Communications: From Newsletters to Social Media

1. Newsletters

Project Introduction

• Project Title: DAI Monthly and Thematic Newsletters

• Timeline: Since 2023

• Project Type: Digital Newsletter Design and Production

• Purpose: Distributed to global subscribers to share company news, highlight development projects, announce new initiatives (e.g., podcast launch, Alumni Network), and provide timely updates such as Ukraine-related communications.

• Format & Size: Responsive HTML Email

• Tools Used: Adobe XD, Campaign Monitor

Team & Role

• Designer: Gawon Lee

• Project Lead: Elizabeth Drachman (Principal Specialist, Global Communications)

Project Overview

After joining DAI in 2023, I became the first designer to take over the company’s newsletter production, which had previously been handled by general staff within the Communications team. I began by creating layout mockups in Adobe XD, then built and deployed responsive designs through Campaign Monitor.

The work involved producing a range of newsletters, including the flagship monthly newsletter with the largest subscriber base, highlighting company news and global project updates across sectors such as economic growth, health, environment, and governance.

In addition, I designed newsletters for new initiatives like the launch of DAI’s podcast and the Alumni Network, a professional community for current and former employees hosted on LinkedIn. I also produced specialized editions to spotlight urgent or thematic topics, such as updates on Ukraine.

Each campaign was tested and refined through A/B testing, with designs and content iteratively optimized based on open and click-through rates. This process ensured that DAI’s newsletters remained engaging, informative, and aligned with the organization’s global mission.

2. Social Media Carousels

Project Introduction

• Project Title: DAI Social Media Carousel Designs

• Timeline: Since 2022

• Project Type: Social Media Design and Production

• Purpose: Created for the DAI Solutions Network to highlight project achievements, introduce new initiatives, and share field updates across global programs. Carousels were primarily distributed on LinkedIn and Instagram to engage professional and public audiences.

• Format & Size: Square-format (average 6 slides per post)

• Tools Used: Adobe Illustrator, XD

Team & Role

• Designer: Gawon Lee (illustrations and layout)

• Project Lead: Elizabeth Drachman (Principal Specialist, Global Communications)

Project Overview

Since 2022, I have designed a wide range of carousel posts for DAI’s Solutions Network, adapting complex project information into concise, visually engaging graphics for social media. Each carousel typically consisted of six to eight slides, combining imagery, text highlights, and key data points.

Because many of the photos submitted from the field were not suitable for external communications, I frequently created custom illustrations to represent project activities and ensure a consistent look. This work required balancing clarity and brand consistency while adapting content to the fast-scrolling social media environment.

The carousels were used to announce new initiatives, showcase impact stories, and highlight milestones across sectors, helping DAI communicate its work in a clear and approachable way to global audiences.