Welcome To My Blog. – Melissa Nelson-Stippich https://melissa-n-s.com Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:15:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://melissa-n-s.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/cropped-Asset-37-32x32.png Welcome To My Blog. – Melissa Nelson-Stippich https://melissa-n-s.com 32 32 Community Members for Environmental Justice Website https://melissa-n-s.com/cmej-website/ Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:11:06 +0000 https://melissa-n-s.com/?p=4834 Client: CMEJ Services: Web Design, Development, & Maintenance The Project A full redesign of CMEJ’s organizational website, including a platform migration from Wix to Squarespace, to better support advocacy, storytelling, and a large body of program and resource content. What I did Led the migration from Wix to Squarespace as part of a broader effort […]

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Community Members for Environmental Justice Website

Client:

  • CMEJ

Services:

  • Web Design, Development, & Maintenance

The Project

A full redesign of CMEJ’s organizational website, including a platform migration from Wix to Squarespace, to better support advocacy, storytelling, and a large body of program and resource content.

What I did

  • Led the migration from Wix to Squarespace as part of a broader effort to align the organization’s digital infrastructure with its values
  • Redesigned the site structure and page layouts to support multiple programs and campaigns
  • Used custom CSS and code to push Squarespace beyond its default templates
  • Organized dense content so it’s easier to navigate and actually use
  • Built an accessible, flexible layout the team could continue updating over time

Why it made a difference

The site brings CMEJ’s work into one cohesive place and makes it easier for people to find and engage with their resources, while more closely aligning their digital presence with the organization’s artistic vision and values.

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]]> Participatory Budgeting Project (PBP) Resource Library https://melissa-n-s.com/participatory-budgeting-project-pbp-resource-library/ Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:49:18 +0000 https://melissa-n-s.com/?p=3580 I led the design and build of a resource library for the Participatory Budgeting Project (PBP) as part of their website redesign. The goal was to make PBP’s tools, guides, and case studies easy to access, organized clearly, and useful for organizers, government officials, and community members alike. The Challenges The Challenges PBP had lots […]

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Three webpages are displayed in a layered fashion against a gray background. The pages feature various elements like text, images, and navigation menus. The designs are modern, with green and blue accents. The main focus is on community engagement.

Participatory Budgeting Project (PBP) Resource Library

I led the design and build of a resource library for the Participatory Budgeting Project (PBP) as part of their website redesign.

The goal was to make PBP’s tools, guides, and case studies easy to access, organized clearly, and useful for organizers, government officials, and community members alike.

The Challenges

The Challenges

  • PBP had lots of different kinds of resources (PDFs, guides, case studies) and needed a way to organize them so people can find what they need without frustration.
  • Users vary a lot: some are deeply familiar with participatory budgeting, others are exploring it for the first time. The interface needed to work well for both.
  • The library had to be future-proof: new resources would be added over time, so admin usability (for PBP staff) and design consistency were important.

The Solutions

The Solutions

  • Focused on usability first, structuring the library so that both newcomers and experts could find what they need quickly.
  • Balanced flexibility and clarity by designing a system that could accommodate multiple resource types without overwhelming the user.
  • Built a scalable framework so the library can grow over time without losing consistency or adding administrative burden.
  • Centered the design in PBP’s mission of accessibility and transparency, ensuring the look and flow of the library reinforce their values.

The Details

Custom Post Types

I developed a custom post type framework on WordPress, using Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) to create flexible and modular content fields tailored to PBP’s needs. This structure allowed for simple management of diverse resource formats while ensuring that PBP staff members could add new resources easily. 

Screenshot of a WordPress post editor interface. It includes fields for adding a title, resource description, PDF, excerpt, and resource categories. Options on the right allow saving drafts, previewing, and publishing. SEO score is displayed.
A webpage displaying a document library with thumbnails and titles. Categories and search options are on the left. Three documents titled Change From Within are visible on the right, with preview images and brief descriptions.

Smart Filters

To enhance usability, I implemented smart filters for intuitive sorting and search functionality enabling users quick access to relevant materials.

Custom Templates

I designed custom Elementor templates for each resource page, aligning with PBP’s brand and accommodating resource-specific details ensuring a cohesive visual experience across the library.

