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I didn’t really take any progress photos as I was rushing to finish everything. Here are my panels that go through my touch points and leave-behind.

TOUCHPOINT 1 My first Touchpoint for Toolbox will be a simple ransom letter along with a link to a sliver of my online portfolio. This will be concealed in a 5 7/8” x 9 5/8” manilla enveloped labeled as evidence. The statement I am making in my first touchpoint is that I have something that they’re missing.

NOTE 1 - First InteractionDear Toolbox Design, I have something you might be interested in.There is a piece of strategic imagination missing from your team. Let me show you what you’re missing.Let me show you my strategic imagination.

TOUCHPOINT 2 The second Touchpoint will be a follow up to the first. It will contain an X-Acto Knife labeled as “murder weapon”. Along with a letter that will talk about my attention to detail and hard work. NOTE 2 - The X-Acto KnifeDear Toolbox Design, I am proficient in the art of the samurai sword.My Hattori Hanzō is an extension of myself.My mind is my weapon, and my tools help me execute the task at hand.To be a design samurai one must; research their target, pay attention to the details, look at all of the possibilities for conceptual, and come in at the end with a clear, final execution.

TOUCHPOINT 3 The third Touchpoint. It will contain a fingerprint card paired with a letter that will highlight the unique fingerprint that I leave on my work. Once again this will be concealed in a 5 7/8” x 9 5/8” manilla enveloped labeled as evidence. NOTE 3 - Fingerprint ChartAs a designer, it's natural for me to want to leave my mark on things.However, to be faithful to design—and more importantly, to solve problems honestly—you need to take yourself out of the picture.You can still express your work uniquely, but one must always stay true to the problem.

TOUCHPOINT 4 The final touch point will be the final CTA for an interview. In the final evidence envelope will be a mugshot of who I am. The letter will be a more in-depth and personalized introduction of myself. The goal of this final touchpoint is it will answer the burning question from the first touch point. That I am what is missing from their team.

NOTE 4 - Mugshot/CTADear Toolbox Design, My name is Kent MacDonald. And this is my strategic imagination.I am a recent graduate of Vancouver Island University. I am a nimble witty visionary. My strong will and chipper personality allow me to persevere through anything.my id #2507414675

UPDATED VISUAL MAP

After a lot of thought and consideration from my first visual map I ended up changing my path (as mentioned in previous posts) and this is what the updated plan of action looks like. The first touchpoint will be a ransom-style letter. The second touchpoint will be an X-Acto knife and letter, the third touchpoint will be a fingerprint chart and letter, and lastly will be a mugshot and letter that acts as a call to action for an interview.

My touch points are moving forward. The only thing missing from this set is a ransom-style note which needs to be copyedited and approved before construction. Other than that I’ve just been doing some type size adjustments. I’m on the low scale on panic for this portion of the project. Still stressed out but manageable.

Aside from working on my touch point, I’ve been coding my own website. Both my touch points and my website work hand in hand. Each touch point will grant access to a different part of my portfolio. For those who don’t have the code will only have access to the home page and the about page. I’m not trying to hide who I am entirely so I have put my social media link into a fixed footer. Coding my own website has been difficult but rewarding. I didn’t want it to look like it was designed from Squarespace.

I’ve gone for a very clean and ripped back design. Less is more in my case. I’m doing my best to deliver a noncommittal vibe with my design and layout.

Let’s talk. Since I’ve posted last time I was looking at designing a poster that looked like a crime scene. The victims would be an assortment of tools. Each touch point followed after the poster would be a tool as a sticker from the crime scene attached to a postcard with a link to a portion of my online portfolio. The CTA for each tool would be to place them onto the crime scene poster. Each touch point would be delivered in a manilla envelope marked as “Evidence” I’ve been struggling a lot with my touch points. I still really like the concept and delivery. But what’s holding me back is the coast it takes to produce this. For a single sticker, it would cost me about $12-15. The poster would be a $25 minimum at Elite. I spent $25 on a box of 100 envelopes, but then returned them for a package of 25 for $6. I’m not sure what the cost of shipping for the stickers would be or for mailing each touch point would. But in the end, it’s just a little too much out of my budget when I need to produce a physical portfolio as well. I would rather put my money towards my portfolio. I still want to keep with the concept as I think it will stand out. So I’ve been looking at what I already have and how I can make it work. You can call this portion of the semester “Design on a Dime.” I already have the envelopes. I have a decent cardstock paper that I can print my postcards on. You had also recommended making a stamp for the “evidence envelopes” but to help reduce cost and time I had the idea to make a template digitally and add a bit of texture to it. And make three different variations and print them on the envelope. This will create an illusion of a stamp. In my next two blog posts, I’ll take you through where I’m currently at.

