Elevate
When I joined the Elevate team, the conference was a small, grassroots event with a maximum of 200 attendees. I helped reimagine and build the brand from the ground up—developing a new visual identity, designing a modern logo, and launching a fresh, user-friendly website. I led the creative direction for everything from social media and marketing assets to on-site conference decor, merchandise, swag, and printed guides. I also transformed the virtual experience by designing an engaging and accessible online platform for remote attendees. Today, Elevate has grown into a nationally recognized professional development brand that serves over 12,000 educators each year, both in-person and virtually—with a cohesive, elevated look and feel that reflects its mission to inspire and empower teachers.
Task
One of the biggest challenges I faced was creating a fresh, standout brand that felt completely different from the typical professional development platforms—something that was not only visually engaging but also reflected the energy, joy, and community that Elevate is known for.
Website Redesign
I redesigned the entire Elevate website—elevateyourclassroom.com—from the ground up, handling everything from layout to visuals to functionality. I focused on creating a clean, modern, and easy-to-navigate experience that reflects the energy and professionalism of the Elevate brand. The site is fully responsive, so it looks great on both desktop and mobile, and the navigation is streamlined to help users quickly find event details, speaker info, and registration links. I incorporated bold visuals, clear calls-to-action, and a cohesive color palette to create a site that feels both inspiring and easy to use for busy educators.
Swag and Merchandise
I had the chance to design all the swag items that each Elevate attendee receives, including a tote bag, clipfolio, notepad, lanyard, and t-shirt. I wanted each piece to feel intentional and useful—not just something to toss in a drawer. The designs tie into the overall look and feel of the event, with a fun and cohesive style that attendees can enjoy both during and after the conference.
Social Media Designs
I created the visual branding template for Elevate’s social media and then worked closely with our design team to ensure everything we created and shared stayed consistent with that look and feel. From speaker spotlights to event announcements and community highlights, I helped guide the tone, layout, and overall aesthetic so that our posts felt unified, engaging, and true to the Elevate brand.
Conference Decor
One of my favorite projects working with Elevate was designing the entire visual experience of the conference—from the large-scale elements to the tiniest details. I created everything from massive handmade alphabet blocks, oversized pencils, and Play-Doh buckets to 40-foot banners, directional signage, and colorful photo booth backdrops. Every balloon arch, branded flag, and main stage moment was carefully planned and styled to reflect the energy and joy of the educator community we serve. From concept to creation, I handled the full design execution to ensure the look and feel of the event was bold, playful, cohesive, and unforgettable.
