Having a baby
booklet
ARTIST COLLABORATION WITH;
JEDESS HUDSON & jay hobbs
HOW WE HELPED:
Illustrations | Indigenous Art Elements | Document Design
Jedess Hudson x Smyth Studio x Cairns Hospital
Queensland Health – Cairns & Hinterland Hospital and Health Services needed an informative yet visually engaging booklet for new mothers. The 40‐page resource is designed to guide mothers through every stage of their pregnancy—from hospital checkups, scans, and vaccinations to nutritional advice and post-birth care—with a particular focus on supporting First Nations mothers. The booklet integrates essential health information with culturally resonant design elements, ensuring both clarity and connection.
Illustrations
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INDIGENOUS ART
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document design
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Illustrations ✹ INDIGENOUS ART ✹ document design ✹
The Challenge
Queensland Health required a comprehensive educational tool that:
Communicated Detailed Information: Covering every aspect of the pregnancy journey, including hospital services, healthy habits, and specific care options for First Nations women.
Engaged Visually: Translated complex health content into an accessible, easy-to-follow format that remained engaging over 40 pages.
Celebrated Culture: Incorporated First Nations art elements to create a culturally authentic experience that resonates with First Nations mothers while appealing to all new mothers.
Our Approach
Content Curation and Compilation:
Smyth Studio compiled detailed information spanning the entire pregnancy journey—from initial checkups to post-birth care—ensuring every critical service and piece of advice was clearly outlined.
Artistic Integration:
In collaboration with Ewamian & Western Yalanji artist Jedess Hudson, we infused the booklet with bespoke First Nations art. Each page features unique illustrations that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also celebrate Indigenous cultural heritage, making the resource both informative and culturally enriching.
Design and Layout:
The layout was thoughtfully designed to balance dense informational content with visually engaging elements. By strategically placing art and illustrations throughout the booklet, we created a flow that guides new mothers naturally through the content, making the journey both educational and inspiring.
User-Centric Focus:
Recognizing the diverse needs of new mothers, especially within the First Nations community, our design ensured that the booklet was both sensitive and inclusive. The result is a resource that informs while also affirming cultural identity and community support.
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The Results
The "Having a Baby" booklet has been successfully integrated into the patient care experience at Cairns Hospital, serving as a vital resource for new mothers. Key outcomes include:
Enhanced Understanding: Mothers receive comprehensive, easy-to-digest information about pregnancy, hospital services, and postnatal care.
Cultural Resonance: The inclusion of First Nations art and storytelling creates a culturally rich experience that resonates deeply with First Nations mothers.
Visual Engagement: The beautifully illustrated pages ensure that even complex health information is accessible and engaging, encouraging mothers to utilize the booklet as a trusted guide throughout their pregnancy journey.
Conclusion
Through innovative design, thoughtful content curation, and meaningful cultural integration, Smyth Studio delivered a visually striking and highly functional resource for Queensland Health. The "Having a Baby" booklet not only informs but also celebrates the journey of motherhood, ensuring that new mothers, especially those from First Nations communities, feel supported and empowered every step of the way.
