My first project with New Lebanon Library was to design a fundraising brochure for their 2008 expansion and renovation project. The job included creating a new logo for the library containing the line “The Heart of New Lebanon.”
The font I chose for the logo design was Goudy Old Style, which has some interesting and unique characteristics, while being one of the most legible serif typefaces. The final design, which incorporates multiple cool colors, is clean and contemporary with a sense of history.
Content for the brochure included information about the library, about the renovations, phases and services. I was provided with photos of activities within the library, and I took the exterior photo. It was a quick project, less than three weeks start to finish. The result was an easy to understand tri-fold document that told a story and included a clear call to action. Best of all, the brochure achieved its goal and the library raised the needed funds to move forward with the expansion.
This past August, I was rehired by the New Lebanon Library to create their first annual report. The basic concept was simple: present information and supplied photos on a single 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper, double sided. I was sent a Word document, well organized and prioritized, along with photos of people participating in various activities within the library and an exterior photo of the building.
From the moment I started working with the materials, matching photos with content and breaking out pages, a different layout began to emerge. I’m always willing to complete a project following guidelines as conceived by the client, but I also consider it my responsibility to make recommendations for improvements as the project takes shape. In the end, the library board trusted me to follow my instincts and we ended up with product better than any of us had imagined.
The final report is 4.25″ x 8.5″, 12 pages, in full color. Each left-hand page features a photo of library patrons: kids using computers, teenagers reading, adults conversing, children at story hour. Opposite each photo is relevant information about the library: statistics about patrons, details about programming, finances and staff. It’s a clear, concise snapshot of the organization today, and it can be used as a marketing tool to promote the library. Download the report.
If your business or organization needs help with brochure or annual report design, please give us a call at 518.392.0846 or email [email protected].