Nature’s Path Packaging Design

Last summer, while doing some packaging design at Nature’s Path, I worked on many cereal boxes. Due to a supply issue, the ingredients list needed to be updated and many boxes were to be redone on short notice.

The cereal lines were also undergoing a design update, and most just needed some simple changes, but one box seemed especially outdated beside all the other Nature’s Path product. With the Creative Director’s approval, I updated the nameplate and tweaked the “Spelt Flakes” box. With just minor graphic and layout changes, the box looks cleaner, is easier to read on the store shelf, and fits in with the other cereals nicely.

Although the design work was nothing extraordinary, it took so long for the production cycle to actually get the new boxes in the stores that when I saw my new box on store shelves today, I had to buy one and take a photo beside the old box.

Recession-Proofing Your Business

Reducing costs doesn’t have to mean losing your edge. Thinking strategically and creatively will keep your message focused on your target market and contribute to your long-term growth. Strategic spending will help you increase market share without increasing your budget.

Work with Justin Ray, owner of Factory on Fire Design to find your unique selling proposition that sets you apart from your competition and pinpoints your message to a specific audience. A distinctive strategy will grab the attention of your ideal customers, build your client base and prepare you for capitalization as markets improve. The cornerstone of an effective strategy is incorporating eye-catching design that will pique your audience’s curiosity and convey your business’s concept and message. A memorable image, a unique website or a one-of-a-kind logo will help to build your company’s brand equity and market position.

Justin has been certified as a professional designer by the Association of Graphic Designers of Canada and can help your business achieve success. By working with him, your business will be well prepared for growth in the face of the recession.

Call Justin for a consultation or project estimate at 604-317-1097 today.

My stock illustration knighted! Now called “Sir Fancy Rabbit”

Several months ago, somebody bought an extended license on an illustration of mine, from iStockPhoto. A friend found the image being used on apparel and accessories, shortly after, on Shanalogic. My illustration has been screenprinted onto several styles of messenger bags and t-shirts, and renamed “Sir Fancy Rabbit”.

It didn’t expect to see my work in use this way, but the most flattering part is the reception it’s gotten. The Bag Lady says, “I’m 37 and all these years I’ve been looking for a ‘field bag’ featuring a picture of a rabbit wearing a top hat and a monocle and I’ve finally found one!”

Here are a few pics of the items:

Of course, the original had more color. He’s what my illustration looked like before being monochromized!

dot. dessert photography

In addition to providing the identity and signage design for local parfait bar dot. desserts, I set up a product shoot on location. Shooting on site was important since the desserts melt quickly and require much preparation. Fortunately my setup is quite mobile. Since dot. has nice bright windows and a white interior, natural lighting was ample. I only had to use one speedlight (with umbrella) and reflector.
All the desserts looked so delicious, it was hard to work with them for two hours without eating any!

Scrumptious! Since the photo shoot, dot. desserts has started serving savory and sweet crepes and a variety of hot and cold teas. They are now open from noon to midnight daily.

Pirate-themed “Roast & Toast” Poster

One of my recent posters promoting a retirement dinner. Some of the sponsor information was missing, but I delivered the creative with some extra room. The brief called only for a nautical theme, so I combined a few photos of the special guest with a stock pirate image.

The aged paper background was created from scratch in Photoshop, based on this tutorial.

Done for United Way.

VDL T-Shirt Design 2

A second design for the Vancouver Dodgeball League. In case it seems familiar, it’s a parody/reference to Magritte’s painting “The Son of Man”

VDL T-Shirt Design 1

Inspired by Japanese warning signs, I created this design for the Vancouver Dodgeball League. The boy is yelling “banzai!” and the caption just says “dodgeball!”

Hopefully it will be printed, but it was fun to do anyway!

PhotoSpin ‘08 Spinner Award

(repost) Our “solutions” campaign has won us staff pick in PhotoSpin’s 2008 Spinner Awards. PhotoSpin is a stock photography, illustration and font site and has been running the annual Spinner awards since 2002.

We've got solutions.

Koodo Campaign Analysis and Redesign

Koodo posters reimagined

I worked with Stephen Tan to analyze the Koodo Mobile ad campaign. We found it to be successful, but wondered whether they could sustain the narrow focus on workout themes. Would the joke wear thin too soon?

We decided to expand the campaign to a broader spectrum of 80’s themes, playing on the era’s fashion, technology, music and lingo. We wanted to maintain the specific color palette and other branding elements that worked so successfully.

Pictured are some of the poster redesigns we came up with. Click for full image.

Identity Design: dot. desserts

dot. desserts is a parfait bar that opened March 2nd, 2009 in Vancouver. They carry a unique menu of Japanese-style and specialty parfaits, sweet and savory crepes, and a selection of hot and cold teas. The owners of dot. wanted a minimalistic approach that would put the focus on the presentation of the desserts. Only one color would be used, and white would dominate the location.

Throughout February and March, I worked with dot. to create a logo, identity and signage, and menu. The circle was an obvious inspiration, and not just because it symbolizes perfection. The same basic shape is found in the Japanese flag, and is present in each serving dish. Kabel was chosen for the company typeface, partly because of the nice round bowls. The “o” of dot. became a part of the developing motif.

We chose a classy “sandblast” treatment for the windows to avoid introducing more color, providing some privacy for the diners, and allowing plenty of light.

dot. desserts is located at 5556 Cambie Street, near 40th Ave, Vancouver. They are open daily from noon to midnight.

View Larger Map