This was an identity design project for a TEDx speaking event in Normal during my time at Design Streak. The theme of this event was revolved around the word “authentic”. When thinking about the word “authentic” and how it relates to Normal, Illinois, the Design Streak team and I thought about the authenticity of the town. Interestingly, “authentic” and “Normal” are rather contrasting words, yet also complement each other well. Bloomington-Normal has an authentic history that combines aspects of farming and family life, college life, and modern art. Authenticity relates to life, as everyone has a different path in life that is unique to them. We showed this through the complex sets of lines that flow throughout the pieces and interact in different ways. As a person’s unique path crosses another’s, they can end up in the same places, and this is how people form relationships. The red dots we use act as a way to show landmarks and lets the eye flow through the piece, mimicking an eye flowing through a map. Overall, the piece demonstrates authenticity by illustrating different authentic lives coming together in a shared experience at TEDx Normal. It was a huge moment for me as a designer to work with an organization as big and influential as TEDx. This experience really was special for me and allowed me to perform under pressure and come through to deliver an amazing end result for an organization I love.