Case Study

The Dru Project Publication Redesign

Our mission was to transform the guide into an accessible, visually compelling resource that resonates with students, educators, and allies.

Cover and sample spreads from The Dru Project’s redesigned GSA Guide, featuring a bold, inclusive layout with colorful accents, modern typography, and accessible formatting.

Brief

The Dru Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion and safe spaces in schools, approached Storey Creative to revitalize their Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) guide. The existing publication was rich in content but lacked the visual appeal and clarity needed to engage its diverse audience effectively. Our mission was to transform the guide into an accessible, visually compelling resource that resonates with students, educators, and allies.

Client

The Dru Project

Role

Graphic Designer | Art Director

Tools

Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator

Process

Challenges

The original design presented several obstacles:

• Visual Hierarchy: The layout lacked a clear structure, making it challenging for readers to navigate the content efficiently.

• Engagement: The design did not capture the vibrant and inclusive spirit of The Dru Project, potentially disengaging readers.

• Accessibility: The previous design did not fully adhere to accessibility standards, limiting its reach to all intended audiences.

Cover and sample spreads from The Dru Project’s redesigned GSA Guide, featuring a bold, inclusive layout with colorful accents, modern typography, and accessible formatting.

Our Approach

The Dru Project’s GSA Guide was already packed with heart and purpose—it just needed a visual system to match its powerful message. We approached this redesign with clarity, energy, and inclusivity as our north stars.

First, we established a solid visual hierarchy to make the guide easier to navigate for its diverse audience: students, educators, and community leaders. That meant clean, repeatable styles for headings, subheadings, and callouts. We introduced generous spacing and consistent formatting so nothing felt cramped or overlooked.

Then came the color. We leaned into the existing brand but gave it more life on the page—introducing a brighter, more youthful palette that could appeal to both Gen Z students and seasoned allies. The end result feels both friendly and grounded, striking a balance between educational and expressive.

Typography played a key role here too. We selected accessible, modern fonts that feel human and warm, with enough contrast for readability across all devices and print versions. We also used iconography and simple visual cues to break up dense sections of text, highlight key takeaways, and invite the reader in without overwhelming them.

Most importantly, we were mindful of the people this guide is meant to serve. Every design choice—from color contrast to text size—was filtered through an accessibility lens to ensure the final product could be confidently used in classrooms, clubs, and community spaces across the country.

This wasn’t just a fresh coat of paint—it was a thoughtful reimagining of how the guide could communicate, educate, and connect.

What were the results?

The redesigned GSA guide now stands as a testament to The Dru Project’s commitment to fostering inclusive environments. The publication not only aligns with the organization’s vibrant identity but also serves as an engaging and accessible resource for its audience. By intertwining thoughtful design with The Dru Project’s mission, Storey Creative delivered a publication that informs, inspires, and empowers its readers.

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