ABBY MINDERHOUD
BFA GDD MAJOR
Abby Minderhoud is a graphic designer based in the Fraser Valley whose work blends function, emotion, and aesthetics to craft a thoughtful story behind every design. She discovered her love for visual communication while studying at UFV, where she quickly connected with all aspects of design. Having grown up constantly making art and working with her hands, Abby creates with intention and purpose. She loves integrating handmade elements into her projects whenever possible, always prioritizing craftsmanship and hard work. Abby is especially drawn to projects that spark curiosity, inspire learning, encourage community, and aim to solve complex issues.
Now take a look at my work
CityStudio Hubbub #11
People's Choice Award
2023
Dean's List
2021–2024
CREATE LIKE A KID
Drawing with my 4-year-old niece and working creatively with kids made me realize how powerful and uninhibited children’s creativity is. Studies show that creativity peaks at age five and declines as we grow older, with a steady drop in adult creativity scores since the 1990s. My capstone project, Create like a Kid, is about reconnecting with that childlike spark and learning from the creativity of kids themselves.
Through my research, I created 30 creativity principles inspired by kids. I scanned childhood drawings and organized them by which principle they fit best. Each book shares a principle, a kid’s example, and a fun prompt so the reader can practice their creativity. As the book’s sizes grow, so does the reader’s understanding and creativity. The final book ends with blank pages for the reader to create freely, like a kid again.
HABITAT 'SURVIVE THE VALLEY'
The Fraser Valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including several species considered endangered or at risk. It’s also experiencing rapid population growth and urban development, with projections suggesting a 56% increase by 2050. This growth will lead to serious habitat loss and environmental pressure. Despite the valley’s unique ecological importance, many locals are unaware of how human activity affects wildlife and the desperate need for conservation.
The board game HABITAT: Survive the Valley, is based on the Fraser Valley and inspired by 'The Game of Life'. Players guide one of six endangered species, navigating the challenges and triumphs of survival in the valley, to gain health points. The game highlights the interconnectedness of our environment and encourages players to consider the land we live on. By learning about these animals, players build empathy and are inspired to spark meaningful change.
5 GUM PACKAGE REDESIGN
For this project, I redesigned everyday gum packaging into three colour concepts: four-colour, two-colour, and one-colour. The challenge was to use minimal colours while considering sustainable printing methods. My creative concept focused on visually highlighting the “Sour Strawberry” flavour through product photography. Using carefully selected strawberries and blue and pink lighting, I aimed to capture the gum’s bold, intense flavour, creating a vibrant visual story the audience can almost taste.
