Summer Coleman

DESIGN DIRECTOR, SUMMER COLEMAN DESIGN, CHICAGO IL

Summer has cultivated a strong track record of collaborating with a wide range of organizations and businesses across the city of Chicago. Her work is both diverse and impactful, whether she’s developing the branding for high-profile events like the Juneteenth Village Fest with Village Leadership Academy or contributing to the branding success of the award-winning Bronzeville Winery.

With expertise that spans multiple creative disciplines, Summer excels in crafting and refining visually compelling designs that resonate with audiences. She is skilled at brainstorming and developing innovative concepts in collaboration with her team, ensuring that every project reflects the unique identity and vision of the client or partner. Her approach is highly strategic, combining creativity with a deep understanding of brand alignment and visual storytelling.

Summer not only delivers high-quality visuals but also brings a deep sense of community-focused collaboration to every project. Her passion for uplifting those around her is evident in her work, where she ensures that each brand she builds reflects the values and needs of the community it serves. With a strong commitment to fostering local connections, Summer’s dedication goes beyond design—it’s about creating meaningful impact. Her love for her community drives her to create brands that empower and inspire.

TELL US HOW AND WHY YOU BECAME INVOLVED IN SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE COMMUNICATIONS, AND SHARE ANY THOUGHTS ON WHY DESIGN CAN BE AN ESPECIALLY EFFECTIVE TOOL?

Summer expresses her love for the community through design by collaborating with local businesses and organizations that directly influence and uplift those around them. By working with businesses like Bronzeville Winery, she had the opportunity to develop a brand that not only inspired local patrons but also reflected the vibrant style and culture of the community. Her goal is to create designs that speak to the heart of the neighborhood, encouraging people to connect with these spaces in meaningful ways.

Projects like Make Love: Healing Blossoms exemplify how Summer uses her design skills to foster a sense of belonging and healing within the community. Through events that bring people together for both enjoyment and personal restoration, she honors the community’s spirit, creating spaces that nurture both body and soul. Summer’s design philosophy is deeply rooted in serving her community, ensuring that her work is not only visually compelling but also impactful, creating lasting connections between businesses and the people they serve.

Through every project, Summer reaffirms her commitment to community-driven design, using her talents to build spaces, brands, and experiences that resonate with authenticity and purpose.

GIVEN THE CONFLUENCE OF EVENTS AND CHALLENGES OUR SOCIETY NOW FACES, DOES THIS MOMENT PRESENT ANY SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES, URGENCIES, OBSTACLES TO DESIGNING FOR GOOD?

Summer’s goal is to create designs that resonate deeply with the community, encouraging meaningful connections with local spaces. Thoughtful design is crucial in shifting negative narratives, especially in communities often overlooked or misrepresented.

By crafting visuals that reflect the true culture and vibrancy of these neighborhoods, design can challenge ignorance and spark constructive conversations. It has the power to inspire change, fostering understanding and appreciation where there may have been neglect. Through her work, Summer uses design as a tool to reshape perceptions and build a stronger, more united community.