A quick fire style questionnaire to let you know a bit more about me.
Bye bye 2021!
Thankful for so much work in 2021, for my old and new clients, for being healthy, and for continue doing the things I love the most. Looking forward starting 2022 with more creative projects!
Happy Holidays everyone! ✨👏🏽
¡Felices Fiestas! ✌🏽
Story time: A branding project
Back in 2020 I was reached out by the “Corporate Sustainability Office” team to create a look and feel for the office. Branding projects are always fun and specially when you have a great client to work with. This was a big project that not only included creating the look and feel but also adapting it to: the intranet site, newsletters, flyers, report covers, slideshow presentation template and case studies. Here is a recap of what went through the process of creating this theme for them.
In the mood of Mood Boarding
After learning what the client was expecting and needed from this branding project through our discovery meeting, the next step was working on inspirational mood boards. These mood boards are essential in the process of creating a theme. They allow you to present the client a vision of what they final product will look like without having to go deep in the process of creation.
Green light means: Go!
Once having done any adjustments on the selected mood board we moved to the actual creation stage. The first delivery presented the final color palette, fonts, iconography style, “corporate” illustration and possible options for other marketing products.
The “corporate” illustration represents everything that the office does and includes not only the selected color palette but also the illustration style chosen.
More than 25 icons were designed for the project. They all belong to the same icon family and they cover all the necessities that the office had. The style selected is easy and quick to adapt to any new other icon needed.
This is just the beginning
Besides off all the iconography and corporate look there were lots of other pieces to be created. Most of them were an immediate necessity for the team and others came up after the branding project was closed. Between us a branding project is a never ending project. For me, a brand is a living animal, constantly changing and having to be adapt. This is essential in the times we are living, brands have to reinvent themselves pretty much every few months to stay relevant.
Questions?
Branding projects can be intimidating for a client but change is always good and with the right guidance the process can be fun and exciting. Do you have a branding project in mind? Shoot me an email :)
Currently obsessed with...
Here is a recap of the things that I have been reading, eating and listening. Enjoy! →
1. NPR's Joy Generator
I'm probably a bit late on the game but I found out about this NPR project recently and I think it's amazing. If you need "joy" in your like go and check it out.
2. The Thursday Murder Club
Another crime/mistery related book for the collection. So far it has started a bit slow but I'm hoping it will get better as soon as something "big" happens.
3. The Great Indoors
I've been recently loving listening this british podcast about interior design. The hosts are charming, hilarious and inspiring.
4. 李子柒 Liziqi
Have you watched any of Liziqi videos on YouTube? They are mesmerizing. I can't even describe them. Watch any of them!
It's a virtual event world and you know it
Virtual events are part of every organization anual event agenda. Here are some tips to make yours a total success:
Start design planning early. Having the event look and feel from day 1 will help you attract not only audience but first speakers. They will be more comfortable accepting to participate in something that looks credible and professional.
Create a strong visual theme. With so many virtual events being promoted online on a daily basis, it’s important to make the look of your event as visually interesting as possible. Even “boring” events can have fun and attractive images, that will not demeanor the seriousness of the event. The lack of physical presence requieres a strong visual online presence for connection.
Be consistent! Be sure all the marketing products have the event theme incorporated. That includes: color palettes, fonts, visual elements and backgrounds. This will not only make your event look more professional but also it will help the participants identifying the event whenever the see something related online. This includes: speaker participation request, invite, registration site, signup confirmation email, agenda, social media marketing products, event platform backgrounds, speaker or session event banners, and don’t forget all the post event related products, such as: thank you emails, recap of event email, etc.
Sharing is caring. Once you have your speakers confirmed, share with them all of the marketing products and presentation templates. This way they can start promoting their participation on their own social media channels. This will help boost signups.
Treat the agenda with respect. Often times organizations forget about the agenda/program look and don’t include any artwork related to the event. This makes it look unprofessional and unfinished. Be sure to include at least a header with the event theme artwork.
Share speaker profiles. Another element of event marketing that I like to create are short speaker profiles that introduce them to your possible audience on social media.
Keep your audience in mind when selecting social media platforms. Promoting your event in the most adequate platform will guarantee assistance.
If you have a long list of speakers consider splitting the information in a few different promotional pieces. If you have a short list, take advantage of that and maybe even include photos of each one.
Don’t forget including: social media handles, any hashtag related to the event and a contact email. This seems to be obvious, but often times I have to remind clients about them.
What else would you add to this list? Anything that in your experience is worth considering?
@souvenirmestudio
Do you want to learn about the design process? Follow the studio on Instagram :)
Currently obsessed with...
It’s been a while since I share with you my latest discoveries/obsessions so here is a recap of the things that I have been reading, eating and listening. Enjoy! →
1. Libby APP
I discovered this app recently while browsing OverDrive. Libby gives you access to your local public library archives and you can download books and audiobooks for free, you will only need your library card. It’s been a life saver during COVID times.
