Project Overview

As Creative Director for Torah Sisters Magazine, Issue 28 (January/February 2026), I led the strategic visual direction and editorial design of a multi-page publication focused on intentional living, seasonal rhythms, and faith-centered lifestyle content for women who love Yeshua.

This issue was designed to create a meaningful and engaging reader experience by blending inspirational storytelling, practical resources, and community-driven content. From articles on living intentionally and embracing life’s seasons to DIY projects, recipes, and reader-submitted insights, the publication guides readers through both emotional and practical aspects of daily life.

My Role

Creative Director & Graphic Designer

  • Led the overall creative direction and visual identity of the publication
  • Designed and structured all editorial layouts, including feature articles, DIY guides, recipes, and community sections
  • Organized multi-author content into a cohesive and engaging editorial flow
  • 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 emotional storytelling, practical usability, and structured content organization. The design approach focused on guiding readers through a natural flow of inspiration, reflection, and application.

Key design considerations included:

  • Creating a clear information hierarchy to support both long-form reading and quick-reference content
  • Designing flexible layout systems for a variety of content types, including articles, recipes, and DIY instructions
  • Enhancing reader engagement through visually inviting and easy-to-follow layouts
  • Supporting lifestyle-focused content with warm, approachable design elements
  • Integrating community-driven content to strengthen connection and relatability

Key Strengths Demonstrated

This project highlights a broad 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
  • Visual storytelling and brand consistency
  • Reader experience and UX-informed content design
  • Multi-contributor and community-based content integration
  • Print design and production-ready layouts
  • Marketing and lifestyle-focused content design

Results & Value

The final publication delivers a cohesive and engaging experience that supports both emotional connection and practical application. By combining inspirational content with actionable resources, the magazine becomes both meaningful and useful to its audience.

This approach ensures that content is not only visually appealing, but also strategically structured to improve clarity, usability, and reader engagement across a wide range of content formats.

Future Application of This Work

This project demonstrates my ability to lead content-driven design projects that blend storytelling, usability, and audience engagement. 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

Taylor Richards | LandofHoneyblog.blogspot.com
Victoria Reid | WithLoveFromVictoria.com
Hannah Vogel | youranointedhome.com
Anne Elliott | HomeschoolingTorah.com
Leslie Morris | withlesliemorris.com
Steph LaBarre | thewaycreativeshop.com
Jordon Boaz
Kari Horony

Recipes and Posters

P12 Recipe: Egg Casserole
P21 Recipe: Simple Sandwich Bread
P25 Poster: Share with the Lord’s people Ro 12:13
P26 Poster: They broke bread in their homes. Acts 2:46
P27 November Moon Calendar
P28 December Moon Calendar
P29 Torah Portions November & December
P30 Recipe: Harvest Grain and Nut Waffles
P32 Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup
P34 Recipe: Date Bars
P36 Recipe: Protein-Packed Breakfast Smoothie

Articles & Activities

P06 Exercising My Joy
P10 Sacred Hospitality
P14 Finding Fellowship In Disaster
P18 The Bread of Life (with )
P22 Ask the TS Making hospitality easier?
P39 DIY Whipped Body Butter
P40 Winter Sabbath Rhythms
P44 How I Shop Every Two Weeks to Save Money
P48 Defending Torah Is Romans 14:5 About Fasting or
P51 Surrendering Our Phone Time

Featured on Cover

Recipes (Healthy Homecooking Recipes?)
Simple Sandwich Bread
Harvest Grain and Nut Waffles
Breakfast Smoothie
Date Bars
Egg Casserole
Chicken Gnocchi Soup

The Bread of Life
Winter Sabbath Rhythms
Surrendering Our Phone Time
Save Money on Groceries

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.