Gridlock:
Unlocking Parallel Practices
in Graphic Design.


Thesis Overview
Explore Gallery
Interactive Zine
Installation

Emma Shipley, MFA Thesis
ArtCenter College of Design
Spring 2023


AI or LA? On first glance, AI interpretations of vernacular signage are eerily close. Scroll through to compare the two. →


Calimex Family Market
6604 N Figueroa St

A flower market in Los Angeles with a hand painted sign on the building

La Michoacana
6655 N Figueroa St

Highland Market
6901 N Figueroa St

OK Chinese Restaurant
6320 N Figueroa St

The sign for a fruit stand in los angeles

Italiano's Pizza
6500 N Figueroa St

Harnsberger Realty
6330 N Figueroa St

A mural for a flower shop in Los Angeles

Sign for a donut shop in Los Angeles

Wash Works Laundromat
6565 N Figueroa St

El Nuevo Paraiso
6711 N Figueroa St

Joe's Auto Service
6625 N Figueroa St

a sign for a flower shop in a predominately Latino neighborhood in Northeast LA

Neon sign for a noodle shop in West Hollywood

Uno Liquor and Produce Market
6655 N Figueroa St

My Taco
6300 York Blvd #4

Neon sign for a family restaurant in Northeast Los Angeles during the daytime

Palmer Tire & Auto Repair
6128 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042

A billboard for a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles

A vibrant sign painted by hand for a Mexican bakery in Los Angeles

All Saint's Episcopal Church
5619 Monte Vista St

The York Stop Market
5941 York Blvd

A hand painted for an ice cream shop

A dingbat apartment in los angeles with big type on the walls

A sign for a laundromat in Los Angeles

Tropical Juice LA
5729 N Figueroa St

A hand-drawn menu at a Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles