The University of Texas at Austin,
Global Engagement
As the Art Director and lead designer for UT Austin’s biannual Global Engagement Report (GER), I partnered with Texas Global’s writing and digital marketing teams to shape a compelling, multi-platform narrative of the university’s international impact. The GER highlights the achievements of UT faculty, staff, alumni, and students around the world, reaching a global audience through both print and digital storytelling.
2020–2022 Report: Post-Pandemic Exploration
In my first year on the project, I reimagined the design system to reignite interest in UT’s international initiatives after COVID-19 disruptions. Drawing inspiration from topography and navigation, I developed a visual identity centered on exploration and discovery, starting with a custom extended cover that functions as a table of contents, bookmark, and keepsake.
To enhance tactile engagement, I introduced a soft-touch coating and raised spot gloss on key elements, including a burnt-orange navigation line that physically guides the reader around the cover and through the content. Inside, abstract topographic elements thread the narrative, reinforcing the theme while providing visual cohesion.
This concept extended seamlessly into digital: I led the design of a companion landing page, launch email, and a year-long social media campaign to maintain narrative consistency across channels and audiences.
📈 Reach:
-
700+ printed copies distributed globally to university leaders and alumni
-
500+ shared with international partners and senior leadership visitors
-
Email newsletter launch reached over 90,000 subscribers
2022–2024 Report: A Global Language of Design
For the most recent report, I developed a design system rooted in cultural symbolism, drawing from global art, textiles, and architecture to reflect UT’s reach across 130+ countries. Inspired by mandalas — symbols of unity seen in Celtic, Indigenous American, Mayan, and other traditions — I created seven original mandala designs, each tied to the cultural context of the stories featured.
This visual framework was applied across print and digital platforms, including a custom website, email marketing, and social media campaign. I also led the creation of a print experience that balanced beauty and function: the tactile strategy returned with soft-touch coating, raised gloss, and a removable belly band for added elegance and shelf presence.
🎯 Impact: A scalable, culturally responsive design system that elevated storytelling across all channels, while laying the groundwork for future brand campaigns.
