Identity + website + print collateral
 

In need of an updated website, this commercial contractor also needed to stand out.

Known for their work ethic and loyalty to their clients—they were also earning a reputation for bringing their dogs to work. It was fun to make an emotional connection by introducing dogs into their brand.

I also designed the logo to be simple and distinct. The client now has a site that functions well. The brand stands out against the competition in a unique and friendly way.

blackdogprojects.com

Art Direction + Design, Layout & Production

Journey is a bi-yearly publication produced by the Vancouver Island University Alumni Association. The magazine keeps alumni in touch with other graduates and their work in various fields.

I worked with the editorial team to redesign their existing publication into a dynamic and engaging layout.

Emphasis on contrast throughout the magazine provides an engaging experience for readers without being repetitive.

The layout provides just enough continuity from issue to issue to keep loyal readers comfortable and engaged.

Concept design for a small batch sprouted grain bakery. Commissioned work.

Personal Project

Research + Writing + Design

See Spot Sell is a published Master’s thesis for Syracuse University.  The thesis culminated into a public exhibit of the collected works at the Shaffer Gallery.

The thesis illuminates the relationship we have with dogs. It explores how our relationship has changed over the years by looking at advertising–images and language. It also provides a visual record of changing perceptions and family values.

On a personal level, this project is also a search for hope. Hope that one day the number of dog abuse and abandonment cases dwindle as we continue to evolve our understanding of dogs.

Strategy Lead + Art Direction & Design + Project Management

Hired to roll out the design of a new logo, the College transitioned into a University. This necessitated a review of their branding, as well as a name change.

To ensure a smooth transition, the project required a thorough design process.

Collaboration with a variety of internal and external stakeholders kept the progress in check.

Discovery
- Research and analysis
  (focus groups/interviews/surveys)
Planning
- Branding strategy document
  including use of language and imagery
Creative
- Brand concepts (language/visuals)
- Identity concepts
- Advertising copy
Application
- Identity package
- Identity & Brand Standards manual
  (long and short versions)
- Advertising campaign
  (radio/billboards/television/website)
- Unveiling campaign
  (radio/billboards/newspaper/website)
- Website

Identity + advertising + website + social media

Kiah Grant is an independent mortgage broker on Bowen Island who builds long-term relationships with her clients. She needed a branded look and feel she could connect with. Kiah also needed to update her website. She was frustrated with her old site—the content was outdated and difficult to manage. 

I combined clean typography and a bold butterfly icon using crisp blues and green's—which reflects Kiah's style. Two new positioning lines help the viewer quickly understand her approach.  Kiah's site scrolls easily and we chose big, bold images to help break up the content.

She can now easily make updates and post to her blog. The site is also connected to her social media accounts so her activity is fed directly to her homepage. Her new site is mobile-ready.

Kiahgrant.com

Idea Pitch

I presented these ideas to The Centre for Shellfish Research (CRS).

They wanted to introduce their new Field Station in Deep Bay on Vancouver Island and focus on how they bridge the gap between science and everyday life. The facility focuses on sustainability and conducts research, educates and offers culinary training and catering.

I decided to categorize and simplify the messaging with three words: Live (sustainability), Learn (education) and Eat (culinary). With these words defined, organizing communications became focused and playful.

Identity + advertising + print collateral

Campus Caterers provides catering services for functions at Vancouver Island University. The new logo needed to express the professionalism
associated with the positioning line “We Feed Bright Minds.”

A fork in place of the tassel on the graduation cap is a playful solution.

The icon is bold in black and white. For special occasions, the fork prints in metallic gold adding a little pop of bling.

The Crimson Coast Dance Society is a small, non-profit dance company. Funding is scarce so the challenge was to create a dynamic, energetic brand despite lack of funds and low-resolution imagery. 

To establish an iconic identity—a distinct colour and unique poster format is used. This allows for cost-effective printing by including 2 handbills simultaneous to the large-format poster. 

I designed a logo with a silhouette stepping into an implied horizon. Later, when I updated the identity, I simplified the design by replacing the letter "A" with the silhouette.

Identity + advertising + print collateral

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Nanaimo Port Authority moved to a new location and building. Time to rethink the identity.

I worked with the Port Authority team to help find a visual expression for their pivotal role.

The new icon communicates movement and energy.

Its simple shape allows for flexibility in scale and easy reproduction. Different gradients of blue for print and online suit each platform.

We ended with an identity system that communicates the energy the Port was hoping to convey.

Art Direction + Design, Layout and Production

The Active Living Guide is a publication produced by the Regional District of Nanaimo. It provides the community with recreation and parks programming. The guide also works as a primary marketing tool and includes advertising supporting local businesses.

The publication is text intensive and so I designed a variety of grids to help make the layout diverse, not dull.  

To keep costs in check, covers print in full colour while the inside prints black and one spot colour.

Oceanside Place is a hub of activity and is a central meeting place for the community of Parksville. When the lobby was crowded, the existing signage was hard to see.

I worked with the Facilities Manager to find a cost-effective solution that could take advantage of the large wall space.

Clear, simple typography set in black vinyl and placed throughout the lobby is a dramatic and effective solution.

