INS!GHT
I've been fortunate as Client projects have provided unique opportunities and taken me around the world. From this exposure I had moments of clarity and over time redefined what success meant to me. My mission became partnering with Clients who are connected to the community, agree to tell an authentic story, and willing to discuss strategic concepts to support their marketing objectives. Then I get to work to bring the concepts to life – including design, conceptual copywriting, and often the photography. The following projects will give you a sense of my approach and adventures.
Presbyterian/St. Luke's Hospital
I was hired to design a billboard to promote a new million dollar piece of equipment for minimally invasive surgery for infants. In the initial meeting I asked the question I assumed every parent would ask, "Is this hospital the best chance for my child's health needs?" This became a longer discussion where I returned and presented the idea that their doctors are Visionaries . They realized the benefits and the billboard became a year-long advertising campaign for the entire hospital. I developed the concepts, wrote the headlines, photographed staff, and convinced them to name the front circle Visionaries Drive and install banners to celebrate individuals from every department.
City of Denver Arts & Venue
In 2013 I was asked by Denver Arts & Venues to be the design consultant for IMAGINE 2020, Denver’s Cultural Plan. This including the 90-page plan, presentations, visual guidelines, launch materials, signage for events, posters, online and display assets, and support for community engagement actives. We purchased illustrations to define the seven Vision Elements and blended in photos of Denver to support the overall concept of arts in culture and moving forward. It was a unique experience to work with the city and support a comprehensive plan.
United States Olympic Committee
A past Client had changed jobs to work at the USOC and reached out for assistance with a small project to design note cards to send to partners leading up to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil. My concept and final design included a blend of local textures from Rio de Janeiro, photos of athletes, and overlaying words in Portuguese to celebrate the upcoming games and show respect to the host city.
Summer Scholars
A children’s literacy program in NE Denver expanded to after-school programs, but their name was confusing to potential donors. I proposed the new tagline, Where Learning is Always in Season, and created brand guidelines for visual consistency. We got involved with after-school screen printing workshops to have a better understanding of the program. But my favorite project over the next 9 years was an endowment campaign, MISSION 2M, where a donor pledged to match up to $1 million in donations and gave them 3 years to complete the campaign. I created the name, all the designs, conceptual copy, and proposed efficient ways to reproduce materials – they reached the goal in 6 months.
PeaceJam Foundation
PeaceJam works with youth around the world to create community service projects inspired by the teachings of Nobel Peace Laureates who serve on their Board of Directors. For 8 years I did all their branding and collateral including a new logo and website, two conferences, and assisted with documentaries including filming and photography on 5 continents. The largest project was consulting on the strategic vision and branding the launch of the Global Call to Action including a series of universal icons. I screen printed event posters for events and shirts for the youth in the documentaries. The best part – I got to give Desmond Tutu a high-five!
Democratic National Convention Committee
My wife and I were asked to interview to design the official poster for the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. We made the cut, and after presenting 2 rounds of concepts they had us finalize all 3 designs. The DNCC agreed to let us screen print one as a limited edition and invited us to participate on several levels including signing posters during the convention and tickets to attend the acceptance speech.
The Cable Center
An educational nonprofit organization had a limited budget and was in need of displays to tell the story of their history. They provided a style guide as a reference allowing me to create floor to ceiling designs to create a visual impact for visitors and align with their existing brand. The scope of work included selecting, coordinating, and participating in the installation of main displays, wall vinyl, flooring, paint, cabinets, furniture, etc. It went so well and stayed on budget that over the next 2 years they brought me back to expand into other areas.
Colorado School of Mines Foundation
From 2009-2016 our relationship grew and we were working on with the Mines Foundation in several critical areas; Foundation, Donor Relations, Alumni Association, and Annual Giving. Projects included annual reports, branding the campus campaign, advertising, Century Society dinners collateral, senior class gift challenges, heritage society, athletic fundraising, endowment brochures, gift planning newsletters, President's Council, fact sheets, memorials, commencement programs, lecture series, holiday cards, and so much more.
AIGA Colorado
AIGA, formally known as the American Institute of Graphic Arts, is the United States national design association. From 1998-2007 I served on the Colorado AIGA Board of Directors including Education, Events, Regional Liaison, and President. I also served 2 years on the XCD, Cross-Cultural Board, as Vice-President and led served several national committees where I restructured the Chapter Relief Fund and Advisory Board Chapter Development Resource Guide. Along the way I collaborated on many events, got to design some fun stuff – but the very best part is it's also where I met Nicky Myrsiades. When I was leaving the board I finally asked her out and a little over a year later we got married. True fact.
American Cancer Society
I included these ads from 2001 to support my claims of being consistently involved with the community. The design was simple as I needed to resize for a zillion newspapers around the state of Colorado, and intentionally B&W to be efficient with their advertising budget. I was surprised to receive formal recognition in 2000, and honored to be awarded the 2001 Communication Volunteer of the Year. They plaques don’t look too fancy, but will always have a place in the studio as a reminder to keep doing the good stuff.
