Web design project
Behind the lens:
richard avedon
richard avedon
Project Overview
This website was designed as a digital tribute to Richard Avedon, one of the most influential fashion and portrait photographers of the 20th century. Created for a web class, the goal was to build a long-scrolling, modern, and visually engaging experience that felt fresh and accessible—especially compared to existing Avedon websites, which often felt outdated or hard to navigate.
Through bold type, full-bleed imagery, and clear narrative flow, the site invites users to discover Avedon’s life, work, and influence—not just through his photos, but through his story.
Challenge / Goal
Most existing Avedon resources were either text-heavy or overly archival. My challenge was to translate his photographic legacy into a digital format that was:
Fresh and modern in design and tone
Visually immersive, reflecting Avedon’s bold aesthetic
Easy to read and explore, even for people unfamiliar with his work
The project also had to speak to real users, which is why I created detailed personas to guide the layout, content tone, and UX decisions.
Exploration / Ideation
I researched Avedon’s photographic style—high contrast, minimal backdrops, emotional expression—and studied how storytelling websites use rhythm and interaction.
I created personas like Julia, a photography student wanting to learn from Avedon’s story, and Alex, a gallery assistant who needed a site that combined biography with iconic images. These users wanted clarity, emotion, and structure.
Challenge / Goal
The site was designed as a long-scrolling experience, mimicking the feel of flipping through a visual storybook or exhibit.
I used GT Super and GT Aesti for a clean, editorial tone—modern but timeless, just like Avedon’s work.
I organized content into distinct chapters: Visionary Beginnings, A New Face of Fashion, and The Human Portrait.
Large black-and-white photography was paired with minimal, color-accented headlines to create a sense of elegance and focus.
Text content was written with care to balance clarity and insight—informative but digestible.
Outcome / Solution
The result is a visually rich, scroll-based website that feels like an online exhibition. It tells Avedon’s story in a way that’s inviting, narrative-driven, and educational, without overwhelming the user.
It reflects his legacy through design—letting the images breathe, using space and restraint, and elevating content through thoughtful typography and contrast.
Exploration / Ideation
This project taught me how to translate a visual artist’s philosophy into web experience. I learned to:
Combine narrative structure with immersive visuals
Design for specific users by referencing real personas
Use typography and rhythm to guide emotional pacing
It wasn’t just about showcasing Avedon’s photos—it was about bringing his legacy to life through design.
