Christian Aid magazine

Overview

Claire and Rebecca were commissioned to lead and deliver end-to-end creative services, and manage two freelance writers and two freelance designers.


Client
Christian Aid


Year
2025


Contributors

Editor-in-Chief and Senior Art Director

Key briefing facts

  • Christian Aid magazine is a strategically important stewardship device, highly valued by in-house fundraisers targeting supporter retention.

  • From edition to edition, the magazine consistently thanks its readers for their gifts, actions and prayers.

  • In 2025, a special edition was commissioned to mark the 80th anniversary of Christian Aid. It needed to reflect the anniversary theme: ‘The unstoppable power of hope’.

  • The brief asked us to balance stories of contemporary impact with those of nostalgic reflection.

  • The tone was briefed as humble and appreciative, and explicitly not self-congratulatory.

  • We needed to deliver 32 pages in a new A5 format, with both print and digital versions required.

  • The mailing pack was briefed to comprise the magazine, a letter featuring a soft ask, and a BRE.


Process


Our comprehensive process included:

  • Researching and pitching stories.

  • Identifying source material and images.

  • Collecting examples of visual inspiration.

  • Drafting layouts and flat plans.

  • Presenting proposals for sign-off.

  • Briefing freelancers and coordinating workloads.

  • Writing copy and designing layouts.

  • Bringing oversight, consistency and refinement.

  • Ensuring adherence to brand guidelines.

  • Incorporating stakeholder feedback.

  • Proofing iteratively to achieve sign-off.

  • Preparing print and digital files.

“Claire and Rebecca were a joy to work with. Supremely talented, the kindest of hearts and always a giggle to be had. Working with them always felt easy—nothing was ever too much trouble. Highly recommended!”

Annie Stewart
Brand Officer & Project Manager

Outcome


A celebrated edition of Christian Aid magazine to mark the charity’s 80th year.

With diligent research, planning and creativity the magazine delivered:

  • Impact stories spanning three continents.

  • Five reflective pieces.

  • A six-page 80@80 listicle.

  • 10 calls to engage with external content.

  • More than 20 moments of praise or appreciation for supporters.

  • £109,603 of donations in reponse to the covering letter.