We sought to rebrand the victim narrative surrounding girls resistance, showcasing them instead as resilient leaders of change.

At We Are Stories, we embarked on a journey to bring the essence of “From Seeding to Flourishing” to life. This report celebrates the courageous resistance of girls across 90+ countries, weaving together themes of ecology, feminism, and storytelling. Our approach was rooted in creating a design language that reflects the interconnectedness of life and the unstoppable spread of ideas and movements driven by girls’ leadership.

Our creative direction stemmed from two interconnected inspirations:

The Ecology of Resistance:

We drew parallels between the natural process of seed dispersion and the stories of girls’ resistance. Like seeds carried by animals, birds, insects, and wind to unfamiliar lands, acts of defiance and leadership by girls take root in new contexts, thriving and transforming the landscapes they touch. This ecological metaphor shaped the report’s narrative and visual language.

The Legacy of Miniature Paintings:

Inspired by the intricate storytelling of miniature art, we infused the design with layered details, vibrant colors, and symbolic elements. These historical art forms, known for depicting journeys and resilience, mirrored the themes of growth and connection central to the report.

Visual Storytelling:

• Each chapter was envisioned as a “seed” of resistance, with narratives organically flowing through the pages. We embraced fluid layouts to reflect the idea of growth and dispersion.
• The typography balanced clarity with a sense of urgency, ensuring accessibility without losing the gravitas of the stories.

A Palette of Growth and Resistance:

• The earthy greens and browns in the color palette symbolized rootedness, while vibrant accents like deep reds and golden yellows conveyed vitality, resilience, and hope. This balance of natural tones and bold highlights embodied the duality of strength and nurturance.

Illustrations as Ecosystem:

The illustrations married the fine detailing of miniature art with motifs from nature, such as birds, insects, and wind, to symbolize the resilience and far-reaching impact of girls’ movements.

Collaborative and Iterative Process

Immersive Research:

• We delved into the science of seed dispersion and the cultural significance of miniature paintings, ensuring our concepts were informed by both ecology and feminist art practices.

Partnership with Stakeholders:

• Working closely with regional curators and advocates, we ensured cultural authenticity and alignment with the report’s themes. This collaborative process allowed us to refine every detail to resonate with diverse audiences.

Handcrafted and Digital Harmony:

• Our illustration process combined hand-drawn techniques with digital enhancements, creating visuals that were intricate yet scalable.

Integration of Text and Art:

• The final design harmonized the text, visuals, and data, presenting a report that was as visually compelling as it was informative.

Impact

The design of “From Seeding to Flourishing” was celebrated for its ability to weave ecology and feminism into a cohesive visual narrative. The report achieved:

• Emotional Connection: Readers were drawn into the stories through visuals that spoke to both heart and mind.
• Cross-Cultural Resonance: The metaphor of seed dispersion and the universal language of nature created a design that transcended borders.
• Advocacy Amplification: The timeless design ensured the report could be used as a powerful tool for advocacy and education.

Reflection

Designing “From Seeding to Flourishing” was more than a creative endeavor; it was a practice in ecological feminism. By connecting the resilience of girls to the resilience of ecosystems, we aimed to honor their stories as seeds of change—spreading, flourishing, and reshaping the world. This project reaffirmed our commitment to crafting designs that amplify voices, challenge narratives, and inspire transformation.