NYU MLK Week

A visual identity for NYU’s 19th annual MLK Week, built around the theme Powered by Love.

  • Brand
  • Print
  • Merchandising
NYU MLK Week 2024 banner: Dr. King speaking into a megaphone over colorful waves

Role: Lead Designer/Creative Direction

For: New York University

Tools: Illustrator, Photoshop

Team

Tera Nakata, Project Manager

Anvay Kantak, Designer

MLK Week is an annual university-wide celebration at NYU honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Each year, the event features a distinct theme that reflects King's enduring message.

I designed the visual identity for MLK Week 2024, inspired by the week’s central theme, Powered by Love. The visuals aimed to capture the essence of community, unity, and collective action, reinforcing the spirit and values celebrated throughout the events. By blending historical photographs with contemporary design elements, the visuals created a meaningful connection between past and present. The branding was implemented across promotional materials, digital platforms, and branded merchandise, ensuring a cohesive and engaging experience.

MLK Week promotional email with the banner and a list of February events
Brand translated into newsletter
MLK Week graphics resized for different social media formats
Graphics sized for each social platform

Digital and Social

I designed an email campaign to promote NYU MLK Week 2024, highlighting key events and information through clear, engaging visuals. Additionally, I adapted the visual identity across multiple social media platforms, creating tailored graphics optimized for various formats to maintain a cohesive and impactful online presence.

MLK Week bookmarks with the enamel pin attached
Double-sided bookmark with the enamel pin
Close-up of three bookmarks, each holding the MLK Week enamel pin
Each bookmark holds the pin
Two people holding the blue MLK Week tote bags
Tote bag with a different graphic on each side
Two holographic MLK Week stickers
Holographic stickers
MLK Week poster on an easel at an event
Event poster on site

Print and Merchandise

I created a bookmark and enamel pin for MLK Week 2024. The double-sided bookmark features the event's main banner design on one side and the theme-inspiring quote on the other, along with space to hold the pin.

Additionally, I designed a tote bag featuring complementary graphics on each side, reinforcing the event’s visual identity. These elements and themed merchandise, such as stickers and pins, provided both a cohesive brand experience and meaningful keepsakes for attendees.