Elliott Nittler ’25
I strive to combine activism, environmental education, and graphic design. Through my time at Lehigh, I was able to explore both Graphic Design and Environmental Studies as a way to solve problems by creating something beautiful. I believe that every visual element can be a powerful tool for storytelling, advocacy, and change. My diverse academic background has given me a unique perspective on the world, allowing me to bring a fresh and inclusive approach to my graphic design work. I aim to shed light on important issues, creating materials that not only educate but also inspire action.
My concept for this project came from a need for more awareness about the issue that invasive species pose on the environment. By using visual elements, I aim to shed light on this important issue, creating materials that not only educate but also inspire action. In doing so, I hope to provide an accessible entry point for the public to learn more and take steps toward preserving their local environment. When looking at invasive species for this project, I decided to use species that were visually appealing. I wanted to use their beauty against them in order to get people’s attention. Both the patterns for the hoodie design and the poster color palettes are directly from the species themselves. Using hoodies as a form of activism comes from the idea that if you are wearing something that sparks conversation then you are able to create a ripple effect of change. Invasive species are an underrepresented issue that need to be addressed and I strived to bring this to light. As the Founder of Lehigh’s Modeling Club, I was able to use the models that I trained for this photoshoot. I received the George Lemmon Award for my project and was featured in the 2025 Senior Honors AAD Exhibit.
In this packaging design project we were assigned to take an everyday object to rebrand and redesign with sustainability in mind. My goal was to create something that is not only practical and sustainable but also aesthetically captivating. Chapstick felt like the ideal item to make sustainable since it’s a daily staple in my life, aligning with my values. Drawing inspiration from the periodic table, I chose metals as the visual theme for the tubes, bringing each element’s unique colors and textures to life. Each chapstick tube is engraved with patterns reflecting the aesthetic and historical qualities of specific metals, enhancing their visual appeal. For the inserts, I added a touch of alchemy to emphasize the scientific yet whimsical roots of modern chemistry, choosing elements like air, water, fire, and earth to represent different flavors and vibes. These inserts are compostable, aligning with the product’s sustainability focus. I received a Graphis New Talent Award in 2025 for this project!
Here the assignment was to create an invitation for a cause to either a gala, fun run, or concert. I decided to do a gala for a mental health charity (To Write Love on Her Arms) in a vintage circus aesthetic. Instead of just an invitation I created a whole PR box, including items you can use both before and at the gala, to bring the whimsy to the guest and allow them to further connect with the event. The circus theme was brought together with the tagline “Your Show Must Go On” as the event shines a spotlight on mental health awareness, because everyone deserves an encore in their personal journey.
