Conjure Comics is a nonprofit comic book publisher in Akron, Ohio, dedicated to socially progressive, anti-racist stories that center Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities. I joined in 2021 to lead the development of its brand identity, website, and social media presence. My goal was a bold yet minimal visual system that honored the pioneering spirit of Black comic book creators while building a digital space to celebrate 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. Their storytelling and visual style shaped a branding system that kept the art front and center: bold typography, a black-and-white palette for contrast and clarity, and later a purple accent that added vibrancy without overshadowing the artwork. The website prioritized clarity, accessibility, and a visual rhythm that echoed the cadence of comic book panels. 

On social, the strategy emphasized education and celebration: each post spotlighted a historic or contemporary Black comic artist, framed with layered collages reminiscent of their covers. To work with Instagram's algorithm without sacrificing cohesion, I designed posts in batches of three; each stood alone with a compelling visual and caption, while together they turned Conjure's grid into a scrollable comic-book narrative. 

In 2025, I led 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 event's designs resonated with both the organization and the community, cementing Conjure's role as a cultural force in Akron.

Working with Conjure Comics deepened my understanding of design as cultural preservation and advocacy. I learned to balance reverence for tradition with contemporary aesthetics, to build flexible systems that serve both algorithmic visibility and narrative impact, and to co-create with community voices. The 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.