Words, well-crafted

With the relaunch for client Chapel Hill Press underway, I wanted to share these snippets of ink of the my work, per se, created in collaboration with Stitch Design Co.

Here, I created the brand architecture and tagline; developed framework, wrote copy and directed photography for e-commerce website with blog; oversaw creation of refreshed logo for stationery, collateral, social media. 

Even better, publishing inquiries have increased substantially in the last three months since launch!

This selection of imagery represents the main tenets of the rebranding initiative -- to express a place where:

personal touch is paramount

heritage is honored 

individualism is the gold standard

word craft is embraced for its earnestness

You will see this creative sampling also reflects this bespoke publishing house that is full of integrity, design savvy, not to mention humanity + heart. 

I also personally conceived the company's tagline. I felt its double entendre both speaks to the detailed process of book-writing and book-making. 

Chapel Hill Press. Words, well-crafted.

No surprise, coming from the genteel CEO Edwina Woodbury, former EVP / CFO of Avon Products, Inc. Not only is she truly a southern lady, but also she is whip smart and dedicated to full-service book-making and personal touch for emergent and established authors alike.

Strategic, artful, simple...and...well-crafted: I definitely relished this made-to-measure opportunity to rebrand a delightful, thoughtful, successful company.

Thank you, Chapel Hill Press. 

Images courtesy of Stitch Design Co.

Pattern Play

Today, I ventured over to Pottery Barn Kids in need of kiddo supplies. As a big fan of hearts of all kinds, my heart kinda stopped over these....

2016 POTTERY BARN KIDS 

Because I co-conceived these:

2012 PLATYPUS DESIGNER DUCT TAPE (the predecessor)

Coincidence? Hmmmm.....

These PBK hearts sure look similar to a 2012 "I Heart Tape" pattern co-conceived with my super fab client Platypus Designer Duct Tape. An upstart brand, I not only rebranded this company, but also led creative, marketing + PR efforts and new product development/assortment too.

Unlike the competition, our patterns were specifically designed to mix+match so that tapes would beautifully and seamlessly integrate for fashion-forward projects including wearables, jewelry/accessories, general crafting and DIY decorating. 

All led to national press as well as greater retail distribution, and expanded use of products, particularly within the home sector. 

For "inspiration," check out these super quick, budget-friendly ideas that uplevel, upcycle + uplift! Who can resist such easy, stylish improvement? Not me.

• Small bulletin board in "I Heart Tape" with bow in "Sour Apple Linen"
• Hair bow in "Pink Polka Dot"
• Magazine holder in "I Heart Tape"
• Cubby storage unit in "Picnic Gingham"
• Pencil cup in "Houndstooth" and "Denim"
• Pencils and clips in "Real Leopard," "Argyle," "Pink Polka Dot" + "Picnic Gingham"
• Bulletin board in "Grass," "Argyle" + "Sour Apple Linen"
• Picture frame in "Pool Chevron"
• Assorted covered boxes in "Jolly Roger" + more
• Paper bin in "I Heart Tape"

Platypus Designer Duct Tape. Make It With Tape.

Select patterns above include: Pink Polka Dot, Sour Apple Linen, Picnic Gingham, Houndstooth, Denim, Real Leopard, Argyle, Jolly Roger, Green Grass, Pool Chevron + I Heart Tape.

Clearly Conceptual: Through the lens of Sue Tallon

Recently, I had the pleasure of working with acclaimed photographer Sue Tallon on a special project for client Clearly Kombucha. (For those of you who are unfamiliar with Sue's artistry, view her portfolio here.)

Co-art directing and styling with Village Theorem, we wanted to capture the personality and flavor profile of each Clearly Kombucha beverage through conceptual product stills. The lens needed to telegraph the vibrancy of each beverage as well as its clarity. 

With the only requirement being that liquid be shot in a glass, we experimented with truckloads (literally) of props - many from Sue's personal stash - textiles, paper goods, fruits, feathers, spices and paints to yield dynamic shots. 

No constraints. No "formula." No stress. Just the imaginations of three creative people collaborating in the photo studio to create visually stunning, organically composed imagery. 

Yep, this shoot was one of my most refreshing ever - with one of the most down-to-earth photographers on the planet. Many thanks to the lovely Sue and her awesome rep Norman Maslov too. Couldn't have done it without you two.

Now, taste this yummy:

classic grape

asian pear

black currant

Do you like to chai?

Sharing this spicy shot, a collaboration from a recent client shoot with acclaimed photographer Sue Tallon and Village Theorem. This is my kind of chai.

(more fun shots coming soon!)