The Challenge
Working with talented writer Jill Hilderman, and John Gaucher, a well-known photographer, Atom Graphics was tasked with creating a print piece for the Catholic Family Service’s Athlete Mentoring Program (AMP). This program pairs athletes from Mount Royal College, SAIT, and the University of Calgary with at-risk youth. The young people spend time with the athletes at regular practices and games. With a tagline of ‘strengthening children and youth, of all faiths and cultures, through friendship, encouragement and sport,’ it was fundamental to communicate the program effectively to target audiences.
The Solution
With help from Jill Hilderman and John Gaucher, Atom Graphics conceived of a book to communicate everything that AMP represents. After helping with the direction of the photo shoot, the design followed. The book tells three ‘success stories,’ using photography to support the stories and show mentors and mentees interacting. A vibrant colour palette was employed, and angled shapes and overlapping forms contributed to the feel of positive action and possibility. Aesthetically, it was important to capture the professionalism of the organization and the excitement generated by their program.
The Results
This book is now used to promote the program to potential athlete mentors, mentees, parents, and donors, and is a record of some of the program’s most recent achievements. Since distributing the booklet:
- AMP has secured new project funding
- Three sports teams have decided to make mentoring in the program mandatory for all players
- Two additional teams have come on board for the fall
- AMP was invited to present at the Alberta College of Social Workers Conference and that Alberta Teachers’ Association Conference
