1

Hey Yall!
I am Amber Sowell, a
graduate of The University of
South Carolina with a Bachelors
degree in Journalism and Mass
Communications with a
concentration in Visual
Communications. My work is a
reflection of the talent and
extreme passion I possess of
design in all aspects, especially
illustration. Consistently learning
and developing new concepts is
my dedication. I hope you find my
portfolio to be representative of
this. Enjoy!

tor

mmunica

visual co

Music Education...
Client
Class Project
Description
This graphic was created in
order to inform the viewer
about music education. The
before and after are shown so
that one can see the thought
process behind the graphic.

Location Ahead...
Client
Class Project
Description
This map was designed to
help visitors easily locate
the church. It also gives
other useful information like
where to park, shows the
visitors center, and gives
fellowship times so one can
easily have everything they
need to know.

Graphic Identities...
Client
Various
Description
These graphics were logos
designed and used by various
clients. Each was used to create
a graphic identity and used for
business cards, letterheads, and
other needs for each of these
business.

LLC

Minute to Win it!...

Client
Class Project
Description
This informational graphic
was created to highlight a
twist to the popular game
show, Minute to Win it! by
creating a college edition
using common items
associated with the college
experience. The illustration
demonstrates the challenge
and what has to be done to
complete the task.

Interview...
Client
Class Project
Description
This project involved selecting
a magazine and recreating its
design, from the cover, to text
formatting, and overall layout.
In order to create a six page
layout including images and
advertisements like those in
the magazine.

-H

and
FAR CraftedM
VO FRESH

DKA

From
a fift
Min
h
n
a co-o esota sp generatio
irit
no
po
Prair f local fa makers anf
rmer
ie O
Han
rgan
s co d
dcr
yello afted fr gic Vod mes
famil w corn om org ka.
an
gr
y
own
ic #2
Prari farms
by
n
peop es kernel ear the three
dis
le
s
chem and natu are pam tiller y,
per
re
ic
and al fertiliz rather th ed by
pesti
er
an
s,
th
ci
conve des use herbicid e
es
do
ntial
cousi n their
ns.
Enjoy

in mod

eration.

2010

Prarie
Organic

Vod

ka, 40%

alc./
vol.(80
pro

of).

Distille
d

in Ben

son,

MN.

Bottled

by Ed

Phillips

& Son

s Co.

,Princet
on, MN
, USA
.

10

3/CONTENTS

Natalie

Shes grown up
before our eyes,
that Natalie Portman. A stone-cold
12-year-old in
The Professional
(1994). Making
hay with Pacino
in Heat (1995).
Playing underage
By JAKE GYLLENHAAL
over-smart in
Photography VINOODH MATADIN, INEZ Beautiful Girls
VAN LAMSWEERDE
(1996). Star Wars.
Harvard. Garden
State (2004). Closer (2004). A Golden Globe. A degree in psychology.
V for Vendetta (2005), which afforded her the opportunity to be, for
a fleeting moment, the hottest girl at Comic-Con, and inspired a
band to call themselves Natalie Portmans Shaved Head. Now,
shes directing (she helmed a segment of the new anthology
film New York, I Love You), and producing (the family drama Hesher), and venturing into both comedy
(David Gordon Greens Your
Highness), and Norse mythology (she just signed on
to play the female lead in
Thor). Natalie gave us an
inside look in one of her
most recent films, Black
Swan.

PORTMAN

With the film nearly

being 10 years in the
making and given its
themes of coming of
age and the passage
of time, are you now
grateful it did take
so long to come
together? Do you
think you would
have approached
it differently back
then?
Natalie Portman:
Thats exactly right. I
think having the experience of my twenties
when I did this film
was an absolute asset.
Because going from this
child-like state of sort
of wanting to please
people. I started as
a child actress and
where you just
sort of want to
make everyone
happy, youre
always looking
for approval. Its
almost like that
pageant thing,
where you see
the little kids
do their dance
and then look right at their mom
to ask How did I do? How did I
do? (laughs). Thats sort of what
you feel like as a child actor, youre
always looking for that approval.
So to get to a point where youre
really trying to make yourself
happy, and trying to fulfil yourself

