AR reality

Fostering Social Impact Through Immersive Technology

AR reality

Fostering Social Impact Through Immersive Technology

UI/UX (speculative)

designer


Role

Dirk Bertels



Team

Adobe XD

Unity


Tools

AR reality

Fostering Social Impact Through Immersive Technology

UI/UX (speculative)

designer


Role

Dirk Bertels



Team

Adobe XD

After Effects


Tools

AR reality

Fostering Social Impact Through Immersive Technology

UI/UX (speculative)

designer


Role

Dirk Bertels



Team

Adobe XD

Unity


Tools

Overview

Project

Speculative Design Confronting Influencer Realism on Social Media

This project delves into the realm of speculative design, leveraging immersive technology to address a pressing social issue. The focus is on utilizing Augmented Reality (AR) to provide young individuals with an authentic glimpse into the lives of their favorite influencers. Speculative design plays a crucial role, allowing us to explore future scenarios and possibilities, envisioning a solution that challenges the unrealistic standards set by influencers on social media.

Motivation

Using AR to Illuminate Authenticity Behind Social Media Influencers

The core motivation is to employ AR as a medium to showcase the unfiltered reality of influencers. By revealing the genuine appearance of these individuals, the project seeks to guide young people away from striving for unattainable ideals. The intention is to dismantle the illusion of perfection propagated on social media platforms, ultimately nurturing a healthier and more realistic self-perception.

Research

Target group

AR Intervention for Social Media's Impact on Gen Z and Millennials

The target demographic comprises two prominent social media user groups: Generation Z and Millennials. As identified by Viens (2020), these generations are not only prolific users of social media but also more susceptible to its negative effects. The project recognizes the escalating impact of social media on self-esteem and mental health within these demographics.

Impact of Photoshop

Influencer-Induced Body Image Issues and Mental Health

A critical aspect of the research highlights the detrimental effects of comparing oneself to the photoshopped content of influencers. The pursuit of an idealized appearance often leads to low self-esteem, the development of mental disorders (such as body dysmorphia), and even contemplating extreme measures like plastic surgery.


In these images, you can see that the majority of women and men believe that social media plays a significant role in how they view their bodies. They compare themselves to social media images, and these comparisons are never favorable.

Causes

How Influencers Shape Gen Z and Millennials' Body Image

With the rise of influencers, everything has become more accessible. Gen Z can now follow those who openly share their surgical journeys.

This democratization of information has led to greater curiosity and engagement among younger generations

There is a clear correlation between the demand for certain procedures and when influencers actively promote them.

Impact of product

The Future Wheel's Journey into Potential Consequences

The Future Wheel serves as a powerful tool to unravel the potential consequences of trends and events. This analysis explores a myriad of associations, each accompanied by a detailed explanation to provide clarity on the envisaged outcomes.

Consequence Analysis: Post-Photoshop Era

1. Recognition of Influencer Efforts

Explanation: As awareness grows regarding the extensive efforts, including Photoshop and plastic surgery, invested by influencers to attain fame, a shift in perception occurs. People gain insight into the meticulous crafting of a specific image, inspiring a realization that achieving fame often demands adhering to a predetermined aesthetic. This newfound understanding fosters inspiration and a recognition of the challenges influencers face to conform to societal expectations.

2. Surge in Plastic Surgery Trends

Explanation: With the decline or prohibition of Photoshop usage, there is a potential surge in plastic surgery trends. Individuals, seeking to emulate the flawless appearance previously achieved through digital manipulation, may turn to cosmetic procedures. The focus shifts from post-production editing to physical alterations, leading to an increase in cosmetic surgeries, particularly in areas like nose reshaping.

3. Influencer Authenticity vs. Loss of Followers

Explanation: Certain influencers, accustomed to presenting a curated and idealized version of themselves, may face a decline in followers as authenticity becomes a valued trait. Followers, discerning the disparity between genuine content and mimicked trends, might disengage from influencers who fail to embrace their originality. This shift underscores the importance of authenticity in maintaining and growing a dedicated follower base.


Photo collection

A Gallery of Unfiltered Truths Behind Influencers' Transformations

A curated gallery of before-and-after images sourced from the internet showcases the stark contrast between influencers' edited and unedited appearances. This collection serves as a visual representation of the pervasive issue at hand.

