“Sometimes you just got to go with your gut.”— Lis Gerber (talking to the Senior Leadership Team at General Mills)
Client: General Mills
What we did: Client Acquisition, Brand Strategy, Creative Direction, Hands-on Design, Experiential Design and Planning, Lifestyle Video Art Direction, Transition Animation Art Direction, Presentation Design, and Copywriting
About the project: General Mills (GMI), a 7+ billion dollar company, needed to roll out a new corporate strategy. CEO Jeff Harmening wanted to make a big impression on every single employee of the company to make sure the message was received, but he wanted to do it authentically. This was a huge responsibility and we were honored to be an integral part of it. The live event was to be broadcasted in real time to over 40,000 employees globally. We worked closely with CEO Jeff Harmening, the Senior Leadership Team, and GMI’s Corporate Communications Team to create and execute all tasks, including several weeks leading up to the event and several weeks post event where GMI’s headquarters were decorated with the event theme.
This event was well received and feedback was very positive. In a post-survey from employees it was apparent that this event and the weeks leading up to it, made a lasting impression on team members. Employees left feeling a new sense of hope, motivation and energy and understood the new GMI mission and how they played a role in it.
Of course, in projects like this, it takes a village of many talented people all with different skillsets and professions. It was a huge team effort and should be noted that we were leading and designing this project while working under another local agency—Select Design.
Testimonial: “It feels like you just got us.” — The CEO
Client: Storyfit
What we did: Brand Strategy, Creative Direction, Brand Design, Hands-on Design, Lifestyle Art Direction, Presentation Design, Digital Design, and Copywriting.
About the project: StoryFit, a consumer insights company, helps you understand the true value of your story and how to reach the broadest audience. Like most AI companies, StoryFit’s brand was full of Artificial Intelligence computerized looking graphics. I wanted to bring more emotion into the brand and more visuals that represented the audience. Creatives in the movie industry did not take kindly to “robots” and so it made sense to humanize what StoryFit did. I created a new brand, with audiences facing toward the camera as if they were interacting with the script that was written as well as emoji’s that represented all the different emotions that an audience may feel. We used the “o” in StoryFit as a place for the emoji’s to “land” to communicate that this company will find the perfect audience for any script.
Idea: “To appeal to the hotel luxury market, Keurig needs to look different. ” — Lis Gerber
Client: Keurig Dr. Pepper
What we did: Creative Direction, Brand Strategy, Research and Development, Hands-on Design, Photo Strategy, Photography and Video Art Direction, Location Scouting, Shoot Planning, Producing and Execution
About the project: Keurig Commerical wanted to develop and activate new market strategies for its Away-From-Home business unit—which includes workplace, hospitality, convenience store, universities, healthcare and more. One business unit, but with very distinct stakeholders and enterprise objectives—a “one-size-fits-all” approach to brand marketing would not get it done. I helped Keurig strike a balance between a globally consistent brand presence and hyper-targeted, opportunity-specific activation.
It started with a photography shoot, providing assets that could establish this new, elegant and elevated sense of “luxurious convenience and customization.” The assets would serve as the foundation for digital and print collateral. We then developed video content to bring the product’s features and benefits to life.
The response was immediate—subverting the expectations of luxury hotel buyers, generating enthusiasm, and fueling buy-in among sales and field reps.
Testimonial: “Bic's Boba has rebranded and I couldn't be happier!!” — Katy Hudson
Client: Better Boba Tea
What we did: Brand Strategy, Branding, Hands-on Design, Package Design, Creative Direction, Social Media
About the project: Better Boba came to us with a just a name and a great product—the first tapioca pearls made in the USA and the best tasting boba on the market with the purest ingredients. We wanted to create a unique brand that had a touch of whimsy to go along with the fun name. The package design needed to be simple but bold enough to cut through the noise at shelf.
