Logo & Identity
Celebrating Opportunities
Created as a multi-state collaboration with Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and California, this mark needed to appease a variety of different audiences. My work on this logo emphasizes the idea of celebration through the use of a saturated orange color and expressive, active figures reaching out to new opportunities.
Brainwave Software
Playing off of the arching symmetrical shapes that form in the letter B and W, I used the repeating elements to make an interesting and sophisticated balance. Although the shape was conceived early in the design process, further explorations were done to determine that this was the best fit.
Combustive Identity
As a distinctive corporate icon, the Combustive logo communicates spontaneity and creativity. The playful nature of the type combined with the retro-style illustration gives the logo an approachable, friendly appearance. The mark lends itself to various visual explorations in style.
Cranium Identity
Encapsulating the essence of cranium comics started with an iconic representation of a skull. To play up the comic angle, a halftone screen patten is layered in the background. Using the vibrant orange and green colors played up the exciting and dynamic nature of comics. Finally, the subtle detail of the skull cap being bolted onto the skull creates a sense of intrigue.
First Public
I like the idea of two distinct shapes coming together to symbolize an idea. With this First Public logo prototype, the silhouette of a one is used as the backdrop to identify a three dimensional space. The dichotomy in both elements comes together when you realize First Public is about financial stability for its investors.
Marquis Bank
The logo originated by morphing typographical and architectural forms to create a strong, yet elegant, symbol of security. The logo was later implemented into the marquisbank.com site layout and be came the central focus in all corporate collateral. The use of positive/negative space in the mark provides a simplicity in form that feels comfortable and stable.
Share Your Idea
The Share Your Idea campaign came about by wanting to provide a way for the organization’s members to have direct contact with the organization in a way that was more meaningful than sending an email to a company representative. The mark explores the idea of many parts coming together as one.
TCER
The TCER logo embodies the iterative idea of research by using a nautilus shape framed by a round cornered rectangle. Like other logos that incorporate multiple metaphors, this logo also represents the document-centric nature of the division. The nautilus shape can easily be interpreted as pages of a document being flipped.
WiseHires
The WiseHires mark uses a saturated green coupled with a expressive light bulb graphic to represent the company’s progressive, dynamic approach to the hiring process. A dozen, distinct logo variations were created before the final was chosen.
Forum Dig
Playing off of the negative space in the uppercase D, I created a simple, yet effective icon that exemplifies what this forum search service does well: finding relevant topics buried deep within forums. Forumdig has proven successful in the automotive niche, where customers need an easy way to find parts, fixes, and mods to their favorite vehicles.
BoardBook
This alternate choice for the BoardBook identity is interesting in that it carries with it the idea of traditional packet creation (holding together a large number of papers with a paperclip), but also creates a “B” shape with the logo element. The juxtaposition of these two concepts creates a unique and interesting form that had many promotional possibilities.
Contrak
Contrak, TASB’s home-grown contract tracking system, needed a facelift. The original logo was a stylized Cooper Black with a black outline and a gradation, neither of which spoke to the application’s speed and ease of use. I changed the font to something more contemporary and added a repetitive element coming from the K in Contrak to denote progression.
Kickassstuff
The logo for Kickassstuff.com was an extension of the original website. Designed to be an edgy portrayal of a donkey, the illustration took it’s cues from early cartoon influences. The graphic was eventually had its own t-shirts, mugs, and other promotional material.
eGrants Logo
Combining an iconic education symbol with the letter ‘e’ was simply a no brainer for this recently reworked grants program. The more difficult challenge was getting the entire eGrants team at TEA on board with the new direction of the program. With a new identity, a new graphical user interface, and plenty of testing, we succeeded where the previous version fell short.
Portaris
The Portaris logo redesign went through many iterations with many designers working in unison. The final design was chosen for its simplicity, repetition of form, and the idea of capturing the moment of transition from point A to point B. Logo elements were later used for the website mockup as consistent elements.
