Laura
Aisenstat
My name is Laura Aisenstat and I am a graphic designer born and raised in St. Albert, AB. I find inspiration from my friends and family, they always keep me on track! I aspire to be a publication and layout artist. I discovered a passion for typography and book design while in University. I love design because it can be whatever you want it to be! Over the pandemic, I took up yoga as a way to exercise and ease tension.
“Sweetland” Poster Series
This poster series is based on the novel “Sweetland” by Michael Crummey. The series highlights the theme of death throughout the novel and how mortality affects the main character. The posters move from a dark to a light palette to signify the character’s acceptance of death in his lifetime. I also won an award for my work on this project during MacEwan’s ‘Book of the Year’ contest.
Here is some of my process work as I connected different characters to the theme of death.
“The Griff” Magazine Redesign
My Griff redesign creates more of a lively space for students to explore and learn more about what is happening at our school. The magazine is very bright and spacious to give off a younger feeling. I chose to use larger type that bleeds in many places to create a loud and energetic vibe. I also used the idea of fresh and light colours to foreshadow the coming of spring.
“Halifax DFS” Conference Branding
I created an identity and system for a documentary film symposium held in Halifax, Canada. The overall system exudes professionalism and cleanliness. There is a subdued and calm theme throughout the brand that embodies the city of Halifax and the area of documentary filmmaking.
The logo system is based on an aerial view of the Halifax Citadel, a unique landmark in the city. It also abstractly represents the flash of a camera or stage lights.
These are examples of name tags that would be provided at the event for different types of guests. The pattern adds an exciting visual element that helps viewers identify different types of cards.
Some of my process work included sketching out ideas that could both relate to the city of Halifax, and the process of filmmaking.
“1984” Book Design
I created this book cover for George Orwell’s novel 1984, one of my favourite reads. I experimented with the visibility of the type with the foreshadowing image of a rat. This piece sparked my passion for typography and publication design.
I created a custom interior for this book as well with unique chapter titles, custom margins, and detailed body text.
Music and Design: An exploration of variety in media
Over the course of a year, I worked with MacEwan’s Bent River Records to produce a website redesign and some complimentary promotional items. The current website needed some revamping, so I took on the job of re-organizing and re-shaping this hub of information. To complement the website and the brand, I created a set of small promotional items that can be handed out at events or on campus.
Here is a selection of essential screens from the website, a little taste of the improvements.
Here is the set of promotional items that I created using Bent River’s Branding. There are some stickers, pens, bracelets, guitar picks, and buttons. Each piece uses the branding in a different way to create variety.
