For: Pearl Lwin

Shot by Erin Vf

Photography on this page was taken and copywrited by pearl lwin

In June of 2025, Pearl Lwin, a Seattle based photographer, commissioned me to make promotional posters & a pricing sheet for their photography services and website.

The project began with a request for a logo design and promotional posters. Pearl wanted a watermark that captured their identity as a photographer. I briefly explored a graffiti direction, creating initial designs. However, as the project developed, Pearl realized they weren’t ready to commit to a logo and decided to focus on posters and a pricing sheet instead.

Scope can change, and that’s not a failure—it’s part of the process.

With the logo scrapped, Pearl shared inspiration for the posters. Their ideas were vague—references to the watermark I had already made, the graffiti and “stylized” looks — so I asked guiding questions about information, photos, and color scheme.

I learned to use structured questions to turn scattered ideas into concrete design direction.

I created a few graffiti-inspired poster drafts. Pearl said they liked them, but after I probed deeper, I learned they didn’t feel the style actually fit them.

I learned to dig beneath surface-level feedback. Clients may say they’re happy at first, but deeper conversation uncovers real preferences.

Pearl sent examples of posters they truly admired—clean, minimal, structured layouts. They also suggested incorporating Burmese script for a personal touch. I pivoted, toning down the graffiti stylization while layering subtle textures.

I learned how to guide a client toward clarity and adapt my own instincts without losing creative voice.

Pearl liked the new style but requested changes to fonts and photography. At first, I made too many micro-adjustments.

To fix this, I restructured the workflow:

Let Pearl sit with designs before feedback.
Apply all feedback in one round across designs.
Save photo swaps for the final stage.

I learned that refining the process is as important as refining the design.

After several structured feedback rounds, Pearl chose their preferred photos and typography. The final outcome was a set of clean, layered promotional posters and a pricing sheet aligned with their photography style.

I learned how to balance my own design instincts with the evolving needs of a client, even when the original scope changes

This project reminded me that design is fluid.

From scrapping the logo to pivoting from graffiti to minimalism, each change was part of the process.

My biggest takeaways were:

Scope changes are normal; adaptability is key.
Clear questions reveal true needs.
Structured feedback cycles make collaboration sustainable.

Elden Martial

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