A webpage screenshot showing a guide titled Change from Within: PB for Organizations: Part 1 Advocating & Planning for PB. The page offers options to download a PDF and shows details like year, license type, and tags related to participatory budgeting.

The Outcome

The Outcome

The launch of the resource library transformed how people interact with PBP’s content.

Instead of sifting through long lists or outdated PDFs, users can quickly locate the guides, case studies, or tools they need.

This has strengthened PBP’s reputation as a go-to source for participatory budgeting resources and created a scalable platform for continued growth.

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]]> Brand Identity Training for Nonprofits https://melissa-n-s.com/mission-driven-branding-a-nonprofit-presentation/ Tue, 19 Nov 2024 04:32:44 +0000 https://melissa-n-s.com/?p=3534 I regularly deliver trainings on mission-driven branding for nonprofit organizations. These sessions help staff and leaders understand how to translate their mission, vision, and values into a cohesive brand identity that builds trust, inspires supporters, and strengthens impact. The Challenges The Challenges Many nonprofits struggle to connect their mission to their brand, which leads to […]

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A stack of colorful cards with text. The visible card reads Brand Identity on a turquoise background. Other cards have partial texts: What is, Why does it matter, and What makes... on yellow, olive, and green backgrounds.

Brand Identity Training for Nonprofits

I regularly deliver trainings on mission-driven branding for nonprofit organizations.

These sessions help staff and leaders understand how to translate their mission, vision, and values into a cohesive brand identity that builds trust, inspires supporters, and strengthens impact.

The Challenges

The Challenges

  • Many nonprofits struggle to connect their mission to their brand, which leads to inconsistent messaging and weaker engagement.
  • Teams often feel branding is “extra” rather than an essential strategy for advancing their goals.
  • Participants typically have a wide range of experience with branding, so trainings need to be approachable while still offering depth.

The Solutions

The Solutions

  • I developed a clear, repeatable training structure that breaks down branding into approachable, nonprofit-specific concepts.

  • I use real world examples and case studies to illustrate how mission translates into visual identity and messaging.

  • I incorporate interactive exercises so participants can apply the concepts directly to their own organizations during the session.

  • I provide takeaways and frameworks that nonprofits can use beyond the workshop, making the learning practical and actionable.

The Details

Understanding Brand Identity​

I break down the elements of brand identity, including values, visuals, messaging, and tone, and explain how these work together to create a memorable and meaningful impression.

A presentation slide titled Visual Elements of Brand Identity. It features logos for US Bank and Ally under Banks, cans of LaCroix and Mountain Dew under Drinks, and packages of Glide floss and Cocofloss under Floss.
A diagram titled Internal Values Driven Brand Framework featuring three circles connected by arrows. The circles read Your organizational mission vision and values, Brand Identity, and External Communication in sequential order.

Visual Identity and Values

Through examples and exercises, I show how logos, typography, color palettes, and imagery can be intentionally designed to reflect their mission and values.

The Outcome

The Outcome

Nonprofits gain tools and insights to:

  • Strengthen Cohesion: Ensure consistent branding across all touchpoints, building trust and recognition with audiences.
  • Increase Mission Visibility: Amplify their impact by visually communicating their mission, vision, and values in a way that resonates with donors, partners, and communities.
  • Foster Internal Buy-In: Engage staff and board members in understanding and championing the importance of branding as part of their organizational strategy.

Through these presentations, nonprofits not only understand the “why” behind branding but also the “how” to ensure their visual identity becomes a true reflection of their mission.

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]]> CCNS Logo https://melissa-n-s.com/ccns-logo/ Tue, 19 Nov 2024 03:16:25 +0000 https://melissa-n-s.com/?p=3525 Services: Brand & Visual Design The Project I designed a new logo for the Community Cooperative Nursery School (CCNS), a parent-run preschool focused on nature, outdoor play, and early education for 2- to 4-year-olds. The goal was to create a visual identity that feels playful and nature-centered, appeals to both kids and parents, and works […]

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A mug featuring a colorful logo for the Community Cooperative Nursery School. The design includes playful letters with a flower, ladder, and caterpillar integrated into the text on a green background.

