Hope is Here: Designing a Faith-Based Campaign

Hope is Here

“It’s more than just a project to me; it’s a reflection of who I am.”

-Abigail

For my BFA exhibition, I wanted to create a series that was not just a visual project but a message. A message rooted deeply in my Christian faith and my desire to share the gospel, especially with people my age. My project, which included a magazine concept and campaign-inspired design, was a way for me to reach out to others and make something that was accessible, inviting, and meaningful.

The Inspiration Behind the Series

The idea for this campaign came from a combination of my Christian faith and my passion for reaching others in a way that felt approachable. I was inspired by the Jesus Revolution of the 1970s, a movement that focused on connecting with young people and helping them find hope and purpose. Just like the revolution, I wanted to create something that resonated with people who were searching for meaning, especially my peers.

At the heart of the campaign is the phrase “Hope is Here”—a message that speaks directly to the need for hope that everyone experiences at some point in life. Whether you’re struggling with questions of purpose or simply looking for direction, hope is something we all need. And I wanted this project to communicate that message: Hope is Here in Yahweh. Yahweh, one of God’s names, represents His power and authority, and this series was about bringing that truth to life visually.

The Magazine and Design Process

One of the most exciting parts of this project was creating the magazine. I’ve always loved designing magazines, and this was my opportunity to bring a faith-based publication to life—something that could be a resource for people my age. I wanted the magazine to feel personal and relatable, so I included a spread about my own testimony and journey with Jesus. Sharing my story felt like an important part of the project because I believe in the power of personal experiences to connect others.

In addition to that, I designed a spread on the Jesus Revolution, which was a huge inspiration behind the whole campaign. This spread was meant to empower people to explore more, ask questions, and learn about the historical impact of this movement.

The Goal: To Make People Feel and Ask Questions

Ultimately, the goal of this project was simple: I wanted people to feel something. I wanted them to stop and ask, “What is this about? Who is Yahweh?” and most importantly, “How does this message relate to me?” I wanted to spark curiosity and invite viewers to explore the deeper meaning behind the artwork. But I also wanted them to feel something positive, something uplifting. It was important to me that my work didn’t feel preachy or pushy. Instead, I aimed for it to be inviting, making viewers want to learn more while feeling the joy and peace that comes from the message of hope.

Challenges and Growth

While I’m proud of the work I did, it wasn’t an easy road. Being in a public college, I did face some backlash when I shared my project idea. But I knew that sharing the gospel was the right thing to do, and I had a lot of support from my family and friends. Their encouragement helped me push through the tough moments, and I knew I had to stay true to what was most important to me—sharing my faith in a way that was genuine and respectful.

One of the biggest challenges in the design process was balancing my desire to share the gospel with the need to do so in a way that wasn’t overwhelming. I didn’t want the message to feel like it was being “shoved in people’s faces.” I wanted it to be something that people would feel drawn to—something that would make them pause and think without feeling pressured.

Looking Back: The Meaning of the Project

Looking back on this series, I still feel connected to it in a big way. It’s more than just a project to me; it’s a reflection of who I am. The 70s vibe I incorporated feels like a natural extension of my personality and my design style. I also love how this series continues to carry such deep meaning for me, and I would love to expand on it—whether by selling prints or integrating these designs into future projects.

This project has become a part of me. It’s not just about sharing the gospel visually; it’s about telling a story that’s meaningful and personal. I’m excited to carry this message forward in my work and to keep creating designs that have purpose, depth, and heart.