REAL List 001 is more than just a magazine—it’s a defining highlight of my year and a personal bucket-list project. It brought together multiple creative threads to celebrate stories that matter. I had the privilege of wearing many hats—editorial and graphic designer, art director, copywriter, editor, and an active member of the community behind it—shaping nearly every element of this publication for TMC Community Capital.

This wasn’t just about making it look good; it was about crafting something that honored the legacies of the individuals featured. I approached the project with a deep sense of responsibility, knowing that every design choice and piece of content had to reflect the authenticity and impact of the people on the REAL List 001.

This project became a living testament to the power of storytelling—amplifying voices, building connections, and capturing the spirit of a community. Every detail, from layout to narrative, was carefully considered to present authentic, intentional stories.

For me, REAL List 001 is proof that good design goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about creating meaningful impact. It represents the intersection of skill, passion, and purpose, reminding me that when creative work is done with heart, it leaves a mark that resonates far beyond the page.

Now let's spotlight the hero pages for each of our REAL List 001 honorees:

The defining moment for this project was seeing it come to life in print at REALFEST LA. Watching event guests—especially the honorees—light up as they saw their stories celebrated in the magazine was incredibly rewarding. Their excitement reinforced the importance of showcasing these narratives with care and intention during TMC Community Capital’s second annual REALFEST in Los Angeles.

(I also had the pleasure of serving as the event’s visual designer, but I’ll share more about those deliverables in a future update.)