CLIENT: Kaleidoscope
SCOPE: Art Direction, Print Collateral, Copywriting, Production, Associate Board Member
Kaleidoscope is a nonprofit, charitable organization that finds foster families for hard-to-place children who have suffered From extreme abuse, violence and neglect within their family systems. Struggling with complex emotional, physical and medical needs, the kids referred to Kaleidoscope face incredible challenges that require comprehensive resources and support. The team at Kaleidoscope is committed to alleviating limiting obstacles for these kids, believing all youth deserve the chance to reach their highest potential.
Following is a selection of marketing pieces I created for Kaleidoscope over a span of eight years. These materials provide essential information about the organization, advertise its events, keep its families and Board members updated with news and developments and direct everyone to available resources. My goal in developing these printed pieces was to create an aesthetic identity that balanced an optimistic, kid-centered personality with the hard facts and serious mission of the organization.
Every summer the kids of Kaleidoscope engage in a wide variety of fun and educational art classes and workshops. By the time fall rolls around, an impressive body of work has been built and some of it goes up for sale at Kaleidoscope's annual "Kid Art Show & Auction" benefit. This highly anticipated downtown show features paintings, photographs and mixed media pieces created by the talented kids of Kaleidoscope. Their artwork is professionally framed and made available to the highest bidder. The young artists receive commissions for their work and they are always super excited to share their inspiration with their supporters at the auction. For five years (2006 to 2010), I was privileged to create the poster, invitation and support materials for these terrific events.
The State of Illinois supports youth in foster care until they are 21 years old. Kaleidoscope’s Independent Living program provides case management and other support services to assist youth ages 18-21 to live independently in the community while preparing for their transition to adulthood. The primary goals of this program are to promote well-being, social skills, financial stability, sexual health and self-sufficiency.
Kaleidoscope believes in youth becoming self-sufficient. The Find Your Future program offers 10-week paid summer internships and vocational training to current and former youth-in-care who are attending college. Young people are matched with employers in the community who give them a chance to build their resumes, develop job readiness skills and grow their professional networks.
