Portfolio
Professional Work
Ava Blu currently works as student content creator for the Virginia Common Wealth’s Division of Student Affairs. She is able to explore multiple avenues some being, graphic design, creation of social media videos, public speaking, and collaboration.
2025
Office of Multicultural Student Affairs Women’s Herstory Month Graphics"
Medium: Created in Illustrator, Photoshop, and Procreate
Ava Blu was the first student employee to contribute to this high-profile project for VCU’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Combining graphic design, illustration, and academic research, she created a composition that met OMSA’s requirements—featuring prominent women figures, a purple and gold palette, bold typography, and a curated list of events. Through extensive research and multiple design iterations, she ensured the piece honored each woman’s contributions to history.
2024
Division of Student Affairs Sociopolitical Stress Graphics
These social media graphics were created for the DSA’s Instagram to provide students with resources and coping strategies after the election. Ava Blu followed VCU’s strict brand guidelines, crafted a clear composition, and integrated research provided by her employer.
DSA Sociopolitical Stress Poster Graphics - Created in Illustrator
DSA Sociopolitical Stress IG Graphics - Created in Illustrator
2024
Other Division of Student Affairs Projects
These social media and banner graphics were created for the DSA’s Instagram and to promote across the VCU campus to provide students with information out events hosted by the Division of Student Affairs. Ava Blu followed explored different compositions and color palettes while VCU’s brand guidelines.
2024
VCU Student Commons Social Media Content
These social media videos were created for the VCU Student Commons Instagram to create student engagement and educate the community about resources offered. Ava Blu continues to produce engaging content posted on The Commons ig with the help of her coworker. The videos typically get between 3,000 - 5,000 views and get posted weekly!
Personal Design
Title: Neon Alchemy Band Brand. Date: June 2024. Size: 12” x 10”. Medium: Photoshop and Illustrator on card stock. Description: I integrated my photography, and warped text for unique type design. This is statement on misogynistic norms women face in our society. Started w/ band concept explored mockup designs and used vibrant colors reflecting expectations put on women.
Title: Train to Adulthood Date: May 2024. Size: 18” x 24”. Medium: Procreate on cardstock. *Apart of AP 2D Design Portfolio. Description: I captured the transition from childhood to adulthood emphasizing the loss of innocence. I started with the focal point of the poster adding elements that represented nostalgia. The city train sign, features text that signifies the pivotal moment when teenagers face. In the background, a scratchboard-like texture complements the train sign. All images used were royalty-free stock images or were taken by artist.
Title: Name Composition Date: June 2023 Size: 12” x 12” Medium: Photoshop and Illustrator on cardstock Description: Explores different ways to make a cohesive composition. I used my name as the focal point and based the compositions on my personal identity. I used the juxtaposition of images and text to create interesting textures and patterns that contributed to my own identity.
Title: Hamlet- Ophelia's Perspective Poster Date: September 2024 Size: 9” x 12” Medium: Ink on drawing paper
Title: Train to Adulthood Mind map Date: May 2024 Size: 18” x 24” Medium: Procreate on cardstock
Date: May 2024. Size: 24” x 18” . Medium: Procreate on cardstock. Decripition: I created this zine to showcase a child's metamorphosis into a beautiful young women. I llustrated in a storybook style, with creative photos from various angles. Inspired by Butterfly metamorphosis, using stock images of the transformation as reference.
Date: January 2024. Size: 24” x 18” . Medium: Photoshop on cardstock. Description: I expressed the feeling of childhood slipping away & the transition out of adolescence. I took own my reference photos, made my own type out of teddy bear stuffing, played with warped images & texture. I was inspired by childhood memories of stuffed animals.
Personal Illustration
Title: "Sugar Pop". Date: February 2025. Size: 22x30”. Medium: black/white gouache on Arches watercolor paper Description: Visualizing artistic process, taking inspiration from the Pop Art movement.
Title: "Infinite Energy". Date: January 2025. Size: 22x30”. Medium: Micropens on Stonhedge paper Description: Captures infinite femininity, taking inspiration from natural organisms.
Title: "Dorthy Looking to the Great Beyond". Date: October 2024. Size: 18x24”. Medium: Graphite on Stonehenge paper Description: Self portrait drawing, characterized as Dorthy, with wizard of oz motifs.
Title: "Close ups- Infinite Energy". Date: January 2025. Size: 22x30”. Medium: Micropens on Stonhedge paper
Title: "Two Stepped". Date: September 2024. Size: 18x24”. Medium: Graphite on Stonehenge paper Description: Observational drawing, characterizing mundane objects that give an artist power.
Title: "Process of Dorthy Looking to the Great Beyond". Date: October 2024. Size: 22x30”.
Personal Films
Title: “Ava-cado”
Description: A silent stop motion short film depicting youth transitioning to teenage adolescence, characterized by an avocado.