Concepting

Photo’s in Unity

Swift Recognition, Seamless Experience

In crafting the AR prototype, specific considerations were made regarding image recognition efficiency. The other pictures I collected didn’t work as well as an image target, because they are poorly recognized.


It takes a long time for the photo to appear and of course I want the recognition to be fast.


The use of Unity facilitated the creation of a prototype that effectively and promptly recognizes the image target, ensuring a seamless and impactful user experience.

Instagram page

Unveiling AR's Potential with an Interactive Instagram Page

To demonstrate the AR prototype's functionality, an interactive Instagram page was designed using Adobe XD. This platform serves as a visual narrative, showcasing the potential impact of the AR solution.

Results

Prototype

Revolutionizing Realities

The culmination of the project is a video showcasing the AR prototype in action. This visual representation provides a tangible demonstration of how immersive technology can be harnessed to confront and alleviate social issues related to self-image and unrealistic beauty standards.

Presenting prototype

Immersive AR Prototype Presentation Unveils Multifaceted Experience

In the prototype presentation, the integration of physical and digital elements creates a immersive experience. The scene unfolds with posters placed on tables, a laptop showcasing the Instagram feed in Figma, and an Android phone enabling users to explore the original images by scanning over the instagram feed.


1. Posters on Tables

Visual: Physical posters serve as the tangible foundation, inviting users to engage with the project.


2. Laptop Displaying Instagram Feed

Visual: The laptop acts as a digital canvas, projecting the Instagram feed designed in XD. This serves as a digital overview of the project.


3. Android Phone Interaction

Visual: The Android phone, a dynamic interface, adds an interactive layer to the experience. Users can scan the phone over the instagram feed, initiating a mixed reality interaction.

Metrics & feedback

The effectiveness of the design solution is evidenced through the immersive prototype presentation and the impactful consequence analysis. User engagement metrics and feedback collected during presentations contribute to demonstrating the project's success.


Lessons learned

Reflecting on the design process, the project underscores the importance of aligning immersive experiences with real-world issues. The success of the prototype lies in its ability to immerse users while delivering a meaningful message. Future projects could benefit from a deeper understanding of the user's emotional response and engagement metrics.

Opportunities for improvement

Continuous refinement of the AR prototype based on user feedback and further user testing could enhance its impact. Exploring partnerships with influencers or mental health organizations for broader dissemination and adoption could amplify the project's reach and effectiveness.

Overview

Project

Speculative Design Confronting Influencer Realism on Social Media

This project delves into the realm of speculative design, leveraging immersive technology to address a pressing social issue. The focus is on utilizing Augmented Reality (AR) to provide young individuals with an authentic glimpse into the lives of their favorite influencers. Speculative design plays a crucial role, allowing us to explore future scenarios and possibilities, envisioning a solution that challenges the unrealistic standards set by influencers on social media.

Motivation

Using AR to Illuminate Authenticity Behind Social Media Influencers

The core motivation is to employ AR as a medium to showcase the unfiltered reality of influencers. By revealing the genuine appearance of these individuals, the project seeks to guide young people away from striving for unattainable ideals. The intention is to dismantle the illusion of perfection propagated on social media platforms, ultimately nurturing a healthier and more realistic self-perception.

Research

Target group

AR Intervention for Social Media's Impact on Gen Z and Millennials

The target demographic comprises two prominent social media user groups: Generation Z and Millennials. As identified by Viens (2020), these generations are not only prolific users of social media but also more susceptible to its negative effects. The project recognizes the escalating impact of social media on self-esteem and mental health within these demographics.

Impact of Photoshop

Influencer-Induced Body Image Issues and Mental Health

A critical aspect of the research highlights the detrimental effects of comparing oneself to the photoshopped content of influencers. The pursuit of an idealized appearance often leads to low self-esteem, the development of mental disorders (such as body dysmorphia), and even contemplating extreme measures like plastic surgery.


In these images, you can see that the majority of women and men believe that social media plays a significant role in how they view their bodies. They compare themselves to social media images, and these comparisons are never favorable.

Causes

How Influencers Shape Gen Z and Millennials' Body Image

With the rise of influencers, everything has become more accessible. Gen Z can now follow those who openly share their surgical journeys.