CCNS Logo

Services:

  • Brand & Visual Design

The Project

I designed a new logo for the Community Cooperative Nursery School (CCNS), a parent-run preschool focused on nature, outdoor play, and early education for 2- to 4-year-olds. The goal was to create a visual identity that feels playful and nature-centered, appeals to both kids and parents, and works well across everything from signs to merch.

What I did

  • Interpreted the school’s values of play, nature, and cooperation into custom letterforms
  • Crafted playful, clear shapes so the logo reads well for both young families and adults
  • Chose a vibrant, nature-forward palette that’s adaptable across environments
  • Designed the logo to be flexible for signage, apparel, digital, and printed materials

Why it made a difference

CCNS had operated for over 20 years without a logo. The school now has a shared identity that parents, staff, families, and alumni can recognize and rally around.

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]]> Center For Economic Democracy Website Redesign https://melissa-n-s.com/center-for-economic-democracy-website/ Sun, 17 Nov 2024 22:13:55 +0000 https://melissa-n-s.com/?p=3497 Center for Economic Democracy (CED) had a clear mission: to redesign their website to better communicate their goals, engage their audience, and drive deeper involvement with their programs. While their existing site was functional and relatively easy to update, it fell short in design optimization, failing to convert visitors into active participants. My task was […]

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A laptop and smartphone displaying the homepage of a website. The laptop shows a message about building a post-capitalist world prioritizing people and the planet. The smartphone showcases Our Work in Action with an image of diverse people.

Center For Economic Democracy Website Redesign

Center for Economic Democracy (CED) had a clear mission: to redesign their website to better communicate their goals, engage their audience, and drive deeper involvement with their programs.

While their existing site was functional and relatively easy to update, it fell short in design optimization, failing to convert visitors into active participants. My task was to create a site that aligned with their strategic goals while remaining manageable for their team.

The Challenges

The Challenges

  • Lack of Engagement: The original site design did not effectively highlight CED’s programs or encourage audience interaction.
  • Suboptimal Navigation: Visitors struggled to find key information, leading to missed opportunities for deeper engagement.
  • Limited Visibility: The site lacked tools to capture visitor information, such as newsletter signups.

The Solutions

The Solutions

  • This website redesign for CED was built on WordPress, leveraging its flexibility and robust capabilities to meet the organization’s unique needs.
  • Accessibility and inclusivity were central to the design process, with multi-language interaction integrated to ensure the site could serve diverse audiences effectively.
  • I created a way for staff to update and maintain dynamic information without needing to dive directly into the design portion of the site. 

The Details

Enhanced Functionality

In order to increase the audience engagement for the organization, I embedded a newsletter signup form from their EveryAction CRM to ensure seamless data collection and audience engagement.

A newsletter webpage with a red header displaying the word NEWSLETTER. Below is sign-up information with fields for name, email, and company details. A subscription button is visible on the right side. Text about economic transformation is on the left.

Robust Staff Page

I revamped the staff page to better showcase team members with engaging visuals and a user-friendly layout, connecting audiences to the people behind the mission.

Custom Post Types

I created custom post types for Resources and Newsletters, making it easier to manage and showcase key organizational content in a consistent and visually appealing way, while also making it easier for staff members to update the website.

Webpage displaying three reports on a red background: Cooperating Boston, Social Movement Investing, and Rewrite the Rules. Each report has a download button below it and a Load More button beneath the row.
An arranged set of brochures titled Getting Started Guide. The cover is yellow with black text. Open pages display sections on welcoming and project expectations, featuring a checklist and brief introductory text.

Interactive Animations

Using Lottie animations in the hero sections, I incorporated the iconic murmuration of birds to capture the brand’s vibrancy and ethos.

The Outcome

The Outcome

The redesigned website successfully aligns with the CED’s goals, creating a platform that is both visually engaging and strategically effective. Visitors now experience:

  • Easier navigation and access to program information.
  • A streamlined process for engaging with the organization through contact forms and newsletters.
  • Greater visibility and accessibility of team members via the new staff page.
  • A dynamic and memorable visual experience through interactive animations.

