Role: Brand Manager, United Ways of California
Challenge: Design the digital publication of the Real Cost Measure Study, a biennial research report that calculates the true cost of a basic standard of living in every California county, and shows how many households are falling short of that mark. Statewide insights, key findings, and data highlights needed to be presented clearly in an Executive Summary. Data from raw spreadsheets also needed to be translated into brand aligned data visualizations
Solution: I created the layouts for two publications in 2023 and 2025, focusing on clean design, legibility, and an engaging use of our brand colors and graphic elements to keep readers interested. The 2025 edition was created shortly after our national brand refresh, which required thoughtful and creative interpretation of the brand to develop data visualization standards that were not yet outlined in the national guidelines. Throughout the process, I kept an equity lens front of mind, making sure demographics were represented equitably in photos.
Results: The final product gave a complex study a clear, accessible container that partners could reference statewide, and helped media outlets better understand how the data and insights connected to tell a fuller picture of the difficulties and opportunities Californians are facing.
Tools: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop
