JoAnn Bernardo is a Graphic
Designer & Photographer based
in the Washington D.C. Metro Area.

As a visual creator, my work revolves around the idea of exploring the fine line between the simple things and the detailed. Through various media, mainly through graphic design and photography, I try to find ways in which both worlds meet; if not completely, then at least halfway where the two concepts can work together. With eight years’ worth of experience within the art field, both professionally and educationally, my perspective of the world constantly changes, giving me the ability to see everyday objects in new and abstract ways. 

When I was introduced to the stylistic approach, minimalism, I became hooked to the simplicity in which this method encapsulates. This movement enabled me to view the world and its details in shapes, forms, (different) color palettes, and even lines. One of my key inspirations is Bauhaus – a movement that has highlighted the saying, “less is more”, for me, as I dove into graphic design. This quote is very common to hear, even amongst my colleagues, as I continue my studies in this field.

My photographic studies, though detailed, compared to my graphic design works, centralize on specific subjects and scenes – mainly through portraits and landscapes. So, the perfect place I can capture the best of both worlds is in a city, such as New York, or any busy location. One of the practices I try to incorporate in my works, is street photography – which is essentially where everything is caught candid – enforcing my direction towards the intertwining of simplicity and the complex. The simplistic aspect comes from the expressions of the people and the complex is from the landscape around; could also be vice-versa. 

Minimalism and detail are two different worlds that I seek to harmonize through my works. With that, I would like people to observe what I do, all with an open mind.