The less you see on Design.ca, the busier I’ve been. Plain and simple. I suppose that’s a good thing … just not very effective promotion.

All in all, 2011 turned out to be one for the ages, both personally and professionally. Only problem is, I find myself (i.e., this website) at the bottom of my unending priority list. I have lots of great work to share … and a few oddities worth checking out too, I just need to hunker down and do it. Check back soon for (back-dated) updates.

For now, check out these shots I snapped since my last post — some local, some tropical … even a few bilingual, all worth a second look. Enjoy.

Huzzah!

On anniversary’s such as this, I like to look back. I like to think happy thoughts; I feel I’ve done some pretty good work (the volume alone is overwhelming), but there are definitely a few disappointments too.

So … this year, I’ve decided to showcase 6 projects from the last 6 years that, for some reason or another were killed, buried … deep-sixed. Enjoy!

The concept was simple — big, vibrant and flashy. The underlying concept, which was applied to the postcard I created below, was to bring the fact they are now “underground” to the forefront by integrating roots and other organic elements.

Last I checked, the space was still empty (but that was a while ago). I’m not even sure if they ended up putting anything in the space.

They must be a lot like me … always at the bottom of their own priority list.

A playful visual identity using a retro design and none other than ‘Calgary Script’ as the typeface. I even integrated a vintage prescription pad on the letterhead. Fun!!

It was conceptualized, designed, refined, approved and even prepped for press … but then cancelled last minute as the organization itself was nixed.

Ugh. I needed an aspirin that day.

When approached with the task of developing the creative for the The City of Calgary Utilities ＆ Environmental Protection Employee Development Day 2012, the Creative Services team and I were requested to integrate the theme “Live, Work, Play, Learn” … and not all that much more. We had free range to come up with something fresh and unique to promote the event.

Considering the name of the event itself was a bit of a mouthful, I decided to develop a simple typographic execution that would bring the theme to the forefront without adding any other layers … let the words not only speak the message, but also be the visual carrier for the creative and literally show a connection between the themes.

The design was well received, but the event itself was cancelled shortly after the pitch, so as they say, that was that.

In late 2008 I had the chance to take a stab at the Calgary Transit 100th Anniversary logo. I felt it was essential to come up with something that would stand out; something progressive and celebratory. Unfortunately, after much back and forth, they decided to go another ‘route’ (pardon the pun). The final selection was very basic, quite pragmatic. Perhaps the two concepts I developed were a bit too flashy, but still, I feel they’re definitely worth sharing.

I was, however, able to integrate some of the underlying themes in the 2009 Transit Passes that year, check’em out below:

We did, however, have a little fun with a leave-behind flyer. Check out the little stop-animation I put together and see it come to life.

With less than a month until the 2011 CFL Training Camp kicks off, the Calgary Stampeders 2011 advertising campaign is well underway.

This years campaign is pretty ambitious, but the message is simple: Stamps games are fun for everyone! The theme, entitled Get your Game Face on, features an ongoing series of portraits of players, fans, long-time season ticket holders, alumni and local celebrities. We’ve got quite the array of talent lined up — from Mayor Nenshi to Bret “Hitman” Hart!

If you’re around town, chances are you’ve seen a billboard, a flyer or one of the 100+ ads featured in the Calgary Herald.

Stay tuned. Their are a lot more to come … a few more surprises too.

To depict one of Canada’s largest transit systems (with 4,500+ route kilometres), I used only one graphic element — the 2010-11 System Map. This map was split into 12 segments with each section overlapping a portion of the next, highlighting the routes with the highest ridership density.

Every inch of the transit system was used, ensuring that every rider would eventually get to see their route at some point in the year.

Perhaps a little abstract, but still, this my ode to Massimo Vignelli’s iconic New York City Subway Diagrams.

The Mawer Investment Management Corporate Brochure certainly breaks this trend; it’s a high end piece that you don’t want to put down, let alone throw away. It utilizes a double hit of Soft Touch™ aqueous coating, which imparts a velvet-like, “creamy” feel and adds a rich matte appearance. It feels like a million bucks (which is good considering Mawer manages over $7 billion worth of assets).