through your performance is a whole new experience. I really think that

being in my late twenties gave me a perspective that really helped with the
film. But it also means that the earlier parts of the film, where shes young,
insecure, naive, childlike and trying to please everyone, are all the more
difficult because it felt like a regression of sorts.
I think it was an absolute asset. I started as a child actress, wanting to
please and make everyone happy. Its like that pageant thing, where youre
always looking for approval. You have to get to a state where youre doing
things for yourself and thats something I gained in my twenties, it gave
me a perspective that really helped. But it also made the earlier parts
of the film, where shes childlike and nave, harder because it felt like a
regression of sorts.
Does the acting world have any parallels with the ballet world in
terms of competition for roles and the need to look good?
Natalie Portman: I think there are similar pressures, particularly with that
sort of replacement, that there is an age limit. I think in film and theatre
its a little bit more flexible for actresses because you can change the
kind of roles you might go for, from a leading lady to a character actress.
Whereas for dancers your career is sort of over at a
certain point. Theres also more material reward for what
we do than there is for dancers. Theres is truly an art of
passion. No one is becoming rich and famous off of being a ballet dancer anymore. But theres also something
incredibly beautiful about that as well.
Did you surprise yourself through doing a psychological role such as this? Did you learn anything
about yourself ?
Natalie Portman: I suppose I learned how much I could
do. I didnt particularly think of myself as someone who
seeks pleasure and doesnt like pain. So, to actually put
myself through pain for that long and not just make
myself feel good was, I guess, a scary thing to discover
but also good to know that I could focus in that way for
a role. So, I guess its heartening to know that you can
deprive yourself in that way. I dont think I ever expected how hard this was going to be, either. I feel lucky
that I didnt expect it, because it meant I went in with
all this enthusiasm and excitement about getting to do
ballet and it really propelled me through those difficult
moments. Im not sure that would have been possible had
I expected the hardship.
Did you ever take your character home with you?
Natalie Portman: I like to shut off the character as soon
as Ive finished, whether its after a take or going home
for the day after work. But it was really difficult on this
one, probably because I had so much training outside of
work to do. I had to go to the gym after work, and then
had to wake up at 5am before work and work out beforehand. It was constant throughout the day, so there wasnt
really any time to relax and be myself.
Your character strives for perfection. Is that something you can relate to?
Natalie Portman: Im very demanding of myself, but Im
not self-punishing. I never feel like Ive done enough, I
always feel like I can do more. But I dont like being hungry or in pain or tired (laughs). For this character, I went
into that self-punishing mode and didnt sleep and didnt
eat and worked out all day through injuries for three months, I did that for
the character. But on my own, Im a pleasure seeker (laughs).
Which of the two swans do you think resembles you the most?
Natalie Portman: I think everyone has a little bit of both. I dont think
anyone is all white or all black, I think weve all got purity and impurity
battling inside of us (laughs).

11

The Daily Gamecock...

Client
Various
Description
These were print ads created.
For various clients in the USC
area, and published in the paper.

12

Leashes
Collars
Apparel
Accessories
Treats
and MORE!

13

Stand Up, Speak Out...

Client
Student Health Services
Description
Stand Up Carolina was a
campaign created to educate
students about sexual assault
and violence. The graphics
shown are ads that ran in the
newspaper, but informational
handbills, fliers, posters, and
student ticketing ads were
also designed as part of the
campaign.

14

15

Telephone Directory...
Client
University of South Carolina
Description
These photos were taken to
showcase buildings across
campus and the used for
the cover of the campus
telephone directory. These
five images were submitted
to a panel, with the cover
to the right, of the Thomas
Cooper Library being chosen. Around 14,000 copies
were printed and distributed
across campus.

16

17

Discover Carolina...
Client
University of South Carolina
Description
Discover Carolina is a 100+
page publication that is sent
out to all incoming freshman
and transfer students new to
USC. The booklet is designed
to help familiarize students
with their new campus, with
these images highlighting
important places around
campus.

18

19

Class of 2011...
Client
Kathleen Toole
Description
These photos were taken to
commemorate Kathleens
graduation and were shot
on memorable spots across
campus.

20

21

Housing Guide...
Client
University of South Carolina
Description
This tabloid was published as a
supplement to the Daily Gamecock
newspaper. It was published to
help students navigate their way
through deciding where to live, as
well as give local living complexes
a place to advertise their amenities.

22

can find information

about off-campus
housing on websites, in
local newspapers and
other publications, local
real estate agents, and/
or word of mouth. The
University hosts a searchable
housing database,
offcampushousing.sc.edu in
an effort to centralize your
search.
home

MIN
E

After you choose a destination, there are

a few more exits to take before moving in.

