Sarah Yeager, class of 2013

the project

As a designer, I have always been inspired by narrative and storytelling. Before I begin a project, I continuously ask myself: how can I visually deliver a story through type and image? This convention has immediately inspired my work – most significantly, my senior project. 

StoryKit is a subscription based activity kit revolving around classic children’s literature for children preschool aged children up to the fifth grade. StoryKit recognizes that each child is an individual, that all children are creative, and that literacy is a key to a healthy, developing young mind. Our goal with StoryKit is to expose children to literature in a manner that is as engaging as play. By extending the story lines through play, children are enhancing reading comprehension skills, creative thinking, and building their imagination.

Each activity kit is based off classic children’s literature titles. Parents are able to browse the homepage to find a title that would speak to their child’s interests or age level. Inside each kit are two activities that relate back to key plot points, characters or scenarios from the story.

My on-going struggle with this project was defining my voice. StoryKit, while child based, actually speaks to two distinct audiences: parent and child. StoryKit aims to engage children with the classic literature that surrounds them – however, it also aims to provide parents with appropriate outlets, suggestions, and opportunities to continue to enrich their children’s lives through play and words. 

sarah's advice

1. Do something you love and are passionate about. This is not just a semester long project—it’s an extension of you and your vision as a designer. The more passionate you are about what you do, the more you love it, and the harder you work at it.

2. It is never too late to learn something new. 

3. You’re going to feel as though you did not do enough. Trust me. Ignore this insecurity. If you put your heart into it, you’ve accomplished leaps and bounds. It’s not a race—it’s an adventure.

4. Don’t let intimidation limit inspiration. Everyone has a distinct, unique voice – you especially. No one else’s is quite like it.

---

Sarah is currently a designer at BCG in Baltimore.
See more of her work at sarahleeyeager.com.