The Cowry Callings is a newsletter that explores an unapologetic journey through the writer’s experience with femininity, sexuality, spirit, and introspection. It is a collection of whispers and shouts—written in response to whatever calls to her soul. The Callings are shared through works of poetry, opinion pieces, and thoughtful articles about the black queer woman experience.
Working with the writer of The Cowry Callings on her new Substack newsletter allowed me to blend artistic symbolism with branding. The goal of creating the header and profile picture was to visualize a journey through femininity, sexuality, spirituality, and thought without shame. The writer asked me to integrate Adjei Adjetey’s Cowrie Shell Woman as an anchor, symbolizing wealth, femininity, and a reconnection to West African history.
Project synopsis
Composition
I framed the central portrait and header with borders influenced by classical manuscripts, creating a 'sacred text' feel for her poetry and opinion pieces.
symbolism
The sun elements are positioned to serve as a focal point of enlightenment and to “shine a light” on topics she writes about. The cowrie shell imagery serves as a bridge between the diaspora and ancestral wealth and knowledge.
typography
Stephen Type was chosen as the font because it is the closest font to the writer’s own handwriting, which symbolizes that this is her platform, heart, and creation.
color theory
Utilized a palette of rich reds, vibrant greens, and calming blues to represent the passion, growth, and unapologetic nature of the writer's evolving journey.
Featured Art
Integrated Adjei Adjetey’s Cowrie Shell Woman to anchor the newsletter in West African history and fertility.
Outcome
A visually rich environment that supports the writer's mission to publish callings, using colors that transition from deep-rooted passion to stable, unapologetic peace.
.
The header
Tools: Canva, Abobe Creative cloud
The profile picture
Tools: Canva, Abobe Creative cloud
Composition
I framed the central portrait and header with borders influenced by classical manuscripts, creating a 'sacred text' feel for her poetry and opinion pieces.
symbolism
The sun elements are positioned to serve as a focal point of enlightenment and to “shine a light” on topics she writes about. The cowrie shell imagery serves as a bridge between the diaspora and ancestral wealth and knowledge.
typography
Stephen Type was chosen as the font because it is the closest font to the writer’s own handwriting, which symbolizes that this is her platform, heart, and creation.
color theory
Utilized a palette of rich reds, vibrant greens, and calming blues to represent the passion, growth, and unapologetic nature of the writer's evolving journey.
Featured Art
Integrated Adjei Adjetey’s Cowrie Shell Woman to anchor the newsletter in West African history and fertility.
Outcome
A visually rich environment that supports the writer's mission to publish callings, using colors that transition from deep-rooted passion to stable, unapologetic peace.
.
The Cowry Callings is a newsletter that explores an unapologetic journey through the writer’s experience with femininity, sexuality, spirit, and introspection. It is a collection of whispers and shouts—written in response to whatever calls to her soul. The Callings are shared through works of poetry, opinion pieces, and thoughtful articles about the black queer woman experience.
Working with the writer of The Cowry Callings on her new Substack newsletter allowed me to blend artistic symbolism with branding. The goal of creating the header and profile picture was to visualize a journey through femininity, sexuality, spirituality, and thought without shame. The writer asked me to integrate Adjei Adjetey’s Cowrie Shell Woman as an anchor, symbolizing wealth, femininity, and a reconnection to West African history.
Project synopsis
The Profile Picture
The header
Tools: Canva, Abobe Creative cloud
tools: Canva, Abobe Creative cloud