Lost in Translation explores how sharing the same language does not always mean sharing the same understanding. By repeating a single sentence as it slowly deteriorates, the work visualizes how meaning can fade over time—not because of linguistic difference, but because of emotional distance. What remains is not silence, but fragments of an understanding that once felt certain and trustworthy.
The piece is rooted in experiences of disappointment—whether from a friend, a loved one, or a professional—where promises are spoken but never truly fulfilled. You may hear the same phrase repeated, the one that once gave you hope or reassurance. At first, it feels meaningful. But as time passes and expectations are not met, the words begin to lose their weight. Although the language stays the same, the meaning slowly diminishes. Eventually, you realize that what was once comforting no longer holds anything at all, or perhaps never did.
Typography and process play a key role in communicating this idea. I chose Helvetica for its modern, neutral, and commonly used nature—much like the words themselves. The sentence begins in a clear, familiar form, then gradually becomes distorted and obscured. As layers build, the type sinks into a dark, static-like depth. This space reflects the internal noise of our thoughts and feelings, where disappointment, doubt, and unspoken emotions live quietly within us. The words are still there, but accessing their meaning becomes harder and harder.
About the Artist
Jessica Coffin is a Portland, Maine–based graphic designer whose creative practice is shaped by early experiences working with animals. Before college, she worked as an animal care technician at the Animal Refuge League, where she learned patience, compassion, and the value of hard work—lessons that continue to guide her personal and professional practice.
She graduated from the Maine College of Art & Design in 2023. Immediately after graduation, she interned at an advertising agency, gaining hands-on experience across digital and print production, conceptualizing campaigns, creating graphics for social media for specific brands, and working on multiple brands at once. She also contributed as part of the art department on commercials and video projects. After three months, she was promoted to full-time graphic designer, a role she held for nearly three years.
Today, Coffin works as a freelance designer, creating book designs, greeting cards, and illustrations as a playful side practice—work that celebrates her inner child. This lighter, expressive side contrasts with the darker, more introspective tone of some of her poster work. She continues to pursue opportunities in professional design, bringing the same dedication, curiosity, and thoughtfulness that have guided her work from the very beginning.
