GVSU Votes!
Your Voice, Your Vote
Overview
The goal of this project was to refresh the look and feel of the GVSU Votes site to better connect with students and boost voter participation for the 2024 election. I focused on creating a clean, modern design that feels welcoming and easy to navigate. Important information like registration, polling locations, and deadlines is now easier to find and understand. With a clearer layout and updated visuals, the visual identity is more engaging and supports students in taking action and making their voices heard.
View Project SiteMy Role
- Graphic Design
- Digital Design
Typeface
- Gotham
Personality
- Empowering
- Inclusive
- Student-focused
- Approachable
Examine previous materials
As part of the process, I started by reviewing the existing materials and noticed several design inconsistencies. The official GVSU Votes logo wasn’t being used; instead, a pin-like graphic appeared in its place, which weakened brand recognition. The use of red, blue, and stars felt very traditional and formal, which might not resonate with younger audiences. Overall, the visual identity lacked a clear, unified look, and I saw an opportunity to refresh the design in a way that feels more cohesive, modern, and approachable for students.
Sketching
In the design process, I sketched a new graphic to better represent the GVSU Votes brand. I used a bubble shape with the bold word “VOTE” inside to suggest conversation and encourage students to talk about voting. This graphic is meant to feel friendly and energizing. I also included an anchor icon to tie in GVSU’s Lakers identity, reinforcing school pride while keeping the message clear and student-focused.
Campus-Wide Rollout
The final brand experience for GVSU Votes is a full, campus-wide effort to inspire student participation in the 2024 election. This comprehensive project includes a wide range of materials made for both digital and physical spaces: T-shirts, posters, banners, yard signs, social media graphics, football game ads, pins, and more. Each piece carries the refreshed look and messaging, creating a strong and consistent presence across campus. The goal is to make voting feel visible, approachable, and part of everyday student life.
Unified Brand Identity
The final identity for GVSU Votes brings together all design elements into a clear and consistent visual system. From the bold “VOTE” bubble graphic to the use of GVSU’s anchor symbol, the identity feels both strong and student-friendly. The refreshed colors, typography, and layout choices help the brand stand out while staying approachable. This updated look builds recognition and trust, making it easier for students to connect with the message and feel confident about getting involved.
Posters That Pop
For the Democracy 101 event series, I designed a set of fun and colorful posters to catch the attention of students across campus. Each poster uses intentional graphics and playful layouts to make civic topics feel more engaging and accessible. I altered the “VOTE” bubble graphic for each event, shaping it around different event names to keep the look fresh while maintaining a strong connection to the overall GVSU Votes identity.
Expanding the Design
Building on the style established for the Democracy 101 series, I created additional designs for more events, maintaining the vibrant, fun vibe while keeping things fresh. Each design is unique, ensuring that the events stand out individually without feeling repetitive. The goal was to keep the energy lively and engaging for students, while still reinforcing the core message of voting and civic participation in a way that resonates with a younger audience.
