Design Goal

Warmth Within was created as part of West Liberty University’s Presidential Holiday Card design competition and was selected as the official 2025 holiday card representing the university. The card was distributed through print and digitally to faculty, alumni, and prospective students, and was featured on the university social media platforms.The goal of this project was to visually interpret the theme Warmth and Light in a way that felt inclusive, comforting, and representative of West Liberty University’s values. The design centers on a cozy interior scene, contrasting a snowy winter landscape viewed through a window. Soft gradients, glowing string lights spelling “WLU,” and comforting imagery, such as a curled-up cat on the windowsill, and hot chocolate aim to represent warmth, and evoke feelings of connection, and belonging. Additonally, a bear graphic viewed in the snowy landscape represents the university mascot. Balancing narrative illustration with a clean, professional finish, the card was designed to resonate across a wide audience while maintaining a sense of intimacy and sincerity appropriate for a presidential holiday message.

Key Aspects of the Design

Concept and Storytelling: Thoughtful details work together to communicate warmth, connection, and belonging in a way that feels personal yet professional.

Illustration: Illustrations using symbolic elements reflect community, comfort, and West Liberty University’s identity.

Composition: The window framing guides the viewer’s eye inward, balancing interior and exterior spaces to strengthen the narrative and focal point.

Colour: A warm comforting palette enhanced with soft gradients conveys light, coziness, and emotional warmth while contrasting with the cool winter scene.