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.

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!)

Outtasight Outtakes

Recently, I was back in San Francisco strategizing and styling some fashionable business with photographers Sue Tallon (known for her award-winning food imagery + light work) and Marie Killen (receiving buzz for her fashion / beauty shots + color work) on a collaborative client project with co-conspirator Village Theorem.

Some outtasight outtakes, methinks:

Impromptu creativity at the McGuire Showroom in High Point

News: I'm now bi-coastal.

Officially, I've relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, but I am still picking up projects here, there and everywhere including San Francisco and New York City.

Today, I'm off to McGuire's Showroom in High Point to say a quick hello to my Bay Area friends who are in town for Spring Market. Gotta love when a favorite client is in my new 'hood, so to speak. While there, I advised on the styling for a few rooms too. Impromptu creativity is always en vogue.

Here are a couple pics taken of the bedroom....This scene would make for a mighty fine nap right about now. Pun intended. McGuire's designs are luxurious. This caned bed designed by Barbara Barry is a study in graceful form and gorgeous function. Layered linens are the frosting.

And...I've always been a huge, huge fan of the iconic rattan "Butterfly" chair, first fashioned by Edward Tuttle forty years ago. Symmetry. Geometry. Curves. It is even available in gold or silver leaf! Makes a fluid statement in any room. So fly.

McGuire meets Platypus Designer Duct Tape

Talk about synchronicity! 

Two of my fantastic clients met in the most serendipitous way when McGuire Furniture Company contacted me to conceptualize a summer installation for its showroom in the San Francisco Design Center. Had to be something colorful, playful and artistic. 

Partnering with their internal team, we decided to use a most unexpected, but beautifully hip substrate to create our window display: Platypus Designer Duct Tape. 

Who would've thunk it - duct tape?

 

Well, there really was no other choice: McGuire is luxe. (Incredible craftsmanship, natural materials, subtle details, utmost comfort...). Platypus is chic. (No shiny finish here...it's matte, shows horizontally and vertically seamless pattens and is simply stylish.)

I was one happy girl. Two uber fabulous brands meet up for summertime fun in "the sun" - and I was glad to have a hand in it. 

Literally. Figuratively. 

It was a blast to craft.

-----

Now how 'bout those behind-the-scenes glamour shots....

 

  

Now That's A Wrap!

These lovely gifts would make anyone's day brighter.

In addition to leading the marketing and creative direction for the brand, I styled these presents for the "Remake Christmas: Make it with Tape" holiday shoot (click here for our YouTube channel) for Platypus Designer Duct Tape.

You can create your own handmade packages too. Here's how:

~ Find modern + colorful gift wrap. These are from Paper Source in Palo Alto / San Francisco (you can also order it online).

~ Select a fun gift topper. These sorgeous handmade lollipops are from The Candy Store in San Francisco.

~ Make various styles of bows + then wrap with wide ribbon, crafted out of assorted Platypus Designer Duct Tape, of course!

My choices included:

~ Pink Polka Dot

~ Denim

~ Leopard

~ Wool Stocking

~ Houndstooth

I also gussied up the packages even further with some pretty French ribbon generously donated by Rob's mom, Louise Jordan. She was the "Production Assistant" on our holiday film shoot - and pretty much the best PA ever!

Now see, who can resist?

(Not me. I basically pulled an all-nighter at the Fortis Design warehouse in Raleigh, NC to make sure the film set and all of the styling was very "Martha." Oh, the things a girl will do in the name of Designer Duct Tape....It's not just for repair anymore.)

(To read more about my professional experience,click here.)

A Fun Little Ditty from Platypus Designer Duct Tape

C'mon now...You know y'all want to learn how to craft a vintage airplane mobile out of Platypus Designer Duct Tape. Possibilities about with this fabulous sticky stuff!

(Time-lapse, great tunes. Shot by talented filmmaking duo of Kristin Brewer + Michael Sullivan at Taproot Films.)

See all 14 fun patterns here.

(To read more about my professional experience,click here.)

Perfect Stocking Stuffer: Platypus Designer Duct Tape!

Ho, ho, ho! The holidays are upon us. And so is the re-launch of Platypus Designer Duct Tape.

Based out of Raleigh, NC, not only is this client super fun to work with so is the product! A busy little bee I've been this autumn: I've rebranded the line (e.g., new brand identity and packaging); developed a tagline, created marketing materials; creative directed a brand new website design and conceptualized and personally styled two RAD holiday videos, shot by upstart and really fab filmmaking team of Kristin Brewer and Michael Sullivan at Taproot Films.

Great for crafting, decorating, repairing all sorts of things, the possibilities for upleveling are endless. Not only is this doubly strong, vibrantly colorful duct tape more durable and versatile than its competitors, it's vertically and horizontally seamless (unlike other tapes) so you can create small scale or large scale projects.

See the holiday magic for yourself...You won't believe your eyes!

(More YouTube video links here.)

Even better, I am in the throes of 2012 planning with Rob Jordan, head honcho over at Fortis Design, the parent company to Platypus Designer Duct Tape. New designs soon!

Find out more about Marketing Muse me and the team of Platypus People at DesignerDuctTape.com.

(To read more about my professional experience,click here.)

Am Stuck On....

Platypus Designer Duct Tape!

(I told you I have a cool client...love it!)

Sold at select Walmart, Amazon, Toys R Us, Kerr Drugs, Paper Source (etc.) across the U.S. + boutique retailers too, you can get your online here.

(To read more about my professional experience,click here.)

Spirited "Jackson Square" from McGuire

One of my projects while at the luxury furniture company McGuire involved the development of their new archival-based furniture collection, Jackson Square.

Based on McGuire's historical designs and made of durable materials (e.g, rattan, leather and bamboo) along with colorful fabrics and finishes, this modern yet traditional line of furnishings sings both boldly and beautifully.

Its heritage, craftsmanship and form stands out from a sea of competitors and lends beauty to a multitude of spaces.

Marketing-wise, the launch was heralded in Communication Arts Design Annual 53 for its beautifully shot and styled luxe catalogs (groundbreaking imagery for the furniture industry). Congratulations to McGuire's Kendra Frisbie, Creative Director, who led this charge.

As the spirited little sister of McGuire, I will be proud to own many a piece in my home. And dare I say, I've found a new definition of heirloom juxtaposed with modern living....Swoon.

(To read more about my professional experience, click here.)