Testimonial: “This idea is stupid smart.”—The CEO
Client: Big Cork Vineyards
What we did: Branding, Package Design, Hands-On Design, Art Direction, Site Design, Web Site Asset Development, Interior/Exterior Signage, Social Media Management and Asset Development, and Marketing
About the project: Big Cork Vineyards was a small winery in Maryland. They came to us with a simple request: they wanted to make a BIG impact as they launched their new 10,000 sq ft state-of-the-art tasting room... but they were stuck with fragmented and out-dated graphics from a local designer assigned to the project.
Our goal was to rebrand, giving Big Cork a palette of unique, proprietary and memorable assets to rebuild on. It was critical to tell a story throughout the customer’s interaction with the brand, from the place and space to retail shelves.
Testimonial: “Take. My. Money.” —@andielina0984
Client: General Mills / Dunkaroos
What we did: Client Acquisition, Brand Strategy, Creative Direction, Hands-on Design, Experiential Design and Planning, Lifestyle Video Art Direction, Transition Animation Art Direction, Presentation Design, and Copywriting.
About the project: When General Mills was set to relaunch and reposition its Dunkaroos snack brand, it wanted to imagine ways to build intrigue and modernize 90s nostalgia. After receiving organic support from celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Tyler the Creator, the brand saw an opportunity to level up the hype with a one-of-a-kind streetwear collection.
Dunkaroos fans loved the collection so much, that most pieces were sold out on the site within the first 45 minutes, leaving the audience emailing and commenting about when the collection would be restocked so more Dunkaroos fans could get their hands on the hottest merch in town.
It should be noted that we were leading and designing this project while working under another local agency—Select Design.
Client: Hasbro, Inc.
What we did: Package Design, Branding, Ideation, Sub-branding
About the projects: We have worked with Hasbro, Inc, a global play and entertainment company. over many years, on multiple projects. We have created brand names, sub brands, and package design for many of their toys, for kids aged preschool to tween.
“Just wanted to thank you again for the branding- I have had such a great response to our logo and I really appreciate being able to create such a cool brand alongside you!” — The Client
Client: Bad Nutrition
What we did: Brand Design, Package Design, Hands-on Design
About the project: The amazing and talented client, Sophia Malek, came to us with a name and a really great product. She had created a delicious chia pudding that she wanted to sell to a very specific targeted market—the badass woman! We couldn’t have been more excited to take her vision and create a brand with a super positive attitude. Working with a client who was so creative and unafraid to do something different was a dream for us and allowed us to create such a unique brand!
“Hey guys—why don’t we hero the benefits of the product by showcasing the lid.” — Lis Gerber
Client: Ziploc
What we did: Packaging Strategy, Package Design, Package Structure Design, Hands-on Design, Production Design, & Art Direction
About this project: SC Johnson engaged with us to develop high concept ideations for packaging their new & improved disposable container products. Although they have had their disposable container products on the market for quite some time, they had recently developed a modular design that would improve their product's stack-ability and organizing characteristics.
This was a year-long project working closely with Ziploc's team to get from high concept packaging to a more mainstream design that would not alienate their current consumers, but would grab the interest of those consumer's who were loyal to their competitors. This was an research-intensive project.
The final design incorporated the top view of the lid of the container to emphasize all of its features, rather than the side of the container which were in the previous designs on the market.
Client: Company C
What we did: Branding, Art Direction, In-store signage, Catalog Design, Hands-on Design
About the project: Company C, now a full-fledged home furniture and decor company, first came to us as a rug & textile company located with a flagship store in Concord, NH. They wanted a new, fresh look that emphasized their love of color which is obvious in the products they sell. We helped them develop a new brand and catalog design, working with them over several seasons.
Client: Initium Health
What we did: Campaign Concepting & Design, Logo Design, Art Direction
About the project: We work a lot with Initium Health to develop successful campaigns all over the country. For this, New Hampshire wanted a strong campaign to familiarize people in the state with several important phone numbers for immediate support for mental health crisis and substance abuse cases.
