AJ Favors
(she/her)
Creative Direction
& Design Strategy
Designing for impact, inclusion and joy.
With over a decade of experience, I design with purpose, crafting visuals that inform, inspire, and amplify meaningful work. I’ve led creative initiatives for government agencies, nonprofits, cultural institutions, and creative changemakers, blending storytelling with strategy to help forward-thinking brands connect with their audiences and create lasting impact. When I’m not designing, you’ll find me flourishing in the garden. 🌈 🌱
Selected Work ↓
Graphic Design
I specialize in designing compelling print and digital materials, from publications and presentations to social assets and data visualizations. My work extends to brand identity design, creating visual systems that reflect an organization’s core values and connect with its audience.
Signage design for NYC Department of Transportation Art Program. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Youth & Community Development and Department of Transportation; Role: Graphic Design and Art Direction
Digital kiosk design for NYC service finder. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Youth & Community Development—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design and Creative Direction
Branding and apparel design for 1960 Now series. Studio/Client: Sheila Pree Bright—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design and Creative Direction
Branding for Step It Up NYC youth performing arts initiatvie. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Youth & Community Development—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design and Creative Direction
Design and layout for Mississippi civil rights progress report. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design
Infographic and interactive data visualization design for pseudoscience research report. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design, Creative Direction, and Illustration
Branding for Basic Outfitters apparel. Studio/Client: Basic Resources, Inc.—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design
Design and layout for 1960 Now photographic series book. Studio/Client: Sheila Pree Bright—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design and Creative Direction
Social media design for youth sports program and events. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Youth & Community Development; Role: Graphic Design, Social Media and Photography
Digital kiosk design for NYC public health initiatvie. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Youth & Community Development; Role: Graphic Design and Creative Direction
Design and layout for Young Americans photographic series book. Studio/Client: Sheila Pree Bright; Role: Graphic Design and Art Direction
Media briefing presentation design for report launch. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design and Creative Direction
Web & Digital Experience Design
I design intuitive digital experiences that prioritize clarity, usability, and visual impact. My work includes mobile-first websites, responsive layouts, email, and curated digital page designs. Projects are thoughtfully structured to balance visual appeal with accessible navigation, ensuring content is easy to engage with across platforms. I specialize in designing Squarespace sites built for adaptability and inclusive user experiences.
Digital timeline experience design documenting the Jackson, Mississippi water crisis. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design, UX/UI and Art Direction
Squarespace website design supporting agricultural youth workforce development programs. Studio/Client: Nonprofit Foundation; Role: UX/UI, Inclusive Design, and Creative Direction
Digital timeline experience design examining the rise of organized hate movements. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design, UX/UI and Art Direction
UX/UI design for NYC service locator website. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Youth & Community Development—View more on Behance; Role: UX/UI, Inclusive Design, and Creative Direction
Email design and layout for conference promotion. Studio/Client: NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities—View more on Behance; Role: Creative Direction, Graphic Design, and UX/UI
Design, layout and code for NYC youth-focused digital newsletter. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Youth & Community Development; Role: Graphic Design, UX/UI and Web Development
Print & Digital Marketing
I develop campaign assets that drive engagement across print and digital platforms. From out-of-home advertising to targeted social media marketing, my work for NYC government agencies has amplified key initiatives and public outreach efforts.
Creative leadership and visual strategy for citywide Pre-K enrollment campaign. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Education—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design and Creative Direction
Campaign creative direction promoting televised event. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Education—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design and Art Direction
Visual strategy and design leadership for a multilingual, community-centered youth education campaign. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Education—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design and Creative Direction
Creative direction for an out-of-home campaign supporting student return-to-school initiatives. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Education; Role: Graphic Design and Art Direction
Direct mail campaign visual design for early childhood programs. Studio/Client: Buoy Marketing; Role: Graphic Design
Creative direction for an out-of-home civic engagement campaign. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Education; Role: Graphic Design, Art Direction, and Illustration
Creative leadership for a multi-channel health marketing campaign spanning print and digital. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Education—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design and Art Direction
Creative direction and visual development for a multilingual outreach campaign. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Education—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design and Art Direction
Creative leadership and visual strategy for a digital campaign supporting youth workforce development. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Youth & Community Development—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design and Creative Direction
Art Direction
I provide creative direction for editorial and research projects, commissioning artists and illustrators to bring complex narratives to life. My work for the Southern Poverty Law Center includes guiding visual storytelling for reports and publications, ensuring alignment with brand and mission-driven messaging.
