A bold, unapologetic publication designed to spark conversations, amplify marginalized voices, and challenge readers to engage with perspectives beyond their own.
Through striking visuals, raw storytelling, and a fiercely independent editorial voice, it became more than a magazine—it became a movement.
Bringing a Vision to Life
As the founder, creative director, and publication designer of Sidepiece Magazine, I led its creative vision from inception to execution. More than just a magazine, Sidepiece was a bold statement—blending striking visuals with sharp, unapologetic storytelling.
I saw a growing need for deeper, more meaningful conversations between people who often exist in separate spheres—those with opposing political views, as well as marginalized communities who may not realize the resources and support available to them. At the same time, I witnessed a troubling cultural shift where bullying—especially targeting people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, women, individuals with disabilities, and people in larger bodies—was becoming increasingly normalized.
I set out to create a publication that did more than entertain; it needed to challenge, disrupt, and build bridges. Sidepiece became a platform for honest, first-person narratives—offering readers, particularly those with privilege, a rare opportunity to step into the lived experiences of others. By amplifying voices often ignored, the magazine encouraged readers to engage with perspectives they might otherwise never encounter—simply because they don’t often interact with people who look, act, or live differently from them.
Editorial & Design Direction
Sidepiece was more than a magazine—it was an immersive visual and editorial experience. I collaborated with my editorial board and over 100 volunteers—editors, writers, photographers, designers, and illustrators—who generously contributed their talents to bring our vision to life. Together, we developed a polished yet unapologetic aesthetic, ensuring every spread enhanced the storytelling through bold typography, dynamic imagery, and strategic white space.
I personally sourced custom illustrations, coordinated photoshoots, and provided creative direction to maintain the magazine’s distinct identity. Beyond aesthetics, I balanced editorial integrity with creative innovation. Sidepiece’s voice was sharp, unfiltered, and fiercely independent—qualities that were reflected in every visual decision. Alongside my design team, I crafted editorial layouts that balanced structure with spontaneity, ensuring the magazine remained visually engaging and emotionally resonant.
Photoshoot Production & Creative Direction
Original photography was central to Sidepiece’s identity. I directed multiple photoshoots, overseeing every detail—from assembling the creative team to managing schedules, shoot lists, and on-set coordination. This included working with photographers, set stylists, wardrobe stylists, hair and makeup artists, models, and assistants to ensure a seamless execution.
Each shoot was more than just a visual exercise—it was storytelling in action. Whether featuring activists, artists, entrepreneurs, or everyday people with extraordinary experiences, I ensured every image captured their essence. My approach combined meticulous planning with creative flexibility, allowing for authentic, deeply personal imagery that aligned with the magazine’s mission.
Creating a Recognizable Identity
Beyond the magazine itself, I established Sidepiece’s brand identity, creating a consistent and recognizable presence across platforms.
I developed a modern, inclusive, and bold visual language, including a defined color system, typography hierarchy, iconography, and layout templates. Every design decision reinforced the magazine’s messaging and strengthened its connection with the audience.
Building a Community
I built and curated Sidepiece’s social media presence from the ground up, ensuring a seamless extension of the magazine’s impact into the digital space.
This went beyond simply posting content—I developed a strategic framework that maintained consistency and engagement. I created a content calendar, scheduling system, captioning guidelines, and a category structure to balance messaging, colors, and post types. Some content was created in-house by myself and my interns, while other were re-posts carefully curated to align with Sidepiece’s mission. Through this strategy, we cultivated a dynamic, engaged online community.
Selling the Vision
To attract advertisers and sponsors, I created a comprehensive media kit that highlighted Sidepiece’s mission, content categories, audience demographics, and unique value. I wrote and designed every page, ensuring it was both compelling and strategic.
I developed advertising opportunities, pricing structures for full-page placements, and sponsorship packages for the magazine’s launch party. As a completely self-funded passion project, these partnerships helped offset the costs of printing and event production.
Expanding the Reach
To generate excitement around the magazine’s release, I designed a series of print and digital marketing materials. This included a suite of eye-catching social media graphics that promoted both the magazine’s launch and ticket sales for our debut event. Every visual asset maintained Sidepiece’s bold, distinct aesthetic, reinforcing brand recognition and driving engagement.
In addition to promotional materials, I developed a series of social media contests designed to build anticipation and increase event attendance. Some contests offered winners exclusive prizes, which had to be picked up in person at the launch party—creating an incentive for engagement while driving foot traffic to the event. Other contests awarded free tickets, ensuring broader access and expanding our audience reach.
These strategic campaigns not only amplified awareness but directly contributed to the event’s success. The launch party became the most highly attended event the venue had ever hosted since its opening, proving the power of targeted digital marketing in driving real-world impact.
A Celebratory Launch Event
To introduce Sidepiece to the world, I organized an unforgettable launch event on International Women’s Day. More than a celebration, this event embodied the magazine’s bold spirit, bringing together creatives, industry professionals, and supporters in a space that reflected our values.
As event director, I managed every aspect—from venue selection and promotional materials to on-site logistics—ensuring a seamless experience. The launch wasn’t just about Sidepiece; it was about building a movement.
The event featured a live podcast recording, local micro-influencers live streaming the event, professional guest speakers, a women-of-color coloring book station, interactive experiences and video installations, a poetry station led by a well-known local poet (also a magazine contributor), sponsor tables featuring products from like-minded brands, and food and drinks from local businesses.
Every detail was designed to spark conversation, foster connections, and create a space where attendees felt seen, heard, and valued.
Sidepiece Magazine was more than just a publication—it was a movement. It provided a platform for voices that often go unheard, challenged readers to step outside their perspectives, and fostered a sense of community in a time of increasing division. What started as an idea became a fully realized brand, complete with a distinct visual identity, a powerful editorial voice, and an engaged audience both in print and online.
Through thoughtful design, strategic marketing, and community-driven storytelling, Sidepiece not only gained recognition but also sparked important conversations. The overwhelming response—from the contributors who poured their passion into its pages to the readers who saw themselves reflected in its stories—proved that this project filled a much-needed space in media. The launch event’s record-breaking attendance, the dedicated following on social media, and the willingness of so many creatives to contribute their talents all reinforced the impact Sidepiece had in bringing people together.
This project wasn’t just about publishing a magazine; it was about creating something with meaning, something that challenged norms and built bridges between people. And while Sidepiece was an independent publication, its legacy continues through the conversations it started and the connections it fostered.
Reflections & Impact
View More Featured Work
-
![]()
Hardware Retailing
Editorial Design, Marketing Design, Branding, Creative Direction, Social Media Strategy, Photography
-
![]()
Pattern Magazine
Creative Direction, Editorial Design, Photography, Styling, Digital Content Management
-
![]()
Visit Phoenix
Art Direction, Editorial Design, Redesign Strategy
-
![]()
City of La Quinta
Editorial Design, Branding, Editorial Strategy
-
![]()
Explore Branson
Art Direction, Editorial Design, Editorial Strategy, Brand Refresh
-
![]()
Northwest Arkansas
Art Direction, Editorial Design, Branding, Redesign Strategy
-
![]()
Destination Door County
Art Direction, Editorial Design, Redesign Strategy, Editorial Strategy, Marketing Strategy
-
![]()
Visit Missouri
Editorial Design, Redesign Strategy
-
![]()
Sidepiece Magazine
Creative Direction, Production Management, Advertising Strategy, Social Media Strategy, Event Planning