Stay Active and Alive
These logos comprise several national and regional clients. By creating icons that can be easily reproduced on a variety of products, I was able to keep costs down and maintain clarity of the image. This is crucial for the specialty advertising market for which many of them were produced. Some were later embellished for other color promotional material.
LaunchPad Job Club
The LaunchPad Job Club logo originated as a contest put on by Texas Worksource for the purpose of creating a lasting mark for their growing job club. The idea of a frog “hopping” was used as a metaphor for changing careers – something that often happened through the job club. The logo was chosen as the winner and later went on to appear on portfolios, t-shirts, and other promotional material.
Earthwhys Solutions
Earthwys was a client concept for which we needed a way for the mark to work well with the letterforms. The goal for the logo was to create an icon that would reflect an earth conscience vibe, while still remaining playful and imaginative. It’s success comes from melding the idea of knowledge (the owl) and an organic feeling text treatment.
Texas Association of School Boards
This collaboration of design took the entire 6 person design team and two contractors to see through. We went through hundreds of designs which eventually led us to the final mark. My specific role was embellish the piece and make it more dynamic by adding the subtle details including the varying weight stroke in the swoosh, the rounded corners, and the type treatment.
Austin Outdoors
The sun mark for this outdoors company needed to reflect many of the words that the company expressed as desirable attributes: ruggedness, edgy, and playful. Using the “O” in outdoors, I was able to integrate the element and make it interesting.
Polar Patrol
The client wanted something that was a strong iconic representation of a polar bear. Several options were presented and the final version was chosen based on its dynamic and interesting angles. The client commented how he liked that it broke borders and presented the art in a unique way.
Technology Education Brochures
Developed in tandem, the audience for these two brochures were focused on different segments. One was targeted to physics teachers and the other was to students who would be participating in courses. Because of this, the designs reflected two distinct scientific motifs utilizing 3D shapes and scientific imagery. The project also included matching PowerPoint templates for each.
Education in Review Brochure
This 4-color annual report took very predictable, uninspired content and infused it with excitement by adding fun illustrations and playful typography. Titles flow along paths while illustrations create interesting text wraps that keep the viewer engaged. The document went out to over 1000 districts and was a huge success, garnering a TSBRA Gold Star award. The feedback received from the first run prompted a second printing of 10,000 additional pieces.
Wesson International Collateral
As an Air Traffic Control training simulation company, Wesson products are sold all over the world. Using airport blueprints screened into the background, this two color piece relays important information while adding several avionic elements. Duotones silhouetted over radar screens, ATC towers, and cockpits are just some of the many treatments.
DVD Packaging
Packaging offers us a first impression on what a piece is about. Because of this, capturing a moment is important especially when people are expecting to receive something as a gift. With the various packaging I’ve produced, I try to embody the essence of the product elegantly and powerfully. Some of the materials I’ve produced include various DVD & CD-Rom cases, Media Mailers, and even game boxes for role playing games.
K16 Development Guide
Developed on a limited budget, this Kindergarten through 12th grade Program Development guide employed the use of striking angles and lines to highlight the progressive nature of the content. This two color guide with over 140 pages set the groundwork for developmental guidance and counseling programs and is still in use today. The design brought a breath of fresh air to an otherwise stale and uninspired layout.
Communities in Schools Annual Report
Condensed into an 8.5×11 inch gate fold, the CIS Annual Report conveyed its contents in a pragmatic and concise way. Charts with layers of information were often employed to convey as much information as possible within the limited space. More importantly, it provided stakeholders with the information they need to make decisions and prospective investors a roadmap to CIS’ success.
Small Business Coach Workbook
This 48 page workbook was designed for The Small Business Coach, Inc. as a supplement to a lecture series entitled “Assess and Improve Your Company.” The 4C cover was created by layering several stock illustrations with a complementary typeface. The 2-color interior pages are organized via a simple grid to ensure placement of the content throughout the document.
