02 GRAPHIC PROPS
A JOURNEY WEST
My Role: Graphic Designer
Techniques Used:
• Photoshop Manipulation
• Typewriting
• Rubberstamping
Thirty seven years ago, in April 1988, my mom, at just 23 years old, packed up her life in Malaysia and set off for the United States with three of her classmates. The journey took almost a week, with day trips in China and Japan before she finally landed in Los Angeles, California. After a few days there, she made her way to New York City, where she began a new chapter of her life.
Settling into NYC wasn’t easy, she moved into a house with eight other people and worked 12-hour days, six days a week, just to make ends meet. I created these graphic props as a way to connect with her story, each one reflecting key moments from her journey. From the luggage tag and boarding pass that marked the beginning of her travels, to the newspaper clipping from LA, first rental keys, Disneyland ticket, and subway tokens that symbolize the milestones she hit along the way.
THE HOLDOVERS (CONCEPT)
My Role: Graphic Designer
Techniques Used:
• Photoshop Manipulation
• Caligraphy/Hand Drawn Lettering
The Holdovers (2023) is a special film for me. Born in the Massachusetts, now living in the Midwest, the film captures the wintry east coast charm perfectly, and almost makes me feel like I’m almost back in Boston for the holidays.
The three props I designed each represent moments referenced in the script but never shown on screen. From Tully’s frantic hallway chase with Hunham threatening detention, to Kountze and the other holdovers who escaped Barton for the slopes of Haystack, to the formal notice sent home confirming which students would remain on campus, each piece was thoughtfully designed and hand-scripted to feel authentic and true to the film.