The booklet design follows a calm, minimal, and structured visual approach that supports the sensitive nature of trauma-informed storytelling. Clean typography, clear hierarchy, and generous spacing create a sense of clarity and emotional safety for readers. The layout avoids visual clutter so facilitators can focus on understanding the content slowly and thoughtfully. Overall, the design emphasizes professionalism, dignity, and accessibility while guiding volunteers through the training material.
Booklet Design
Graphic Design
Industry
Civic, Government & Nonprofits
Tools we used
Project Completion
2025
Key Market
Global
This booklet is a training guide created for volunteers and facilitators working with Voicing the Void, a storytelling initiative focused on safe and ethical creative expression. It provides practical guidance on how to hold storytelling spaces responsibly while supporting participants’ emotional wellbeing. The guide combines theory, facilitation methods, and real examples to help volunteers understand trauma-informed storytelling. Its aim is to ensure stories are held respectfully without pressure or extraction.
Industry
Civic, Government & NonprofitsWhat we did
Booklet DesignGraphic DesignPlatform
-Many storytelling programs unintentionally pressure participants to share traumatic experiences in order to create impactful narratives. This can lead to emotional discomfort, retraumatization, or a sense of exposure. Additionally, volunteers and facilitators often lack clear frameworks for managing sensitive storytelling spaces. Without structured guidance, facilitators may unintentionally interpret or push for deeper disclosure, which can harm trust and participant safety.
The booklet introduces a trauma-informed storytelling framework that prioritizes safety, choice, and participant control. It guides volunteers on how to support creative expression without asking for trauma disclosure or interpretation. Through clear language examples, facilitation practices, and boundary guidelines, the manual helps create safe storytelling environments. This approach allows stories to emerge naturally through art, metaphor, or silence while protecting participants’ dignity and autonomy.
The booklet design effectively supports sensitive, trauma-informed storytelling by combining a calm aesthetic with clear, easy-to-follow content. This approach has led to measurable improvements in response rates and reader engagement, contributing to an increase in lead generation and inquiries. These outcomes can be enhanced by focusing on better targeting of specific volunteer groups and expanding distribution channels to increase footfall.
Voicing the Void aims to build a global model for ethical and restorative storytelling practices within community and creative environments. The initiative focuses on empowering individuals to express their stories in ways that feel safe, meaningful, and self-directed. By training facilitators with thoughtful frameworks, the organization hopes to transform storytelling from an extractive practice into a supportive and healing process. The vision is to create spaces where stories are held with care and respect.
The booklet uses a soft and balanced color palette that supports calmness and readability. Neutral base tones provide a clean background, while darker accents add depth and visual hierarchy. This restrained palette avoids overwhelming visuals and helps maintain a reflective tone throughout the booklet. The colors align with the brand’s focus on dignity, safety, and thoughtful communication, reinforcing the emotional sensitivity of the content.
Ask Shelly
