Decarcerating New Jersey: A Transformative Vision of Justice

Decarcerating New Jersey: A Transformative Vision of Justice is a digital magazine that has driven policy conversations around reimagining New Jersey’s criminal justice system. The 2023 report highlights data from 2017–2022, a period during which New Jersey led the nation in reducing its prison population. My primary design objective was to infuse the publication with illustrations and visual elements that foster inclusivity and approachability.

At the core of my design approach were illustrations depicting vibrant, everyday scenes of human interaction—individuals engaging in daily activities and imagining their futures. These playful yet intentional depictions were created to both captivate the audience and inspire a sense of optimism. I also developed a color palette that harmonizes with ACLU’s branding, incorporating complementary secondary tones to expand the visual range.

The illustration system was designed to be highly versatile, transitioning seamlessly from publication spreads to web pages, social media graphics, and banners. This adaptability ensures a cohesive visual narrative across all platforms, strengthening the magazine’s message of empathy, dignity, and advocacy.