It’s a conversation piece of value; which is a conversation Mawer manages quite well.

I’ve also posted a whole lot more on my Flickr page.

It’s the uncomfortable subtleties of elevators that are known for making people squirm, but I thought we could put one aspect front and centre to reinforce our message — elevators can be kinda gross. This way, no matter where you’re headed, having a sneeze, cough, dirty hands or bacteria staring you in the face will help keep things top of mind … and maybe you’ll want to hit that sanitizer station one more time on the way out.

Knowing that the execution would only be as effective as the ‘textures’, I knew authenticity was essential … so a few gulps of non-toxic paint, a palm-sized ink pad with a creative concoction and even an (unsuccessful) attempt at bacteria growth in a petri dish seemed to do the trick … made for a couple fun ‘craft days’ at the studio too.

Head down to the Municipal Building downtown to check’em out. Probably best before lunch though.

Each season a new visual identity needs to be developed that engages the fans (both new and old), from the pre-season to the playoffs. The essential deliverables range from items as simple as a mini football that gets tossed into the stands, to a complex 250-page stat book that gets distributed around the country. The Season Ticket Holder package and the corresponding promotional advertising are definitely the principal material, but I truly enjoy being involved in the full spectrum.

Check out the 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 posts for a quick glimpse into the creative communications of the last five years, five seasons of the Calgary Stampeders creative communications.

The 2010 season was a year of big milestones for the Stampeders — they celebrated both their 65th anniversary and 50 years of football in their home, McMahon Stadium. The timeline/ribbon flowed throughout the material, representing the continuing tradition of the Stampeders Ongoing Legacy honouring the players of the past and the legends of the future.

2010 Advertising Samples:

2009 Advertising Samples:

Long before the big win in November, it was clear that 2008 was going to be a big year. John Hufnagel, the new Head Coach and GM was instated in the off-season, the roster was refreshed and reenergized and there was even a shuffle in the administration. So, to portray this systematic revival, the creative was focused on quantifiable ways of calculating Calgary’s Horsepower; what the Stampeders mean to the fans — the tradition of the club, the energy of the stadium, the intensity of the defence, the excitement of the action … and the results of the games.

2008 Advertising Samples:

Unity was essential to the success of the Stampeders 2007 campaign, so the theme was established to help inspire the team on the field and the fans in the stands. Somewhat ominous creative was developed to help generate intrigue and arouse interest for the season ahead … but we also had a little fun with the theme too. Unfortunately, in the end, it was the lack of unity that was the demise of the team during the playoffs for the second year in a row.

2007 Advertising Samples:

After years of disappointment on and off the field, things finally started to turn around for the organization throughout the 2005 season — it was a true breakout year for the team. The Live the Action/Live Action play on words, coupled with the bursting imagery was developed to illustrate the excitement of the live experience and highlight those breakout players who would lead the charge.

2006 Advertising Samples:

The view I have this month couldn’t be any further from the one  in the basement dungeon I call a home office … it’s a bit distracting to say the least.

For the entire month of September I have been working onsite at the Municipal Building downtown with the Creative Services department of The City of Calgary. And, although the weather has been less than pleasant so far, today alone has been well worth the wait.

Stay tuned. I’m in the midst of a handful of very interesting projects that are worth sharing as they wrap up.

It was great to see the logo I did up all over the joint. For something so technical and so traditional, I was quite happy with the look.

Over the past few months I have noticed an abundance of hand painted, manually set, naturally weathered and just plain interesting typography in my community — Tuxedo Park. So, I decided I’d take advantage of all the nice weather and take my camera on a little jaunt through the community to see what I could find … I was pleasantly surprised. Enjoy.

Historical integrity was essential to the success of the design — the book needed to look as authentic as the stories themselves. Hundreds of hours were required to get everything in place, but also to ensure the colours, textures, photographs and subtle elements were perfected for reproduction.