DENIM DAY
Denim Day is an annual campaign that raises awareness about sexual assault, victim blaming, and consent. It takes place in April, during Sexual Assault Awareness Month
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Denim Day encourages people to wear jeans as a symbol of protest against harmful myths and victim blaming surrounding sexual violence. It’s a way to show solidarity with survivors and start conversations around consent, respect, and advocacy.
VANNESSA GUILLEN
Vanessa Guillén was a 20-year-old U.S. Army soldier stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, whose murder in 2020 sparked national outrage and led to calls for reform within the military. Before her death, she had confided in her family that she was being sexually harassed, but was afraid to report it. Her tragic story led to the #IAmVanessaGuillen movement, inspiring other service members to speak out about abuse and ultimately resulting in the "I Am Vanessa Guillén Act," a law aimed at improving how the military handles sexual harassment and assault cases. She has become a powerful symbol of the fight for justice and accountability in the armed forces.
I wanted to honor Vanessa Guillén by ensuring that people never forget who she was and what she stood for. To do this, I chose to represent her in my Denim Day project using design as a form of awareness and remembrance. Denim Day is often associated with civilian stories, but Vanessa’s tragedy is a painful reminder that sexual harassment and violence also happen within the military. By including her, I aim to broaden the conversation, challenge the silence, and highlight the urgent need for accountability and reform both in and outside of uniform.
In this design, I made a conscious choice not to cover Vanessa Guillén’s name tag on her uniform, recognizing the importance and symbolism it holds in military identity and honor. To tie the piece to Denim Day, I incorporated a denim-textured background, symbolizing solidarity and awareness for survivors of sexual violence. This poster was displayed throughout the school as part of a broader campaign to raise awareness not only about Denim Day itself, but also about Vanessa’s story and the urgent need for change both in civilian life and within the military.
In this design, I depicted a woman covered in denim to symbolize both protection and awareness for survivors of sexual assault. The denim represents a shield a call to not only support those who have endured trauma but also to emphasize the need for prevention so that no one else becomes a victim. I applied a grunge texture to the typography to reflect the emotional distress, pain, and resilience that many survivors carry. The roughness of the type contrasts with the visual symbolism of protection, capturing the inner strength that often emerges through struggle and healing.
In this project, I learned the power of visual storytelling as a tool for advocacy and awareness. Designing for Denim Day and honoring Vanessa Guillén taught me how design can carry deep emotional weight and bring attention to critical social issues. I also gained a better understanding of how to approach sensitive topics with respect, intention, and clarity, using visual elements not just to inform but to inspire empathy, reflection, and action.