BRAND STRATEGY PART 1

WHO: TARGET AUDIENCE

Toolbox Design. They are a Vancouver based design company that values the concept of doing good design. The work they create is made out of a place of love and care. They value the clients brand and needs before theirs. They provided a verity of services from branding to typography.

WHAT: BRAND MESSAGE

Still working on this, TBA

WHERE: PROMOTIONAL TOUCHPOINTS

The first touch point will be a poster of a crime scene of missing tools. This will act as a foundation for the following touchpoints via mail.

Mail out 3-5 different tools via mail within a span of time (timeframe TBA) each tool will have its own CTA and link Toolbox Design to a different part of my portfolio.

Interview and portfolio materials

Leave behind resume and portfolio

Followup/Thank you letter

HOW: PROMOTE BRAND MESSAGE

Website: Build an online portfolio with limited access to connect that corresponds to promotional touchpoints.

Social media: Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, create a LinkedIn, made create a Behance

Business Cards: Obnoxiously talk about myself and hand out business cards.

WHEN: TIME PROMOTIONS

Proof 1 - March 12, Proof 2 - March 19 Proof 3 - March 26 Final - April 16

Send out first touch point - April 16

BRAND STRATEGY PART 2

CONCEPT: Crime Scene

APPROACH: The foundation of my touchpoints will be a poster outlining a crime scene of missing tools. Over a span of time, I will mail out the missing tools that will grant access to portions of my online portfolio.

RATIONALE: This concept shows a portion of my wit and humour without giving too much away. It also gives them an idea of who I am and my design one slice at a time. By granting limited access to my online portfolio I’m choosing what they get to see and when. Rather than them seeing everything at once and allowing them to make a decision faster. I’m drawing out the experience and continuously engaging them.

IMPLIED NOTIONS:

I am creative and witty

I enjoy humour and engaging others

I am willing to take a risk to make an impression

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS CONCEPT:

This concept speaks to my humour and personality

It shows how I think and engage others and how I intereact with my audience though my design.

The concept is versatile and could be applied to a number of other companies. The concept would remain the same but the object would have to change.

TONE:

Playful, Humorous, Engaging, Edgy, Bold

MENTOR MEETING

On March 4 I drove down to Victoria to meet with Matt Salik. Because I was out of the country it was hard to find the best time to meet but I’m very glad we found a time too. Before meeting with Matt I picked up Zyre and we met with MAtt together. Matt had so much amazing information to share. Outside of going to my work, we talked about general design/work in the real world and he gave Zyre and I a lot of great advice. Our meeting started out with talking about graphic design and work in general. He pointed out that working for a larger company you tend to get with the same type of work. Whereas in a small company you tend to balance multiple jobs doing a verity of things. This comment shifted my thoughts and viewpoint on the size of the company I would ideally like to work for. All of the targets he went on were filled with golden nuggets. As far as my work goes I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to put in my portfolio. I ended up showing him a verity of my work and showing the breadth of my skills. I really appreciated the way he talked to Zyre and I. I felt like he talked to us as peers rather than talking to us like we didn’t know anything and that we were just green beans. All of the feedback he gave me was really great. His comments were very focused and about making small changes. I felt like at the end of the conversation I could keep everything I showed him in my portfolio. Though I don’t plan on it. But at no point did he tell me anything of mine wasn’t work showing. We had a great conversation about colour. Going back an reworking some of my work I plan on tweaking bits and bobs of my colour pallets to make sure I have a stronger hierarchy on my colour and the importance and value on the elements it’s on. We also chatted about how many pieces should be in a portfolio. His response was however many it takes to show what you can do. He said he would rather look at finished pieces than ones with excuses. Thus there is no number attached to a portfolio. Overall my meeting with Matt went very well. Now I just need to catch up on all my work and start making tweaks to my work for my portfolio.