This democratization of information has led to greater curiosity and engagement among younger generations

There is a clear correlation between the demand for certain procedures and when influencers actively promote them.

Consequence Analysis: Post-Photoshop Era

1. Recognition of Influencer Efforts

Explanation: As awareness grows regarding the extensive efforts, including Photoshop and plastic surgery, invested by influencers to attain fame, a shift in perception occurs. People gain insight into the meticulous crafting of a specific image, inspiring a realization that achieving fame often demands adhering to a predetermined aesthetic. This newfound understanding fosters inspiration and a recognition of the challenges influencers face to conform to societal expectations.

2. Surge in Plastic Surgery Trends

Explanation: With the decline or prohibition of Photoshop usage, there is a potential surge in plastic surgery trends. Individuals, seeking to emulate the flawless appearance previously achieved through digital manipulation, may turn to cosmetic procedures. The focus shifts from post-production editing to physical alterations, leading to an increase in cosmetic surgeries, particularly in areas like nose reshaping.

3. Influencer Authenticity vs. Loss of Followers

Explanation: Certain influencers, accustomed to presenting a curated and idealized version of themselves, may face a decline in followers as authenticity becomes a valued trait. Followers, discerning the disparity between genuine content and mimicked trends, might disengage from influencers who fail to embrace their originality. This shift underscores the importance of authenticity in maintaining and growing a dedicated follower base.


Impact of product

The Future Wheel's Journey into Potential Consequences

The Future Wheel serves as a powerful tool to unravel the potential consequences of trends and events. This analysis explores a myriad of associations, each accompanied by a detailed explanation to provide clarity on the envisaged outcomes.

Photo collection

A Gallery of Unfiltered Truths Behind Influencers' Transformations

A curated gallery of before-and-after images sourced from the internet showcases the stark contrast between influencers' edited and unedited appearances. This collection serves as a visual representation of the pervasive issue at hand.

Concepting

Photo’s in Unity

Swift Recognition, Seamless Experience

In crafting the AR prototype, specific considerations were made regarding image recognition efficiency. The other pictures I collected didn’t work as well as an image target, because they are poorly recognized.


It takes a long time for the photo to appear and of course I want the recognition to be fast.


The use of Unity facilitated the creation of a prototype that effectively and promptly recognizes the image target, ensuring a seamless and impactful user experience.

Instagram page

Unveiling AR's Potential with an Interactive Instagram Page

To demonstrate the AR prototype's functionality, an interactive Instagram page was designed using Adobe XD. This platform serves as a visual narrative, showcasing the potential impact of the AR solution.

Results

Prototype

Revolutionizing Realities

The culmination of the project is a video showcasing the AR prototype in action. This visual representation provides a tangible demonstration of how immersive technology can be harnessed to confront and alleviate social issues related to self-image and unrealistic beauty standards.

Presenting prototype

Immersive AR Prototype Presentation Unveils Multifaceted Experience

In the prototype presentation, the integration of physical and digital elements creates a immersive experience. The scene unfolds with posters placed on tables, a laptop showcasing the Instagram feed in Figma, and an Android phone enabling users to explore the original images by scanning over the instagram feed.


1. Posters on Tables

Visual: Physical posters serve as the tangible foundation, inviting users to engage with the project.


2. Laptop Displaying Instagram Feed

Visual: The laptop acts as a digital canvas, projecting the Instagram feed designed in XD. This serves as a digital overview of the project.


3. Android Phone Interaction

Visual: The Android phone, a dynamic interface, adds an interactive layer to the experience. Users can scan the phone over the instagram feed, initiating a mixed reality interaction.

Metrics & feedback

The effectiveness of the design solution is evidenced through the immersive prototype presentation and the impactful consequence analysis. User engagement metrics and feedback collected during presentations contribute to demonstrating the project's success.


Lessons learned

Reflecting on the design process, the project underscores the importance of aligning immersive experiences with real-world issues. The success of the prototype lies in its ability to immerse users while delivering a meaningful message. Future projects could benefit from a deeper understanding of the user's emotional response and engagement metrics.

Opportunities for improvement

Continuous refinement of the AR prototype based on user feedback and further user testing could enhance its impact. Exploring partnerships with influencers or mental health organizations for broader dissemination and adoption could amplify the project's reach and effectiveness.

