THE AWARD
The Pride Guide, produced for the Capital Pride Alliance, received the prestigious American Graphic Design Award for publication design. This recognition celebrates the dedication, creativity, and excellence demonstrated by the teams involved in creating an impactful and visually stunning piece. The award underscores the success of the project in blending meaningful storytelling with high-quality design to resonate deeply with its audience.
ALL SEVEN PRIDE GUIDE COVERS WITH LOCAL DC COMMUNITY MEMBERS
THE COMPANY
The Capital Pride Alliance (CPA) celebrates, educates, supports, and inspires the multi-faceted LGBTQ+ community through year-round programming and events in Washington, DC, and the National Capital Region. By preserving history and advocating for current and future generations, CPA fosters unity, visibility, and empowerment for all members of the community.
CAPITAL PRIDE AP
CORE DESIGN COMPETENCIES
The Azer Creative team took the lead on art direction, graphic design, and production for the Pride Guide, leveraging their expertise to deliver a publication that exceeded expectations. Their role encompassed:
Art Direction and Design
Establishing a cohesive visual language that balanced vibrant creativity with professional polish.
Illustration and Photography
Creating custom illustrations and overseeing photography to enhance storytelling and celebrate the community.
Layout and Production
Designing and producing a high-end, 180+ page coffee-table book that featured engaging content and a refined aesthetic.
Collaboration
Partnering closely with CPA and the Washington Blade editorial team to align on messaging and ensure the publication reflected the community’s diversity and spirit.
IN THIS ROLE
The Pride Guide was a monumental effort, culminating in a visually compelling and culturally meaningful publication. With seven unique covers, each showcasing the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community in Washington, DC, the book became a centerpiece of Capital Pride celebrations. Distributed widely across the region and at Pride events, it served to elevate visibility and provide a tangible representation of CPA’s mission.
The guide’s exceptional quality, innovative design, and heartfelt storytelling earned industry acclaim and set a benchmark for publication design, reinforcing the importance of creativity in advocacy and community engagement.