Special Education / Mediation Brochures
The Special Education tri-fold and the Preparing for Mediation tri-fold relied on two designs each: one in English and one in Spanish. Working within a limited budget, I created each two-color design paying close attention to the length of the copy for each language. By having the brochures available to the public, we helped reduce the number of calls to the complaints management unit and increased overall awareness.
Mousepad Artwork
TASB was looking for some eye-catching visuals for mouse pads they would be giving away at an annual convention. Initially, the project specified one or two designs, but once the variety of designs were shown, the project was broadened to include more variety. Each was printed on-demand in house which made the tight deadline much easier to manage.
ACFE Membership Guide
The concept behind the resource guide cover was to juxtapose the ACFE logo with a globe in a sophisticated and creative way. I used the colors that would later become accent elements in the guide to generate consistency throughout the piece. The theme of “Fighting Fraud Globally” became the mantra throughout the catalog with courses, events, seminars and more covering a wide range of topics.
Deaf Education Conference Collateral
Strictly a black and white piece due to budget constraints, I had to find a way to make the Statewide conference on Education of the Deaf interesting enough that people would attend the event. I played up the Texas theme, using a boot graphic in addition to iconic symbols throughout the work to tie it together. They were run in the in-house print shop at a minimal cost.
Member Cover
This cover for the ACFE Resource Guide carries on the tradition of fighting fraud globally. Using Photoshop to create a collage of elements on the page and limiting the color palette, the idea of contemporary, cutting edge technologies that matter to members is conveyed. Key words are reinforced alongside the imagery, tying everything together.
White Paper Ad
For the ACFE’s White Paper ad, I played off of the tagline “Make the Most of Your Membership” by using imagery that depicted members engaged in activities sponsored by the Association. I was able to add a dot pattered screen behind the photos for texture and work with the typography in the phrase. Important text is emphasized in blue, while the logo remains prominent in the upper right.
ACFE Print Ad
The focus of these two half-page print ads was to convey the content in a consistent and uniform manner. Each had its own predominant color, surrounded by a photo referencing either the Fraud Examiner’s Manual or the Statement Analysis Seminar. Appearing as a series, it was important to bring together elements that could be easily recognized as related.
AMD Resources Guide
I created this internal directory while working under contract for a local ad agency. The Guide emphasizes all the different ways AMD can be contacted. The cover graphic maintains a high-tech look and feel while creating a sense of horizontal motion. The final piece was distributed to all new AMD employees.
Crossing the Line Brochure
Mimicking police “do not cross” tape on the cover, this roll-fold brochure takes the idea of crossing the line literally. Images of fingerprints, a chalk outline, and police tape are all utilized on the inside as visual reminders. Color throughout the brochure is taken from an actual police line banner.
Ethicsline Capabilities Brochure
Designed for the ACFE’s EthicsLine division, this 24 page booklet is an introduction to EthicsLine and its features. Each spread is color coded according to topic and follows a horizontal grid. Graphic elements such as the EthicsLine logo and color bars are consistent throughout the entire piece. The cover art is a montage of communication elements with horizontal lines streaking through the graphic representing connection.
Statement Analysis Ad
Focusing on the idea of movement, strong horizontal lines and shapes are used to break up the brochure’s predictability while contributing to flow of the text. Blurred keywords such as “training” and “seminars” can be seen in the background and emphasize key member benefits. The multicolored lines symbolize the fast pace of information delivery while bluish video lines blend into the shapes making a subtle reference to the Association video training programs.
Doctors’ Day Catalog
I designed the annual Doctors’ Day Catalog for Bells Advertising from 1996 through 1998. The concept for this 1998 piece is built upon the rich history that doctors across the country share. Included are historical medical images silhouetted in the background of each vertical column. The products are grouped and color coded according to function. Screened text behind the product descriptions reinforces the concept and add a subtle elegance.
