GEM

Creative Musing
February 2023

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GEM
A simplification of a sapphire gem paired with the variable typeface, New York designed by Apple. New York is a serif companion to Apple’s San Franciso-type series, it features six weights and features variable optical sizes. The 'G' in the wordmark was adjusted to mirror the shape of the gem, enhancing balance and symmetry of the combination mark.

 

Carbon Cycle

Client Project
February 2023

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Carbon Cycle
Creating and illustrating a carbon cycle infographic for a major producer of sustainable lumber, pulp, and paper. Our task was to clearly communicate the client's approach to combating climate change while showcasing their strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

The goal was to streamline a complex sustainability concept, making it visually captivating and ensuring the audience was able to comprehend the initiative. The final infographic was simple and friendly, conveying the client’s message of responsible environmental stewardship and dedication to a greener, more sustainable future.

  • + Infographic

  • + Research
    + Concept Development
    + Sketching & Ideation
    + Illustration
    + Design & Layout

  • This project was a collaborative effort, with Peopledesign providing Art Direction.

Jazz

Creative Musing
December 2022

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Jazz
An design exercise updating the Jazz Journal wordmark (a magazine produced from 1946–2019). The revised wordmark took from its past and present characteristics to envision a new wordmark with a modern flare.

  • Photo of Louis Armstrong, 1953. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C.

Chronicles of Narnia

Creative Musing
November 2022

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Chronicles of Narnia
This emblem is based on my favorite book series as a kid, Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. The crest illustrates Cair Paravel Rampart (top), Aslan (center), and Archenland Coat of Arms (bottom).

 

FluMist Packaging

Client Project
November 2022

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FluMist Packaging
I was hired to design conceptual packaging for AstraZeneca new product, FluMist Quadrivalent. This project encompassed more than just packaging design; it also involved providing design guidance for an information packet, instructional illustrations, and physical prototypes.

Given the innovative nature of the vaccine delivery method, our design approach was dual- focused, targeting both parents and children. Consequently, we aimed to instill a sense of trustworthiness, friendliness, and clarity in the exterior and interior packaging, ensuring that all strict packaging regulations by the FDA were prominently displayed. Simultaneously, it was crucial to convey professionalism while remaining approachable. This was  accomplished by incorporating a vibrant color scheme, employing friendly typography, and fun illustrations while it was being unboxed.

  • + Package Design

  • + Qualitative Research
    + Concept Development
    + Sketching & Ideation
    + Illustration
    + Instructional Illustration
    + Physical Prototyping
    + User Experience
    + Product Mockups

  • This project was a collaborative effort, with VML providing Art Direction.

Dowel Plant Stand

Creative Musing
November 2022

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Dowel Plant Stand
During my downtime, not only do I like to illustrate, but I like to design and build small woodworking projects, like this Dowel Plant Stand. Made from Poplar and constructed only using wood and glue.

  • These plans are available to purchase, email me for cost.

Spooky Cat

Creative Musing
September 2022

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Spooky Cat
Getting into the Halloween spirit by creating illustrations of two spooky black cats. Which one do you prefer, three-eyed cat or the ordinary one?

 

KitchenAid Packaging

 

Client Project
August 2022

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KitchenAid Packaging
KitchenAid is the leader in home appliance brands. The company was established in 1919 and is headquartered in Saint Joseph, Michigan. Renowned for the innovative and iconic KitchenAid Mixer, now used in most kitchens around the world. The company sells an average of 2.5 million mixers per year.

KitchenAid partnered with MKN Design to define and develop new brand packaging using clean design, illustration and iconography. At the project onset, we gathered research on consumer trends, packaging, design, and illustrative styles. Using this research, we conceptualized packaging ideas and brought them to life in physical form. The result was a collection of innovative packaging concepts that highlighted KitchenAid's unique products, establishing them as a bold leader in kitchen appliances tailored to their consumers. Although this was a significant project for KitchenAid, it was never realized due to the impact of COVID and internal budget cuts.

  • + Packaging Design

  • + Research (competitive, consumer, trend)
    + Concept Development
    + Sketching & Ideation
    + Graphic Design & Layout
    + Iconography
    + Instructional Illustrations
    + Product Illustrations
    + Mockups

  • This project was a joint endeavor involving numerous individuals from both the KitchenAid design team and external independent contractors, such as Heather Tucker and myself.

The Midwest Coast

Creative Musing + Product
August 2022

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The Midwest Coast
A badge-inspired design from my home state of Michigan and its pristine coastline. The inspiration came from our family trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes, National Park—it’s just one of the many places to experience Michigan’s wonderful coast.

  • The Midwest Coast is currently not available. Check back in early June 2024. View additional graphic tee’s on my Cotton Bureau profile page. 

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    Note:     All Cotton Bureau apparel comes in a variety of clothing types, styles, fits, sizes, materials, and colors.

Lady of Guadalupe

Creative Musing + Product
August 2022

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Lady of Guadalupe
A modern Illustrative take on the Our Lady of Guadalupe painting found in Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City.

  • Lady of Guadalupe graphic tee is available for purchase. Check out more graphic tees on my Cotton Bureau profile page.

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    Note:     All Cotton Bureau apparel comes in a variety of clothing types, styles, fits, sizes, materials, and colors.

Alfred & Mickey Mashup

Creative Musing
June 2022

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Alfred & Mickey Mashup
A mad mashup of Mickey Mouse & Alfred E. Neuman from Mad Magazine flashing a peace sign and waving the stars and stripes. The title takes from Mickey's favorite word, "Gosh" and merging it with Alfred's, "Me Worry?" Even Mad Magazine saw it on Instagram and ❤️ it.

Graphis, Designers for Peace

Creative Musing + Product
June 2022

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Graphis, Designers for Peace
I submitted a "Designers for Peace" poster series (A.K.A. Ukraine War Series) for the Graphis poster competition. It received an Honorable Mention. This series began as a personal project sparked by Russia's unprovoked war on Ukraine. My aim with this project was to capture a powerful, somber, and raw portrayal of the global emotional response to the conflict.

  • All four posters are available for purchase in my shop.

  • Wage Peace & No War graphics are available for purchase on tees at Cotton Bureau. Check out more graphic tees on my Cotton Bureau profile page.

  • Congratulations! Your excellent poster design has been chosen as an Honorable Mention in our international Designers for Peace competition.

    — B. Martin Pedersen, Creative Director & Publisher

Bubble Gum Pine

Creative Musing + Product
April 2022

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Bubble Gum Pine
This pine tree is happy that spring is finally here in Michigan... well... almost.

  • Bubble Bum Pine graphic tee is available for purchase. Check out more graphic tees on my Cotton Bureau profile page.

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    Note:     All Cotton Bureau apparel comes in a variety of clothing types, styles, fits, sizes, materials, and colors.

Apple Watch

Creative Musing
April 2022

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Apple Watch
This is an illustration rendering of an Apple Watch, NOT to be confused with a 3D rendering. A trick with illustrating realistic objects is understanding how light, shadow, and reflections behave on objects.

 

ReVox

Creative Musing + Product
April 2022

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ReVox
I’ve always had an affinity for vintage electronics, especially buttons, knobs, and sliders. The illustration is a ReVox Studer 700 Reel-To-Reel Tape Recorder⁠, designed, engineered, and manufactured in Switzerland in 1973.