JW Labwork
JourneyWriter has ultimately become the literary passion project that encompasses all my love and joys of books and writing. With it, I have had the opportunity to build a brand for the creative projects that my team is excited to bring to life- from podcasts to books.
Our Journey,,,
started 8 years ago as a college exit endeavor, and with time, has evolved into a lifetime wandering through creativity, nostalgia, and innovation.
In the beginning, the team was formed with the expectation of giving opportunities to debuting and underrepresented authors. As time went on and the team took adventures of their own, JW took a backseat. I started reenvisioning what we could bring to the literary table. While studying creative writing further, I took up an independent study focused on publishing and ‘Who has a seat at the table?’. It wasn’t long before I started imagining a Journeywriter that could give more to the American Literary Community. And as the team grows in skill and interests, so does JW, along with a desire to influence the American literary community ( and maybe the global literary scene.)
As the team has allowed itself to create freely, we have created The Unwritten, the soothing (semi-socratic seminar) podcast that debuted in January 2024. Entering 2025, we are excited to reveal and release the next big project:
Our vision…
is constantly unfolding before our eyes. Every day we are discovering more that we could bring to the literary table, and every idea is one step closer to helping us see just how much we should and can do. The best part of being a team focused on creation is we have a space for collaboration, to bring those final creations to the public- whether they are stories, discussions, or literary tools.
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Hypothesis
Create your own Journey...
When designing the original black and white logo, I knew that the word 'journey' made me imagine the beauty of nature that you would find on a road trip. To simplify that vision, I decided to focus on vines and flowers. It was a while later that I brought in my teammate, Caitlin Smith, who after some discussion designed our present logo- the iconic royal gold daisy and black calligraphy.
Display the Data
Journey on site...
In the beginning JW's site was designed to inform writers on how they could contact the team and get involved with our writer's workshops. I quickly realized that the site was a place where I could express the warmth I feel in the literary community. So, naturally, the dark gold and teal color scheme came into play as I thought about what would be bright but comforting.
As time has gone on, and JW has changed its goals, so has the site. I have spent many hours redesigning and refocusing its theme and concept. I am sure that as JW continues, the site will have many other makeovers.
Material 1
The Unwritten
In 2024, JW released season 1 of its self-produced, written, and directed podcast, The Unwritten.
As a co-writer and producer for the podcast, I was so excited to work with the team in creating a safe and calm environment for discussing big and small topics in the literary community.
Material 2
Reader's Block & Journaling
One of JW's major goals is to encourage critical thinking in reading & teach the average person why literacy is fundamental. As of 2024, the average American reads at a 7th or 8th-grade reading level. According to 54% of literate Americans read at a 6th-grade level. In all, America ranks #36 in literacy. (The National Literacy Institute).
Every day reading, writing, and critical thinking become more essential to the average American. To combat the decline in literacy, JW is writing, designing, and curating reader tools, like our bookjournal project: Journeyjots. We are excited at the prospect of having them used by the casual reader, the scholar, and students in the classroom alike. On a personal note, I am excited to see the 1st major product that I take the lead in conceptualizing, designing, and building the release plan come to life. Keep an eye out for the release and placement of JW's Journeyjots!
Procedure & Observation
Group Trip: Future Projects
Just as it takes a village to do anything, it takes a team to build and complete a mission like JourneyWriters. As JW continues to create, from stories to reader's tools, we hope that we will leave a footprint in the literary community.