Overview

Project

Speculative Design Confronting Influencer Realism on Social Media

This project delves into the realm of speculative design, leveraging immersive technology to address a pressing social issue. The focus is on utilizing Augmented Reality (AR) to provide young individuals with an authentic glimpse into the lives of their favorite influencers. Speculative design plays a crucial role, allowing us to explore future scenarios and possibilities, envisioning a solution that challenges the unrealistic standards set by influencers on social media.

Motivation

Using AR to Illuminate Authenticity Behind Social Media Influencers

The core motivation is to employ AR as a medium to showcase the unfiltered reality of influencers. By revealing the genuine appearance of these individuals, the project seeks to guide young people away from striving for unattainable ideals. The intention is to dismantle the illusion of perfection propagated on social media platforms, ultimately nurturing a healthier and more realistic self-perception.

Research

Target group

AR Intervention for Social Media's Impact on Gen Z and Millennials

The target demographic comprises two prominent social media user groups: Generation Z and Millennials. As identified by Viens (2020), these generations are not only prolific users of social media but also more susceptible to its negative effects. The project recognizes the escalating impact of social media on self-esteem and mental health within these demographics.

Impact of Photoshop

Influencer-Induced Body Image Issues and Mental Health

A critical aspect of the research highlights the detrimental effects of comparing oneself to the photoshopped content of influencers. The pursuit of an idealized appearance often leads to low self-esteem, the development of mental disorders (such as body dysmorphia), and even contemplating extreme measures like plastic surgery.


In these images, you can see that the majority of women and men believe that social media plays a significant role in how they view their bodies. They compare themselves to social media images, and these comparisons are never favorable.

Causes

How Influencers Shape Gen Z and Millennials' Body Image

With the rise of influencers, everything has become more accessible. Gen Z can now follow those who openly share their surgical journeys.

This democratization of information has led to greater curiosity and engagement among younger generations

There is a clear correlation between the demand for certain procedures and when influencers actively promote them.

Impact of product

The Future Wheel's Journey into Potential Consequences

The Future Wheel serves as a powerful tool to unravel the potential consequences of trends and events. This analysis explores a myriad of associations, each accompanied by a detailed explanation to provide clarity on the envisaged outcomes.

Consequence Analysis: Post-Photoshop Era

1. Recognition of Influencer Efforts

Explanation: As awareness grows regarding the extensive efforts, including Photoshop and plastic surgery, invested by influencers to attain fame, a shift in perception occurs. People gain insight into the meticulous crafting of a specific image, inspiring a realization that achieving fame often demands adhering to a predetermined aesthetic. This newfound understanding fosters inspiration and a recognition of the challenges influencers face to conform to societal expectations.

2. Surge in Plastic Surgery Trends

Explanation: With the decline or prohibition of Photoshop usage, there is a potential surge in plastic surgery trends. Individuals, seeking to emulate the flawless appearance previously achieved through digital manipulation, may turn to cosmetic procedures. The focus shifts from post-production editing to physical alterations, leading to an increase in cosmetic surgeries, particularly in areas like nose reshaping.

3. Influencer Authenticity vs. Loss of Followers

Explanation: Certain influencers, accustomed to presenting a curated and idealized version of themselves, may face a decline in followers as authenticity becomes a valued trait. Followers, discerning the disparity between genuine content and mimicked trends, might disengage from influencers who fail to embrace their originality. This shift underscores the importance of authenticity in maintaining and growing a dedicated follower base.

Photo collection

A Gallery of Unfiltered Truths Behind Influencers' Transformations

A curated gallery of before-and-after images sourced from the internet showcases the stark contrast between influencers' edited and unedited appearances. This collection serves as a visual representation of the pervasive issue at hand.

Concepting

Photo’s in Unity

Swift Recognition, Seamless Experience

In crafting the AR prototype, specific considerations were made regarding image recognition efficiency. The other pictures I collected didn’t work as well as an image target, because they are poorly recognized.


It takes a long time for the photo to appear and of course I want the recognition to be fast.


The use of Unity facilitated the creation of a prototype that effectively and promptly recognizes the image target, ensuring a seamless and impactful user experience.

