-level queries to more profound, introspective prompts, encouraging players to explore and reflect on their views about the topic.

#1: History of Pretty Privilege

For my first final deliverable, I developed a comprehensive book exploring the history of beauty standards. It covers their origins, evolution, and prominence, examines varying standards across cultures, and analyzes the impact of influencers on contemporary beauty norms.

Printed on a plotter, the timeline was divided into four long sections, which were then cut and assembled vertically.

#2: Timeline of Beauty Standards

My second deliverable was an 11-foot-long timeline covering eight decades, from the 1960s to the present. It featured icons representing the beauty standards of each decade.

#3: “All Stories” Notes Book

My third deliverable, which was my favorite, was inspired by the collected interviews and anecdotes. I created a booklet reminiscent of a Notes app, featuring a collection of anonymous stories from students, friends, young adults, and notable figures such as TikTok stars, NYFW models, and more.

The most important part was assembling everything. My thesis book had a messy, teenage, girly collage diary vibe, and I wanted my exhibition to reflect the same energy. I designed bright, fun, girly posters to mimic a teenage girl's room, displaying my books on the walls alongside them. The long timeline marked the project's boundary. I also created a mirror from sticky reflective glass, with cut-out hands holding lipstick to keep it trendy. The mirror was meant to draw people in, encouraging them to see their own beauty regardless of societal definitions. The exhibition was a big success, with people of all ages, from little kids to the elderly, taking photos in front of it!

While working on this thesis, I realized that curating the thesis was important, but the most significant revelation was recognizing the interconnectedness of all my projects.

From the beginning, I was driven by a desire to impact a broader audience. My designs have always aimed to create space for conversation and interaction. As I grow as a designer, I hope to carry this passion forward wherever my journey takes me.

#4: Thesis Book

Last but not least, my final deliverable was my thesis book, which documented the entire progress of my thesis semester. It includes all my inspirations, methodologies, and detailed records of my work.

P.S. Can you tell it was inspired by Mean Girls? 👯 —>