Talking to Politicians – Advocacy Zine Design
Editorial Design • Custom Illustration • Publication Design
Talking to Politicians is a 16-page advocacy zine created for Trans Healthcare Action, designed to make political advocacy more approachable for trans people in Ireland. The publication provides clear, practical guidance on contacting elected representatives, preparing for meetings, and effectively communicating the need for accessible, informed-consent-based trans healthcare.
My role was to design the entire publication from concept to production, developing a visual system that transforms complex civic information into an engaging and accessible reading experience.
Design Approach
The challenge was to balance a serious political subject with an approachable editorial style. I used a clean grid system, bold typography, and a restrained palette of soft purples, blues, and black to create a publication that feels welcoming yet authoritative. Strong visual hierarchy, modular layouts, and generous spacing help readers quickly navigate practical advice and actionable information throughout the guide.
Custom Illustration System
A key part of the project was creating a cohesive set of custom editorial illustrations that reinforce the publication's message. Rather than relying on stock imagery, I illustrated diverse characters engaged in real advocacy moments—writing emails, making phone calls, attending meetings, and speaking with politicians. These illustrations humanise the guidance while reflecting the community the publication is intended to support.
The illustrations combine expressive line work with a limited colour palette, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into the editorial layouts while adding warmth and personality. Repeating visual motifs, such as speech, collaboration, and civic participation, create consistency across the publication and help maintain reader engagement from cover to back page.
Outcome
The finished zine presents advocacy as something accessible rather than intimidating. By combining thoughtful editorial design with bespoke illustrations, the publication turns detailed policy guidance into an approachable resource that empowers readers to engage confidently with the political process. The result is a publication that communicates with clarity and empathy, and maintains visual consistency, while supporting Trans Healthcare Action's mission to improve access to trans healthcare in Ireland. The publication credits me for both the design and illustration work.
