Hammill Design worked a little overtime this week to accomplish a project for it’s toughest client: the Hammill family. This morning, Andrew headed to pre-k with a box full of these sweet greetings. Although I can’t take credit for this fun concept (thank you Design Mom), the similar cards we created last year were such a hit, we couldn’t resist making them again. Finally, it pays off to have a graphic designer for a mom! This year, Nora joined in on the fun and will be sharing her cards with her daycare pals. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

Some day I think it would be fun to own a retail store. I’ve been collecting ideas in the event that my boutique-dreams come true. Perhaps what’s most inspired me about these images below, is the fun use of typography on the windows and doors. And how about the polka dots? Pretty fun stuff! Images collected via Pinterest.

Last fall I had the unique opportunity to meet with Michael and Robin Tesoro, owners of Ooma Tesoro’s, to discuss how we could take their brand to the next level. Their handcrafted marinara sauce has been capturing lots of attention as it sits smartly on store shelves across New England. Even Martha Stewart has taken notice! The Tesoros’ passion for their product was infectious. At our initial meeting, the creative gears immediately started spinning. I think I was as excited about the future of this sauce as they were!  As we continue to develop their new collateral, please enjoy a tiny glimpse at what’s to come and while you wait for more, go out and buy some marinara!

With a majority of my work being in the educational field, I’ve designed my fair share of annual fund appeals, reunion invitations, annual reports and advertisements. It’s a special treat, however, when I’m asked to take on a special project, like a viewbook. Last year I was rewarded with such an opportunity, designing a new admissions catalog for Berkshire School. The past year was spent researching, developing concepts, scouring thousands of photos and ultimately designing a book that I titled “The Field Guide to Life Under the Mountain.” Nestled in Buck Valley, at the base of Mount Everett, the School has a unique relationship with its surroundings which served as the inspiration for the book. Designed to provide prospective students with necessary information (as a Field Guide is expected to do), the book also features post-its, handwritten notes, and fold-out pages filled with collected photographs which bring the guidebook to life and add a personal touch.

I was beyond excited when Berkshire School asked me to design their new admissions viewbook last year. And when they later presented the challenge to first (and quickly) design an accompanying package (designed for travel), I was on board immediately. Simultaneously we worked on both projects, keeping in mind that while these materials would be used in different ways, they should work together to brand the School. With both projects now complete, I’m excited to finally present the results.First: the travel package. Instead of lugging heavy viewbooks to school fairs across the country (and abroad), Berkshire’s admissions team is now armed with these smart and comprehensive packets. The folder (sneak peek posted here) contains informational inserts which can be customized as needed. Graphic and informative, these inserts provide everything you ever wanted to know about Berkshire School – in a nutshell. All in all, I think life on the road just got a little bit easier.