Objective: The goal of designing materials for the Purdue Retirees Annual Meeting 2024 was to create a cohesive, polished visual presentation that honored the legacy of Purdue’s retired faculty and staff, while providing clear, engaging information about the event’s program and activities.

Context: The Purdue Retirees Annual Meeting is an important event that brings together retired members of the university community, celebrating their contributions and keeping them connected to Purdue’s ongoing mission. The design needed to reflect the dignified and celebratory tone of the event while making essential information easily accessible.

Challenges: The main challenge was to strike a balance between a professional and inviting aesthetic, appealing to a diverse audience of Purdue retirees with varying preferences. Additionally, the materials needed to be visually aligned with Purdue’s branding guidelines while maintaining a unique look that distinguished the event from other university functions.

Process: I started by researching Purdue’s brand standards and gathering insights on past annual meetings to understand the visual tone that would resonate with attendees. I developed design concepts that incorporated Purdue’s signature colors and classic typography, ensuring a clean and approachable look. After refining the layout to emphasize readability, I created a suite of materials including event invitations, programs, and digital assets for promotion, all of which were aligned with Purdue’s brand and the event’s purpose. I worked iteratively, incorporating feedback from event organizers to ensure each piece conveyed a sense of respect and celebration.

Takeaways: This project highlighted the importance of designing with both brand consistency and audience engagement in mind, especially for an event honoring legacy and tradition. I gained valuable experience in creating polished, accessible designs that respect both institutional branding and audience needs.