So...in one of my advertising design classes, we had to create a concept product (its logo, packaging, etc.) and then we had to create advertisements that would be appeal to the demographic that our product should be geared towards. My product was KO Punch, an energy shot that was to be marketed towards high impact, athletic types. You know, athletes that partake in heavy contact sports. I decided to create a two-page spread which relies heavily on the action that's taking place in the image.
Since I have a boxing background, I designed the logo after the common shape and typographical theme that is found on many boxing products, Everlast probably being the most famous. And as for the ad, I naturally drew from one of my personal inspirational figures, as well as the most well known name in the sport...Ali. The discoloration of the image was done to create high contrast with the bright coloration of the background and the product itself. The brushed metal effect found in some of the lettering for the the catch phrase (also for the background) was used to give the consumer a durable, unstoppable image that they would associate with the product...
On a freelance assignment a little while back, a client approached me to collaborate on the brand development of a new line of body wash that they are developing. Pictured is the logo that I created and a packaging comp.
Which is the month of April, by the way. Translated, it means "you cannot kill". The website is the address for the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center which is a nonprofit that I've had to work with back in my nonprofit days. Support the cause, support the foundation...enjoy the artwork.
This is a book cover that I designed. Nothing fancy, but I think it looks nice. DaVinci, by the way, just happens to be one of my biggest personal heros.
Just another logo design/CI package that I did for a printing company that focuses heavily on issues of sustainability...
I tend to get a lot of questions about my choice of domain name. In fact, "where did 'thegreengrenade' come from?" seems to be the most common. Well, honestly, it originated about a year before I went back to school. I had this great idea for a clothing company and decided that this name went great. While in school, I found out that our final project was to create a concept company completely...from initial logo design to the actual project to an interactive website. It made sense to me that there was no better time than the present to get working on thegreengrenade. Still a work in progress with designing new shirts and clothing concepts, but attached are some images of some initial shirt designs. Oh yeah, and my logo...
I've preached enough about being an opportunist and grabbing hold of what may come your way. I think you all get the point. This is a custom bakery shop located in Wellington, Fl. They approached me about doing their logo and helping them out with the website. The CI is all finished and we're working on the website and brochures now. I have pictures of the actual business cards somewhere. As soon as I find them, I'll be sure to post.
Since I was on the subject of my internship, I thought I'd post some print collateral that I designed while I was there. This flyer was to promote the new mini-mag that Sandow began to distribute in January 2010, LUXE Source.
I had an internship, while I was working on my Masters, where I was allowed to work with and learn with one of the best publishing houses in the US. I interned for several months with Sandow Media, makers of NewBeauty Magazine, LUXE Interiors+Design and The Watch Journal. What I learned from the publishers, art directors and designers there was invaluable. I am eternally grateful for their advice/insight and will forever keep the lessons learned there in mind (and in my work). The pictures are of some advertisements that I created while I was there.
Speaking of taking opportunities, another one popped up a few months after I finished with GratifY when another friend of mine, who lives out in California, approached me with the chance to design his logo for the new videography company that he was starting with his wife. Of course I said yes and they decided on something that was simple and professional. I'm glad they liked it.
One of the most exciting things about life, in my opinion at least, is the number of opportunities that are placed in front of us on a daily basis. Even small decisions, such as which way we decide to take to the office every morning, help to keep us from leading very "blah", vanilla lives. While I was living in South Florida, I was given the exciting opportunity to help develop a soon-to-be-opening restaurant's corporate identity. Of course, me being the opportunist that I am, I jumped on the project and went right to work.
I spent hours working on the first version of the logo. The owner of the restaurant was a good friend of mine and I wanted to make sure that I nailed it on the first go 'round for him. I remember sending it to him and, while he gave me nothing but praise for the logo itself, he also told me that it "just wasn't exactly the image that he wanted to portray. He wanted his place to say less "upscale, West Palm Beach" and more "your neighborhood, local hot spot". More like a place where, dare I say, "everybody knows your name.
The pictures show the logo that they decided they liked. It's actually hand designed, but based heavily off of some font that I saw on something somewhere (I know...I'm so detailed, right?). Well anyways, the place is awesome. They have great food and, I have to admit, it's kinda cool seeing my logo everywhere when I stop in for a visit.
I have finally made a complete transition. Between working and the holidays, I haven't really had a lot of time to touch on my website, so instead of just integrating the blog into it, I decided to fully transition my blog to the "portfolio" section of my site.
And speaking of my portfolio, that means I'm going to have to transfer a lot of things on here in a relatively short time. Guess there's no better time to get started than the present. The attached picture is a client that I worked with that's based out of NY. They needed a re-brand, but didn't want to stray too far away from what the look their customers have gotten used to over the years. This is what I came up with...
What makes an advertisement effective? Huge lettering, bright colors? To be honest, I think that if you asked ten people this question, you'd most likely come up with nine or ten different answers. In my opinion, an effective ad must be clean and direct, but overall, get an effective message across. What does this product do? What do you want consumers to take away from your ad? These are all answers that effective advertising should answer at a single glance. These are some examples of a campaign that I created for a cosmetic surgeons office. They were introducing a new product that eliminates body fat by freezing it, rather than typical liposuction. These, obviously, are just the front sides of the ad. The back has detailed information on the product, contact info, etc. Also, the product name has been blurred out in order to avoid any possible issues.
