REACH 2024

Creative Direction | Visual Storytelling | Publication Design | Integrated Creative

The 2024 edition of REACH, CIFAR’s flagship magazine, explored the brain through the work and perspectives of researchers across CIFAR’s global community. The challenge was to create a distinctive visual experience that could complement complex scientific ideas while making the content engaging and accessible to a broader audience.

As the creative lead for the publication, I worked closely with the editor to develop the visual approach for the issue and translate its stories into a cohesive experience across print and digital channels.

Creative Direction

The Brain issue called for a visual language that could capture both the complexity of the subject and the individuality of the research and researchers featured throughout the magazine.

I developed the creative direction and design for the issue, working with the editorial content to determine how typography, imagery, illustration and layout could support individual stories while maintaining a consistent visual identity across the publication.

A central part of my role was translating complex research into visual storytelling that complemented the editorial content without overwhelming it, creating an experience that encouraged readers to engage with subjects that could otherwise feel highly technical.

Beyond the Magazine

The creative direction extended beyond the printed publication into the broader promotion and digital presentation of REACH.

I adapted the visual system for social media and other digital assets, creating a consistent campaign that connected the magazine's print experience with its online presence.

REACH content was also translated for the web, where the visual approach was adapted to the digital environment, including the use of animation where appropriate to bring imagery and stories to life on screen.

Together, the print, social and digital work created a cohesive visual experience for the issue across multiple audience touchpoints.

The Result

REACH 2024 delivered a distinctive creative approach to communicating complex research about the brain, bringing together scientific storytelling and design across print and digital channels.

The issue received a Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) ACE Award for Best Publication, Bronze.

My Role

• Creative direction

• Publication design

• Visual concept development

• Visual storytellingEditorial collaboration

• Art direction

• Print production

• Social media creative

• Digital creative adaptation

• Cross-channel brand consistency