Project
The representation of schizophrenia in popular culture often leads to stigmatization and a lack of empathy for those living with the disorder. Empathy is a key indicator for predicting clinical relapse in those with schizophrenia and is recognized as a significant factor in providing a healthy lifestyle. This project aims to change the way society views schizophrenia by encouraging empathetic attitudes.
Solution
Through a series of prints, a new perspective is presented by providing the viewer a look into the personal thoughts of an individual coping with schizophrenia. It is my intent to persuade the viewer into seeing those living with schizophrenia as more than their disorder by eloquently demonstrating the need and benefit of empathy. Empathy provides a basis for understanding and enables self-awareness, growth, insight, and healing.
"It was a great pleasure to serve as Taurie's mentor while she worked on her senior thesis project at PNCA. Taurie is a rare bird, a talented designer who could tackle both creative and logistical demands of this long term project with great creativity, sensitivity, agility and rigor. When she encountered obstacles that would have sent other students back to square one, she was able to re-imagine her project within the new constraints and develop a solution far superior to her original plan. Her final project was so well conceived and executed that it took the award for best thesis project, not for the communications design department, but for the entire school. She is a sensitive soul, a hard worker, a committed creative and a thoughtful problem solver who would thrive in any number of environments."
— Thomas Cobb, Thesis Mentor
