Visual Communication

Daria Babaskina

I’m Daria, a graduating Visual Communication student with a passion for editorial design and print. I’m especially drawn to the tactile, intentional nature of print media—there’s a sense of permanence and presence that digital work can’t always capture. As an Indigenous Siberian, I strive to incorporate traditional visual elements and cultural narratives into my design practice. I believe design can be a powerful tool for reclaiming and celebrating identity, and I’m constantly exploring ways to weave my heritage into contemporary visual storytelling. Outside of my academic work, I love photography and illustration, which allow me to observe and document the world around me in more personal, intuitive ways. These practices often influence my design work, helping me stay grounded in both emotion and detail. I’m excited to continue growing as a designer while deepening the connections between culture, creativity, and communication. 

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Baakhynai

Baakhynai is a typeface designed for the Sakha language, spoken in the Sakha Republic (northeastern Siberia). The region, known for its harsh climate, was colonised by Russia in the 17th century but remains home to the Indigenous Sakha people. In Sakha, ‘baakhynai’ refers to someone of both Sakha and Russian heritage—a dual identity shaped by colonial history. This typeface reflects that perspective, aiming to celebrate Sakha identity, raise awareness of ongoing cultural erasure, and advocate for Indigenous rights. Its design draws from traditional Sakha embroidery, emphasizing themes of nature and spirituality, and echoes the fragility and resilience found in both language and craft. The letterforms can form not just words, but patterns, symbolizing the adaptability and richness of Sakha culture. Inspired by Indigenous literature, especially my grandfather’s Sakha poetry, Baakhynai is both a practical tool and a personal, emotional reflection on identity and language. 

Anthropocene: Echoes of Earth

Echoes of Earth is a print publication designed to engage young people with credible news through a hopeful and grounded perspective. It aims to ease the feelings of eco-anxiety and solastalgia by highlighting real and positive environmental stories. The publication reflects its values both visually and materially: it is printed on recycled paper and designed with an earthy, natural colour palette. Each issue is supposed to encourage readers to connect with the planet through informed optimism and meaningful action. Echoes of Earth promotes media literacy by directing attention to trustworthy sources while fostering a sense of community, environmental care and faith in the future.