Maria Burns

Visual Communication Design, 2020

The topic of menstruation remains taboo in the United States even today. Important information is left undiscussed, and most menstrual resources are heavily gendered. Using feminine-oriented language excludes transgender, non-binary, and intersex people, and makes it seem like only certain people can talk about menstruation.

Sanguine is a social campaign that strives to honestly and inclusively educate kids and teens of all genders about menstruation. Sanguine’s poster series, Just Say Menstruation, calls out how period euphemisms reinforce the idea that periods are something to keep hidden. Stickers supplement the posters by giving people a way to carry their statement against menstrual shame with them. Sanguine’s book on menstruation, Ebb & Flow, teaches young people about the basics of menstruation. The book provides information for both menstruaters and non-menstruaters. There are also several instances of interaction inside the book to encourage curiosity and engagement with the topic.

Maria Burns is a 2020 graduate of The Ohio State University. She has been passionate about design since she learned what design was. In addition to majoring Visual Communication Design, Maria has minors in History of Art and Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies. She plans to work in a variety of fields, including publication design, exhibit design, and design for social good. In her free time, Maria reads, sews, and gardens.

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