*UPDATED* “IDEAL WORKPLACE”

1. WHICH PERSPECTIVE WILL YOU BE TAKING? Choice: Work for someone

2. WHO ARE THEY? • Toolbox “The best creative unfolds when you have a real connection with your agency. When it clicks, you know. It’s like a shared taste in music. Or the same sense of humour. When it’s right, the work moves naturally from strategy to design to breathtaking campaigns that people notice. This is what Toolbox is about. We forge strong relationships, to create huge leaps for your business. It goes way beyond design. And we do it all for love” The Toolbox does a verity of work. They perform a large scope of work from packaging to branding. What appeals to me is that their breadth of work doesn’t limit them. They don’t specialize. And right now I just want to do it all. It’s so hard for me to box myself in and just focus on one area of design. I picked Toolbox as it would also me to flourish and grow in all areas of design, not just one. • http://toolboxdesign.com/

3. HOW ARE THEY A GOOD FIT FOR YOU?

• They create work people value • They have a breadth of skills, they wear many hats • Based out of Vancouver (close to home/family) • Friendly and approachable online presence that shows their personality and interests outside of the work they do. • Opportunity for self-growth in what seems like a nurturing environment.

4. HOW ARE YOU A GOOD FIT FOR THEM? • As a human being, I feel that I have a similarly bright and cheerful personality that would mesh well with their team. I know I’m capable of wearing many hats. I have a strong will that allows me to push myself to my limits and then some. • As a designer, I have a foundation of knowledge that supports the work they do. I’m not afraid to wear multiple hats and taking on multiple projects at one. I’m always looking to push myself and grow.

I feel like I still need to work on this and make revisions to my visual brand identity. I’m feeling more lost than ever when it comes to myself and the work I want to do.

Ideal Workplace

1. WHICH PERSPECTIVE WILL YOU BE TAKING? Choice: Work for someone

2. WHO ARE THEY? • The Number “People come to us looking for a hand with many things. Maybe they need a website. Or they’re looking for a logo. They need to connect with new customers. They’ve got this new eatery they’re opening. Or a new beer that needs a label. Food truck needs a new look. Gotta brew up some hype. Looking to tell a story. Or, they’ve got some pasta boiling that they just need someone to keep an eye on for a sec.” The Number does a verity of work for the food and beverage industry which appeals to me. • https://thenumber.ca/

3. HOW ARE THEY A GOOD FIT FOR YOU?

• They create work people value • They have a breadth of skills, they wear many hats • Based out of Victoria • Friendly and approachable online presence that shows their personality and interests outside of the work they do. • Opportunity for self-growth in what seems like a nurturing environment.

SUMMARY OF WORKSHOP The workshop we did last week was nice. It was light but we went in depth about ourselves to our partners (Summer and I worked together). What really stuck out for me is when we picked out animals that reflected us. Summer picked out a panda and a shrimp and explained why she felt they best represented her. But I also noted other qualities they hold that I also see in her. And it was vice-versa for me. I picked a peacock and a fox. For my archetype, I picked out fortune teller. It took me awhile to find one that resonated with me. Actually, I was the last person to pick a card. I picked it because I’m always thinking about my future and where I stand. And those around me and how they’re in my lives. I also want to be the best version of myself and by constantly reflecting. When I think of fortune teller I think of tarot cards which give you a possible future based that nothing will change. But when you do so will the reading. I am a nimble witty fortune teller.

Outer Self Form

What words come to mind when you think of me?

Articulate

Adventurous

Bright

Calming

Chipper

Curious

Creative

Dedication

Empathetic

Funny

Hardworking

Kind

Organized

Positive

Responsible

Sassy

Strong-willed

What am I good at? Strengths:

Making people feel welcomed and listened too. Connecting with others. Encouraging and motivating others. Strong Empathy skills.

Talking through stuff, seeing all facets of an issue

Standing up for what you believe in

Weaknesses:

Not always clear on opinions/thoughts and I feel like I have to dig a bit for information on your opinions or about you.

You get embarrassed when people praise you (Unable to take pride in one's self/work)

NEVER EATS FOOD

What animal best describes me, and why?

Fantastic Mr. Fox

A bird at the edge of their cage just about to step out and fly.

Jaguar

A tiger. Feisty, can work alone or as a team, loyal

What colour best describes me, and why?

warm retro colours that reflect your independent thinking and love of simpler living

Green... you’re professional and driven, which reminds me of money and success!

