Designing an annual report is more than just compiling data, it’s about telling a story. For these designs, the challenge was to create an 8.5”x11” printed booklet that aligned with the client’s brand while presenting their yearly accomplishments in a visually engaging way. Working closely with the client’s PR and data teams, I needed to balance information-heavy content with design elements that made the report both digestible and engaging for board members. Effective layouts, compelling visuals, and clear data presentation were key to making the report not just functional, but exciting to read.

My approach involved both strategy and creativity. I started with identifying the content sections and overarching theme for the year, then gathered inspiration to inspire the visual direction for the booklet. From there, I sketched layouts, selecting a set of designs that could carry through the entire piece. In InDesign, I placed content into my master page layouts and created consistency in text hierarchy and spacing. As I incorporated imagery, I made sure I was using high-quality images that would print well. I also selected imagery that featured board member towns and reflected the business. From there I fine-tuned everything to make sure the final piece felt seamless.

The result of these projects are engaging, well-organized annual reports that met client expectations each year. The final pieces provide professional references for board members while also serving as an archive of the company’s growth. This project’s success was further validated when it received the APPA Award of Merit in 2021 for Excellence in Public Power Communications in the Print and Digital category. By building this catalog of reports year over year, I grew my print skills and helped the client establish a legacy of designed and impactful storytelling.