Before diving into any design work, pause and ask yourself: what’s the one thing we want people to remember? Whether it’s a poster, a website, or a social media graphic, clarity should be your north star. A strong message, clearly communicated, should guide every design choice. Think of design as storytelling—use bold headlines, generous white space, and thoughtful contrast to direct attention where it matters. If you can’t explain your idea in one sentence, it might need simplifying.

Of course, great design isn’t just clear—it’s moving. People connect through emotion, not just information. Your colours, imagery, and layout all help set the tone. If your message is about empowerment, go bold and bright. If it’s about care and community, lean into warmth—soft hues, gentle shapes, inviting photography. Don’t just think about what people should know—think about how you want them to feel.

And always, always design with inclusion in mind. Not everyone experiences content the same way. Some are neurodiverse. Some are reading in a second language. Others might be using outdated devices or limited bandwidth. Inclusive design isn’t a trend—it’s about respect. Legible fonts, strong colour contrast, clear language, and simple navigation go a long way. Tools like contrast checkers or adding alt text are small actions that make a big difference.

Consistency is another silent superpower. It builds recognition and trust. With just a few consistent elements—your fonts, colours, logo, and voice—your brand can feel unified across everything from flyers to Instagram stories. Even a simple toolkit or Canva Brand Kit helps, especially when more than one person is creating materials.

But design shouldn’t just speak to your community—it should come from it. Invite your audience into the process. Ask for feedback. Feature the people you serve. Use real stories, real faces, and co-create when you can. It builds authenticity that no perfectly polished campaign ever could.

When it comes to showcasing impact, don’t rely on numbers alone. Stats are important, but stories stick. Pair data with emotion—quotes, photo essays, simple moments that show transformation. One powerful testimonial can speak volumes more than a wall of percentages.