A simple financial app to build smarter money habits daily.
MYst
July 2025
3 days
Role: Graphic Designer
Introduction
Modernizing MYST for Youth
Two visual directions exploring how to refresh MYST’s brochure. MYST is a youth skills training program that connects young adults to paid opportunities in manufacturing, food processing, and more across BC.
Cover (OLD Version)
Visual Clutter
Overuse of gradients, clip art, and colors creates a chaotic look, which overwhelms the eye and distracts from key information.
Inconsistent Layout & Hierarchy
There's no clear reading flow and sections compete for attention.
Branding & Tone
The design lacks a modern, youth-oriented visual identity that would appeal to the program's target audience (ages 17–29) and tone feels more like a flyer from the early 2000s.
Inside (OLD Version)
Accessibility & Readability Issues
Low color contrast in some sections (e.g., red-on-pink or yellow-on-white) can be hard to read, especially for those with visual impairments.
Poor Typography
Too many font styles, weights, and sizes used across both pages and overuse of all caps and center alignment makes it harder to scan content quickly.
Challenge
Redesign the MYST brochure to better engage young adults by improving clarity, simplifying the layout, and enhancing overall visual appeal.
Design process
Design Principles
Design principles applied throughout the design process.
Hierarchy
Guide the viewer’s attention by prioritizing elements—use size, color, spacing, and typography to emphasize what matters most.
Contrast
Use contrasting colors, fonts, and sizes to create visual interest and improve readability to improve accessibility.
Brand Consistency
Stick to a visual language, typography, colors, spacing and style to create cohesion.
Audience
Information is well-prioritized using size, contrast, and layout, guiding users to the most important tasks quickly.
Project timeline
Introducing
MYST
The refreshed MYST brochures bring clarity, energy, and a modern tone to better connect with young adults—making key program details more approachable and visually engaging.
New Redesigns
Key Improvements —
From cleaner layouts to bolder typography, the redesigned brochures enhance readability, visual appeal, and youth-focused engagement.
Clear Visual Hierarchy
Content is organized with bold headings and balanced spacing, making it easier to scan and digest at a glance.
Consistent Branding
The consistent use of orange and white builds visual cohesion and trust.
Modern & Youth-Friendly Aesthetic
The clean, minimal layout paired with a contemporary sans-serif font feels fresh and more appealing to a younger audience.
Real Faces, Real Futures —
This version uses authentic imagery to reflect real-world work environments, helping young adults envision themselves in the roles MYST prepares them for.
Professional & Modern Feel
Clean, high-quality images give the brochure a polished and up-to-date look, aligning with the goal of preparing youth for the workforce.
Effective Call to Action
“Contact Us Today” is bold and centered, with contact details easy to locate.
Realism
Photos of real people in action help young adults see themselves in the program and the roles it leads to.
Pathways Illustrated —
The illustrated design feels approachable and energetic, using visuals to simplify information and better engage youth.
Youthful and Approachable
Friendly illustrations help the brochure feel less formal and more inviting to young adults.
Memorable Aesthetic
The unique style makes the brochure more eye-catching and distinct from typical job training materials.
Considerations
Designing For Everyone
Here are a few accessibility-focused elements that were explored and applied.
Legible Typography
Clear, well-sized fonts improve readability for everyone, especially those with visual or cognitive differences
Color Contrast
Text and icons contrast well against their backgrounds, improving legibility for users with low vision or color blindness.
final notes
Lessons Learned
This project was a fun challenge that let me explore two distinct visual directions. A photography and illustration version, each offering a unique way to tell the story. I also gained experience preparing print-ready files and learned the importance of working within brand guidelines, especially when handling partner logos without distortion. Balancing creativity, accessibility, and precision made this a meaningful design process. Thanks for viewing!