Yellow or Orange because they represent positivity, brightness, and cheerful

deep blue - calming and soft/bright yellow - a joyful presence

Am I a leader or a support?

80% Combination

10% Leader

10% Supporter

INSIDE SELF - WEEK 1

AHOY! Here is a little bit of information all about me!

Q1: WHO ARE YOU?

CORE VALUES

Chipper

Conceptual

Kind Hearted

Q2: WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT?

MY INTERESTS, TALENTS, AND PASSIONS.

Photography

Typography

Travelling

Q3: WHAT ARE YOU GOOD AT?

ATTRIBUTES

Wit / Humour/ Puns

Compassion/Empathy

Organization

DESIGN SKILLS

Creative Thinking

Photography

Production

SOFTWARE SKILLS

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

EXPERIENCE

Jr. Developer/Designer @ Canary

University

Intern @ Farm Food Drink

Q4: WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

VISSION

To get a job that challenges me to continue to grow as a design and allow me to travel.

MISSION

Graduate from VIU with a degree in GRAPHIC DESIGN :o

Network, Network, Network!

Continue to learn new skills and find new ways to apply my new skills

Take on opportunities that push me out of my comfort zone to allow me to grow.

ARTG 371 PLAN B Lose Ends PACKAGE DESIGN || Project 2 Just gather all the loose ends. In the first photo is an example shot of the sketches I ended up doing. I was just quickly playing around with the placement of both copy and how the beard would be placed. In the second image, I’ve included a timeline of some of the key iterations I ended up doing. This timeline will only focus on 1/3 labels. Though the other 2 went through the same process at the same time. I did a printed out prototype for 6/7 shown above. The first iteration was done after all the sketching. After my feedback session from Hired Guns, I pulled away from the beard and in the second iteration it fine. Nothing more, nothing less. Then I was given the push to bring back some personality. Which is when I made most of my important changes. Near the end, I ended making my labels a little shorter in length to give it a part wrap. So apart of the personality of the brand is being positioned at an angle. Hope that helps wrap things up for you Nancy. Thanks for another great semester.

PLAN B

ARTG 371 PLAN B PACKAGE DESIGN || Project 2 PROJECT BRIEF

Men’s Grooming / Health and Beauty line.

OBJECTIVES

-Design a Men’s Grooming / Health and Beauty line.

-Be sustainable where possible

-With limited shelf space, make sure the product POPS wherever it sits.

AUDIENCE

- About 90% of any health and beauty section is targeted toward females. Leaving a small section for men's product. In many cases, men tend to pick what they’re familiar with. May that be though what they started out with, to what their fathers used. This line of projects is targeted to those who are looking to brand out and take the next steps into men’s grooming.

DESIRED RESPONSE

Beard Wash: “Keep it Bright and Bushy Beard Oil: “Let your Locks Grow”

Shaving Cream: “Let your Skin Shine”

CREATIVE CONSIDERATIONS

Brand Name: APOLLO

Brand Positioning: Put together, clean, fresh, bold

Brand Character / Emotional Attributes: Youthful glow with a classic appeal, warm, trendy. Cruelty-free, mostly natural ingredients.

Description of Product: a line of men’s grooming products that cover hair creams, putties, pomades, pastes, clays, beard oils and scrubs, shampoos, soaps,

and cologne

Packaging Objectives/Goals: Clean, slick, and bold. Natural elements play in.

Packaging Hierarchy: Logo, product name, style,directions.

Target Consumer: Men looking to take the next step into men’s grooming.

ARTG 371 Final Blog Post PACKAGE DESIGN || Project 2 What a whirlwind the last month. I’m happy to see the break is here. But I can see myself still working on this. When I tried to bring in a bit more personally it ended up changing the look of the labeling. I feel like I’m going in a good direction, but I haven’t come to a final conclusion. But it was nice when I went to go get this printed the lady asked me if I was a barber and that she liked it. And for me, if felt like I had reached in far enough to make sure people could identify what the product line was. The main thing I would like to change is the pots/jars I have. Ideally, I wanted something a little shorter and wider with a flat lid. But over all, I think there is a clear consistency throughout all of the products. Now I’d love to have time for a break, but I still have to go to work.

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