JC Penny Retail Advertisement
This project involved high-end color matching using the actual Art Carved rings as a reference. The purpose of the piece was to promote Art Carved’s special back-to-school pricing through J.C. Penny Corporation. An abstract pencil image is used on the left column and screened underneath the rings.
Every Piece Counts Advertisement
Each part in a Fraud case must be orchestrated perfectly, piece by piece. To illustrate this for the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ training video and workbook, a puzzle image along with images from the actual CFE video are used to create a loose grid. The grid emphasizes the headline; “Every Piece Counts in a Fraud Trial.”
Crossing the Line Advertisement
This ad was designed to mimic a police “do not cross” tape as in the corresponding Crossing the Line brochure. Fingerprints, a chalk outline, and police tape are all utilized as visual reminders. The graphic in the background is a montage of images that represent evidence in a fraud case.
Associate Member Program
From the start, the Associate Member Program was intended to represent the modern sensibilities of the Association’s younger membership. Showcasing a design that is as much linear as it is dynamic, the roll fold brochure captures the forward thinking of the revitalized campaign while maintaining its conservative roots.
Dog Posters
Creating Warhol-inspired dog art involved selecting iconic photos, then using line and color to bring out each pets character. The final artwork (usually given as gifts) range from 32″x48″ framed prints to 12″x18″ canvas reproductions.
The Art of Construction Poster
Based on a sculpture by Alicia Lomas, this work announces the upcoming Art of Construction exhibition. Focusing on the 3D aspect of the piece, I utilized textures, perspective, and a dynamic type arrangement to complement the angle of the metallic flower.
Out of the Box Poster
Ann Marie Lyon’s sculpture entitled “Inner Strength” provided the perfect palette for a poster advertising a sculpture exhibit at the William B. Travis Building. Capturing energy and movement with the text was important, as well as contrasting the blue/gray steel to a colorful mechanical background.
Kids First in Child Nutrition Poster
Promoting nutrition in schools was the goal of this series of posters. The vibrant, quirky style of the illustrations provided a whimsical way for kids to be reminded to eat healthy. An alternative option was also produced that reflected the same topic but from a teacher’s perspective.
Sculptor’s Point of View Poster
The Swimmer, as sculpted by Leisel Spense, is the focus of this poster. Along with the central image, I included three vector based renderings from different vantage points, giving the viewer a 360 degree sense of the work.
Speak Out Poster
The goal of the Speak Out poster was to get employees talking about ways to improve the organization. I started by creating several concept sketches. The final design was chosen because it directly communicates the idea of an organization listening to its employees.
“I’m Happy When” Posters
For its Reflections series, the “I’m Happy When” piece by Jennifer Kim was chosen as a central theme. Each work included in the gallery of student generated art complimented the central theme. Certificates and tickets were also generated that matched the poster.
Trade Poster
The Trade and Industrial Education poster spotlights one of Texas Education Agency’s professional development conferences. I drew attention to the event by using a magnifying glass to pinpoint three key takeaway themes, “Believe. Achieve. Succeed.”
Boot Camp Workshop Posters
The Boot Camp Workshop campaign played up the “getting back to work” boot camp theme. Everything from dog tags, camouflage, military-style fonts and themed giveaways were all used to get attendees excited for the upcoming Trade and Industrial Education conference.
Launching Office XP Campaign
Texas Education Agency needed a way to communicate the transition to the newer Office XP suite as there had been confusion about the release schedule. Posters were commissioned that talked about training, resources, and when the actual transition would take place.
Doctor’s Day Poster
This poster graphic is built upon several photographic layers and utilizes the historical medical wood cuts found in the Doctors’ Day Catalog for its border. Each of the images represents a period in medical history and comes together to emphasize the 1998 Doctors’ Day slogan: Honoring the Practice of Medicine.
Risk Management Fund Poster
The challenge for this Risk Management poster was that they needed it designed within just a few short hours. Undeterred, I was able to create some sketches that were brought into Photoshop, then embellished for them to meet their extremely tight press deadline.