“We loved your strategic thinking.” — Sr. Director, Global Foods & Breakthrough Innovations Brand Design at PepsiCo
Client: PepsiCo
What we did: Creative Direction, Art Direction, Design
About the project: Tazo, owned by PepsiCo, is constantly focused on product innovation. The brand’s equity designs needed room to grow into new products like teas for mocktails and kombucha popsicles. We worked on many different designs, from influencer kits to new product line packaging.
It should be noted that we were leading this project while working under another local agency—Select Design.
Testimonial: “The package design is so lovely.”— @handshakecom, Wholesale Marketplace by Shopify
Client: Berceuse
What we did: Brand Design, Package Design & Hands-on Design
About the project: The people at Berceuse came to us with only a name and a concept. They were making a new brand of perfume that was inspired by different pieces of music. The concept was to hire famous fragrance designers, have them choose a piece of music that spoke to them, and to develop a fragrance inspired by the melody. I wanted the package to literally stare at you from across the room. I wanted this branding to be different than anything you have seen on a fragrance shelf.
Client: Ellen Degeneres
What we did: Brand and Package Design Ideation, Hands-on Design
About the project: Ellen Degeneres partnered with Halo Pets, Inc. to create a high quality pet food. We were tasked with creating the initial Package Design Ideation for the new product.
Of course we thought it was important to incorporate her infamous sense of humor into all of our designs. Ellen—the celebrity—stands out for her uniqueness and her confidence to do things differently. It was imperative that her pet food brand followed suit. (and maybe her signature sneakers!)
Thanks Ellen and Halo, for including us!
“Love!” — Vice President of Creative
Client: Lord & Taylor
What we did: Digital Design & Graphic Design
About the project: After Lord & Taylor rebranded, we partnered with them to design their banner ads with the amazing photography that was created by Vice President of Creative, Tim Bitici.
Client: E & J Gallo
What we did: Creative Direction, Brand Ideation, Naming, Deck Design, Hands-on Design, & Copywriting
About the project: We have created for E & J Gallo on many occasions, from ideation of packaging, to deck design for Stephanie Gallo, Vice President of Marketing.
It should be noted that some of these projects we conceptualized and did hands-on designed working with other local agencies like Select Design or Avenue Y.
Client: Breakfast Cure
What we did: Branding, Package Design, Hands-on Design, Art Direction, Site Design,
About the project: The people at Breakfast Cure were ready to level-up their branding to get the attention of serious retail buyers such as Whole Foods. We created a beautifully simple and sophisticated brand that would put them ahead of their competition.
Client: The Friendly Toast Restaurant
What we did: Menu revamp, Seasonal Menu Design, & Hands-on Graphic Design
About the project: Ever been to the Friendly Toast? We went to the Portsmouth NH location and fell in love. So much so we contacted the owner to see if we could help update their menu’s to better align with the ultra cool in-restaurant experience. To our delight they said—YES. Now we help them stay up to date all and still love the concept, the food, the vibe—try it out, cheers.
Client: Juil Shoes
What we did: Branding, Art Direction, Package Design, Product Design, Product Development, Vendor Management, Hands-on Design, Production Design, Web Site Asset Creation, Copywriting, Print Design, and Marketing
About the projects: Juil came to us to rebrand and rebuild their shoe company. Juil’s shoes are quality-made, comfortable yet stylish shoes. They have an added benefit of relieving stress by use of copper conductors in the soles. Their product was unique and had a story to tell, but their shoes were not as fashionable as they could be. We were not only hired to build their brand from start to finish, but we found ourselves in China, heading up the design of their shoes! It was a great project and we are thankful to have been a part of it.
Client: Calvin Klein Underwear
What we did: Package Design, Ideation, Package Structural Design, Sourcing, Vendor Management, Art Direction, Print Design, Copywriting
About the projects: We worked with Calvin Klein Underwear to develop novelty packaging for their seasonal underwear in Europe. We also worked with them on a number of in-store signage, hang tag design, and press kits for thier national brands.
