Print Layout
Client: Erie VA Medical Center
Role: Designer & Photographer
Deliverable: Multi-page patient education booklet
Overview
The Erie VA Medical Center’s Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) department needed an updated educational booklet to help veterans understand the wide range of therapy programs and specialty services available.
The goal was to create a clear, accessible, and visually cohesive resource that aligned with the official Erie VA brand system while communicating trust and care through authentic imagery.
My Role
As both designer and photographer, I led the full creative process from concept through print production.
Collaborated with the department manager to refine and organize content
Conducted multiple on-site photo sessions to capture authentic staff and facility imagery
Designed page layouts, typography hierarchy, and color system within VA brand standards
Prepared print-ready files and coordinated final production review
Design Approach
The design emphasizes clarity, trust, and accessibility, reinforcing the Erie VA’s mission and vision.
Visual Hierarchy
Sections were structured to guide readers easily from general department information to specific therapy programs, with consistent headings and iconography.
Typography
VA-approved fonts were applied with thoughtful contrast and spacing for easy readability.
Photography
All imagery was original, shot in the department’s therapy and exam areas to reflect genuine veteran-focused care.
Brand Integration
The Erie VA’s official color palette, logo system, and brand voice were seamlessly integrated to create consistency across patient materials.
Collaboration & Process
This project was in close partnership with the PM&R department manager, involving iterative design feedback and multiple proofing stages.
I worked directly with staff to ensure accuracy, simplified complex medical information, and balanced content density across pages. Photography sessions were scheduled around patient care to ensure authenticity while maintaining privacy and professionalism.
Outcome
The final printed booklet became a key educational tool used across the Erie VA campus and outreach events.
Improved patient understanding of rehabilitation programs
Provided staff with a professional, easy-to-use communication resource
Strengthened the department’s visual alignment with the VA’s overall brand identity
Reflection
This project enhanced my experience designing within structured federal brand systems while balancing creativity and accessibility. Managing both photography and design allowed for a unified visual story that communicates empathy, professionalism, and clarity for veteran audiences.
