Discovering Pittsburgh
Documenting the process of observing and understanding Pittsburgh from outsider.
Illustration
Master of Arts
Personal
2025
Role
Sole Designer
Timeline
2025.9 - 2025.11
(9 Weeks)
Responsibilities
Illustration
Tools
Procreate, Framer
Background
This project was created as the project 1 assignment for
MA Studio I at Carnegie Mellon University in Fall 2025.
I developed Pittsburgh Everyday, a 100-day illustration project executed. Over the course of the semester I produced one illustrated piece per day for 100 consecutive days, focusing on local Pittsburgh culture and everyday objects, from the quirky “Pittsburgh potty” to the Cathedral of Learning and pierogi.
Development
Starting point
I used the assignment to learn Pittsburgh from the inside: as an international student I wanted to surface local quirks and translate them into visual stories that would be legible and interesting both to fellow internationals and to a broader audience.
How I draw
Final Design
Reflection
I would keep the daily practice but add structure and early research to increase impact and reduce rework.
Set a weekly theme and editorial plan. Instead of purely reactive daily prompts, define 12 weekly themes (architecture, food, rituals, transit, etc.) so individual pieces accumulate into stronger narrative arcs. Why: Themes make the series feel coherent and make it easier to assemble a curated portfolio.
Do micro-research before each week. Spend one focused hour researching context and local stories tied to the theme. Why: Even shallow, early research prevents superficial visual choices and yields richer symbolism.
Timebox finishing and iterating. Finish daily sketches quickly, then reserve two weekly review sessions for refinement. Why: Preserves momentum while allowing craftsmanship to improve through iteration.
©Jamie Chung 2025