Choose to Step is a collection of 18 9x14 inch interactive posters described as visual sessions that discuss healing, spirituality, relationships, introspection, and the many facets of the human condition. Each visualization correlates to and is inspired by the 18 tracks from Kendrick Lamar’s fifth studio album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.
As a form of catharsis to recent life happenings and an homage to an eye-opening work of art, these posters were designed under the constraint of visualizing the album's audio experience. Through thorough listening and studying of MM&TBS (80+ listens, give or take) when designing and during off hours resulted in a visual language consisting of representational, abstract, drawn from other sources, and personal interpretation. The commonalities and differences that make up these posters reflect the nature of therapy sessions, which tend to be both focused and scattered. This duality also allows each visual and sonic pairing to function as an individual poster and as part of a collective series.
This project was displayed during and for Zenergies: Born Under a Sign sensory art experience of 12 astrological environments at EVR Studios in Secaucus, NJ from August 26-27, 2022.
The use of multiple fonts visually reflects the variety of musical production within the album. The lyrics visualized above were selected based on personal relatability and representation of the song's messages and feel.
Poster series details
Mirror Poster Installation
The final track of the album, Mirror, functions as an interactive installation. In order to capture the intimate and personal feel of the song, the poster is a bedroom mirror personalized with three stickers containing thoughtful messages from the album. Unlike the 17 posters that precede it, Mirror does not contain any lyrics at first glance. The lyrics are revealed through the viewers interaction.
A small hand mirror hangs below the poster with these instructions: Stand on line. Hold up to mirror on wall. The hand mirror reads "grievance" and a word written backwards. Once held to the wall mirror, the viewer sees their reflection and the reveal of the word "freedom." The message of grievance and freedom come from the lyrics: "Do yourself a favor and get a mirror that mirror grievance, Then point it at me so the reflection can mirror freedom."
The hand mirror is reflecting the viewer's grievance and once they point this towards themselves (the wall mirror), they will achieve freedom.
Installation set up and mirror poster photos
𝔦 hope 𝔲
A quote from actress Taylour Paige, who was featured on the album, visualized through typography, compositional placement, and color. The 8x8 in poster delivers a message the viewer can reflect on when interacting with the installation. The message is for anyone who is seeking hope and who are choosing to take steps in their lives.
A quote from actress Taylour Paige, who was featured on the album, visualized through typography, compositional placement, and color. The 8x8 in poster delivers a message the viewer can reflect on when interacting with the installation. The message is for anyone who is seeking hope and who are choosing to take steps in their lives.
This graphic was on display during and for Zenergies: Born Under a Sign, as well as on Instagram to promote the poster series.
Takeaway stickers
