KitchenAid Branded Environment

▲ Branded environment concept based on KitchenAid’s updated brand.

 

▼ Final design integrated into branded environment

Client Project
October 2024

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KitchenAid Branded Environment
For the second consecutive year, I partnered with Whirlpool Corporation to assist in the development of their annual Board of Directors meeting showcasing their latest and most innovative products to investors. The 2023 event spotlighted KitchenAid, and I was tasked with translating their updated brand into environmental graphics that conveyed this new direction. The visualization were carefully crafted to reflect the brand's new direction, integrating the essence of family and innovation into every element of the showroom experience.

In close collaboration with KitchenAid’s product and CMF team, I developed five distinct narratives to bring the “Do It With Me” ethos to life. Each story focused on households preparing meals in their kitchens, showcasing KitchenAid countertop appliances, cookware, and utensils in action. These individual stories were then seamlessly integrated into a larger, cohesive narrative, illustrating how KitchenAid plays a central role in bringing people together in the kitchen, helping families prepare food and create meaningful experiences.

The final installation was a seamless blend of clean, minimalist line illustrations paired with physical KitchenAid products, effectively demonstrating how the brand serves as an ‘aid’ in everyday cooking routines. The result was a *visually captivating* environment that embodied KitchenAid’s brand principles and brought their message to life.

  • + Branded Environment Design

  • + Creative Direction
    + Research
    + Concept Development 
    + Narrative Storytelling
    + Sketching and Ideation
    + Graphic Design
    + Illustration
    + Print Management

  • This project was a collaborative effort, with the KitchenAid product and CMF teams.

    Concept illustrations provided by Jody Williams.

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.

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.

  • + 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.

Clydesdale Illustration Process

Article + Creative Musing
November 2018

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Clydesdale Illustration Process
The above video shows my streamlined process for crafting icon and illustrations. This is the same phased process that I use for large design projects albeit condensed to focus on a single artifact. While some may perceive this work as straightforward, it actually demands meticulous attention to detail and draws upon thorough research to effectively sketch, ideate, and achieve visual harmony, alignment, and readability.

 

SpartanNash

Client Project
November 2016

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SpartanNash
Headquartered in Byron Center, Michigan, SpartanNash distributes food to independent grocers, military commissaries, and corporate-owned retail stores in 44 states. I worked closely with SpartanNash to direct, develop and design the thirty-six page corporate responsibility brochure.

Using a guided design approach, I explored SpartanNash's key environmental impact areas of Social and Environmental Responsibilities, delving into each segment to narrate their entire sustainable journey. Through the strategic use of storytelling, we intricately wove together their core values, showcased their diverse capabilities, highlighted community engagement efforts, and underscored their unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. This narrative was brought to life through a blend of design elements, compelling visuals, and informative infographics, culminating in a comprehensive sustainability report.

  • Brochure Design & Layout

  • + Creative Direction
    + Project Management
    + Qualitative Research
    + Concept Development
    + Sketching & Ideation
    + Graphic Design & Layout
    + Photography Art Direction
    + Infographics
    + Illustration

Acton Institute

Client Project
November 2016

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Acton Institute
The Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty is named after the English historian, John Acton. He is best known for his remark: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Inspired by his work on the relation between liberty and morality, the Acton seeks to articulate a vision of society that is both free and virtuous. They achieve this by offering seminars and publishing various books, periodicals, and articles. Because their publications were outdated, they contacted me to modernize their look from a branding and editorial layout standpoint.

This project was a six-month initiative involving the rebranding and comprehensive system design Acton Institute quarterly magazine, Religion & Liberty. I led this design effort that encompassed extensive planning and research, aiming to create a magazine that not only embodied the refreshed brand but also resonated with Acton Institute vision and their readership. The outcome featured forty distinct editorial layouts that served as a foundational framework for their editorial process. Additionally, a thorough design and layout toolkit was crafted to simplify layout decisions and maintain a consistent and coherent visual narrative across all future publications.

  • Branding, Magazine Design & Layout

  • + Creative Direction
    + Project Management
    + Qualitative Research
    + Concept Development
    + Sketching & Ideation
    + Graphic Design & Layout
    + Photography Art Direction
    + Infographics
    + Illustration

  • View the design and layout toolkit. This was developed to simplify layout decisions and maintain a consistent and coherent visual narrative for all future publications.

Brand Identity & Design System Collateral

Client Project (via Designvox)
2006 to 2009

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Brand Identity & Design System Collateral
Following a series of internal shifts, Turnstone found their brand outdated and disconnected from their customer base. A relevant change was needed to resonate with the emerging demands of smaller businesses and startups. Equally important was to show that their products could grow with them and still have the quality and longevity as other furniture brands in the industry. I was a member of the design team responsible for creating a revitalized brand and integrating the new brand across various communication channels, including advertising, product catalogs, brochures, and website improvements.

  • + Brand Identity and Design Materials

  • + Research
    + Concept Development
    + Sketching & Ideation
    + Brand Development
    + Packaging Design
    + Catalog Cover Design and Layout
    + Design and Ideation
    + Illustration

  • This brand project and design system collateral was completed while employed at Designvox.