2. The Silent Patient
Continuing with the literature topic, this was the first book I read in 2021. It’s so fast paced and one of those that you have to completely finish to unveil the mystery. A great psychological thriller to read during a snowy weekend!
3. Tony's
The most delicious and addictive chocolate bars.
4. Domino. Design Time
Like most of Graphic Designers I’m obsessed with interior design. Someone recommended this podcast on IG and since then I’ve been obsessed (probably late to the game). Recommended episodes: Studio McGee and Zio and Son’s.
Design Inspiration for 2021
For me 2020 was the year of the virtual events and editorial design. Lots of clients opted to publish digital publications and were forced to moved their face-to-face events to the digital world. Since we are still on the Pandemic era here are some 2020 highlights to give you some inspiration for this upcoming months.
Scope: Agenda design for virtual event. Client: Inter-American Development Bank.
Scope: Publication design and layout “Ecossistema de Startups no Brasil”. Client: Inter-American Development Bank.
Scope: Social Media invitation for virtual event. Client: Inter-American Development Bank.
Scope: Publication design and layout “Resource Mobilization Strategy 2020-2025 - Advancing Toward Health Equity”. Client: PAHO/WHO.
Scope: Publication design and layout. Client: Inter-American Development Bank.
My best "work at home" habits for newbies
I’ve been working as a home-based Graphic Designer for over 4 years now. I know it can be hard being alone some days, but it has definitely improved my productivity and focus on my work.
Here are some of my tips in case you are still trying to figure this home-office time out…
Have a routine and stick with it. I usually do an early online yoga class, then a quick breakfast and then I start my day. I stick to the 8 hours unless it is a slow or heavy load time.
Get dressed as if you are going out. I just can’t work in my pjs, I don’t take myself seriously unless I’m wearing real clothes and my hair looks descent enough to show in a conference call or do a quick Soapbox video.
Have all your communications tools installed and working. Being always available for your colleagues or clients is fundamental. Some people like to use Teams, other Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, it’s always good to show that you are available all the time in any platform.
Create to-do lists organized by priority. I use ClickUp to organize my projects and business related things. It really helps my peace of mind.
Take a break! Lunch or coffee/tea break always helps me to refresh ideas and keep my productivity high.
Have a defined working station. It is important to have your working area separated from your living space. It makes the whole working-from-home experience a lot more professional.
Work with natural light if possible.
Play some tunes or listen to podcasts (specially if you are used to a loud office environment). Depending on the project I’m working on I sometimes listen to classical music or something more up beat, a TED talk or simply the news. Here are my fav playlists.
Do you have any tips you want to share? Leave me a comment! :)
Currently obsessed with...
Some of the things that kept me distracted lately...
Really want to try to make something like this during my next vacation!
Lots of great recommendations if you are still in search for your first book of the year.
Trying to spend less time looking at my phone…anyone else?
This game is great for travelers! Basically you have to guess where in the world you are according to the environment the game drop you in. Have fun!
NEW WORK - Environmental campaign
A fun and colorful internal campaign communicating important data about our environment.
Currently obsessed with...
Some of the things that kept me distracted lately...
No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man
Went two times to check out this exhibition at the Renwick Gallery in D.C. Go if you haven't!
Rough Translation: NPR
Great podcast! Recommended episodes: Brazil in Black and White and Ghana's Parent Trap.
NEW WORK - Animation "Your First Steps"
Another big animation project during 2017 was producing the animated explainer video "Your Fist Steps" an introduction for the new IDB Group employees of their first days at the organization.
The video includes a series of tips related to location, tools and resources that every new employee must know about to have an easy adaptation to their new job.
The production took several months including script developing and graphics.
Now check out the complete video! I hope you like it!
Let me know if you have any animation project in your mind and I'll gladly share a plan for you according to your necessities :)
NEW WORK - Plan Piloto para la identificación de niños, niñas y adolescentes en las zonas fronterizas
This project had all the best factors that allow an editorial design to be successful: a great open minded client that wanted something modern with lots design details, images and graphics, and enough time to allow creativity to flow.
Since the publication doesn't have to much text we decided to big on images and highlight some of the texts. Leaving blank spaces allows the publication to breath and makes it more attractive to the reader.
Check the complete publication here and let me know if you have a similar project coming soon! I'll gladly have a conversation about it :)
NEW WORK - IDB Invest Annual Report 2017
A few months ago I was selected by the team at IDB Invest to work on the design of their "Annual Report 2017". The main challenge of the project was incorporating the brand new identity that the institution had recently adopted.
Without having too many guidelines on how to apply the new branding, the one that was still being finalize, together with the Invest team we managed to create a clean and modern layout that follows the main new branding standards.
