Doing design for objects other than the norm is usually fun challenge. Promotional products come in all shapes and sizes, and if you are slapping on more than just your logo there can be a lot of experiential things to consider. And don't forget that pesky technical requirements often work their way into the mix too.
In designing an "inspired conferencing mug" as a conference show giveaway I looked at a few different ways to make it an effective promotion. The slogan and doodles on a black mug, are carried over from an advertising campaign, so the overall branding is sound, and plays on the idea of a great conferencing venue inspiring great ideas. The interesting aspect is that while sitting at a meeting or conference with this mug, not only it is an advertisment and an object that will keep a viewer repeatedly engaged, but it may actually be inspirational on its own...leading to all sorts of doodles and brainstorming. Much more effective than just a plain mug with a logo.

Talk about your big graphic novel! Both the size (672 page hardcover) and the magnitude (highly anticipated follow-up to mega-hit Blankets) put huge weight into Habibi, the new book by Craig Thomspon. The story follows a fantasy like love plot against a Persian backdrop and harkens back to traditional fairy tale adventures. Though not hard to get into, I think the writing was perhaps my least favourite aspect of the novel for a few reasons. First, the storyline constantly cuts away to mystical splash pages full of esoteric poetry and symbols which I think took away from just the overall simplicity of the tale. Secondly, the subject matter in general, exploring muslim and christianity faiths seemed excessive, and even self indulgent given Thompson's overt interest in religion. Save those few quibbles, it is still a good yarn none-the-less, just not what was expected and a big departure from Blankets.

The art, as usual from Thompson is stunning, and the hours that went into its creation are very evident. The trademark characters full of emotion and free-flowing brushwork are well suited for Habibi, and in many cases, steal the show. More than once I had to break up the reading flow, just to take time to full appreciate some of the gorgeous panels. The detail of the various middle-eastern patterns, clothing, architecture and calligraphy seem intensely researched and just as intensely rendered. The only drawback to all the fine detail being that sometimes the art style shifts over too close to realism, rather than keeping to the more comfortable comic book imagery through out much of the pages. Overall, reading Habibi was an immersing experience and well worth the time...I only hope it's not another seven years till Craig Thompson's next book.

I had the opportunity to have some fun and refresh the Copper Skillet guide for the 2011 competition. The Copper Skillet Competition is a yearly event held to determine who is the top conference chef, in Canada and the world. The Iron Chef type cook-off pits six chefs against each other, with half an hour to pull off a meal in a a high-pressure situation in front of a live crowd.

Physically, I wanted to change up the format from a standard brochure, to something more suited to the event. The new single fold tall style brochure, is reminiscent of a common menu shape, hinting at the culinary aspect of the competition. Printed on silk paper, the luxurious tactile quality is fitting for an event showcasing some of the world's top chefs. From a graphic standpoint, the brochure needed more flair and excitement. Focusing on the magical artistry aspect of a cook-off, I created a key main image, as well as some flourishes to give it a modern edge.