Visual Communication - Bachelor

Guppy Volume 1.

Guppy Volume 1 is a coffee-table book that explores how the neurodivergent experience can be visually communicated. Spanning painting, mixed media and graphic design, this book explores themes of connection, grief, overwhelm, and inner worlds through a unique & personally informed lens. This project aims to contribute to accurate & effective representation of autistic and neurodiverse individuals in modern culture.

Preston Saunders

Promotional graphic reading “WHAT IS GUPPY?” with copy: “Preston ‘Guppy’ Saunders is a visual artist and designer, whose multidisciplinary practice centres around communicating neurodivergent experience. Guppy Volume 1. is a chance to experience the intensity and vibrancy of an autistic perspective.” Right side: a roadside billboard mock-up displaying colourful starbursts and spirals on a black background. Bottom centre: Guppy logo (cartoon face with glasses) in a purple badge; pastel geometric shapes in the background.

This chapter explores how autism creates shared experiences that transcend cultural & language barriers, and the occurrence of neurodivergent culture and community. Through personal anecdotes, the book underscores the importance of creating spaces for neurodivergent connection, acknowledging that the devastatingly high rates of suicide in the ASD community are indicative of systemic and societal failings.

This chapter explores how Guppy’s extraordinary relationship with colour has shaped their perceptions & experiences. From putting on bottle-cap thick glasses every morning to having hyper colour sensitivities and synesthesia, the author writes and paints about just how influential colour is in their everyday.

This is an accurate depiction of how autistic overstimulation feels. By using colour, contrast & line, this book forgoes the need for language or translation. The feeling that this embodies is universal. This chapter’s sole purpose is to communicate the all-consuming intensity & deep discomfort of overstimulation

This chapter is a visualisation of the safe spaces in Guppy’s mind. Fond memories, Mother Nature & natural beauty are frequent subjects. The inner garden is where your childhood belief in magic goes. It is the sandbox from your youth, your eternal playground.

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Preston Saunders

Preston Saunders is a Brisbane-based visual communicator and artist, specialising in illustration, brand identity, art direction and visual expression. Born with synesthesia and Autism Spectrum Condition, her unique mindset and perspective inform her out-of-the-box approaches. Through dynamic line and vibrant colour, she passionately explores themes of identity, neurodivergence, representation and de-stigmatisation.