Year 3
Bachelor of Design + Digital Media
“Perspective” is a personal project shaped by my upbringing among missionaries and a desire to challenge stereotypes about Malawi. My experience as a volunteer photographer in rural Malawian communities transformed my outlook, revealing resilience, joy, and strength that often go unnoticed. The deep sense of community and joy in everyday acts. These experiences inspired me to value connection and celebrate the beauty in daily life. The book aims to foster empathy, challenge stereotypes, and honour Malawi’s rich culture by sharing authentic stories and images, encouraging readers to engage with open minds and hearts.
In creating “Perspective,” I focused on authentic storytelling and visual documentation to broaden perceptions of Malawian life. Rather than emphasising hardship, I aimed to highlight the richness of family, faith, and community, capturing moments of hope, resilience, and joy. My ethnographic approach prioritised cultural sensitivity and authenticity, allowing Malawian voices and realities to shine. Personal reflections from my travel journals are woven into the Editor’s Letter, infusing the narrative with compassion and advocacy. To reach a wider audience, I developed a companion website that mirrors the book’s aesthetic and message, offering a curated preview.
“Perspective” is designed for authenticity and accessibility. The book opens with the Editor’s Letter, inviting readers to approach the journey as travelers. It features a curated selection of documentarystyle, ethnographic photographs, with a minimal layout that lets images speak for themselves. Every design choice—from image order to cropping—supports the goal of unveiling Malawi’s beauty and challenging stereotypes. The companion website extends this experience online, using select photographs to provide a cohesive glimpse of the book.
“Perspective” stands out for its commitment to social and cultural wellbeing. By striving to represent Malawian communities with honesty and respect, my project encourages introspection and nurtures cross-cultural empathy. Economically, producing the books in New Zealand supports local business. Although the book was not sold, World Vision used the media to advance their charitable work and advocacy. Above all, “Perspective” demonstrates storytelling’s power to transform hearts and minds, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate world.