Instagram page

Unveiling AR's Potential with an Interactive Instagram Page

To demonstrate the AR prototype's functionality, an interactive Instagram page was designed using Adobe XD. This platform serves as a visual narrative, showcasing the potential impact of the AR solution.

Results

Presenting prototype

Immersive AR Prototype Presentation Unveils Multifaceted Experience

In the prototype presentation, the integration of physical and digital elements creates a immersive experience. The scene unfolds with posters placed on tables, a laptop showcasing the Instagram feed in Figma, and an Android phone enabling users to explore the original images by scanning over the instagram feed.


1. Posters on Tables

Visual: Physical posters serve as the tangible foundation, inviting users to engage with the project.


2. Laptop Displaying Instagram Feed

Visual: The laptop acts as a digital canvas, projecting the Instagram feed designed in XD. This serves as a digital overview of the project.


3. Android Phone Interaction

Visual: The Android phone, a dynamic interface, adds an interactive layer to the experience. Users can scan the phone over the instagram feed, initiating a mixed reality interaction.

Prototype

Revolutionizing Realities

The culmination of the project is a video showcasing the AR prototype in action. This visual representation provides a tangible demonstration of how immersive technology can be harnessed to confront and alleviate social issues related to self-image and unrealistic beauty standards.

Overview

Project

Speculative Design Confronting Influencer Realism on Social Media

This project delves into the realm of speculative design, leveraging immersive technology to address a pressing social issue. The focus is on utilizing Augmented Reality (AR) to provide young individuals with an authentic glimpse into the lives of their favorite influencers. Speculative design plays a crucial role, allowing us to explore future scenarios and possibilities, envisioning a solution that challenges the unrealistic standards set by influencers on social media.

Motivation

Using AR to Illuminate Authenticity Behind Social Media Influencers

The core motivation is to employ AR as a medium to showcase the unfiltered reality of influencers. By revealing the genuine appearance of these individuals, the project seeks to guide young people away from striving for unattainable ideals. The intention is to dismantle the illusion of perfection propagated on social media platforms, ultimately nurturing a healthier and more realistic self-perception.

Research

Target group

AR Intervention for Social Media's Impact on Gen Z and Millennials

The target demographic comprises two prominent social media user groups: Generation Z and Millennials. As identified by Viens (2020), these generations are not only prolific users of social media but also more susceptible to its negative effects. The project recognizes the escalating impact of social media on self-esteem and mental health within these demographics.

Impact of Photoshop

Influencer-Induced Body Image Issues and Mental Health

A critical aspect of the research highlights the detrimental effects of comparing oneself to the photoshopped content of influencers. The pursuit of an idealized appearance often leads to low self-esteem, the development of mental disorders (such as body dysmorphia), and even contemplating extreme measures like plastic surgery.


In these images, you can see that the majority of women and men believe that social media plays a significant role in how they view their bodies. They compare themselves to social media images, and these comparisons are never favorable.

Causes

How Influencers Shape Gen Z and Millennials' Body Image

With the rise of influencers, everything has become more accessible. Gen Z can now follow those who openly share their surgical journeys.

This democratization of information has led to greater curiosity and engagement among younger generations

There is a clear correlation between the demand for certain procedures and when influencers actively promote them.

Impact of product

The Future Wheel's Journey into Potential Consequences

The Future Wheel serves as a powerful tool to unravel the potential consequences of trends and events. This analysis explores a myriad of associations, each accompanied by a detailed explanation to provide clarity on the envisaged outcomes.

Consequence Analysis: Post-Photoshop Era

1. Recognition of Influencer Efforts

Explanation: As awareness grows regarding the extensive efforts, including Photoshop and plastic surgery, invested by influencers to attain fame, a shift in perception occurs. People gain insight into the meticulous crafting of a specific image, inspiring a realization that achieving fame often demands adhering to a predetermined aesthetic. This newfound understanding fosters inspiration and a recognition of the challenges influencers face to conform to societal expectations.

2. Surge in Plastic Surgery Trends

Explanation: With the decline or prohibition of Photoshop usage, there is a potential surge in plastic surgery trends. Individuals, seeking to emulate the flawless appearance previously achieved through digital manipulation, may turn to cosmetic procedures. The focus shifts from post-production editing to physical alterations, leading to an increase in cosmetic surgeries, particularly in areas like nose reshaping.

