Portfolio
Drawing Studio
Title: "Dorthy Looking to the Great Beyond". Fall 2024 Size: 18x24”. Medium: Graphite on Stonehenge paper Description: Self portrait drawing, characterized as Dorthy, with wizard of oz motifs.
Title: "Two Stepped". Date: September 2024. Size: 18x24”. Medium: Graphite on Stonehenge paper Description: Observational drawing, characterizing mundane objects that give an artist power.
Title: "Process of Dorthy Looking to the Great Beyond". Fall 2024 Size: 18x24”.
Title: "Dorthy in the Stars" Size: 36x60" Medium: Graphite, soft pastel, oil pastel, and color pencils on Stonehenge paper Description: A expressive large scale self portrait illustrating my inner child's, hopes and aspirations for the future. I have a deep connection with Dorthy, when Iwas younger I dressed up as her and my first ice skating program, as illustrated, was wizard of OZ themed. I want this piece to bring back the playfulness of my childhood.
Title: "Hamlet Ophelia perspective". Fall 2024 Size: 9x12”. Medium: Ink on bristol paper Description: This graphic drawing is a reimagination of Ophelia 1851–52 painting by Sir John Everett Millais. Ophelia in past has misunderstood and view from a misogynistic gaze. I wanted this poster to to give humility her perspective.
Title: “Dorthy dancing in the lights” Fall 2024 Duration: 1:18
Description: This video piece pairs with “Dorthy in the stars”, is the representation of chilldhood brought to life. I am skating in the same rink I grew up in and first competed at. I am skating to I Believe in Us by LEON, her song along side my skating represents a conversation between my inner child and my present self, a montra of cheering myself on when know one else and persevering.
Space Research
Title: “Time Traveling Skirt”. Fall 2024. Size: 15x36’’ Medium: Sewing and painting Description: A representation of a imaginary skirt that can transport the person wearing the garmet through any one of the doors illustrated.
Title: “Mother Earth”. Fall 2024. Size: 3 x 3 x 6.5 ft’’ Medium: Mix Media: chicken wire, jewelry, acrylic paint, paper mache, plaster, painters tape, wood. Description: A large scale sculpture representing Mother Earth, embodying the influence of maternal figures in my life. The scale of the sculpture reflects the powerful impact on my life.
Time Studio
Title: “Ava-cado” Spring 2025 Duration: 1:02
Description: A silent stop motion short film depicting youth transitioning to teenage adolescence, characterized by an avocado.
Title: “Winding Time ” Spring 2025 Duration: 2:43
Description: This short film is a statement on the distortion of time expressed by layering of multiple takes of the dance. Performer Mitha help choreograph the dance and I orchestrated the environment, cinematography, and videography.
Surface Research
Title: "Sugar Pop". Spring 2025. Size: 22x30”. Medium: black/white gouache on Arches watercolor paper Description: Visualizing artistic process, taking inspiration from the Pop Art movement.
Title: "Infinite Energy". Spring 2025 Size: 22x30”. Medium: Micropens on Stonhedge paper Description: Captures infinite femininity, taking inspiration from natural organisms.
Title: "Close ups- Infinite Energy". Spring 2025 Size: 22x30”. Medium: Micropens on Stonhedge paper
-
!["The Spark"]()
"The Spark" Spring 2025 Size 6.5×11” 15 pages
Medium: Procreate Printed on glossy photo paper
Description: This zine illustrates my artistic process in which I formulate idea and execute them. This experience is characterized by Lily story.
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
Professional Work
Ava Blu currently works as student content creator for the Virginia Common Wealth’s Division of Student Affairs. She is able to explore multiple avenues some being, graphic design, creation of social media videos, public speaking, and collaboration.
2025
Office of Multicultural Student Affairs Women’s Herstory Month Graphics"
Medium: Created in Illustrator, Photoshop, and Procreate
Ava Blu was the first student employee to contribute to this high-profile project for VCU’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Combining graphic design, illustration, and academic research, she created a composition that met OMSA’s requirements—featuring prominent women figures, a purple and gold palette, bold typography, and a curated list of events. Through extensive research and multiple design iterations, she ensured the piece honored each woman’s contributions to history.
2024
Division of Student Affairs Sociopolitical Stress Graphics
These social media graphics were created for the DSA’s Instagram to provide students with resources and coping strategies after the election. Ava Blu followed VCU’s strict brand guidelines, crafted a clear composition, and integrated research provided by her employer.
DSA Sociopolitical Stress Poster Graphics - Created in Illustrator
DSA Sociopolitical Stress IG Graphics - Created in Illustrator
2024
Other Division of Student Affairs Projects
These social media and banner graphics were created for the DSA’s Instagram and to promote across the VCU campus to provide students with information out events hosted by the Division of Student Affairs. Ava Blu followed explored different compositions and color palettes while VCU’s brand guidelines.
2024
VCU Student Commons Social Media Content
These social media videos were created for the VCU Student Commons Instagram to create student engagement and educate the community about resources offered. Ava Blu continues to produce engaging content posted on The Commons ig with the help of her coworker. The videos typically get between 3,000 - 5,000 views and get posted weekly!
Personal Works
Title: Neon Alchemy Band Brand. Date: June 2024. Size: 12” x 10”. Medium: Photoshop and Illustrator on card stock. Description: I integrated my photography, and warped text for unique type design. This is statement on misogynistic norms women face in our society. Started w/ band concept explored mockup designs and used vibrant colors reflecting expectations put on women.
Title: Train to Adulthood Date: May 2024. Size: 18” x 24”. Medium: Procreate on cardstock. *Apart of AP 2D Design Portfolio. Description: I captured the transition from childhood to adulthood emphasizing the loss of innocence. I started with the focal point of the poster adding elements that represented nostalgia. The city train sign, features text that signifies the pivotal moment when teenagers face. In the background, a scratchboard-like texture complements the train sign. All images used were royalty-free stock images or were taken by artist.
Title: Name Composition Date: June 2023 Size: 12” x 12” Medium: Photoshop and Illustrator on cardstock Description: Explores different ways to make a cohesive composition. I used my name as the focal point and based the compositions on my personal identity. I used the juxtaposition of images and text to create interesting textures and patterns that contributed to my own identity.
Date: May 2024. Size: 24” x 18” . Medium: Procreate on cardstock. Decripition: I created this zine to showcase a child's metamorphosis into a beautiful young women. I llustrated in a storybook style, with creative photos from various angles. Inspired by Butterfly metamorphosis, using stock images of the transformation as reference.
Title: Train to Adulthood Mind map Date: May 2024 Size: 18” x 24” Medium: Procreate on cardstock
Date: January 2024. Size: 24” x 18” . Medium: Photoshop on cardstock. Description: I expressed the feeling of childhood slipping away & the transition out of adolescence. I took own my reference photos, made my own type out of teddy bear stuffing, played with warped images & texture. I was inspired by childhood memories of stuffed animals.