ANIJAH MCLAURIN
anijahmclaurin.siteAnijah McLaurin is a multidisciplinary designer and Washington, D.C. native. Growing up surrounded by diverse forms of art shaped her perspective and sparked her passion for design. Attending an arts-focused high school became a pivotal experience, solidifying her commitment to pursuing a creative career where I could fully express myself. With a love for Print design, Creative Web development, Creative game development design and publication design, I draw inspiration from Black history and culture, feminist art and activism, and media representation. My work centers on visual storytelling and creating designs that spark meaningful conversations. I believe design has the power to shape how we feel, how we connect, and how we understand the world around us.
The Case of Double Consciousness
The Case of Double Consciousness is inspired by the concept of
double consciousness, as theorized by W.E.B. Du Bois, an African American
sociologist, historian, writer, and civil rights activist. He first introduced the idea in his
1903 book The Souls of Black Folk. Du Bois described double consciousness as the
internal conflict experienced by Black Americans who must reconcile their own
self-perception with how they are viewed by a society that devalues them. A sense of
“two-ness,” being both Black and American.
This project takes the form of a 3D psychological horror game that examines identity,
inner conflict, and split perception. In Double Consciousness, players are placed inside
a world shaped by the mind. As they move through the environment, they must navigate
a negative voice representing societal doubt while staying true to their own identity. The
gameplay, environment, and narrative are designed to evoke feelings of disorientation,
anxiety, and introspection that come with experiencing dual or multiple perspectives.
Through this experience, the game aims to give players insight into the mental and
emotional challenges of navigating dual identities while exploring how design and
interactivity can communicate complex psychological and sociocultural ideas.