Case Study: Bringing #WomenBuildHamilton to Life Through Impactful Design (Full Report)
Introduction
In 2022, as part of YWCA Hamilton’s commitment to transparency and storytelling, the organization released its annual Impact Report, a key communication piece for donors, stakeholders, and the broader community. This report was crafted during the height of the WomenBuildHamilton campaign, an ambitious initiative aimed at raising $5 million to fund the completion of the Putman Family YWCA—a vital project providing affordable housing for women and families in need.
Challenges
The 2022 Impact Report needed to:
- Highlight the achievements and ongoing efforts of the #WomenBuildHamilton campaign.
- Showcase the impact of YWCA Hamilton’s diverse programs and services.
- Inspire donors and funders with visually engaging content while maintaining clarity and professionalism.
- Be delivered on a tight timeline with limited resources.
Role and Execution
Hired only a few months prior, I assumed responsibility for designing and producing this essential report. My contributions included:
- Photography: Capturing compelling visuals of YWCA Hamilton’s programs, spaces, and community members, ensuring authentic representation and emotional resonance.
- Graphic Design and Layout: Creating a clean, professional, and engaging design that aligned with the organization’s brand while emphasizing the WomenBuildHamilton campaign.
- Storytelling: Collaborating with internal teams to integrate impactful narratives, data, and donor recognition into a cohesive layout that highlighted YWCA Hamilton’s mission.
Results
The 2022 Impact Report was met with widespread praise from leadership, colleagues, and stakeholders, noted for its:
- Visual Appeal: High-quality photography and thoughtful design elevated the report’s impact.
- Effective Messaging: The report powerfully communicated the WomenBuildHamilton campaign’s goals, garnering continued support and engagement.
- Timely Delivery: Completed under tight deadlines, the report served as a vital tool for fundraising and advocacy during a critical campaign phase.
Reflections
This project underscored the importance of combining design expertise with storytelling to drive engagement and amplify a mission. It also demonstrated my ability to adapt quickly and deliver results in a new role, laying the foundation for future creative contributions to YWCA Hamilton’s success.
Samples from inside the Impact Report
(Link to Full Report)
Programs & Equipment Used
Digital & Printed Versions