Coloring in America

Coloring in America is a conceptual design project that reimagines a familiar childhood object as a commentary on school shootings in the United States. I approached the packaging to resemble a traditional crayon box, creating an immediate sense of recognition before introducing a shift in meaning. Each crayon was physically crafted by melting wax and hand-pouring it into bullet-shaped molds, transforming both form and material into carriers of the message.

Every crayon is individually labeled to correspond to a specific tragedy, while the packaging records the schools, dates, and lives lost. Through this translation of information into tangible elements, the project invites reflection and encourages dialogue.

Conceptual Package Design
Adobe Illustrator
Wax Casting
Wax Melting
44" Epson Printer
Laser Cutter

Concept Work
Stillwater, Oklahoma

Version 1

Version one of the project explored the concept at a larger-than-life scale. I designed an oversized crayon box accompanied by ceramic crayons, each one hand-formed and painted to maintain the visual language of a familiar childhood object. The installation was staged on a child’s school desk, paired with a coloring sheet that subtly revealed the imagery of a school shooting, creating a stark contrast between innocence and reality.

By shifting both scale and context, I aimed to immerse the viewer in a space that feels recognizable yet deeply unsettling. This iteration of the project was presented at the Gardiner Gallery of Art at Oklahoma State University.