Curated Collective Team Designer - Lisa Oxley

 

The quote “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make”—sets a powerful, introspective tone. It challenges the viewer to consider their actions and impact.

Emotional Tone

The central character (a wide-eyed, wistful girl) evokes vulnerability and contemplation, aligning with the empowering quote and inviting a deeper emotional response

Accents: Pops of black, white, and beige/sepia (particularly in the collage pieces like the eyes and text).

Contrast: Strong contrast is used with the black lace trim and dark shadows in the portrait and background elements to ground the otherwise cool palette.

Focal Elements

Portrait: The haunting, painterly girl with wet eyes and smudged cheeks is the visual anchor. She commands attention and draws emotional focus.

Text Blocks: The quote is divided into digestible chunks using high-contrast turquoise and white blocks, laid out rhythmically for maximum emphasis.

Large Number 4: 

The bold, stenciled number “4” (and date “AUG 4”) adds structure, possibly referencing a meaningful date.

Techniques & Layers

Various stencils have been used—dots, florals, and tribal/folk-style edges—layered across the page for visual texture.  

Collage: Eyes, barcode-style elements, and a daisy flower add tactile variety and symbolic intrigue.  

Mixed Media Layers

Paint drips primarily black—create a sense of gravity or sadness.    

Ink stamping/texture paste in white adds organic detailing to balance the rigid elements.

Layered washi or paper strips on the left and right provide boundary framing and flow.

Composition & Layout  

Visual Balance: The portrait is slightly off-center to the right, creating dynamic tension.  

Framing: The top lace and bottom torn layers draw the eye vertically. The large “4” and daisy offset the girl’s weight visually.

Typography: Modern block font used for the quote reinforces clarity and directness against the painterly textures. Symbolism: Eyes: Collaged human irises throughout the page suggest perception, awareness, or being watched/judged—fitting for a page about making a difference.

Daisy: Traditionally a symbol of purity and innocence, aligning with the girl’s gaze and the sincerity of the message.

Barcode/Numbers: Evoke themes of identity, time, and societal constructs—perhaps challenging the viewer to rise above labels and limitations.