Design, Layout and Production.

A Healthier You is a publication produced by the Vancouver Island Health Authority. Published bi-annually, it provides pertinent health and wellness articles to the general public.

For this project, I worked with the editor to create an inviting layout that helps to make the delicate subject matter more approachable.

A distinct colour palette combined with a clear grid system and serif body text allows for ease of reading in a variety of contexts. 

The Centre for Continuing Studies at Vancouver Island University produces this publication to promote their courses. To appeal to their audience, the magazine asks the viewer a simple question "What if?" With the answer, and possibilities, found within the pages of the latest course offerings.

The magazine has many different sections. For this reason, hierarchy and simple graphic devices help the viewer navigate with ease.

The covers print full colour while the inside prints black and blue to help keep costs down.

Conceptualization + Writing + Project Management + Design & Production

With a new name and logo in place, the Culinary Institute of Vancouver Island (CIVI) needed a promotional package to send to prospective students. 

I worked with the CIVI team to write and design a self-mailing package. The package includes interchangeable inserts and a poster. A folder contains the package and is used for other promotional materials. 

The copy is straightforward and honest to reflect the program’s attitude. The words appeal to the emotional sensibility of someone considering the program. They also express a chefs’ energy, enthusiasm and passion - key ingredients at CIVI.

This is the second printing of Ellen's book. Here, I updated the typography and redesigned the cover and layout to provide a clean, look and feel.

We chose a natural, uncoated paper which emphasizes the bold, saturated inks.

To stay cost effective, we used two inks for the cover and one on the inside pages. The design captures the power of Ellen's words with a small yet mighty punch.

Concept variations for a Japanese restaurant. Commissioned work.

This accounting firm lacked consistency with their branding materials. I needed to define a clear, consistent system.

Letter shapes were set within a bold red square to represent a simple mathematical equation that is the foundation of the new trademark. 

The icon stands alone or aligned with the full company name throughout the system. Now, there is unity in their materials without being repetitive.

Gemella Design is a landscape architect and arborist service with a love of detail and structure. She needed a logo to reflect this.

The tree icon is pulled out of her workmark and used as her signature stamp. The circle becomes a design element for peripheral materials. 

With Mikaila's CD, I experimented with colour, texture and illustration to pick up on the style and sound of her music. 

I used Photoshop to create the visuals. Then, I focused on the design of a new logo settling on a clean, simple and iconic letter style.  

We finished with a CD design that captures her personality and boho-chic style.

Logo design concept for a green energy company. Commissioned work.

This client specializes in counselling families living with autism. They required a new icon signifying support for this community.

The intertwining of the two letters of the client’s name signifies support while the colours are soft yet professional.

The icon is a living design element.

Icon concepts for a cancer healing centre. Commissioned work.

Logo concept for a seafood distribution company.

The letter O of “GLOW” was emphasized and works to symbolize the concept of the restaurant - global world cuisine. The icon is used as a design element throughout the restaurant and in peripheral materials.

West Coast adventure travel logo and icon explorations. Commissioned work.

The Career Centre was a new initiative in need of an identity and positioning line. The solution uses bold, graphic, double letter "Cs" offset by the simple line –“Your Future Is Working.” The simple blue and black colours look clean and crisp on white stock. An embossed icon works on a variety of peripheral materials. 

I worked with the marketing manager to determine the best approach to help make her job more efficient. In this case, I designed a series of posters and ads then saved them as templates, using InDesign. 

Then, I trained staff to use the templates. This solution allows the client to manage their own content while maintaining a strong, branded look and feel.

Another logo concept for the Nanaimo Port Authority. Commissioned work.

Trumpet man Marty Shepard needed a design for his CD, Half Life, that matched the mood and sound of his music.

He supplied me with a few images and I chose this one (bottom) because of the potential. I used Photoshop to create mood by experimenting with colours, textures and transparency. The transparent typography and letters cut in half set the tone. 

The result is a rich, moody image that matches the character of Marty's music.

PERSONAL PROJECT

Blaise, Ken and Nancy joined forces to create Permanent Press Publishing Group.  PIER Magazine was born.  This bi-weekly tabloid newspaper discussed art, music, film, books, government, and general island life awesomeness.

It featured interviews with Michael Ondaatje, Diana Krall, The Odds, Ashley MacIssac to name a few. Over 10,000 copies were distributed every two weeks for five years.

The paper earned a loyal following that make it a part of the history of the city of Nanaimo.

PERSONAL PROJECT

Cheap rent and a cool space allowed me the chance to combine two of my favourite things; upcycled fashion and graphic design. Blue Coyote worked as a space for graphic design as well as to sell art and recycled and second-hand fashion. Space was also dedicated to local art and used as a small, independent art gallery.

Blue Coyote was open for two years on Fitzwilliam Street, in the Old City Quarter of Nanaimo.

Photos: Blaise MacMullin
Illustration: Dwight Allott

This publishing house focuses on books that build, empower, and create change in the world.

Global Uprising: Stories From a New Generation of Activists. Is 300+ pages and quite text intensive. The layout required solutions to signal chapters, sidebars, bios, Web links, and other elements.