3. Influencer Authenticity vs. Loss of Followers

Explanation: Certain influencers, accustomed to presenting a curated and idealized version of themselves, may face a decline in followers as authenticity becomes a valued trait. Followers, discerning the disparity between genuine content and mimicked trends, might disengage from influencers who fail to embrace their originality. This shift underscores the importance of authenticity in maintaining and growing a dedicated follower base.


Photo collection

A Gallery of Unfiltered Truths Behind Influencers' Transformations

A curated gallery of before-and-after images sourced from the internet showcases the stark contrast between influencers' edited and unedited appearances. This collection serves as a visual representation of the pervasive issue at hand.

Concepting

Photo’s in Unity

Swift Recognition, Seamless Experience

In crafting the AR prototype, specific considerations were made regarding image recognition efficiency. The other pictures I collected didn’t work as well as an image target, because they are poorly recognized.


It takes a long time for the photo to appear and of course I want the recognition to be fast.


The use of Unity facilitated the creation of a prototype that effectively and promptly recognizes the image target, ensuring a seamless and impactful user experience.

Instagram page

Unveiling AR's Potential with an Interactive Instagram Page

To demonstrate the AR prototype's functionality, an interactive Instagram page was designed using Adobe XD. This platform serves as a visual narrative, showcasing the potential impact of the AR solution.

Results

Prototype

Revolutionizing Realities

The culmination of the project is a video showcasing the AR prototype in action. This visual representation provides a tangible demonstration of how immersive technology can be harnessed to confront and alleviate social issues related to self-image and unrealistic beauty standards.

Presenting prototype

Immersive AR Prototype Presentation Unveils Multifaceted Experience

In the prototype presentation, the integration of physical and digital elements creates a immersive experience. The scene unfolds with posters placed on tables, a laptop showcasing the Instagram feed in Figma, and an Android phone enabling users to explore the original images by scanning over the instagram feed.


1. Posters on Tables

Visual: Physical posters serve as the tangible foundation, inviting users to engage with the project.


2. Laptop Displaying Instagram Feed

Visual: The laptop acts as a digital canvas, projecting the Instagram feed designed in XD. This serves as a digital overview of the project.


3. Android Phone Interaction

Visual: The Android phone, a dynamic interface, adds an interactive layer to the experience. Users can scan the phone over the instagram feed, initiating a mixed reality interaction.

Metrics & feedback

The effectiveness of the design solution is evidenced through the immersive prototype presentation and the impactful consequence analysis. User engagement metrics and feedback collected during presentations contribute to demonstrating the project's success.


Lessons learned

Reflecting on the design process, the project underscores the importance of aligning immersive experiences with real-world issues. The success of the prototype lies in its ability to immerse users while delivering a meaningful message. Future projects could benefit from a deeper understanding of the user's emotional response and engagement metrics.

Opportunities for improvement

Continuous refinement of the AR prototype based on user feedback and further user testing could enhance its impact. Exploring partnerships with influencers or mental health organizations for broader dissemination and adoption could amplify the project's reach and effectiveness.

Metrics & feedback

The effectiveness of the design solution is evidenced through the immersive prototype presentation and the impactful consequence analysis. User engagement metrics and feedback collected during presentations contribute to demonstrating the project's success.


Lessons learned

Reflecting on the design process, the project underscores the importance of aligning immersive experiences with real-world issues. The success of the prototype lies in its ability to immerse users while delivering a meaningful message. Future projects could benefit from a deeper understanding of the user's emotional response and engagement metrics.

Opportunities for improvement

Continuous refinement of the AR prototype based on user feedback and further user testing could enhance its impact. Exploring partnerships with influencers or mental health organizations for broader dissemination and adoption could amplify the project's reach and effectiveness.

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Copyright © Faith Febis 2024

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Ready to embark on a design journey together?

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Copyright © Faith Febis 2025

https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-f-37a4b2204/

Ready to embark on a design journey together?

Get regular

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Other case studies

Hey you, Let’s connect!

Copyright © Faith Febis 2025

Ready to embark on a design journey together?

Get regular

Lunch Roulette

Other case studies

Hey you, Let’s connect!

Copyright © Faith Febis 2025

Ready to embark on a design journey together?