Embracing The Curl
Illustration & Story
The Challenge:For many children with coily and curly hair, "Hair Day" can be perceived as a long or difficult process. The challenge was to reframe this essential routine as an "adventure"—a time for bonding, self-care, and celebration. I wanted to create a medium that was not just a story to be read, but an experience to be shared between parents and children.
The Strategy:I designed an interactive zine that breaks down the hair care process into five manageable and "fun" steps: Pre-poo, Wash, Deep Condition, Style, and Finish. By turning technical terms like "detangle" and "scrub" into playful milestones, the zine acts as both a guide for the routine and a tool for positive reinforcement.
Design & Engagement Highlights:
Character-Driven Narrative: Created the "Twins" (Brooklyn and Londyn) to serve as relatable protagonists, showcasing different final styles (box braids vs. natural curls) to celebrate versatility.
Interactive Elements: Integrated "Color in the Image" and "Color in the Letter" prompts to keep high-energy children engaged during the longer parts of the hair care process, such as deep conditioning.
Educational Word Search: Designed a custom "Hair Day Word Search" featuring vocabulary like Natural, Fro, Braids, and Love to build literacy and confidence.
Visual Identity: Used bright, inviting colors and soft layouts that mirror the "cozy hug" of the hair care products described in the story.
Cultural Affirmation: Explicitly used empowering language, describing Brooklyn as a "warrior princess" and the twins’ hair as something they "loved more than anything else."
The Result:A professional, print-ready educational tool that bridges the gap between a children’s book and a brand manual for self-care. Embracing the Curl showcases your ability to design for specific age demographics while addressing sensitive topics of identity and self-esteem through creative play.
Key Deliverables:
Interactive Children’s Zine: A 10-page layout featuring a complete narrative and five-step hair care guide.
Custom Activity Sheets: Built-in coloring pages and a themed word search for reader engagement.
Character Development: Design and storytelling for the twin protagonists, Brooklyn and Londyn.
Instructional Content Strategy: Simplified technical hair care steps into a child-friendly, empowering format.
