After years of experimentation, research, and creative growth, graphic designer Emiliana Hedderich made a standout impression at the prestigious NEXT Exhibition at the Corcoran School of Arts and Design. Her thesis, “Psychedelic Design and Its Typography,” captivated visitors with a bold fusion of expressive letterforms, vibrant visuals, and immersive storytelling—positioning Hedderich as one of the emerging voices in the next generation of graphic design.
Exploring Typography
Hedderich’s featured work was the result of a year-long thesis project that explored the emotional and sensory power of psychedelic design. Drawing influence from 1960s counterculture and iconic designers like Wes Wilson and Victor Moscoso, Hedderich used her platform to push typography beyond legibility and into the realm of feeling.
“Typography doesn’t just communicate through words,” Hedderich said. “It can move, vibrate, and resonate on a sensory level. I wanted viewers to feel something—confusion, curiosity, wonder—just from looking at a letterform.”
Her thesis project examines how type can serve as both a functional tool and an artistic medium, exploring how form and distortion evoke alternative states of perception. The book she designed functions as a curated exploration of experimental typography, blending historical references with personal essays, visual studies, and design interventions. The accompanying poster acts as an immersive visual statement—layered, luminous, and emotionally charged.
A Journey from Research to Visual Expression
The work displayed at NEXT was the culmination of Hedderich’s design journey at the Corcoran. The process behind the exhibition was methodical yet deeply personal. She spent the first half of the academic year immersed in research, delving into psychedelic aesthetics, cultural rebellion, and typographic evolution. The second half was devoted to design execution, balancing conceptual clarity with visual experimentation.
“This wasn’t just a thesis. It was a statement of identity,” Hedderich explained. “The vibrancy, movement, and playfulness in the work reflect who I am—not just as a designer, but as a person.”
Crafting an Immersive Exhibition Experience
Preparing for NEXT involved not only artistic refinement but logistical precision. Hedderich conducted multiple design iterations and print tests, carefully selecting tactile materials that aligned with the project’s aesthetic goals. The final presentation created a cohesive sensory experience, inviting viewers to engage with typography as a dynamic, living art form.
“Each piece had to work both independently and as part of a larger experience,” she said. “I wanted the viewer to step into the world of the work—to feel immersed in the visual language I was creating.”
Collaboration, Community, and Confidence
Being part of a group exhibition also opened new creative horizons. Engaging with fellow graduating artists—each exploring distinct mediums, themes, and challenges—sparked fresh ideas about design’s intersection with performance, sculpture, and spatial installation. It pushed Hedderich to imagine how her work could live beyond the page, in physical and interactive environments.
“Seeing how other artists approached their work made me think more expansively,” she shared. “Design doesn’t have to stop at the screen or the book—it can take on a presence, a form that people move through and around.”
The experience, she says, was transformative—not only for her portfolio, but for her sense of purpose as a creator. Presenting her work in such a high-profile setting provided professional validation, while reinforcing her commitment to pushing the boundaries of design.
Looking Ahead: Pushing Print and Sustainability
With NEXT behind her, Hedderich is now looking to the future. Her next creative pursuits aim to continue challenging the conventions of print design, incorporating sustainable materials and experimental formats to tell stories that are both tactile and environmentally conscious.
“Print is such a rich, physical medium—it offers so many ways to connect emotionally and intellectually,” she said. “I want to keep exploring how it can evolve, especially through sustainable practices that reflect the values of our generation.”
A Designer on the Rise
Emiliana Hedderich’s work at the NEXT Exhibition was more than a showcase—it was a declaration. With her fearless approach to visual storytelling and her deep engagement with both history and innovation, she is quickly becoming a name to watch in the design world.
As she steps into her next chapter, one thing is clear: Hedderich isn’t just designing visuals—she’s designing experiences that linger, resonate, and challenge what design can be.
