The following is a selection of projects showcasing the dynamic work in communications and design completed during my tenure as the Communications Manager at the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF). As a full-time staff member of the Foundation, my role extended beyond individual projects, encompassing a spectrum of strategic communication initiatives aimed at promoting the vibrant wine and grape industry of New York. Unlike my freelance endeavors, these projects were part of a cohesive, long-term strategy, where I played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of not only an esteemed organization, but the wine and grape industry at-large.
Website Development & Design
newyorkwines.org
One of the most challenging projects I undertook was the redesign of newyorkwines.org. The magnitude of this challenge lay in the diversity of audiences the website needed to serve, all within a single, coherent site architecture.
Imagine a virtual space that not only serves wine enthusiasts and industry professionals but also welcomes winery owners and grape growers, researchers, and local businesses. The website had to be a hub of information, with a ton of valuable content waiting to be explored.
The challenge wasn’t just designing a website; it was designing a user journey that engaged each of our key audiences. Through strategic visual communication and a user-centric approach, I crafted an experience where every click led to what the visitor was seeking, and then offered the next step to inspire them to learn more about both NYWGF and the diverse community of New York wines.
In the end, the newyorkwines.org website emerged not just as an information repository but as a dynamic storyteller, presenting the right narrative to the right audience.
Document Design
The NYWGF Annual Report
This project not only represents my proficiency in graphic design but also underscores my ability to visually articulate the Foundation’s impactful contributions to the wine and grape industry, and our funding partners.
One of the challenges in designing this document was to distill a wealth of information into a simple, visually engaging narrative. The report not only encapsulates the fiscal intricacies, such as funding allocations for research and promotional programs, but also tells a compelling story of economic impact, job creation, and the significant role the wine and grape industry plays in our state’s economic landscape.
Previous to my arrival, the NYWGF Annual Report was a simple Word Document with very little thought given to it’s design. I was able to transform it from a required piece of compliance, into a comprehensive chronicle, offering insight into the Foundation’s operations and achievements during the fiscal year. Now, a piece that is widely distributed and celebrated each year, the report encapsulates the essence of the public-private partnership that has catalyzed the industry’s remarkable growth.
Conference Materials
Annual B.E.V. NY Conference
The 2023 B.E.V. NY conference was a three-day event focused on the story data can tell us about changing influences in the wine industry, and how attendees can make the most of opportunities for New York wine growing and winemaking for the future.
I created a variety of elements for this years conference including, a digital program outlining the conference schedule, trade show map, session details, and sponsor information; as well as email and social media graphics, the conference website, and title slides for sessions, breaks, and sponsors.
Printed collateral played a crucial role in bringing the conference to life. From impactful signage that guided attendees through the venue to program flyers that acted as tangible previews, every piece was meticulously designed to echo the overarching theme of the event.
