Reading Forward
This project began with Design for Good, an initiative started by AIGA to utilize design and visual thinking for social change. I was interested in a campaign that would target adult literacy within the United States; 54% of American adults read below the 6th grade level, according to Emily Schmidt’s article “Reading the numbers: 130 million American adults have low literacy skills, but funding differs drastically by state.”
I came up with Reading Forward, a non-profit organization designed to raise money through merchandise sales to provide funding to public libraries across the United States. It also provides online resources for individuals who want to work on their reading and writing skills at home, and it will connect people with local libraries.
the problem
the solution
process
With a program that focuses on literacy, I was originally inspired by old typewriters and writing with ink pens to develop the brand. Further brainstorming led me towards a modernized aesthetic; I wanted Reading Forward to stay connected to a bookish feel while maintaining a fresh look so that adults would be encouraged to revitalize their own education themselves.
The branding would ultimately include elements that allude to old books, crumbled paper, and vintage type to sober up the colorful graphics to stay engaging but grounded.
