TREVOR PROJECT
My first introduction to graphic design in college came during my freshman semester in GD 160. The class project was to redesign a nonprofit brand identity, and I chose a cause close to my heart: The Trevor Project, a counseling service dedicated to saving LGBTQ+ lives. For the project, I redesigned their logo, revamped their website's homepage, and created an app interface mockup. This experience was the perfect introduction to the world of graphic design, providing me with valuable skills and a deeper understanding of the impact of thoughtful design.
THE REDESIGN
My redesign process began with sketching various logo concepts. Although the original sketches from three years ago have since been lost, I clearly remember my design philosophy: to create a logo that evokes a sense of home. I achieved this by using the "T" from Trevor and Project to symbolically shelter the other letters, giving the logo a welcoming and protective feel.
I loved the bright orange already associated with the Trevor Project's branding and chose to retain it, complementing it with a rich royal purple to create a vibrant and modern color palette.
For the website's homepage redesign, simplicity was key. My focus was on clearly communicating the brand philosophy, presenting important information, and providing accessible, user-friendly links. I carried this minimalistic approach into the app design, incorporating only three navigational menu items and maintaining a clean, intuitive user interface for a seamless user experience.
FINAL TOUCHES
The final component of the redesign project was creating a flyer designed for both digital and physical use, a first for me at the time. This experience proved invaluable, as it became a skill I would rely on throughout my time at Michigan State, particularly during my internship with the Excel Network.
The flyer was intended to serve as a resource, providing essential information about the Trevor Project. Staying true to the brand guidelines, I incorporated my redesigned logo and color palette while ensuring the flyer included a concise description of the Trevor Project, a website link, a phone number, and the address of its headquarters.
I remain incredibly proud of this project, as it not only introduced me to the fundamentals of multi-platform design but also ignited my passion for creating elegant and impactful designs that effectively communicate a message.
