curriculum vitae
creative vision
letter from the designer I decided to take a different approach to showing my portfolio. I chose a magazine style layout because I wanted to be able to talk about the pieces and a bit about my thoughts on designing them. I didn’t want to view them as just assignments. Many of them were created while at Central Connecticut State University while others are freelance projects. They are individual pieces, but they represent my work as a whole and I feel thats the best way to show them. Take time to look through and read the pages. This is just a sample of my work so that you can get a feel for my style. I am occasionally free for freelance opportunities so if you like what you see, feel free to contact me. Thanks in advance for viewing!
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L logofile
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AOW the art of web
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B R K F S T breakfast at tiffanys kinetic typography
MANSWORLD scotch tape just for men
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I C E C R E A M S U N
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A D I N D E X A N D R E S U M E
my blog about all things ice cream
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A strong logo is essential to creating and sustaining brand idenity. I’ve noticed trends within my logo development, that it tends to fall into 3 different styles. At heart I think I am a minimalist, so a graphic style is very natural to me. I enjoy the simplicity of geometric forms. However many logotypes I’ve created have come from handwritten script development and/or modification of typography. Those have taken more organic forms.
For details about each logo see pg. 25.
geometric
Iconic logos are unique creations in which the symbol often stands alone, therefore it has to represent the brand - not just the name. It is imperative for any identity that it be easily read and understood. These designs accomplish that in a colorfully uncluttered way.
UGARSCARF
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iconic
script
Wow, she’s hot! I wonder if she’d go out with me? What can I do to impress her that won’t cost a lot?
Hey, he’s cute. I wish he would ask me out. But, I’m tired of the general dinner or a movie.
“
Would you like to go on a date with me? Sure, where would we go?
How about the Bushnell? I heard they have some great plays coming up. So, I’ll pick you up at 8.
“
That sounds great.
Okay, See you then.
4 Plays for $35 Bucks! What a sweet deal!
Book your tickets today!
www.bushnell.org
West Side Story presented by the Farmington Valley Arts Center The Farmington Valley Arts Center is proud to present the classic musical West Side Story, directed and produced by Tom Kawiecki. The theater troupe brings together actors from Avon, Burlington, Canton, and Farmington as well as musicians, choreographers, and crew from all over Connecticut, Florida and Maine. With the high caliber of talent assembled together for this premiere production, this Broadway-quality musical is a must-see for the summer.
Date: August 16 - 22th Location: Maxwell and Ruth Belding Theater Ticket Information: Tickets on sale now. Please note that listed prices do not include applicable fees.
My First Time Hysterical and heartbreaking real-life stories about first sexual experiences. A play in the style of The Vagina Monologues, featuring four actors in silly, sweet, awkward, shy and sexy stories about first sexual experiences written by real people. The stories were taken from a website where that allowed people to anonymously share their own true stories.
Date: September 8-14th Location: The William H. Mortensen Hall Ticket Information: Tickets on sale Monday, August 24, 2009. Please note that listed prices do not include applicable fees.
That was romantic. I can’t wait to go again! He was so thoughtful. This was the best date ever!
Spring Awakening Spring Awakening is the groundbreaking fusion of morality, sexuality and rock & roll that has awakened Broadway like no other musical in years. Winner of 8 Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL, it celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, a poignancy and a passion you will never forget. The New York Times hails it: “A groundbreaking jolt of genius.” – Clive Barnes, NY Post Contains sexual situations, brief nudity and mature themes.
Date: Sept/ember 1-7th Location: The William H. Mortensen Hall Ticket Information: Tickets on sale Monday, August 24, 2009. Please note that listed prices do not include applicable fees.
Avenue Q The trials and tribulations of the people (and puppets) in the neighborhood. Tony-winning musical Avenue Q is the hilarious and heartfelt story of a bright-eyed college grad who comes to New York with big dreams and little money. He can only afford to live on Avenue Q but—good news!—his neighbors turn out to be a remarkably funny bunch of characters.
Date: Sepyrmber 15-21st Location: The William H. Mortensen Hall Ticket Information: Tickets on sale Monday, August 24, 2009. Please note that listed prices do not include applicable fees.
I think she had a good time. I didn’t have to find things to talk about. It took the edge off. It was great.
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check it out: Elmwood Productions Puppetry & Films elmwoodproductions.com
The Art of Web
When an artist wants to present themselves online they often feel uncertain about how their art will translate on screen without loosing their personal identity. I have worked closely with three very different artists to develop sites that not only capture their style but become effective marketing tools.
The artist website is a balanced mix of creativity and functionality. The site has to be able to enable the viewer to find information without being impeded by the artfulness of the design.
