Advertising: Patterns in Print

Fall advertising’s in full swing and today we’re sharing examples from the home, kids and fashion worlds. Patterns are woven into each spread in artistic, abstract, fluid ways. Pratesi‘s Gatsby bedding line shares the duality of crisp geometry and loose painterly lines. It’s a beautiful balance and particular colorway. It’s like seeing a moodboard alongside the final product- something we’re big fans of.

Following in the footsteps of DVF’s successful collaboration with GAP Kids, Kate and Jack Spade have teamed up to release a limited edition kids collection. From the looks of the ad, it’s going to be print focused. This camo christmas tree is a fun alternative to the red and green themes we’re used to seeing come Christmas time. And…taking things up a notch to a sexier Bright Lights, Big City tone, Jimmy Choo’s Cruise 2015 campaign melds light, movement, sex appeal and a city skyline. Harsh lines are met with loose light. It reminds me of the old Sex and the City Movie poster, right?

October 22, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Branding: Examining Trunk Club

In New York, you move a lot. I’ve packed my bags eight times in the past 12 years. It’s sort of funny, every time I look at my credit report, I oddly get nostalgic. The list of addresses laid out ever so clearly, mark the timeline of my personal and professional evolution. With moving, comes mail. Lots of mail. Your mail, past tenant’s packages, your neighbor’s coupons… I’m actually amazed that everything important (except for a tax return or two) has found it’s way to me over the years.

Yesterday, I got a mailer from Trunk Club – which was addressed to the previous tenant. Before tossing it into recycling, as I don’t typically don’t shop for men’s clothing, I was drawn to the pattern, and, to the velvet-smooth paper stock.

Trunk Club as a brand is an interesting concept, one that a few players are experimenting with these days. I listened to a bit about it on NPR two weeks ago, and was amused by the feedback from the male office reporters. Women have softened to the concept of clothing showing up weekly through Rent the Runway and same day shipping from Net-a-Porter and M.M. Lafleur, but this idea of a stylist sending you items that will most likely fit is a cool time saver.

The heritage look and feel of the pattern is great- the imperfect dotted line drew me in. It’s also an innovative way to play up the box’s strengths. I’m down with this packaging and curious who’s behind it- does anyone know?

September 30, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Retail: Denim & DIY Dip Dye

Anyone who works in retail display design knows there’s an endless amount of tlc that goes into every execution. Whether creativity is being sparked by budget constraints, deadlines, or oddball restrictions, the behind-the-scenes repertoire is intense and hands on.

Interestingly, the two photos I snapped above are a contrast of sorts. The ripped denim chandelier at Warm NY, is beautifully complimented by white brick and directional lighting. The fabric stripes break the height of the space, bringing a softness to an otherwise cavernous nook. The results are effortlessly cool and bohemian.

The indigo dip dye cotton below, in contrast, is used to hide the department store ceiling at Selfridges in London. Not an easy feat. Both simulate a paralleling story, only this version seems 10x more time intensive. The display is beautiful, and busy, and actually reminds me a lot of wedding decor. What are your thoughts? Is this something you’d recreate and incorporate into your space?

August 27, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Marketing: Taylor Swift for Keds

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How many of you clicked on Taylor Swift’s new video, Shake It Off, and were welcomed to Vevo with a 15 second promo for Swift’s new collaboration with Keds? I watched the ad and thought it was a very nice, safe, Americana collaboration. Keds are easy, approachable, and affordable for her core demographic of teenage girls.

While listening, she talked about patterns and leather laces…the line really stuck for me. It apparently stuck for my husband as well, as it was a topic of conversation this morning when we were both getting ready for work. So, while polka dots, stripes and florals might not be revolutionary when it comes to artistic collaborations, the video accompanying the marketing spot has hit millions since it’s release, and I’m guessing her words have resonated with many, like me- thus, making this interesting enough to write about. What do you think?

August 20, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Blackberry & Banner Art

This banner isn’t fresh, per say, but when I took a screen shot of it, I thought the design progression was quite clever and worth sharing. So, here we go. Blackberry for Sprint shares their message with an onslaught of mail. It’s highly effective and a nice reminder that one letter may seem like no big deal, but when you’re overwhelmed, it can be suffocating. Much like the hanger display for Anthropologie, small things in mass make a big impact. Bravo on what could have been a banal banner design.

August 11, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Work From My Latest Redesign

About a month ago, I refreshed my online portfolio with a quick and dirty redesign. I had a speaking engagement with the kind folks at Percolate, and realized about two weeks prior, that my personal domain hadn’t been touched in three years (crazy, but maybe some of you can relate)! It was time to replace it with something current and representative of my current aesthetic…not to mention the work I’ve done in-between.

While it’s still very much a work-in-progress (these things always are), I thought I’d share some imagery with you. I have an active pattern library now with roughly 150 prints, for clients who’d like to purchase or license (beyond custom pattern design) and am continuing to do creative brand development and marketing strategy (my bread and butter).

Hopefully soon, I’ll get to share a few collaborations that I’ve been working on over the past few months. When it comes to fashion and product development, the timelines are loooong, it’s always a test of patience! Particularly now that so much of my work is in the digital space.

In the meantime, check out what’s up and feel free to share your thoughts- I’d love to hear your feedback. Over time, I’ll be adding more in-depth imagery and explanations to compliment… Thanks!

June 5, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik