Title: The Annex Graduate Academic Advising Newsletter

Challenge: Revitalize and engage the Graduate Academic Advising community by encouraging creativity, fostering a sense of unity, and producing a newsletter that celebrates the department, boosts morale, and makes the process enjoyable for all contributors.

Process: The existing editions of the newsletter were created using Microsoft Word and lacked visual appeal and cohesive design. To modernize and elevate the publication, I completely overhauled the layout, transitioning to Adobe Illustrator to create a sleek, minimalist logo and a fresh, modern design that aligned with the department’s professional image. I began by sketching several design concepts, focusing on streamlining the content and improving readability while maintaining a balance of fun and professionalism.

I collaborated with fellow contributors, writers, and creatives, serving as the point person for collecting and translating their ideas into a polished visual design. I ensured the newsletter reflected the themes and values of our department and the university’s mission. In addition to design work, I played a key role in editing and refining the content, overseeing the creation of the final product for printing and distribution. The goal was to create a newsletter that was not only informative but also engaging and visually appealing to increase readership and community involvement.

Impact: The redesign significantly enhanced the visual appeal of The Annex, transforming it into a more engaging and dynamic publication. The modern design and user-friendly layout increased readership and sparked greater interest and participation from contributors. By showcasing creativity and providing a platform for voices within the department, the newsletter became a morale booster and a source of pride for the Graduate Academic Advising community. The integration of fun, visually appealing elements fostered a sense of connection, increased team collaboration, and strengthened the department’s community spirit.

Tools/Techniques: Pencil, paper, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Placeit for mockups.