Shape Collections

YU PAN 语

…is a Junior studying Graphic Design and Advertising at Boston University.

She is interested in branding, visual systems, and typography, with a focus on creating clear and cohesive visual identities through thoughtful design and strategic thinking.

ABOUT ME
RESUME
LINKEDIN
INSTAGRAM

SELECTED WORKS

01 Little Systems of the Heart (Catalog of Influences)
02 50 Iterations
03 re:leaf
04 Fall 2025 Open Studios (CFA, SMFA, MassArt)
05 Boston Poster House Film Poster Series
06 Spring 2026 Valiz Catalog
07 SOWA Rebrand
08 HEART | BREAK (Made In... Society)
09 Exhibition Pamphlet
10 De-Lish
11 BostonHacks 2025
12 BU Chinese Students Association

SHAPE COLLECTIONS

FALL 2024

GRAPHIC DESIGN

24”x 36”

In this design project, we explored the relationships between abstract shapes and how they could be combined to create visually compelling compositions. The takeaway for us was a deeper understanding of how form, composition, and design principles—like balance, contrast, and unity—worked together to communicate meaning. Through experimentation and iteration, we discovered how to transform simple shapes into powerful visual statements and how to integrate type with form to create cohesive designs. By working across different formats, we refined our process and learned how to craft dynamic, thoughtful compositions that conveyed both aesthetic and conceptual depth. Ultimately, this project strengthened our ability to think critically about design, helping us transform abstract ideas into clear, impactful visual narratives.

The Project began with finding 5 objects that had interesting forms. These objects, sourced from nature, handmade creations, and online references, were then translated into shapes (10 shape iterations for each object). Each object had its own unique visual language.

The shapes were utilized to explore and demonstrate key design and Gestalt principles, such as proximity, similarity, and closure. By manipulating the shapes through various iterations, we highlighted how these principles can influence perception and guide the viewer's eye, creating a cohesive visual experience. The transformation of each object into abstract forms allowed for an in-depth exploration of how design elements work together to establish harmony, balance, and clarity in composition.

For the last part of this project, I created a poster that combines my shape collections with a typeface I chose. I focused on five design principles—like positive/negative, direction, transparent, pattern, and radial—and used these words as part of the poster's text. I looked at the unique qualities of each shape collection, like their lines and proportions, and figured out which ones worked well together to create a strong composition. The way the shapes are arranged helps tell a story and adds more meaning to the overall design.

The poster on the left is the first iteration, while the one on the right is the final version, with a stronger focus on scale and experimentation.

Process Pictures:

Mock Ups:

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