Whenever I tell someone I attend Johnson & Wales University, they assume I’m studying culinary arts, which makes sense given the school’s reputation. I’m not a chef, but I do collaborate with those who are. One of my most rewarding projects came in October 2025, when my design team partnered with four chefs in the Contemporary Plated Desserts course to create branding, menus, comment cards, and take-home packaging for their chef’s table in just two weeks. Their theme, the Birth of Christ, required visuals that were reverent rather than holiday-themed, so I researched the religious context to ensure our designs were thoughtful and accurate. We developed concepts, refined logos, and landed on a lamb-based design that captured their vision. I designed the pastry box, which was simple and elegant despite printer and cardstock challenges. In the end, we delivered cohesive menus mounted on etched wooden boards and finished packaging. Seeing the chefs’ excitement made the stress worthwhile and showed me how design can elevate someone else’s craft and story.