albert walker at the connecticut historical society
Graphic Design | Production Management
Albert Walker was a 19th century farmer – and amateur magician – living in Glastonbury, Connecticut. “Albert’s Odd Jobs: Making a Living in the 1800s” explores how changes in technology, economics, and labor during the Industrial Revolution redefined work and leisure, raising questions that we are still asking today. A great deal of information is gleaned from Albert Walker’s diaries and ephemera, which document the personal experience of finding and keeping work in an evolving market, pursuing passions and upholding obligations, and maintaining a foothold in a shrinking industry.
The graphics for this exhibition needed to reflect changes in technology and emphasize a link between the past and the present. My design solution was to take motifs from Albert Walker’s diaries, almanacs, and letters, and have them break apart, from full resolution into pixels.
“Johanna is able to pull inspiration from unexpected sources and game to tackle a variety of design challenges—the nineteenth century, but make it tech-y! Her poised and professional approach to the design process is effective and rewarding, creating a final product that reflects a true collaboration. The graphic identity for Albert’s Odd Jobs fulfilled our ambitious goal of communicating the exhibit narrative while staying fresh and fun.
-Katie Heidsiek, Exhibit Developer”