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]]> “We’ve Got The Power” Vertical Video https://melissa-n-s.com/weve-got-the-power-vertical-video/ Sun, 17 Nov 2024 06:32:24 +0000 https://melissa-n-s.com/?p=3405 http://melissa-n-s.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/KFTC-v1.5.mp4 I created a vertical video for Kentuckians for the Commonwealth’s “We’ve Got the Power” campaign to amplify voices of people opposing natural gas plant expansions and energy rate hikes. The Challenges The Challenges The subject matter (energy policy, rate hikes, regulation boards) can feel abstract and distant. Many people don’t see how their voice […]

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“We’ve Got The Power” Vertical Video

I created a vertical video for Kentuckians for the Commonwealth’s “We’ve Got the Power” campaign to amplify voices of people opposing natural gas plant expansions and energy rate hikes.

The Challenges

The Challenges

  • The subject matter (energy policy, rate hikes, regulation boards) can feel abstract and distant.

  • Many people don’t see how their voice makes a difference.

  • Campaigns often have lots of technical and legal content but less emotional story or personal experience, making it harder to connect.

  • The vertical mobile and social format demands short attention spans, so messaging has to be concise, clear, and immediately engaging.

The Solutions

The Solutions

  • I produced a vertical video built around community testimonials, with real people sharing how energy issues affect them to humanize the policy impacts.

  • Integrated the campaign’s visual branding so the video felt consistent with KFTC’s identity, reinforcing trust and recognition.

  • Edited and cleaned live audio that was originally recorded in a noisy crowd so that voices were clear and could carry the story.

  • Focused the messaging on clear calls to action, especially encouraging submissions to the state energy regulation board, so that the video was not just informational but mobilizing.

  • Optimized for mobile and social platforms by pacing visuals and audio to match how people consume vertical video: fast, emotional, and visually engaging.

The Outcome

The Outcome

The video supported KFTC’s “We’ve Got the Power” campaign by increasing public awareness and prompting an unprecedented number of comments submitted to the regulation board.

It helped shift the narrative from policy abstraction to personal urgency and motivated people to take action.

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]]> Ranked Choice Voting Educational Page https://melissa-n-s.com/ranked-choice-voting-2/ Sun, 17 Nov 2024 03:47:07 +0000 https://melissa-n-s.com/?p=3349 Client: Better Utah Institute Services: Web Design, Development, & Maintenance The Project I designed a dedicated webpage for the Better Utah Institute to educate voters about Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). The goal was to take a process that often feels complicated and make it clear, approachable, and even a little fun. What I did Designed […]

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Graphic with the phrase Learn about Ranked Choice Voting in bold blue letters on a dark background. Features decorative red and white stripes on the left and colorful I Ranked My Vote stickers at the bottom right.

Ranked Choice Voting Educational Page

Client:

  • Better Utah Institute

Services:

  • Web Design, Development, & Maintenance

The Project

I designed a dedicated webpage for the Better Utah Institute to educate voters about Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). The goal was to take a process that often feels complicated and make it clear, approachable, and even a little fun.

What I did

  • Designed and built an educational page on Ranked Choice Voting that balances accuracy and clarity
  • Created custom graphics like mock ballots and step-by-step visuals, to show how rankings and vote transfers work
  • Organized content into scannable sections so readers can quickly grasp key ideas without feeling overwhelmed
  • Used playful visual elements to keep the tone engaging while still supporting educational goals

A cute, smiling lemon with pink cheeks is centered against an orange burst background. The text Squeeze the Day! arcs above it, in white, conveying a cheerful motivational message.
This is screen shot from a page that shows a ranked choice ballot and the incorrect and correct ways to fill in the bubbles.
A screen shot of different colored bar graphs indicating how ranked choice votes are distributed per round until the winner is decided
A cute, shiny red apple with a smiling face and a green leaf on top. Sparkles surround the apple. The text ALL THE PEELS! is written in white on the bottom of the pink background.

Why it made a difference

The page translated dense election concepts into clear visuals and examples, making Ranked Choice Voting feel less abstract and easier to understand. It worked as both a teaching tool and a shareable resource, helping voters feel more prepared and confident.

