The results of our efforts were undeniable! People respond to thoughtful, exciting design coupled with great marketing strategy. People also respond to excitement and confidence. Maybe what's worse is the subtle feeling of embarrassment or shame with how your materials look, how you are presenting yourself and the work you do. I've always thought that great design works because it reinforces you, gives you the backing you need to go out there, and do the work you are doing with greater success.

Challenge. La'i 'Opua (means peaceful cloud) is a Hawaiian Home Lands project in partnership with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Armstrong Companies. Armstrong is both the developer, designer, and the builder of La'i 'Opua. Without photography of the development (the homes have not yet been built), the unique challenge was to sell these homes using a strong concept and great artwork. 45 homes were proposed for this first release, and we wanted every home sold. The challenging economy, coupled with other financial obstacles, meant that finding 45 qualified homebuyers was not going to be a cake walk. 

 

Solution. Our marketing captured the unique aspects of these homes: Kona and its sense of place, and its outstanding "green" features. Utilizing clean and renewable energy sources, each of the homes were built to be in harmony with the land: using the sun, wind, rain for sustainable living that would also save homeowners money every month. With no photography to rely on, I utilized historic photos, topographical maps, chants, birds and trees of the area, to create the Hawaiian and green sensibility of the La'i 'Opua community. Please also view the La'i 'Opua web page within the Armstrong website.

Results. Our designed pieces garnered a response that was 900% stronger than prior undesigned marketing.  With the roll out of the La'i 'Opua branded e-newsletter (keeping everyone connected and informed) and website, the Armstrong staff has noticed an increase in attendance coupled with greater excitement, commitment and interest in meeting deadlines for moving forward. Though we won't know officially until late May, it is looking likely that all 45 lots will be selected by 45 new future homeowners of exceptional Hawaiian homes. 

Challenge. Baby Awearness is a courageous and dynamic company. Dare I say vervacious even? Purchased less than a year ago by Ashley Lukens and Naoko "Nicky" Lawnsby, they needed a brand which could package their beliefs and offerings with a look which could anchor their business. 

 

Solution. We gave clarity and emphasis to what differentiates Baby Awearness from other baby stores on the island: they offer expert knowledge and support for successful motherhood, and green, earth friendly products for raising baby. We created a brand that includes an inclusive tagline "The Natural Source for Your Blossoming Baby," in addition to a logo, color system, typography, verbal and visual language that can be applied in a flexible, yet cohesive way. The branded Baby Awearness website also showcases an online store which allows the company to offer sales overseas.
 

Results. According to buzz among young mothers, Baby Awearness is the "cool" baby store.  Ashley and Nicky have seen their business improve immensely and have more than earned their investment in publicity and design. Our packaging of the store is undoubtedly working WITH the energy going into the store's events, and the aggressive social marketing Baby Awareness is carrying out. 

Kindle Editions for unpublished books. Author Jill Marie Landis has just informed me that Amazon's Kindle is now accepting unpublished books. This is exciting especially because the Kindle is now also available for the Mac ipad and iphone.  We have the ability to convert your content into the acceptable html format as well as typesetting your book with great design. The right font, leading, kerning, text block size, placement and treatment of page numbers and headings -- all contribute to a professional presentation that is also easy on your readers' eyes. I know many of you have book ideas and or writing projects ready to be unveiled.  We could speak about a plan to release your book ready for sale on Amazon with an exciting marketing plan to boot!

 

CMS Websites and Social Media. Never forget the growing magic of your content managed website and its ability to be a dynamic, responsive hub from which the majority of your communication grows. Client demand has also challenged me to examine social media in a more sophisticated way. If social media is an important part of your outreach, I'm excited about ways to incorporate the social marketing you do into the homepage of your website (auto updating with your most recent tweet). There are also various strategies for broadening your message to utilize your fans' / friends' networks through posts, as well as strategies for encouraging people to add you to their network.

 

Please be in touch with me, I'd love to talk with you more about either of these aspects. And as always, feel free to visit the Stephanie Chang Design Ink Website for additional images and information. 

 

Wishing you all the best!
Get your verge on....

stephanie