This is a screen shot of the old version (for those of you who don't remember)...
Speaking of new website designs, I'm not sure if I've reminded people to check mine out lately. I switched away from the flash site and did this one using CSS/xHTML.
Don't be fooled by the title of this blog, Infinite Visions Productions is a very well-managed and decisive group of young business men and women who are making large strides in the entertainment industry. I have been freelancing with them, working in a designer/art director role, for some months now and the work that I've seen produced is nothing short of being of the highest standard. This being the case, I have been working on a new website for them that will reflect their level of professionalism and high level of work. Granted, we have been through a few revisions (haha) but that's just kinda how it goes when you're collaborating with other "creatives". Let me hear some feedback, if you have any, on this version of the new site/logotype...
ps- (on the new layout) where the Vimeo logo is there will be an actual video player streaming the company's latest video projects. Also, a blog stream will be incorporated on the bottom left side.
Again, this post is nothing special. Just another opportunity to share some of my past work with you guys. This is an e-blast that I created while I was interning at Sandow Media in Boca Raton, Fl. It's actually the one that the company sent out to their clients for the Holidays.
I'm working on a freelance assignment where I am revamping the clients site. To go along with a new site, I thought...why not a new logo? These are just come concepts that I'm working with right now. Any thoughts?
is a great program neighborhood revitalization program that Habitat for Humanity runs. It was designed in order to teach home owners to not only see value in their homes, but in the entire neighborhoods and communities that they live in. When I was asked, I was more than happy to help out and design a shirt for the programs volunteers. It's obviously a variation of the well-known "I *heart* NY" design, but it is very fitting for what the organizations mission is.
I'll start by letting you know that I think Habitat for Humanity is one of the greatest organizations in the world (the South Palm Beach branch holds a particularly close place in my heart). I feel that everyone should participate in charitable works from time to time, if its possible. The reward that you receive is far beyond anything money can get you. Simply put, a day of your life can impact some else's forever. Powerful, right?
Aside from working on homes with HFH, every now and then I helped them out with some of the design work that needed to be done. The picture is a shirt that I designed for their volunteer program created strictly for the few college kids looking to actually do some good during Spring Break, Collegiate Challenge. Its simple but effective. I created another shirt for the organization's A Brush With Kindness program that I will post later...
I was going through some of my old work folders today and I came across something that I created for a client long ago that didn't look horrible. I mean, it's no Monet, but it's a nice, clean example of brochure design. Decided that it couldn't hurt to put it on here and share it with you all...
I was walking down the street today, and I just became overwhelmed with inspiration. You ever get the feeling that you just...belong somewhere? Like you have an unexplainable, other-worldly connection from another life and time. I feel a little odd even saying this, but I'm pretty sure that's how I feel about being back in Chicago.
Sure, we've had our fights in the past, but we've matured since then. We've grown. We've changed. Things will be different this time around. This time around, we're going to do things the right way. We'll take it slowly and appreciate what the other has to offer. We'll feel each other out and listen to what the other has to say. This time around I see her differently...she's somehow changed.
Everything about the city is appealing to me now. I'm not worried about being cramped in small subway cars with a hundred other people. The traffic filled, pothole infested streets aren't really so bad once you get a feel for them. I find myself enjoying waking up to the sounds of the city now. I actually think that I'm even okay with the R.O.U.Ses that I encounter from time to time. I now can appreciate knowing that there are very few places in the world that possess the culture, the energy and the...food that this city has to offer. So I just wanted to take this opportunity to express my love to you, Chicago. Sorry I ever left...
-ja
and another one...
I love the contrast in this picture...
I wanted to post a couple pictures on here as photography is also a past time of mine. Admittedly, I haven't really had a lot of time to do much work outside of my work for clients, however, I promise that there will be more to come. Some of you might have seen a few of these from my old site but...oh well
so this is it...
new blog for a new website. i have to be honest in letting you know that a large reason i decided to set things up like this is because its way easier than revamping my website every time i want to post new projects or let you all know what i'm up to. i know, i know...but hey "smarter, not harder" is the rule that i try to live by. so be sure to check me out often for new updates. take care everyone.
-ja
So...in one of my advertising design classes, we had to create a concept product (its logo, packaging, etc.) and then we had to create advertisements that would be appeal to the demographic that our product should be geared towards. My product was KO Punch, an energy shot that was to be marketed towards high impact, athletic types. You know, athletes that partake in heavy contact sports. I decided to create a two-page spread which relies heavily on the action that's taking place in the image.
Since I have a boxing background, I designed the logo after the common shape and typographical theme that is found on many boxing products, Everlast probably being the most famous. And as for the ad, I naturally drew from one of my personal inspirational figures, as well as the most well known name in the sport...Ali. The discoloration of the image was done to create high contrast with the bright coloration of the background and the product itself. The brushed metal effect found in some of the lettering for the the catch phrase (also for the background) was used to give the consumer a durable, unstoppable image that they would associate with the product...
