DesignUP 2026
BRIEF
Design a collection of event materials for DesignUP, an annual philanthropic design-a-thon at Virginia Tech, including a memo book, thank-you and apology notes, and other promotional pieces. Contribute to the development of the event’s visual identity while creating cohesive, functional materials that enhance the event experience and demonstrate thoughtful attention to print design, communication, and detail.
ROLE
UI Design, Pocket Notebook Design, Print Collateral, Research
PLATFORMS
Mobile, Desktop, Memo Book
DESIGN TOOLS
Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, Miro
TEAM
2026 DesignUP Branding Team
Part One: What is DesignUP?
DesignUP is a philanthropic design-a-thon where graphic design students, mentored by design professionals, provide creative services for local nonprofit (and select small business) organizations.
Each year, a dedicated team of students develops DesignUP's visual identity and branding, creating everything from logos and color palettes to promotional graphics and social media content. Under faculty guidance, a group of students and I had the privilege of designing DesignUP's visual identity and theme for Spring 2026.
After extensive research and mood boards, we based this year's theme on natural ecosystems and how nonprofits grow within their communities. Like trees, organizations build deep roots, grow stronger over time, and give back at every stage of their lifecycle. Birds, trees, amphibians, and insects appear throughout our visuals, each representing different roles within a connected system and the impact that happens when those roles work together.
DESIGNUP 2026 THEME
Part Two: Memo Book
After finalizing the theme and visual identity, we created materials to distribute to all participating students, mentors, and faculty at the event. I was assigned to design the memo book and incorporated the other illustrations and design elements my team members created to keep the design and visuals cohesive.
INITIAL DRAFTS
Ended up using the birds and leaf illustrations on the actual pages of the book rather than on the cover
Wasn't allowed to use blue in the cardinal because it isn't native to the area
Liked the layout, but the colors didn't work well together (the red felt too intimidating and overpowering)
SECOND DRAFTS
Thought it would be interesting to include a mini fun-fact description about the animals and insects
The colors are easy on the eyes and work better than before
Added dotted lines along the side based on team members' feedback about the most helpful paper format
FINAL MEMO BOOK
Part Three: Thank-You & Apology Note
Because we'd already sent the memo book to the publisher, we couldn’t make any changes to the mentions page near the end of the book. When additional mentors joined us, we adapted by creating a special thank-you note card to personally hand out to the new mentors.
We also had to write an apology note for misspelling a mentor’s name. Instead of making it too serious, I tried to approach it with a bit of humor to lighten the mood.
THANK YOU NOTE
APOLOGY NOTE
Part Four: Postcard
Each team member also had to create a postcard design so we could include a few in the goodie boxes for the students, mentors, and faculty participating in the event as souvenirs. I took a simple approach and drew nature-related elements that fit our theme, like a flower and butterflies. I also thought it would be cute to add a green, lace-like detail around the border.
Part Five: Final Thoughts
Overall, I really enjoyed having the opportunity to help design the visual identity and event materials for the Spring 2026 DesignUP design-a-thon. The process involved a lot of research, drafting, and collaboration, and seeing the designs and the event come to life was both fulfilling and awe-inspiring.
It was especially exciting to see our work recognized with a UCDA Design Award for Brand and Identity. I also had the opportunity to serve as my team's student lead on the day of the design-a-thon, which was a valuable experience that allowed me to take on a leadership role and be more involved in the event.
