Azure GLEAM

Context

As part of a broader effort to support and uplift LGBTQIA+ and allied employees, I was asked by Azure’s Senior Leadership Team and GLEAM (Microsoft’s LGBTQIA+ employee resource group) board to design a set of visual assets for Pride. The goal: deliver bold, affirming merch for Azure chapter members that would resonate across identities while staying true to the culture of both the ERG and the Azure brand.

I served as the solo designer, partnering directly with GLEAM board leads and Microsoft’s global marketing team to conceptualize, design, and ship a cohesive swag collection—including stickers, posters, and hoodies. This involved creative exploration, approvals across multiple stakeholders, and working with vendors to ensure quality production and on-time delivery.

Challenge

The biggest creative challenge was blending enterprise-grade branding with expressive queer identity—without falling into stereotypical tropes or diluting either. The designs needed to complement Azure’s visual system, spark joy and pride among employees, and feel meaningful to the GLEAM community at large.

Approach & strategy

I drew inspiration from Microsoft’s 1970s-era logo system, particularly the retro “racing stripe” aesthetic. That visual rhythm—forward-moving, structured, but full of energy—felt like the right backbone to carry the colors of the modern Pride flag. These elements eventually merged into a distinctive, unified motif centered around Azure’s “A” monogram.

Execution

Early sketches explored forms like arcs, gradients, and path-based visual metaphors. Through iteration, the work focused in on an “A” built from rainbow-striped racing lanes, representing movement, progress, and individuality within a shared system. Final iterations included a simple bar with blue, pink, and white gradient to represent the trans community, as well as a yellow and purple circle to include the intersex community.

The final designs were polished into print-ready vector assets and adapted across formats for different swag items.

Outcome & impacts

The campaign built visible momentum for GLEAM’s presence within Azure.

  • Hoodies and stickers became high-demand items across internal events and team offsites

  • Created a strong sense of identity and belonging for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies

  • Helped strengthen ties between ERG chapters and Azure’s leadership team

Reflections

This project was one of the most personally rewarding I've taken on. Designing something for my own community, with care and intention, reminded me that even small creative acts can contribute to culture, inclusion, and connection—especially when they’re visible, wearable, and proudly shared.