Signing a Lease
DO NOT sign a lease
simply to secure a place
to live. Read the lease
before signing it. Signing a
lease does not just reserve
you a place to live, it is a
legal document. Once
you sign the lease, you are
responsible for the provisions
of that lease. If there are
agreements between you
and the landlord regarding
changes to the lease or
property, do not sign the
lease unless the changes are
in writing.

Typical Renting Requirements

You may be asked to
fill out an application and
pay a fee. The landlord
may also check your credit
report. Some landlords may
require a student to have a
guarantor on their lease. This
is typically a parent and is
often referred to as a cosignor.
Once your application
has been approved, you
will then be asked to sign
a lease. OCSS(Off Campus
Student Services) does not
recommend signing a lease
or putting a deposit down
unless you have seen the
rental property first. For
more information about
leases check out our Signing
a Lease page. (sa.sc.edu/
ocss/leasing/)

After signing the lease,

your co-signer may also
be asked to sign. This is
assurance to the landlord
that if the student tenants
are unable to pay the rent,
that they as a co-signer
will be held responsible for
covering the costs. Once
all documents have been
signed, make sure to keep a
copy of EVERYTHING.

What should be included in your rental agreement?

> Amount of rent to be paid
> The date the rent is due
> The date the rent is late and the penalty for late payment
> Landlord contact information
> Move-in and Move-out dates

When should I start looking for housing off

campus?
Some of the larger apartment complexes
will start pre-leasing as early as October for
the following academic year (example:
sign a lease in October 2011 for the 20112012 academic year). Many students will
continue to look at housing well into the
Spring semester. OCSS offers an off campus
housing fair in March to provide students a
convenient way to inquire about housing
off campus.
How do I find housing off campus?
OCSS provides students, faculty and staff
with a convenient website that lists available apartments and houses for rent and
sale in Columbia and the surrounding area.
The site is very user-friendly and provides
information such as location, pricing, floor
plans, and amenities about each listing.

Do I have to visit Columbia to search for

housing?
It is never recommended that you sign a
lease before seeing the property in person.
New students are encouraged to look for
housing while they are in town for Orientation. If you have to make a separate trip to
Columbia it may be well worth the trip in
order to physically see the property you are
thinking about renting/buying.

Can OCSS recommend a place to live off

campus?
Off-Campus Student Services can provide
students, faculty, staff and students family
members with resources to find off campus
housing and the education necessary to
locate the right housing. We do not recommend housing or make referrals for housing
off campus. It is important to determine
your budget and needs for housing off

Are the off campus housing properties affiliated with the University?
No, all the properties are owned independently of the University.
Can I use my financial aid to pay for my off
campus housing?
Students may use their financial to pay
for housing but it cannot be paid the same

as if they were living on campus. Once

students apply their financial aid to pay
their fees, the remaining balance of aid will
be reimbursed to them. It is then up to the
student to responsibly manage that lump
sum and pay their bills each month. For
more information on applying fees via VIP,
please visit Student Financial Aid.
How much is rent and what else do I have
to pay?
Rent in Columbia and the surrounding
area can vary greatly. The average rent
is likely somewhere between $450-700 per
person per month. The closer you live to
campus the higher the rent will likely be.
Some rent payments will cover everything
from utilities to high-speed internet to lawn
services while others may cover none of
those. It is important when look ing for a
place to live to clarify with the landlord
what the rent payment covers.
Do I have to sign a 12 month lease?
The lease terms will indicate how long
your lease is good for. Most apartments/
houses will require a 12 month lease while
others may allow you to sign a shorter term
such as 6-9 months. Many students who do
not plan on staying the entire summer will
look for some to take over their lease for the
remaining months of the term (sublease).

23

RETREAT

SIGN A
LEASE BY

APRIL13TH

AND YOUR NAME WILL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAWING

AT THE SLIP-N-SLIDE EVENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN AN
IPAD, FLAT SCREEN TV AND A $1,000 Vaca Giveaway!

WINNER

EVERYONE IS A

PLAY PLINKO FOR A CHANCE IF YOU SIGN A LEASE!

TO WIN ONE OF MANY PRIZES.
WEVE GOT ALL OF THE SPRING BREAK ESSENTIALS:
TEES, TANKS, COOLERS, BEACH TOWELS AND FLOATS!

If you think your lease has been violated it is best to attempt to work it out with
the landlord first. Make sure all communication is documented and in writing if
possible.
If the situation cannot be resolved, please consider consulting a lawyer. If
you do not know a lawyer, you can call the South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral
Service weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 803-799-7100.