Visual development and art direction for a digital voter engagement and mobilization campaign. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center; Role: Art Direction; Illustration by LindseyMadeThis
Art direction and commissioned illustration for community and youth learning publication—Learning for Justice. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center; Role: Art Direction and Graphic Design; Illustrations by Allie Sullberg
Visual direction and illustrator management for flagship annual report. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Art Direction and Graphic Design; Illustration by Mike McQuade
Narrative visual direction and commissioned illustrations for pseudoscience research report. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Art Direction; Illustrations by Andrei Cojocaru
Art direction and collaborative illustration development for artist-led civic engagement campaign. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Art Direction; Illustrations by Angie Jerez
Visual direction and illustrator management for annual donor stewardship calendar. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center; Role: Art Direction; Illustration by Jasmine Nicole Williams
Art direction and commissioned illustration for community and youth learning publication—Learning for Justice. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center; Role: Art Direction and Graphic Design; Illustrations by Ashley Lukashevsky
Art direction and commissioned cover illustration for a youth education publication—Learning for Justice. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center; Role: Art Direction and Graphic Design; Illustration by Dakarai Akil
Art direction and commissioned illustration for community and youth learning publication—Learning for Justice. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center; Role: Art Direction and Graphic Design; Illustrations by Mark Harris
Production & Event Design
I craft high-impact event branding and visual experiences, designing signage, banners, giveaway items and wayfinding systems for conferences and public events. My work includes branding and designing materials for major industry gatherings.
Branding and visual design for NYC citywide youth day of action and mobilization events. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Youth & Community Development—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design and Creative Direction
Branding and visual design for employer partnership recognition event. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Youth & Community Development—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design and Creative Direction
Event branding and environmental graphics for strategic mobilization summit. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design and Creative Direction
Cohesive visual design for Pride celebration and march. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Youth & Community Development—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design
Conference visual branding for accessibility tech event. Studio/Client: NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design and Creative Direction
Commemorative visual branding for program milestone anniversary event. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Youth & Community DevelopmentName; Role: Graphic Design
Branded promotional materials supporting youth empowerment initiatives. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Youth & Community Development—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design
Branded step-and-repeat design for youth performing arts event. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Youth & Community Development—View more on Behance; Role: Graphic Design
Digital Illustration
I create original digital artwork to enhance editorial stories, marketing campaigns, and social media content. My illustrations add depth and visual interest, strengthening storytelling and brand engagement across platforms.
Illustration for social justice editorial. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Illustration and Art Direction
Illustration supporting land justice advocacy campaign. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Illustration and Art Direction
Editorial illustration for case study and report on school safety for Black girls. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Illustration and Art Direction
Cultural heritage illustration for Juneteenth. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Illustration and Art Direction
Illustration for investigative editorial. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Illustration and Art Direction
Illustration for investigative editorial. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Illustration and Art Direction
Editorial illustration supporting land justice advocacy campaign. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Illustration and Art Direction
Campaign key visual for Mississippi civil rights progress report. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Illustration and Art Direction
Illustration for investigative editorial. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Illustration and Art Direction
Illustration for investigative editorial. Studio/Client: Southern Poverty Law Center—View more on Behance; Role: Illustration and Art Direction
Custom website hero illustrations for marketing agency. Studio/Client: Buoy Marketing; Role: Illustration
Illustration for school holiday communications on social media. Studio/Client: NYC Department of Education—View more on Behance; Role: Illustration, Art Direction, and Graphic Design
Photography
I document events and programs with an eye for storytelling, capturing compelling moments that highlight organizational impact. My event photography for NYC’s Department of Youth and Community Development showcases community initiatives, youth programs, and public engagement efforts.
Image captured for the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development 2015–2019; View more on Behance
Image captured for the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development 2015–2019; View more on Behance
Image captured for the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development 2015–2019; View more on Behance
Image captured for the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development 2015–2019; View more on Behance
Image captured for the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development 2015–2019; View more on Behance
Image captured for the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development 2015–2019; View more on Behance
Image captured for the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development 2015–2019; View more on Behance
Image captured for the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development 2015–2019; View more on Behance
Image captured for the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development 2015–2019; View more on Behance
Image captured for the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development 2015–2019; View more on Behance
Accessibility
I am passionate about creating inclusive digital experiences that support accessibility for all users. I help organizations ensure their reports, publications, and digital materials meet WCAG and ADA compliance standards. In addition to hands-on design work, I have experience leading introductory accessibility best-practices trainings for designers, helping teams build shared knowledge around inclusive design from the start. My work focuses on crafting clear, navigable, and assistive technology-friendly content that makes information more equitable and usable for diverse audiences. As a member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), I’m committed to continually learning and expanding my expertise to strengthen accessibility across all aspects of digital communication.
Branding and design for NYC's Digital Inclusion Conference. Studio/Client: NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities—View more on Behance; Role: Inclusive Design and Art Direction
Introduction to Digital Accessibility Training for NY Suffolk County Libraries — January 2026. Studio/Client: Avidano Digital; Role: Inclusive Design and Facilitation
Select images courtesy of Molly Stromoski, NYC Department of Youth & Community Development, NYC Mayor’s Office, NYC Department of Education, Basic Resources, Inc., Sheila Pree Bright, and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
