Project Overview

As Creative Director for Torah Sisters Magazine, Issue 26 (Fall 2025), I led the strategic visual direction and editorial design of a multi-page publication centered around seasonal living, preparation, and faith-based lifestyle content for women who love Yeshua.

This issue focuses on themes of transition, reflection, and intentional living during the fall season. The publication blends inspirational articles, practical homemaking content, recipes, and resource-based sections into a cohesive and engaging reader experience that supports both emotional connection and everyday application.

My Role

Creative Direction & Graphic Design

  • Led the overall visual direction and layout system for the publication
  • Organized and structured multi-author content into a clear and intentional editorial flow
  • Designed all page layouts including feature articles, seasonal content, recipes, and resource sections
  • Maintained brand consistency across all pages and content types
  • Developed typography systems and visual hierarchy for readability and clarity
  • Prepared all files for print-ready production

Design Approach

This issue required a thoughtful balance between structured content organization and a warm, seasonal aesthetic. The design approach focused on guiding readers through a natural progression of reflection, preparation, and practical application aligned with the fall season.

Key design considerations included:

  • Creating a clear information hierarchy to support both long-form reading and practical content
  • Designing flexible layout systems for a variety of content types, including articles, recipes, and guides
  • Enhancing readability through typography, spacing, and structured layouts
  • Supporting seasonal storytelling with cohesive visual elements and tone
  • Organizing content in a way that encourages both inspiration and usability

Key Strengths Demonstrated

This project highlights a range of capabilities that extend beyond traditional magazine design, including:

  • Creative Direction for content-driven publications
  • Editorial design and layout systems
  • Content organization and information hierarchy
  • Content strategy for multi-section publications
  • Visual storytelling and brand consistency
  • Reader experience and UX-informed content design
  • Multi-contributor content integration
  • Print design and production-ready layouts

Results & Value

The final publication delivers a cohesive and structured reading experience that supports both inspiration and practical application. By organizing diverse content into a clear and intentional format, the magazine becomes easier to navigate, more engaging to read, and more effective in communicating its message.

This approach ensures that content is not only visually engaging, but strategically structured to improve clarity, usability, and audience connection across multiple content formats.

Future Application of This Work

This project demonstrates my ability to lead content-driven design projects that balance structure, storytelling, and usability. These same principles apply to a wide range of modern design needs, including:

  • Brand and marketing campaigns
  • Website and UX content design
  • Content strategy and digital platforms
  • Educational and informational materials
  • Audience-focused content systems

This work reflects my ability to transform complex content into clear, engaging, and strategically structured experiences that connect with audiences across both print and digital environments.

About this Issue

Publisher & Editor

Amy Kay Guenther | TorahSisters.com

Creative Director & Graphic Designer

Crystal Calhoun | Made to be Unique

Contributors

Anne Elliott | HomeschoolingTorah.com
Taylor Richards | LandofHoneyblog.blogspot.com
Hannah Vogel | youranointedhome.com

Recipes and Posters

P25   Poster: This is Eternal Life…
P26   Poster: John 3:16
P27   September Moon Calendar
P28   October Moon Calendar
P29   Torah Portions Sep-Oct
P30   Recipe: Veggie-Loaded Meatloaf
P32   Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Bake
P34   Recipe: Shofar-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
P37   Recipe: Apple Rounds

Articles & Activities

P06   The Art of Fire Hopping
P12   Swoon-worthy Yom Teruah Party
P14   Homeschooling During Sukkot
P20   DIY Camp Sign
P22   Ask the Torah Sisters: favorite Sukkot foods?
P38   Honoring Yom Kippur as a Believer in Messiah
P41   Our At-Home Sukkot
P42   Sukkah Pics
P48   Apologetics article
P52   The Stuff Game

Featured on Cover

Fall Feast Recipes
Homeschooling During Sukkot
Sukkah Pics
Apologetics article
Our At-Home Sukkot

Testimonial:

Crystal designs my magazine and I love her! My customers rave about how beautiful and professional it is and can’t wait for the next issue. I know the content is good, too, but it’s the design that they talk about. Not only is she talented, but Crystal is also easy to work with, meets deadlines early and is a great communicator. I hope she always will work for me!

– Review listed in LinkedIn and Facebook

The following video is a wonderful review given for the Torah Sisters Magazine.