Inaugural Annual Report
Fueling USC’ s Future
Art Direction & Design: Kandace Selnick
Creative Director: Candice Lawson
Team: USC Human Resources, Ethics, and Compliance Strategic Communications
Fueling USC’s Future was the inaugural report for USC’s HR, Equity, and Compliance (HREC) division, created to highlight key achievements and reflect the division’s commitment to inclusion, service, and the university’s broader mission. Grounded in USC’s institutional identity and Unifying Values, the report translated complex initiatives and progress into a more engaging and cohesive brand experience.
Working closely with HREC leadership, I developed the report’s visual system through editorial art direction, grid design, typography, color, imagery, and information hierarchy. Inspired by the legacy of the USC torch, the design used bold color, dynamic layouts, and expressive photography to convey momentum, optimism, and progress across the publication.
The result was a visually driven report that strengthened the division’s storytelling while reinforcing alignment with USC’s evolving brand and institutional vision.
Extended Color Palette
As an expressive report representing the division, the visual identity needed to feel both recognizable and distinct.
To achieve this, the color system builds on USC’s tertiary palette, introducing a broader range of tints and shades. These colors are used to create gradients that maintain brand integrity while adding warmth, positivity, and a more inviting tone.
Layered gradients and rich hues reflect the diverse, community-driven work of HREC and the multi-dimensional nature of its mission. By combining USC’s core colors with an expanded palette, the system adds depth and better represents inclusivity. Together, these elements create a visual language fueled by optimism, aspiration, and progress.
