Comic relief

An overlooked story that needed to be told

Portrait of woman made from newspaper clippings

Brief

Design a report that shines a light on the sensitive and chronically overlooked issue of violence against older women.

Challenge

To develop a visual look and feel that is sensitive and representative, which also stands out from the familiar backs-of-heads or shadow-style photography often used in this area.

Solution

A newspaper collage style. Using the visual language of newsprint, we claimed ownership of a media that usually focuses on violence against younger women. Fragmented collages provided a powerful visual metaphor for women whose lives had been torn apart and reassembled – with the pieces no longer fitting together quite as they had before.

The style also portrayed women anonymously but respectfully, with dignity. We framed the collages with a bright, positive colour palette, which contrasted with the newsprint style and elevated individual women’s voices.

Cover of report
Strong architectural imagery ties the campaign back to the building

Result

This was our first job for Comic Relief, and we’re delighted that the client described the design as ‘brilliant’ and the process as smooth and enjoyable. We’re looking forward to working together again soon.

Series of spreads from toolkit
Striking portraits and bold colours helped divide up the toolkit into sections
Statistic At least 1 in 6 UK adults aged 60 and over experience some form of violence and abuse each year.
Portrait of woman made from newspaper clippings
Portrait of woman made from newspaper clippings

The client described the design as ‘brilliant’ and the process as smooth and enjoyable

Image of older woman made of newspaper clippings

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