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.
The ERL logo is instantly identifiable. The "Mighty Elk" icon symbolizes strength & resiliency of the communities on the River.
The ERL logo is instantly identifiable. The "Mighty Elk" icon symbolizes strength & resiliency of the communities on the River.
The ERL logo is instantly identifiable. The "Mighty Elk" icon symbolizes strength & resiliency of the communities on the River.
Incorporating the elements of the main lockup, the secondary logo is used in instances where a square format is appropriate, per space constraints or visual balance.
Incorporating the elements of the main lockup, the secondary logo is used in instances where a square format is appropriate, per space constraints or visual balance.
Incorporating the elements of the main lockup, the secondary logo is used in instances where a square format is appropriate, per space constraints or visual balance.
"…pride of place — a platform, a mirror to reflect the character and culture of the area."
"…pride of place — a platform, a mirror to reflect the character and culture of the area."
"…pride of place — a platform, a mirror to reflect the character and culture of the area."
The Elk River winds through central West Virginia — home to over 50,000 people across the communities that line its valleys.
The Elk River winds through central West Virginia — home to over 50,000 people across the communities that line its valleys.
The Elk River winds through central West Virginia — home to over 50,000 people across the communities that line its valleys.
Source Serif Pro sets the body of every article; Source Sans Pro serves as its sans-serif complement. A drop cap opens each feature, and the Mighty Elk signs it off.
Source Serif Pro sets the body of every article; Source Sans Pro serves as its sans-serif complement. A drop cap opens each feature, and the Mighty Elk signs it off.
Source Serif Pro sets the body of every article; Source Sans Pro serves as its sans-serif complement. A drop cap opens each feature, and the Mighty Elk signs it off.
I developed the recurring segments as the structural backbone of a sustainable local publication — a predictable architecture that tells readers what to expect, tells contributors exactly what they're being asked for, and gives editors a reliable template to fill each cycle.
I developed the recurring segments as the structural backbone of a sustainable local publication — a predictable architecture that tells readers what to expect, tells contributors exactly what they're being asked for, and gives editors a reliable template to fill each cycle.
I developed the recurring segments as the structural backbone of a sustainable local publication — a predictable architecture that tells readers what to expect, tells contributors exactly what they're being asked for, and gives editors a reliable template to fill each cycle.
"The #elkriverstrong initiative underscored unity and collective identity…"
"The #elkriverstrong initiative underscored unity and collective identity…"
"The #elkriverstrong initiative underscored unity and collective identity…"
"Libraries are more than just stores of books and knowledge. They are the cornerstone of neighborhoods and communities."
"Libraries are more than just stores of books and knowledge. They are the cornerstone of neighborhoods and communities."
"Libraries are more than just stores of books and knowledge. They are the cornerstone of neighborhoods and communities."
Symbiosis. ERL relies on its advertisers, showcasing local businesses in every issue — capturing readers' attention and supporting the local economy.
Symbiosis. ERL relies on its advertisers, showcasing local businesses in every issue — capturing readers' attention and supporting the local economy.
Symbiosis. ERL relies on its advertisers, showcasing local businesses in every issue — capturing readers' attention and supporting the local economy.
Brand in the hand. Stationery and press passes maintain cohesiveness and reflect the identity of the magazine. The palette draws from the natural hues of the landscapes surrounding the Elk River.
Brand in the hand. Stationery and press passes maintain cohesiveness and reflect the identity of the magazine. The palette draws from the natural hues of the landscapes surrounding the Elk River.
Brand in the hand. Stationery and press passes maintain cohesiveness and reflect the identity of the magazine. The palette draws from the natural hues of the landscapes surrounding the Elk River.
Subscriptions arrive in the 9×12 envelope that announces 'it's here!'
Subscriptions arrive in the 9×12 envelope that announces 'it's here!'
Subscriptions arrive in the 9×12 envelope that announces 'it's here!'
The contributors — the voices behind each issue.
The contributors — the voices behind each issue.
The contributors — the voices behind each issue.
Print and digital, side by side — the full issue lives online at elkriverliving.com, readable on any device.
Print and digital, side by side — the full issue lives online at elkriverliving.com, readable on any device.
Print and digital, side by side — the full issue lives online at elkriverliving.com, readable on any device.