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]]> Friends of the Salt Lake City Public Library Brand Guidelines https://melissa-n-s.com/friends-of-the-salt-lake-city-public-library-brand-guidelines/ Sun, 17 Nov 2024 03:14:30 +0000 https://melissa-n-s.com/?p=3313 Services: Strategy & Creative Direction Brand & Visual Design The Project A set of brand guidelines for the Friends of the Salt Lake City Public Library, the fundraising and advocacy arm of the library and its eight branches. Built to reflect their values and make it easier to show up consistently across fundraising and advocacy […]

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Open brand identity booklet with a green cover. Inside, pages display guidelines including primary and secondary brand colors.

Friends of the Salt Lake City Public Library Brand Guidelines

Services:

  • Strategy & Creative Direction
  • Brand & Visual Design

The Project

A set of brand guidelines for the Friends of the Salt Lake City Public Library, the fundraising and advocacy arm of the library and its eight branches. Built to reflect their values and make it easier to show up consistently across fundraising and advocacy work.

Brand Guidelines

What I did

  • Guided brand strategy and positioning to ground the visual identity
  • Developed a clear, usable brand guide covering logo use, color, type, and visual standards
  • Defined an accessible, flexible color palette that works across print and digital
  • Set typography guidelines that balance clarity with warmth
  • Established a friendly, inclusive tone of voice for community-facing communications

Why it made a difference

The guidelines give staff and volunteers a shared foundation, so materials feel connected even when they’re created by different people across branches.

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]]> Chasing the Pink Glow https://melissa-n-s.com/ctpg/ Sat, 29 Jan 2022 18:55:12 +0000 https://melissa-n-s.com/?p=1911 In December 2013, my dad, Dick Nelson, died very suddenly, and I was grief-stricken. Before my sadness, the things that delighted me were always cast with a rosy hue to me. Those things that resonated with me and truly inspired me were imbued with a special pink-colored glow in my mind, like an added sensation […]

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Mindy Kaling, a person in a pink suit stands next to a bookshelf filled with childrens books. Two framed artworks are on the wall: one with abstract faces and We Persist, and another portrait of a woman wearing glasses and a lace collar.

Chasing the Pink Glow

In December 2013, my dad, Dick Nelson, died very suddenly, and I was grief-stricken.

Before my sadness, the things that delighted me were always cast with a rosy hue to me. Those things that resonated with me and truly inspired me were imbued with a special pink-colored glow in my mind, like an added sensation of pink.

On August 24, 2015, I began a 100-day project to focus on my happiness. I committed to doing 100 paintings of things I loved and inspired me. I painted one a day, all in a medium called gouache, which is like watercolor but more opaque. Each painting was an effort to reignite the happiness I knew I could feel again. I called the project “Chasing The Pink Glow.

After sharing my project on social media, people began asking me if they could purchase the paintings. I decided to offer some of my favorites for sale as prints.

A dashed blue arrow curves downward to the left with the text Thats my work! next to it
Illustration of Yayoi Kusama, a person with red bobbed hair and pink cheeks, wearing a red top with white polka dots. The background is white with red polka dots, matching the outfit.
Illustration of Barbra Streisand, a person in profile with a bob haircut and closed eyes, wearing pink blush and a pink feathered garment. The background is plain, focusing on the subjects tranquil expression.
Jerry Orbach
Illustration of Cher, a smiling woman with long black hair against a teal background. She is wearing a pink top. The style is bold and graphic, with emphasis on facial features and hair texture.
Illustration of Eartha Kitt, a woman with long brown hair wearing a cat-themed black mask and headpiece. She has a serious expression and is dressed in a black outfit with a cape, set against a bright yellow background.
Illustration of a Edith Head, a person with large round glasses, pink cheeks, and bright lipstick. They have dark, slicked-back hair and are wearing a brown plaid jacket, white shirt, and gold earrings against a blue background.
Illustration of Grace Jones, a person with bold makeup, including bright pink eyeshadow and lipstick. They have short hair and a purple headscarf against a pink background. The style is vibrant and colorful, emphasizing bold facial features.
Illustration of Amy Poehler, a person with blonde hair wearing a gray patterned blazer and a blue shirt, set against a pink background. The style is bold and colorful, with pronounced facial features and a confident expression.
Illustration of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, a person with short, brown hair and glasses, wearing a black judicial robe with an intricate white collar. The background is pink, and the artists name is visible in the artwork.

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