Conjure Comics is a nonprofit comic book publisher based in Akron, Ohio, committed to producing socially progressive, anti-racist stories that center the experiences of Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of varying abilities. In 2021, I joined the organization to lead the development of its brand identity, website, and social media presence. My goal was to create a bold yet minimal visual system that honored the pioneering spirit of Black comic book creators while building a digital space that celebrated culture, community, and storytelling.

To ground the brand in authenticity and legacy, I began by researching the history of Black comic book creators and their contributions to the medium. Inspired by their storytelling and visual style, I developed a branding system that kept the art front and center: bold typography, a black-and-white color palette for contrast and clarity, and later, a purple accent to infuse vibrancy without overshadowing the artwork. For the website, I prioritized clarity, accessibility, and a visual rhythm that echoed the storytelling cadence of comic book panels.

The social media strategy emphasized education and celebration. Each post highlighted a historic or contemporary Black comic book artist, framed with layered collages reminiscent of their covers and artwork. To work with Instagram’s algorithm while maintaining cohesion, posts were designed in batches of three where each one is able to stand alone with a compelling visual and caption, but when viewed together, transforming Conjure's grid into a scrollable comic book narrative.

In 2025, I led the creative direction for Conjure’s first Black Comic Book Day, designing interactive signage, stickers, QR-enabled table tents for exploring featured titles, and a “catwalk of pioneers” installation honoring influential creators. The designs were well-received by both the organization and the community, further cementing Conjure's role as a cultural force in Akron.

Working with Conjure Comics deepened my understanding of how design can serve as a form of cultural preservation and advocacy. I learned how to balance reverence for tradition with contemporary aesthetics, how to build flexible systems that serve both algorithmic visibility and narrative impact, and how to co-create with community voices. This project reminded me that effective storytelling—visual or otherwise—starts with deep listening and respect. Designing for Conjure wasn’t just about visuals; it was about amplifying stories that haven’t always had the space they deserve.