Blue Whale Dreams
Creative Design for NJU Volunteer Teaching Program
Blue Whale Dreams
Creative Design for
NJU Volunteer Teaching Program
Project Overview
Project Overview
Client: Nanjing University Volunteer Teaching Program
Role: Individual Designer
Timeline: Nov. 2022 - Mar. 2023
Tools: Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, Canva
Deliverables: Canvas Tote Bag and Bookmark Design
Impact: Raised over ¥6,000 for clothing and stationery in rural China
Client: Nanjing University Volunteer Teaching Program
Role: Individual Designer
Timeline: Nov. 2022 - Mar. 2023
Tools: Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, Canva
Deliverables: Canvas Tote Bag and Bookmark Design
Impact: Raised over ¥6,000 for clothing and stationery in rural China
Background & Purpose
Background & Purpose
Every year, Nanjing University sends 27 students to teach in underprivileged areas in Western China for one year. As a member of the 25th Volunteer Teaching Group, I designed cultural and creative products to support this meaningful initiative. The project aimed to raise funds for purchasing winter clothing and school supplies for rural high school students in Yunnan and Guizhou provinces.
Every year, Nanjing University sends 27 students to teach in underprivileged areas in Western China for one year. As a member of the 25th Volunteer Teaching Group, I designed cultural and creative products to support this meaningful initiative. The project aimed to raise funds for purchasing winter clothing and school supplies for rural high school students in Yunnan and Guizhou provinces.
Design Concept
Visual Elements
Main Character: A little girl riding a blue whale
Color Scheme: "Nanjing University Purple" as the primary color, representing the university's official color
Key Symbols:
Blue Whale: A creative wordplay on "Nanjing" in Chinese pronunciation (南京/蓝鲸)
Number "25": Representing the 25th year of the program
Flag: The flag of the volunteer teaching group
Starry Background: Creating a dreamy atmosphere
Design Metaphor
The design depicts a little girl riding a blue whale through a dreamy cosmic space, symbolizing how education can help rural students explore a broader world. The ethereal purple background with stars represents infinite possibilities and dreams waiting to be discovered.
Production & Distribution
Color Palette
Bookmarks
Canvas Tote Bags
Product Line
Sales Channels
Watch Our Charity Sale Highlights here!
· Canvas tote bags
· Bookmarks
Part of a larger merchandise collection including:
· Hoodies
· T-shirts
· Notebooks
· Socks
…
Online Platform
· WeChat mini-program store
· Easy ordering process for university community
Offline Sales
· Three-day charity sale in front of university cafeteria
· Direct interaction with customers
· Display of physical products
Impact & Results
Nearly 300 orders received
Total sales exceeding ¥20,000
Over 1,000 participants in charity sale
Successfully provided 6 partner rural schools with winter clothing and school supplies
Reflection
Design for good:
This project successfully combined cultural creativity with social responsibility. Through both online and offline channels, we were able to reach a wider audience and maximize our impact. The overwhelming response from the university community demonstrated that design can be a powerful tool for social good, especially when combined with effective distribution strategies.
Design Concept
Production & Distribution
Color Palette
Bookmarks
Canvas Tote Bags
Product Line
Canvas tote bags
Bookmarks
Part of a larger merchandise collection including:
Hoodies
T-shirts
Notebooks
Socks
Sales Channels
Online Platform
WeChat mini-program store
Easy ordering process for university community
Offline Sales
Three-day charity sale in front of university cafeteria
Direct interaction with customers
Display of physical products
Our Charity Sale
Watch Our Charity Sale Highlights here!
Impact & Results
Campaign Success
Nearly 300 orders received
Total sales exceeding ¥20,000
Over 1,000 participants in charity sale
Successfully provided winter clothing and school supplies to 6 partner rural schools
Reflection
Design for good:
This project successfully combined cultural creativity with social responsibility. Through both online and offline channels, we were able to reach a wider audience and maximize our impact. The overwhelming response from the university community demonstrated that design can be a powerful tool for social good, especially when combined with effective distribution strategies.