The second big challenge was not only creating one publication if not 4, since the report had to be in four languages and all with the same deadline: Spanish, English, French and Portuguese.
During the layout process several sections were added, which involved moving other sections or creating new chapters covers. It was a big challenge but with some team work we make it happen :)
Now check out the complete report here.
NEW WORK - Welcome to DC
One of my favorites projects to work on during 2017 was producing a series of animated explainer videos for the Inter-American Development Bank. One of them was "Welcome to Washington, D.C." an introduction of the city of Washington D.C. for the new employees.
The video is divided in different sections and each section gives information about different topics related to the city, like: where to live, weather conditions, work attire, things to do, etc.
The video of 3:30" length was translated to Spanish and shared through the internal network of the bank to their employees.
Now take a look to the complete video. I hope you like it!
2017 Publication covers design
Last year I worked on multiple publication projects. The first thing when I start an editorial project with a client is defining the style which is directly connected with the cover design. Unless the client has a pretty defined idea of what he/she wants for the cover I usually like to present at least 2 or 3 options for the cover.
The cover design will determinate the font, color and other graphics elements that will be used all along the rest of the publication layout.
Here is a compilation of some of the cover design work from last year, some are designs that didn't went through and some that were selected.
Are you finishing editing a publication now? Let me know if you need assistance with the layout or the cover of your publication.
Check some editorial design work here.
Currently obsessed with...
Some of the things that kept me distracted last week...
RAMS
A documentary portrait of Dieter Rams, one of the most influential designers alive — a man of contradictions by design - Coming soon!
ONE MINUTE ART HISTORY
Gorgeous video.
DESIGN IN TECH REPORT
John Maeda’s 2018 Design in Tech Report is out.
LAURA CALLAGHAN ILLUSTRATIONS FOR IWD
On how she created this year’s inclusive, powerful and all embracing IWD illustrations
Adios 2017!
It seems like it was yesterday that I was writing "Adios 2016" and now here we are again so fast. 2017 was a great year for the studio, full of exciting and challenging projects. I've been working as a full time freelancer for over 3 years now. it is all thanks to my clients, that trust in me and my work, letting me do what I love and what i am passionate about.
Now let me tell you about some project highlights from this year...
There were lots of editorial designs this year. Some favorites would include: "Public Expenditure Efficiency in Health Care in Latin America and the Caribbean" (Inter-American Development Bank), "Designing Innovative Schemes for Payments for Environmental Services" (Fundación Amazonas), "Creative Community Spaces" and "Coding Bootcamps" (World Bank).
Back in May, I worked together with the organization Elephant Energy producing their Annual Report 2016. Elephant Energy is a new client of the studio and it has been a pleasure working their communications team. Another new client is the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) I started producing some posters for them and now we have produced more than 5 publications this year. Welcome both to the studio!
Back in August, together with the IDB, we developed the whole identity for the "Diálogo Regional de Política de Transporte 2017". The project included the creation of the event corporate image, id badges, rollup, slideshows templates and the event booklet.
During the second half of the year I collaborated with the blog "Negocios Sostenibles" doing all the blogpost images and infographics for their posts. Every week we would design a new banner inspired on the post on turn. Some of the topics can be very technical so definitely it was a challenge but we managed always to create something attractive.
When the work flow slowed down I worked on a project that I've had on my mind for a long time. It is a series of helpful resources for clients and friends to provide them with basic design knowledge called "Design Insider Tips". I'll be releasing the Edition #2 soon so stay tuned! Meanwhile download the Edition 01 if you haven't done so yet.
Finally, a huge project for the Studio was creating 3 animated videos (plus 3 language adaptations) for the On-Boarding and Career Services sectors at the IDB. I'll be sharing more about the production process soon in different posts.
What comes next?
I'm finishing up several publication projects we started in 2017 that still require some attention. Like last year, I'll be starting the year by producing an explanatory animated video for the Inter-American Development Bank, this time for the División de Innovación. I'll also be supporting the blog "Negocios Sostenibles" doing all their visual content this time all year long.
I can't wait for this year to start, so many fun and exciting projects coming soon! I hope you year is full of exciting projects as well! Happy New Year!
Special thanks to the following organizations/companies for always supporting the studio: Inter-American Development Bank - World Health Organization PAHO - World Bank - Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture - Laser Technologies - Elephant Energy - O'Keefe Communications
NEW WORK - Public Expenditure Efficiency
With so many publications being released each day, it is important to make your publication stand out. On of the main ways of doing this is by using lots of visual content such as infographics, charts or figures. That was the idea when together with the Inter-American Development Bank we produced the publication "Public Expenditure Efficiency in Health Care in Latin America and the Caribbean". Take a look to some of the graphics we included on the publication:
Are you thinking about making your publication more visual? What about including some infographics? Check out the infographics section.