Stillwater Portfolio

AxleTech International, a division of General Dynamics, participates in military trade events throughout the world. The task is to design and manage production of appropriate sales materials before, during and after each event; create scripting for staff and produce appropriate videos and large format promotions. Coordinate with other divisions and staff on an international level. Oh yeah. And shipping tank parts to foreign countries. That too.

What is the meaning of the color orange? This was one of many brand therapy sessions that went into the creation of the creative strategy for Affordable Housing Solutions. As a shopping guide specifically aimed at low-income renters, we needed to stand out. We needed warmth. We needed to stimulate the imagination. We needed to convey value. We needed Orange. And a lot of it.

How do you promote the emerging real estate opportunities in Detroit to hipsters and young couples living in the suburbs? Capture their imagination. Bring the neighborhoods and people to life. Invite them to Come Home. Naming convention, graphic identity, tagline and templates for print promotion. Content creation, asset management. Cross-marketing. Take a look and find your nook.

Word leaks out early about a unique and high-profile workforce development initiative, burying the client in unqualified inquires that are potentially hazardous to the health of the objective. Quick. Create an effective way to promote the program. Encourage self-selection. Research the demographic and write the creative brief and content for all promotional pieces, press releases and partner outreach kits.

A program called Pathways Out Of Poverty was authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for the purpose of fulfilling the training and employment needs in various green industries in Detroit. A consortium of Detroit-based nonprofits hired me to recruit and educate employer partners, participants and community outreach partners. Press kits, media events and direct mail were all required. But first up - steering the team away from a fated acronym approach and devising a new name and graphic identity. Check.

A company specializing in hospital staffing wants to take on the misinformation and skepticism that runs rampant in their industry and share their reputation as truth-tellers and soothsayers. An Infographic themed campaign grabs attention and provides a vehicle for commentary in brochures, on their website and at trade shows.

Multiple agencies collaborating on a new venture to inspire low-income immigrants to become entrepreneurs. Needing a naming convention and graphic ID that communicates "opportunity" and relates to a variety of ethnic groups, the media and the philanthropic community as well. A super-stable mark that holds up when mashed with others and that can also be customized for other communities.

The sales team of a medical product manufacturer is operating in heavy rotation with an outdated corporate brochure and its collateral relatives. Content that is the density of wet cement needs to be emulsified and optimized. A design convention is needed that can stand out in an otherwise sterile crowd of competitors. It needs to say “modern” and “high-tech”. It needs to say Do Not Put Me Down. Scalpel please: die-cut, spot UV, dull aqueous coating and hot decals to make their mark and print updates on the fly.