Client: 802Coffee and Capitol Grounds Cafe
What we did: Branding, Package Design, Naming, Hands-on Graphic Design, Production Design, Trademarking, Segmentation, Art Direction, & Photography.
About the project: It's good to think big... right? Capitol Grounds Cafe in Montpelier VT needed new packaging and a fresh look feel for their cafe/roastery business. We researched, proposed, sampled, trademarked, design, built, and delivered a fresh name, look, and design for their amazing product.
Check out the before and after!
Testimonial: “It shines the way you speak about a simple photograph.” —Sr. Brand Manager
Client: Seventh Generation
What we did: Creative Direction, Hands-On Design, Brand Strategy, Package Design, Digital Design, POS Design, Photo Strategy, Photography and Video Art Direction, Location Scouting, Shoot Planning, Producing and Execution
About the project:
Client: Commando Underwear
What we did: Branding, Package Design, Package Structure Design, Ideation, Print Design, Hands-on Graphic Design, Production Design, Web Site Design, Art Direction, Textile Design, Copywriting
About the projects: We worked with Kerry O'Brien, the founder of Commando Underwear, from the very beginning. We were engaged by Kerry and her team to establish the commando brand that is now a beloved product with celebrity clientele and women all over the world!
Client: University Mall
What we did: Branding, Art Direction, Hands-on Graphic Design, Web Site Asset Development, Interior/Exterior Signage, Social Media Asset Development, Print Design, TV Advertising, and Marketing
About the projects: We have worked with the local mall in South Burlington, Vermont for over 10 years. It all started with a rebrand, and has grown into a great client relationship working on everything designed.
Client: Halo Pets, Inc.
What we did: Branding, Package Design, Hands-on Graphic Design, Production Design, Art Direction, Vendor Management, Focus Group Testing
About the projects: We have worked with Halo Pets, Inc. on multiple projects. Vigor was a new brand of food geared towards the active pet so it was important the brand communicated this. We incorporated the cartoon symbol for movement (( )) into the logo to allow the illustrative cat or dog interact with the brand name.
We were also engaged to create concepts for a package redesign for their classic product line. We created these concepts for a series of focus groups to gather research from consumers on product messaging.
Client: Little Kids Rock
About this project: We were contacted by David Wish to design a logo for a non profit he was starting called Little Kids Rock. We were happy to do it, and it's been great to see how far it's come. Little Kids Rock transforms lives by restoring, expanding, and innovating music education in our schools. They have given more than 650,000 under-served schoolchildren across the U.S. access to fun, engaging, music classes and brand new instruments at no cost to the students, teachers, or school districts. We are so proud to have been there in the beginning!
Client: Goodwin Hospitality
What we did: Branding, Hands-on Graphic Design, Art Direction, Vendor Management, Business Analysis, Ideation, Interior Design Concepts
About the project: We created branding and interior space design for a new restaurant in Portsmouth, NH. The restaurant's menu items were all made with butter, and so we named it simply, and let the graphics and textures remind customers of all things butter.
What does art direction mean? Some people don't know what it takes to create great visual stories (that's what we call photos!) of your product or service. An art director is the "manager and director" of all things creative when it comes to photoshoots. Photoshoots are expensive, and so organization, clarity in vision, and one leader is KEY to creating interesting ideas and making the most of your limited time/resources.
We did: Creating Concepts, Scouting, Producing, Sourcing Vendors, Sourcing Props, Vendor Management, Site Management, Project Management, Directing of Photograhy, Execution of Photography, Photo Select and Editing
Clients: LLBean, Company C, Ben & Jerry's, Garnet Hill, Rue LaLa, Juil, Big Cork Vineyards, EatingWell Magazine, Godiva, General Mills, Nestle, Coca-Cola