Layout14March12_12pgTABLOID.indd 8

How do I know where certain apartments or

houses are located?
OCSS has provided descriptions of the
locations listed on the off campus housing
website and is in the process of developing
a housing map to better assist you in your
search.

What if Im a college freshman and I want

to live off campus?
All first year students are required to live
on campus for their first academic year
(two semesters). An appeal may be filed
in order to live at home with parents to
University Housing.

THE

> Is there a lease renewal clause?

> Are pets allowed? If so, is there a fee or additional deposit?
> Is a deposit required? If so, how much?
> Are there guest restrictions?
> Can the tenants sublease the apartment or house?
> Are there restrictions against decorating the rental?
> Can the rent amount be increased?
> Are there conduct rules for the property?
> Who is responsible for lawn care?
> How much notice is required to terminate the lease?

4/11/12 2:22 PM

campus including location, amenities, etc

in order for you to determine the right off
campus housing fit.

INTO

Other questions to consider before signing a lease

*Note: This information was compiled by the Off Campus student services and was prepared to give
you some general information. It is not intended to serve as legal advice about any particular problem.

Layout14March12_12pgTABLOID.indd 4

According to the South

Carolina Landlord & Tenant
Law, both oral and written
agreements to rent are
considered leases. To be
enforceable, your lease
must be fair, honest, and
reasonable to both the
landlord and the tenant. The
landlord may still enforce the
lease without the tenants
signature if the landlord
gives the tenant a copy,
then tenant moves into the
unit and pays rents, and the
landlord accepts the rent.

Should I live off campus?

OCSS stands by the University of South
Carolina mission that encour ages students
to live on campus however there is not
enough housing on campus to accommodate the entire student population. Living
off campus comes with more responsibilities as well as certain freedoms than living
on campus. About 70% of students at the
University live off campus and OCSS is here
to assist them in finding housing as well as
making the adjustment to living on their
own.

4/11/12 2:22 PM

THE RETREAT CLUBHOUSE | 1929 BLUFF ROAD

FOR INFO TEXT COLUMBIA TO 47464

Are you wondering where

to start your off campus
housing search? First, you
should think of what your
preferences are, such as
rent price, location, and
amenities. Creating a list of
necessities will help you in
your search. When you call
about a place, ask about
your preferences before
arranging to see it; this will
save you time in your search
process.
There are many factors
to take into consideration
when searching for off
campus housing. You

FAQs

CONTINUE ON

Leasing or renting a place to live off campus can

be a very exciting and positive experience as
well as confusing and overwhelming. This guide
will help you find the information and resources
you need to successfully navigate your
off campus experience.*

Spring

START HERE

CALL 803.733.5800 FOR MORE INFO!

Layout14March12_12pgTABLOID.indd 12

4/11/12 2:23 PM

Cynthias Monogram and More...

Client
Cynthia Sowell
Description
This was a graphic identity
created for a gift shop. The
logo was used for business
cards, fliers, and other
needs .

24

1926 Second Loop Road > Florence, SC 29501

843.407.5530
cynthiasmm.info@gmail.com

Cynthia Sowel l
Owner

1926 Second Loop Road > Florence, SC 29501

843.407.5530
cynthiasmm.info@gmail.com
Like Us On

Like Us On

25

Cynthias Monogram and More...

Client
Cynthia Sowell
Description
These were ads created for
multiple print publications.

Want To Know
Santas Secret?
26

The Perfect Gift for Any Occasion

Dont forget that Mothers Day & Graduation
are just around the corner!

He checks everyone off his list

by shopping at Cynthias
Monograms and More!

Cynthias

Monograms & More

1926 Second Loop Florence, SC 29501

843.407.5530

Flop on in for all your summer needs.

1926 Second Loop Road Florence, SC 29501
843.407.5530 cythiasmm.info@gmail.com

Cynthias

Monograms & More

1926 Second Loop Florence, SC 29501 843.407.5530

Health 1st...
Client
Dr. Ratemass
Description
These are several print items
designed to boost clients and inform
them or all the practice offers .

