Elevation Magazine

 Problem & Challenge

• Elevation is a historical preservation magazine documenting historic buildings across Mississippi — requiring a visual identity that honored the weight and story of each subject

• Needed a consistent design system that could flex across multiple issues and stories while maintaining editorial integrity

• Required close collaboration between designers, writers, editors, photographers, and print vendors under time-sensitive production schedules

 Research & Process

• Traveled to story locations with the team to experience the spaces firsthand — hearing the stories behind each building and gathering photography to inform visual direction

• Developed color palettes and layout systems directly inspired by the character and history of each featured subject

• Built reusable design templates and style guidelines enabling other designers to maintain visual consistency across issues

• Managed end-to-end production workflow from editorial collaboration through final print vendor output and proofing

Findings and Implications 

• Designed 5 issues with a consistent visual identity that evolved naturally with each story rather than feeling templated

• Established a design system flexible enough for other designers to apply without losing the editorial voice

• Demonstrated that immersive, story-first design produces stronger visual outcomes than designing from a brief alone