Introduction to Graphic Design

This section has been curated based on the collaborative work of graphic designer, Shira Feen, and Girls Write Now staff member, Vahni Kurra. Through this section, you will learn the core tenants of graphic design, explore the ways you can use those tenants to effectively communicate a feeling, and consider the ways you might create dynamic visuals to heighten the impact of your written work.

Meet Shira

Shira Feen currently works at Dentsu Advertising Agency, on the creative client solutions team. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and a Masters of Science in Digital Media and Marketing. Shira has applied her digital marketing strategy, graphic design and implementation tactics across a variety of different industries spanning from fashion, architecture, and the non-profit sector to education, agency, and technology. She currently lives in Manhattan and spends many nights working as a freelance graphic designer for non-profit and Healthtech clients, as graphic design serves as her hobby and also her favorite side hustle.

Meet Vahni

Vahni Kurra (she/hers) hails from disparate parts of the American Midwest with roots in Southern India. She recently earned a B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Kenyon College, where she co-edited Hika, Kenyon’s oldest, student-run literary magazine. Vahni’s work centers on themes of displacement, and her personal essay, “Banana Republic,” was published in Oyster River Pages. She is currently the book review editor for Sweet: A Literary Confection. Vahni has always been a strong advocate for the rights of women and trans* folks, as she has interned for NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio and helped facilitate a peer support program for Kenyon students impacted by sexual assault. Vahni is excited to blend her passions for gender equality and creative writing as she works with Girls Write Now to ensure that all mentees have the same opportunities that she did to pursue their artistic and personal dreams.

Section Goals

• Explore the ways graphic design can tell a story. 
• Understand what it means to design for a client vs for yourself.
• Understand how to communicate concepts, design solutions clearly and concisely through visual means.
• Appreciate the ability to the agility of designs and allow for multiple designs and rounds of edits.

This section is meant for anyone who would like to incorporate graphic design principles into their work, but it is a required section for mentees and mentors in the Print 360 Learning Journey. Part of this section will specifically focus on layout design and provide the skills you need to create the layout for your contribution to Take Me With You, Issue #2: Food and Culture.

Let’s get started!