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Long Lead

A digital deep dive reviving the remarkable, overlooked legacy of trailblazing journalist Virginia Kraft.

"The Catch" is a digital storytelling site created for Long Lead, an award-winning journalism studio dedicated to finding, financing, producing, and publishing original, in-depth reporting. This immersive experience brings to life the extraordinary yet forgotten legacy of Virginia Kraft, a pioneering sports journalist from the golden age of publishing.

Category

Storytelling

Date

2024

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Dualities in Motion

This project aimed to unearth and celebrate a multifaceted woman whose achievements spanned continents and shattered gender norms, all while grappling with the nuances of her controversial choices when viewed through a modern lens. By interweaving video, photography, and text, we sought to transport readers into Kraft's world of adventure and journalism, inviting them to explore the tensions between her roles as a barrier-breaker and homemaker, animal lover and hunter, writer and recluse.

A Story Told in Layers

Our strategy centred on creating a layered, interactive experience that mirrors the depth and complexity of Kraft's own character and career. We envisioned a digital journey that would allow users to peel back the layers of history, revealing a woman who defied simple categorisation and challenged societal expectations of the 1950s.

Drawing inspiration from the rich visual language of the mid-century Sports Illustrated magazines, we aimed to bridge the gap between vintage print aesthetics and modern digital storytelling. This approach not only contextualises Kraft's era but also creates a compelling contrast with contemporary perspectives, highlighting the evolution of societal norms and journalistic practices.

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Then Meets Now

We crafted a visual language that celebrates the multifaceted nature of Kraft's life and work. Layering became a central design motif, allowing users to uncover different aspects of her legacy as they navigate the site. This approach not only creates visual intrigue but also serves as a metaphor for the process of historical discovery and reexamination.

Interactive elements invite users to engage deeply with the content, from exploring archival photographs to comparing Kraft's original reporting with modern reflections. This hands-on approach encourages a more nuanced understanding of her legacy, allowing readers to form their own opinions about her complex character and contributions.

We created a pallet of vibrant, optimistic hues from 1950s America, to evoke a sense of possibility and adventure that characterised Kraft's career.

Tarver Graham

Founder & CEO
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Project Awards

The Webby Awards

Best Individual Editorial Feature

Anthem Awards

Best Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Awareness (News & Journalism)

Triumph Books

The Year's Best Sports Writing 2024

Newhouse Mirror Awards

Best Profile 2024

Society of News Design

Award of Excellence, Design: Features

Society of News Design

Award of Excellence, Design: Social Issues

Best Design Awards

Bronze Pin

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