DOT

Exams
We strive to be your affordable onestopshop for all your truck
driver compliance needs. Below is a list of charges for all services
need to stay in compliance with the Department of Motor Vehicles:

Consortium Set Up fee:

As low as $50

S
T
N

DE

U
ST

T
E
G

A
E
H

Y
A
ST

As low as $100

DOT or MRO Reviewed Drug Test:

$50

10 Panel Instant Drug Test:

$25

DOT/CDL Physicals:

$65 Cash
$70 Credit/Check

(50+ Drivers, 100+ Drivers. additional discounts available)

If you have any questions. please do not hesitate to contact us!
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Dr. Scott A. Ratamess 311 West Palmetto Street, Florence, SC 29501
P: 843.662.2811 F: 843.662.6377 Health1stFlorence@aol.com

D
E
N

IG
L
A

(Depending on number of drivers)

Annual Fee for Consortium:

Y
H
LT

Let experienced hands

help you stay healthy with

CHIROPRACTIC
ADJUSTMENTS

Let Dr. Ratemass and

Dr. Weaver use their
combined years of
experience to stay
aligned this semester.

FOR JUST $100

A SEMESTER
Come in for all the
adjustments you need

Start this semester preserving

and protecting your health for

NOW AND THE FUTURE

Valid Student ID required for
semester discounted price.

311 West Palmetto St., Florence, SC 29501

P: 843.662.2811 F: 843.662.6377
Health1stFlorence@aol.com

27

.Classy Critters Pet Spa..

Client
Amber Pearson
Description
This was a graphic identity
created for grooming salon.
The logo was used for
business cards, fliers,
permanent signage and
other needs .

28

Pet Spa

Pet Spa

FRONT

29

BACK

Pet Spa

Pet Spa

Pet Spa

Where we treat your pet like royalty!

Call today for an Appointment (843)-661-7755

Pet Spa

Amber Pearson
Owner
1808 King Ave.
Florence, South Carolina 29501

(843)-661-7755
Call today for and Appointment!

Carolina Homecoming...
Client
Class Project
Description
This photo essay showcased
the homecoming events
across campus. Each photo
shows a different activity
and the story takes readers
through all of the weeks
events.

CRaZy for

Carolina

Homecoming is always exciting, especially at the University of South Carolina. Homecoming means that the weather is finally cooling down and that football season is in full
gear, and this year was no exception. The theme, Crazy for Carolina, showcased how every
Gamecock student is crazy for Carolina. Whether it is watching a game in Williams Brice stadium, going to formal with fellow Greeks, attending class in the Coliseum, or even the actual
festivities of homecoming itself, every Gamecock has a reason to be Crazy for Carolina.
With all of the events held during homecoming week, it would be hard not to find a reason to
be excited about homecoming as well.
The week kicked off with the banner competition, where different organizations displayed their visuals of Crazy for Carolina. The banner competition was followed by the
kick-off event on Monday, in which Gamecocks received a schedule of events and of course
all of the free homecoming goodies. After the kick-off, there was the canned creations contest, where participating organizations used canned goods to build their creations and then
donated the goods to local charities.
Other events of homecoming include: the annual showcase in which the king ad queen
are revealed, the talent competition Spurs and Struts, the Cockfest Pep Rally, and the annual
roast of the rivals mascot, which this year was the Razorback Roast. The week wraps up with
the homecoming parade and step show at the Colonial Life arena, followed by the football
game, of course. This year, the South Carolina Gamecocks took on the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Even with the excitement of homecoming, the Razorbacks defeated the Gamecocks 41-20,
which made for a sad ending to a very exciting week.

Homecoming 2010

South Carolinas Mascot, Cocky, Kicks of the homecoming parade

riding in on a fire truck with local Columbia firefighters.

30

One of the many creative floats designred by student organizations across Carolinas campus. Many
Fraternitys and Sorritys participated in the float building and stayed up late to make there float the best.

Members of the University Amasodors participate in the homecoming

parade showing off how they are Crazy for Carolina,

Tori Gurley number 81 catches the pass from Garcia

number 5, which leads to the touchdown.

Banners from the competion displayed on Greene

St. to show how crazy the Gamecocks are for
Carolina.

Jackie Bradley Jr. MVP of the college

world series rides throughthe
parade with his fellow teamates and
National Champions.

One of the many traditions of Gamecoks nation , Sandstorm. When those

first few techno beats blare throughout Williams Brice the student section
starts rocking.

Guaranteed Low Prices...

Client
IGA
Description
These were tags
and shelf talkers
designed for a
grocery store.
Each shelf talker
was designed
to showcase a
different items that
stores have.

31

Headline...
Client
Name goes here.
Description
Goes here.

32