Annual Report Design
An annual report has to do several jobs at once. It accounts for the year, proves your impact, and gives people a reason to keep supporting you. I'm Shawn Wright, a Birmingham graphic designer, and I've spent four decades designing annual reports for universities, foundations, public companies, and civic organizations.
The best reports don't start with layout. They start with a clear idea of what the year means, whether that's a theme you bring or one we develop together. Everything else builds from there.
Annual Reports Since 1986
Annual reports have always been among my favorite projects. Each one is a new story to tell, a new set of numbers to make clear, and a deadline that doesn't move. The tools have changed a great deal since my first report. The job hasn't: take a year's worth of work and make it clear, credible, and worth reading.
Annual report clients have included:
UAB Honors College · UAB School of Optometry · UAB School of Education · Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau · Alabama Power · Alabama Power Foundation · Protective Life Foundation · AmSouth Bank Foundation · Vesta Insurance Group · Alabama Technology Network · Princeton Historical Commission · Southern Energy Homes · Dyatron Corporation · The Gordon L. Ross Cancer Center at Princeton.
What I Handle
- Theme and concept: developing a theme with you, or building on one you already have
- Concept and Direction: I shape the visual direction around your theme, or help develop one, for your approval
- Layout and typography: built for clarity and a long shelf life
- Photography and illustration direction: what to shoot, what to commission, what to use
- Print-ready files: press-ready PDFs delivered to your printer
- Printer coordination: available if you'd like help working with one
- Copywriter coordination: if you don't have a writer, I can connect you with one
How It Works
- Planning. We review your audience, key numbers, content, and deadline.
- Theme and concept. I develop the idea and visual direction for your approval.
- Design and layout. The full report comes together, page by page.
- Review and refinement. Your team reviews and I refine it until it's right.
- Final files. You receive press-ready PDFs for your printer.
Most reports take 8 to 12 weeks from kickoff to final files. Shorter schedules are possible when content is ready early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an annual report take?
Typically 8 to 12 weeks from kickoff to final files. The biggest factor is when content and approvals are ready.
What does annual report design cost?
It depends on page count, how much data and infographic work is involved, photography or illustration needs, and schedule. Every project starts with a conversation and a written estimate.
Do you write the copy?
Your team provides the copy, or I can help you find an experienced copywriter.
Do you handle the printing?
I deliver press-ready PDF files. You contract and pay your printer directly, and I'm glad to coordinate with them for you.
Can you work within our brand guidelines?
Yes. Many of my larger clients have detailed brand standards. Working within a system is part of the job.
Planning this years report?
The best time to start is before the content is final. Call 205.223.4415 or send me a note at shawn@shawnwright.net, and let's talk about your report.