[01] PROJECT OVERVIEW: GRATITUDE IN PRINT
Celebrating the Donors Behind the Sloan Performing Arts Center & Smith Theater
The Sloan Performing Arts Center and Smith Theater stand as lasting contributions to the University of Rochester’s creative community. These spaces, designed for theater, dance, and music, came to life thanks to the generosity of key donors, including Thomas and Linda Sloan, as well as Ed and Andy Lopata Smith.
To honor their impact, I designed two commemorative coffee table books, each tailored to celebrate the vision and generosity of these donors. Through thoughtful layout, typography, and imagery, these books express appreciation while reflecting the energy and purpose of the spaces they helped create.
PROJECT TYPE
Lead designer
Photo editor
ROLE
Lead designer
Photo editor
TOOLS
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Blurb books
THE SMITH BOOK
[02] CHALLENGE
Challenge accepted.
Create a pair of commemorative books that feel both deeply personal and institutionally refined. These books needed to honor the generosity of the Sloan and Smith families while visually capturing their love for the performing arts—all within the University of Rochester's brand identity.
The challenge was to balance tradition with creativity, designing pieces that reflecting the donors' unique personalities and their impact on campus while maintaining a sense of prestige and gratitude. The final designs had to be more than just keepsakes; they needed to tell a compelling story, evoke emotion, and serve as lasting tributes to their contributions.
THE SLOAN BOOK
[03] GOALS
These books express sentiment beyond thanks—they capture a legacy.
Every design choice was intentional, crafted to reflect the personalities and interests of the individuals being honored. The goal was to create books that not only celebrate their contributions but also feel personal, meaningful, and true to both their character and the spirit of the University of Rochester.
While adhering to the University’s brand guidelines, the design also embraced creative expression inspired by the donors and their love for theater. Typography, color, and imagery were carefully selected to balance institutional identity with a visual style that captured the warmth, artistry, and significance of their gift.
Questions I asked throughout the project:
- Who are the Smiths? Who are the Sloans?
- What does theater mean to the Smith and Sloan families?
- What does theater mean to the University of Rochester community?
[04] CONCLUSION
Everlasting impressions.
These custom-tailored books strengthened the bond between the donors and the University of Rochester by providing a deeply personal expression of gratitude. More than a simple acknowledgment, they honored the donors’ unique contributions in a way that felt authentic and meaningful.
By capturing the significance of their generosity through storytelling and design, the books reinforced the University’s commitment to fostering lasting donor relationships. They also highlighted the profound impact philanthropy has on the campus community—showcasing how these gifts shape spaces for creativity, performance, and connection for generations to come.
