Deep Blue Scars
The South China Sea hosts multiple marine life layers. The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) needed to communicate its diversity—and fragility. My first project while interning at CSIS, it was trial by water applying my visual skills to policy communication. Thank you to Lead Digital Content Editor Sarah Grace for trusting me! Full report here.
Role: Illustration & Design, Development Assistance
Covered By: Newsweek, GMA News, Benar News, ABS-CBN
A Layered Illustration
Even if the illustration was tapping emotions, the work needed to be rooted in reality. For example, what species of fish appears in the South China Sea? What shapes are the giant clams? As much as possible, elements were based on reference photos.
Rearranged assets for mobile.
A Dance of Text and Imagery
Marine life layers had to be balanced for overlay readability and value contrast. The work had to feel alive, but not overcrowded. A fun challenge!
Adding to Data Readability (and Looks)
With the initial data visualization blocking country borders—and color locked—it was one lucky intern’s job to fix things up. I took to Adobe Illustrator and designed a more fitting visualization.
With the report to be presented all over Asia—including China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam—social media assets were made in different languages. I quickly learned to double and triple check measuring units 😅
