Samson Awosan

Challenge:

Cipher began as a climate-focused newsletter, but as its reach and editorial ambitions grew, the need for a full digital publication became clear. The challenge was to transition Cipher from a standalone newsletter into a fully realized climate news platform with a strong visual identity, compelling storytelling, and a scalable design system—all while ensuring a seamless experience for its expanding global readership.

Role:

I initially supported Cipher by designing illustrations and providing art direction for the newsletter. Over time, my role expanded into a leadership position, where I guided the transition from newsletter to digital publication. Acting in a hybrid Associate Creative Director / Creative Director capacity, I was responsible for the creative direction, management, and production of Cipher’s brand and digital presence.

Deliverables:

As Executive Editor Amy Harder built out her editorial bench with a global team of journalists, I worked in parallel to develop Cipher’s creative capacity, ensuring that the publication’s visual and editorial direction evolved together. I led the expansion of Cipher’s creative function, providing ongoing art direction, refining its design systems, and strengthening its visual storytelling approach.

Website, Newsletter, Paid + Social, Infographics, Illustration, Motion

Collaborators:

• Amy Harder – Executive Editor

• Alex – Associate Editor

• Nadya Nickels – Visual Design and Motion

• Blueshift – Development

• Turnstyle – Agency support

Outcome:

Cipher successfully evolved into a full-fledged digital publication with a distinct and recognizable identity in the climate news space. The redesign strengthened its editorial impact, making climate reporting more engaging and accessible to a wider audience. Through continued creative leadership, I helped establish a strong foundation for Cipher’s long-term growth and visual storytelling.

Live Site