Tek It Easy
“Tek It Easy” is a mental health kit crafted specifically for my Jamaican family. Inspired by a desire to enhance communication and heal cultural wounds surrounding mental health, the kit is a by-product of intimate interviews with family members. These conversations provided valuable insights into their perspectives on mental health, uncovering the reasons behind a perceived lack of support within the family. “Tek It Easy” aims to redefine the cultural narrative within the family, fostering an environment that actively supports mental well-being.
Software: Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator
The integration of Jamaican cultural typographical references in the logo not only grounds the kit in a familiar context but also challenges existing cultural norms that may hinder mental health discussions.
Font Inspiration
To emphasize the importance of emotional expression and establish a sense of familiarity, illustrations of family members expressing various emotions were created as one of the main design elements.
Introductory Booklet
In response to the identified lack of education surrounding mental health, an introductory booklet was designed to educate family members about the purpose and contents of the kit. It outlines the components of the kit, clarifying the purpose and intended use of each element clearly and concisely. The booklet also incorporates valuable advice gathered from family members during the interview process. By including their perspectives and experiences, the aim is to foster a sense of connection and understanding, empowering family members to feel more comfortable and willing to engage with the kit.
Discussion Cards
The core of the “Tek It Easy” kit revolves around fostering open communication in a safe, judgment-free space. The kit includes discussion cards tailored to the family’s unique dynamics, providing a structured yet comfortable approach to addressing mental health. The cards carry a minimal design to not distract from the main message. The colors used serve a dual purpose of reflecting the emotions of the family members and representing the objective of each deck of cards.
Recognizing that some topics may be difficult to verbalize, erasable cards were created as a means to provide individuals with a sense of privacy and confidentiality. These cards offer a discreet way of expressing concerns or thoughts that individuals may find challenging to articulate aloud. By allowing participants to anonymously write down their thoughts, the cards create a safe space for sharing without fear of judgment or repercussion. This approach not only encourages participation from all individuals but also ensures that each voice is heard and valued within the familial setting.
To further uphold privacy and confidentiality, a designated box is designed to collect the anonymous cards, providing an additional layer of security for those sharing their thoughts.
Personalized Journals
To deepen the individual experience, personalized journals with the face of their owner were designed to offer a private space for reflection and documentation. Each journal carries a spread dedicated to mental health resources that can be found in the area of the journal owner. These journals serve as a tool for each family member to explore and express their thoughts.
Safe Space Guidelines
This poster design draws inspiration from my upbringing in Jamaica, where posters of household rules held significant authority and were deeply respected. The aim of crafting these guidelines is to instill a sense of respect and importance akin to the household rules of my upbringing. By honoring this cultural legacy, the guidelines serve as a framework for fostering open communication and nurturing mental well-being within the family. The illustration depicts family members engaged in a happy, carefree conversation. This imagery serves as a reminder of the potential for growth and connection within the family, offering encouragement to take steps toward opening up and embracing vulnerability.
Poster Inspiration