Independently-owned monthly magazine — print and digital — giving voice to the people and businesses of West Virginia's Elk River region.
Founded in 2018, Elk River Living (ERL) magazine is an independently-owned monthly publication in both digital and print, giving a voice to the people and businesses of this region in West Virginia. There is a strong emphasis on cultural contributions and entrepreneurial cultivation in the area.
I designed ERL magazine from the ground up, developing a guidelines package and business plan with the Editor in Chief. A recurring segment format provides a structure that delivers a recognizable feature build readers come to expect. The focus on promoting local businesses sustains an advertising base in symbiotic relationship with the magazine's mission.
The Power of Storytelling to Build Community: Through creating ERL, I learned the immense value of storytelling in fostering a sense of pride and connection within a community. Celebrating the character and heart of a place through consistent, meaningful narratives resonates with an audience in a way few other forms of design can.
Honoring Local Culture and Economy: Developing recurring segments like The Elk's Cookbook and The Healthy Elk taught me how to honor the cultural and economic cornerstones of a community — and reinforced that supporting local businesses is more than a slogan.
The Strength of Collective Identity:** The #elkriverstrong initiative underscored the importance of unity and collective identity. A simple yet powerful symbol of togetherness can inspire a community to support one another and strive for a stronger future.
