LOGO DESIGN
VARIOUS PROJECTS
The Challenge:
Some of the best jobs are the logo gigs! They challenge me artistically and mentally. Condensing one's business into an icon is a tough but hugely enjoyable task. From one of my favorite designs was for First Night Hartford. A yearly contest for area designers to create a logo to be used as buttons and all other media. Some years had themes while others were open for whimsical, family-oriented designs. 29 years of First Night Hartford events and have won 8 yearly logo design contests since 2008.
The Execution:
All created using Adobe Illustrator. I've included the final logo and some showing the proofs and various concepts before settling on one.
The Rewards:
The rewards are simply the joy I get out of each design.
I don't recall when I did most of these but I do remember the back story behind each one!
POCKET FOLDERS
MULTI-FAMILY PROPERTY BRANDING
Various Properties
The Challenge:
In a print production environment, time and accuracy matter. Changes mean money and wasted press time. The challenge is always to design something the client will like with little to no changes and with the limited resources provided by said client.
The Execution:
Utilizing any branding available (if any), design a pocket folder using colors, typography that fits the cost and time permitted.
The Rewards:
Minimal changes and folders were delivered on time, error-free and to the customer's liking!
9x12 Inside Pocket Folder
PROPERTY BROCHURES
MULTI-FAMILY PROPERTY BRANDING
The Challenge:
Define each product by it's branding standards and create a marketing brochure that is unique, eye-catching and within a budget.
The Execution:
Design using logos, typography and branding guidelines along with whatever images provided along with the client's desired goals..
The Rewards:
Each product was delivered on time, within budget and to the customer's liking!
18 page saddle-stitched property brochure
BUSINESS CARDS
Various Clients
The Challenge:
Create a design under an hour and create as branded template. Often only provided logo or customer supplied image to incorporate.
The Execution:
Design vibrant, eye-catching business cards using vector files and fonts.
The Rewards:
Clients are always surprised with the quick turn-around and the quality of the design. Cards created one, two-sided, using dies and embossing/metallic inks.
SELL SHEETS/LEAFLETS
MULTI FAMILY PROPERTIES
Various Clients
The Challenge:
Create a design based on existing templates and branding guides. BUT- the templates need to be broken and individual styles need to be applied.
The Execution:
Working with whatever is available (usually lo-res images and bad photography), try to make the property seem more appealing than it sometimes really is. Eye Appeal is Buy Appeal!
The Rewards:
Each piece stands on its own merits and given what was provided in many cases, looks great!
MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING
VARIOUS SIGNAGE
I never realized all the design opportunities signage had to offer. But it is more than the design. The prep work for the sign shop to accurately fabricate said sign is a HUGE part of the project
The Challenge:
Designing everything from A-Frames (a.k.a. sandwich signs), table-top signage, banners and the wayfinding list goes on.
The Execution:
Set and follow the brand guides. Make sure the projects are readable and the measurements exact.
The Rewards:
Deadlines were met, the production files accurate and clients are happy with the final project.
36x48 Aluminum pool sign
FIRST NIGHT HARTFORD
PROMOTIONAL PIECES
Occasionally I would get the job of designing all their advertising/promotion pieces for some of the years' I'd won.
The Challenge:
Design posters, program guides, newspaper/magazine ads and various promotional pieces as needed and create the branding as you go. My deadlines were tight and revisions were done by committee.
The Execution:
The toughest part of the design was the easiest. I already had a "connection" with the logo and now had the opportunity to expand on the brand. There were constant updates to venues and artists and tracking down print-worthy images were among some of the obstacles which made a long process for a very time-sensitive project!
The Rewards:
Deadlines were met. Final pieces looked great and all were received very well by the Greater Arts Foundation of Hartford, the First Night committee and the general public itself. Very happy and proud of of this work!
Event poster