Akanshya Upadhyay आकांक्षा उपाध्याय

graphic design generalist based in washington dc. working with visual identity systems, experiential graphics, print and digital formats.

currently at national children’s museum. 
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1. Dreamers Gala: 50th Anniversary Celebration

identity & execution
2024

National Children’s Museum, a nationally recognized cultural and educational institution dedicated to play-based science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) learning, celebrated its largest fundraising event of the year: the 50th Anniversary Dreamers Gala. The 2024 event celebrated both the impact of the Museum today, and the legacy of the institution in the greater Washington, D.C., community over the last five decades.  

The Gala’s visual identity builds on the Museum’s brand, blending sophistication with its core essence of playfulness. With a graphic language inspired by current exhibits and programs, the overall event direction embodies the concept of elevated playfulness. The visuals extended across all touchpoints, from an elegant seated dinner to a vibrant after-party at the Museum. The event featured signature cocktails, whimsical desserts, interactive activities, music, and dancing, creating a dynamic and memorable experience that celebrated the Museum’s legacy and mission.

Project Management: Sarah Brustchy, Meredith Hamme
Design & Art Direction: Akanshya Upadhyay, Emilee Schroeder
Socials & Communications: Alex Galiatsatos, Emma Hitchcock
Photography: Dan , Paul
Venues: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, National Children’s Museum






2. Tinkerer’s Studio

brand expression, signage 2024

Branded decals for the Tinkerer's Studio at National Children's Museum to bring a playful addition to the space while building on the Museum's brand, originally developed by Ogilvy. Designed to primarily enhance visibility, the wrap is a reflection of the studio’s spirit of discovery, experimentation and “tinkering.” 

Fabrication: Berry & Homer






3. Thinking It Through

research, publication, BFA degree project
2023

Thinking It Through is a meticulous collection of prompts, questions and printed matter designed to elevate one’s design process by encouraging critical thinking towards their craft and questioning existing conventions. With thought-provoking prompts and insightful questions, this curation aims to spark innovative ideas and conversations and inspire reimagination of and in one’s creative practice.


Designers are often seeking autonomy in their work, with the desire to have more control over the creative process and to express their individuality and personal narratives. However, this desire for autonomy can be constrained by the commercial realities of the industry, which can limit the scope of one’s creative potential and opportunities.

To address this challenge, one approach could be to shift our perspective towards developing creative thinking that prioritizes personal narratives and autonomy in one’s design practice. This could mean putting the individual voice and perspective of the designer at the forefront of the creative process. By valuing personal narratives and creative autonomy, designers can unlock new possibilities for innovation and expression, and create work that truly resonates and reflects one’s unique vision and values. 

4. Decades of Dreams - an archive and storytelling initiative

exhibition graphics
2024

For five decades innovation and inclusion have been at the forefront of National Children’s Museum experience. The Stories Project is an opportunity to create connections between the rich history of the Capital Children’s Museum and a vision for the future laid out by National Children’s Museum. In this initiative, we bring together memories from our community and mementos from our institutional records to celebrate and preserve our legacy. 

As part of the Stories Project, Decades of Dreams brings the National Children’s Museum’s history to life through archival research and storytelling. The exhibit traces the Museum’s evolution from its beginnings as Capital Children’s Museum, highlights key initiatives aligned with the pillars of culture, curiosity, and community, and showcases its evolution in STEAM-focused exhibits. Visitors can experience archival footage through a media installation and engage with an interactive activity to share their hopes for the next generation. 

Team: Meredith Hamme, Emma Hitchcock, Alex Galiatsatos, Emilee Schroeder, Akanshya Upadhyay










5. Celestial System, MICA’s Graphic Design Senior Show of 2023

identity, exhibit graphics
2023

By looking at connections between each student in the graduating class of 2023, Celestial System highlights students’ design projects and their creativity both as individuals and as a collective, bringing together diverse voices and visions in a cohesive and compelling way.  Each student has their own symbol based on their project medium, design values, and their name initials. The result is unique constellations of students that come together as a celestial system.

Collaborators: Sierra Faish, Allison Hao, Chaeyun Kim, Xinyi Lu, Ananya Mohan, Anthony Snowden, Akanshya Upadhyay, Chloe Vo, Jenny Yo, Annie Yu
Exhibition Dates: May 12-15, 2023