Stapes Makes
Welcome to my portfolio/shop!
1. Book of Irony
Hand DrawingsThis book became my favorite project to look at, work on, and study—it started by accident with a single doodle that sparked an ironic theme. Filled with playful illustrations like candles around a fire or a water bottle running, it makes my creative brain smile. Made over a year, it grew from an art block into a space where I could draw something weird whenever inspiration struck.
2. Don’t PaNiC
Photoshop collage
In Photoshop, I combined, resized, and reconfigured these seven keychains into a chaotic, layered collage that draws the viewer's eye in multiple directions. This overwhelming sense of visual elements gives the piece a sense of noise and evokes panic, which interestingly didn’t affect the time it took, only a little longer than working on paper. I love pushing boundaries through experimentation; it helps me master my tools, inspire new techniques, and make weird things like this.
3. Stages of Unison
PhotographyWhen I used to dance, I took a day to capture the classes. Young dancers are eager to learn, push themselves, and stretch toward their goals. Everyone was learning pointe, though only a few had shoes, and all the dancers, at different stages, were growing and learning together.
4. A world of my own
MuralOver the course of two and a half years, I drew on ceilings, walls, furniture, and sometimes the same spot repeatedly. I created a space that felt like every thought in my head was out. It became a bigger introduction than simply saying hello, a way to show myself and my ideas all at once.
5. Stuck in Place
PhotographyThis was an in-class project that I fell in love with—the assignment was to find architecture, but I wanted to capture something different and pretty in its own way. I chose a colorful building in metro Detroit with red, yellow, green, and blue shops, partly under repair, that felt beautifully broken and full of quirks. For this series, I walked around it, photographing small details like the ground mailbox and wall spout to create a 360 effect, as if you were walking down the street yourself.
6. Artist Manifesto
Book
(full book in shop!)
I’m an artist, but I wasn’t just born one. This book explores moments in my life when art was introduced, challenged, and embraced, and shows the places and people who supported my dreams. Everyone has their thing—you just have to look for it, and you’ll likely find it within yourself.
7. Growth
Manifesto - Video
For my senior year at College for Creative Studies, I painted a mural reflecting my rules for art and life, using a style that personifies my emotions. Over 15 hours, I created symbolic elements about growth, open-mindedness, focus, listening to your gut, and never letting anyone tell you “can’t.” The mural is about trying new things, seeing the world differently, and expressing yourself while pursuing what you love.
8. Michigan Event Poster
Digital Poster
I channeled Dally’s artistic energy while designing posters for "Dally in the Alley," a vibrant Michigan event I love. Inspired by its dynamic spirit, I created designs that capture the festival’s creativity and community impact. Learning that proceeds support Detroit’s revitalization deepened my appreciation and guided my work’s message of growth and connection.
9. Ice Cream Collages
Collages
ICECREAM is awesome, so I did a project on how it’s made and why we love it! Did you know George Washington was the person who brought ice cream-making materials back to the U.S.? Ice cream isn’t just for kids—I say put down the bottle and grab a pint, because it’s truly an “American” delicacy!
10. 5 4 3 2 1
Zine
This zine is for anyone who struggles with panic or anxiety, aiming to evoke the calming effect of breathing exercises. Embracing the freedom of zines, I experimented with design styles, color schemes, and grid systems while using typography, text placement, and spacing to mirror the rhythm of breathing and distraction techniques I find helpful. I also integrated illustrations and the 5-4-3-2-1 method—5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste.
11. Ken Block Card Deck
Narrative Card Deck
Ken Block was a renowned race car driver and enthusiast of unique, custom-designed memorabilia. The goal of this project was to create a personalized deck that reflected his personality and life, depicting him as a hero within automotive culture. Through these personifying steps, a creative bibliography of Ken Block was created, celebrating his impact on racing and creativity.
12. Hydrangeas for the Cook
Mural
Hydrangea Kitchen has a special place in my heart, and being asked to do this job was a full-circle moment. Working with the client was fun and rewarding, especially adding to a place that gave me so much, like my first job. Megan, the owner, reached out because of my stylistic choices, and I created the mural by sketching with chalk, transferring proportions, and painting with black and green using medium brushes.
13. John Maeda Coded Notebook
Notebook
Picking someone who inspires you is hard, but I chose John Maeda because of his impact on art and technology and his idea of simplicity—“subtract the obvious and add the meaningful.” I wanted to “code” a book that reflected his style while showcasing information about his journey and influence in design and STEM. The notebook was designed for students and enthusiasts, capturing Maeda’s spirit with personal notes I’ve taken from his work over the years.
© STAPES MAKES 2025 - every piece made with love:)