SENIOR CAPSTONE · 2025

SKIN DEEP

An interactive, multidisciplinary project exploring body image, identity, self-worth, and the ways we learn to see ourselves.

every body carries a story ♡

Skin Deep exhibition installation
01

THE WHY

How do we learn to see ourselves?

Skin Deep responds to restrictive body-image ideals and the social pressures that encourage one narrow idea of what a body should look like.

Through illustration, education, interactive experiences, and reflection, the project creates space for self-awareness, confidence, inclusion, and more compassionate ways of seeing ourselves.

look past the surface ↓

02 · ONE IDEA, MULTIPLE FORMS

Skin Deep grew into ↓

The capstone expanded beyond one deliverable, becoming a connected system of publishing, interaction, and educational design.

01
Skin Deep activity book mockup

Activity Book

A playful publishing experience centered on reflection, confidence, creativity, and self-expression.

02
Skin Deep Shine Time Mirror

Interactive Experience

A participatory mirror that turns affirmations and positive self-talk into something visible and shared.

03
Skin Deep curriculum overview

Curriculum

A year-long educational framework bringing self-awareness, creativity, media literacy, and advocacy into group learning.

Skin Deep activity book

03 · ACTIVITY BOOK

Learning through making + play

The activity book invites young readers to explore thoughts, feelings, strengths, and individuality through guided creative experiences.

JournalingColoringAffirmations Word GamesCraftsSelf-Expression

big feelings can still feel playful ♡

04 · CHARACTER SYSTEM

Little faces, big ideas.

Friendly illustrated characters help make themes like self-worth, reflection, and confidence feel welcoming and accessible.

Heart character
kindness
Green Skin Deep character
growth
Sun character
confidence
Pink body character
self-love

made to feel like a friend, not a lesson ♡

05 · INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE

SHINE TIME MIRROR

Look. Reflect. Affirm.

The Shine Time Mirror invites participants to fill a reflective surface with kind words, drawings, and affirmations—turning positive self-talk into a collective visual experience.

I AM ENOUGHI AM CREATIVE I AM WORTHYI BELONG HERE
Shine Time Mirror covered in participant affirmations

everyone leaves a little kindness behind

06 · FROM ACTIVITY TO CURRICULUM

A year of confidence + creativity

The curriculum expands Skin Deep into a year-long educational path for young people, combining creative practice with reflection, media literacy, mindfulness, and advocacy.

FALL

Building self-awareness

  • Body positivity
  • Personal narratives
  • Historical + cultural body ideals
  • Media literacy
  • Mindfulness + reflection
  • Authentic media-making
Skin Deep year-long curriculum
SPRING

Turning reflection into action

  • Self-acceptance
  • Body neutrality
  • Deeper self-awareness
  • Empowerment + advocacy
  • Community initiatives
  • Final celebration
Skin Deep curriculum foldout

07 · IN THE GALLERY

From the page to the space.

The final installation brought illustration, publishing, participation, and education into one physical environment—allowing visitors to interact with the ideas instead of only reading about them.

Full Skin Deep gallery installation
Rutgers Senior Graphic Design Exhibition · 2025
Detail of Shine Time Mirror

08 · WHAT I LEARNED

Design can hold big feelings gently.

Skin Deep began with my younger siblings and the desire to create a space where kids could feel proud of who they are. Building the project taught me how much care goes into balancing emotional depth with play.

Testing activities helped me understand that self-worth does not have to be taught through heavy language. Art, storytelling, participation, and simple acts of affirmation can make difficult conversations approachable.

I wanted kids to feel seen, celebrated, and strong. — Jaz

THE PROJECT CONTINUES

Skin Deep evolved into The Sunshine Crew.

The characters, activities, and ideas developed through Skin Deep continue to grow through a revised publishing project centered on confidence, creativity, kindness, and inclusion.

Meet The Sunshine Crew ↗

look deeper.love louder.