Biography/Statement
Brandon Freitas is a graphic designer who was born and raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He transferred to UMass Dartmouth in 2009 from Bristol Community College, where he graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree. Upon arriving to this University, he obtained graphic design positions at multiple departments throughout the campus. He was responsible for designing many of the posters and signage for the student activities department. Brandon is most passionate about logo and poster design. He takes his influence from the Swiss designers of the mid 20th Century and focuses heavily on minimalism. When not on a computer, Brandon enjoys the life of a printmaker, creating many monotype, etching, and silkscreen prints. After graduation, he will explore all of the design opportunities in and around New York City. He plans on leaving his mark on the world.
“The purpose of my degree project is to reduce the stigma associated with having a mental disorder. This project began with designing icons that represent the characteristics of Major Depressive Disorder (Depression), Bipolar I Disorder, Schizophrenia: Paranoid Type, and Schizoid Personality Disorder. The icons offer a visual configuration instead of just a long name with negative connotations. I worked closely with Compeer (an award-winning volunteer service who help individuals suffering from mental disorders) to create posters that contain startling facts, in order to gain awareness, and make the general public realize how common these disorders actually are. I designed pharmaceutical packaging for treating them as well. The idea was to design conceptual labels based on the notion that these disorders are so common that a pill bottle primarily used for vitamins, could be used as an alternative to the typical prescription bottles.”