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When developing the site for Elmwood Productions we decided that site needed to be a housing place of links to other sites that they were using to update viewers on content,
including current projects and puppets, film clips, blogs, and promotional merchandise. The site didn’t need to be loaded with textual information so it could be visually rich. I
used alot of visual textures to evoke the qurkiness of puppet creation. Sketching, felt, drawing and using photos of the puppets throughout the site led a playful feel to it.
check it out: Brie McDonald Fine Art briemcdonald.com
Brie McDonalds site took a different form. Their isn’t much information here either but she really just needed a place to display her work and resume. Simplicity was the key here
so that the work shines. I catered here to her interest in getting gallery showings by protraying her art on a gallery wall. The functionality of the site allows her to put as many
pieces up here without overloading the viewer with too much at once. It is understated and clean and from knowing her personally - it works for her.
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The Paris in Plantsville site is much more about getting the information accross. Visitors are able to know what the gallery is about, find out how to get there, and learn about gallery
offerings such as classes and memberships all within a fairly small site. The animated imagery sparks interest visually and is the life of the site. Without it the static text wouldn’t be
check it out: enough to explain what this gallery is about. It is a good blend of old and new much like traditional art and web design themselves.
Paris in Plantsville Art Gallery parisinplantsville.com
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NATURAL doesn’t mean neutral summer chair sale
SUSTAINABLE
STYLE natural materials organic fabrics plant based dyes recycled plastics recovered metal soft fabrics bright colors exciting patterns new finishes
Ring Code 195
we’re making it easier to be
GREEN
Visit wild-t.com to find a store nearest you!
Breakfast at Tiffany’s film inspired kinetic typography
watch the video: Breakfast at Tiffany’s Kinetic Typography vimeo.com/kendradesign
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Its a Man’s World
Tape, I’ve always thought of as a universal product. So as an exercise in targeted marketing the class was assigned to take Scotch® tape and come up with a different way to use it and who it could be marketed to. This campaign is for the handy outdoorsman, the McGuiver sort, that no matter what happens they will figure out a way
to fix it. My dad is one of those guys and as he is an avid fisherman I was proud to show him it. Thats right - these aren’t just photoshopped pictures of tape on a car or net - this is real. It can be done and Scotch® tape does a very good job at doing it. The only catch is (pun intended) you’ll have to have 4-5 rolls of tape laying around.
THE
INSIDE SCOOP the weekly blog on all things ice cream!
I attempt to eat my way through Sally Sampson’s book Recipe of the Week: Ice Cream: 52 Easy Recipes for Year-Round Frozen Treats. Each week I make an ice cream from her book or one that I find interesting share it with friends, family, and co-workers (whoever happens to be around) and then blog about it on Sunday. Any and all suggestions are welcome!
follow it:
icecreamsunday-kendra.blogspot.com
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AD INDEX pages 4 & 5 Grove Mill Vineyards
Labels for a New Zealand vineyard, adding a modern, graphic appeal to this brand. Experimented with various brush techniques in Photoshop. Student Work. Logo provided and project has no affiliation with the actual company.
pages 8 & 9 Bushnell
Ad originally designed as a brochure for the Bushnell theatre promoting four plays that they are offering at a discounted rate to students. Due to the adult nature of the featured plays, it was geared towards ages 18-24. The approach in attracting this age group was to offer the nights out as an opportunity to ask someone on a date. It also wittingly provides both a male and female point of view on this atypical date setting. Student Work. Logo provided and project has no affiliation with the actual company.
pages 16 & 17 Wildthings
Ad originally designed as a promotional mailer developed for Wildthings Inc., a natural furnishings company. They wanted a simple, clean and contemporary look. The piece expresses their support of environmentally conscious materials and also promote a unique view that natural items aren´t dull. Student Work.
pages 6 & 7 LogoFile graphic Basics, Inc.
Logo for clothing retailer, Basics Inc. The company sells active wear for the whole family. Imagery supports the brand association with a fun, healthy and active lifestyle. Student work.
Xlent
Xlent is an international game design company, focused on producing electronic entertainment products, namely computer games. The design takes on a classic technology driven feel, with a sleek glossy look. Student work.
Maruchan
Redesigned logo for the popular ramen noodle company Maruchan. Geometric asian style lettering brings back a more authentic feel and upscale look to a typical poor college students meal. Student work.
SugarScarf
Designed for my mother who will be selling her knit scarves via Etsy. Shop coming fall 2011.
script
La Belle Chateau Salon & Spa
Logo designed for an established salon that had expanded into a new, more modern building. They expressed a need to stay consistent with the look they had used previously, which was a feminine script typeface, set in a solid color. This led to finding a balance between classic and contemporary. The outcome was detailed yet readable, as they would be using it for large outdoor signs, but also closely read brochures.
Lexington Hospital
Developed for Lexington Hospital in Chicago. Manipulated script style typography lends a warm welcoming feel to this identity. Student work.
Brie McDonald Fine Art
Handrawn logotype based on the artists signature. Provides her a idenity uniquely hers.
Level 10 Hair Design
Identities developed for Level 10 Hair Design’s Farmignton and Manchester salons. The first for their Farmington location has a floral design to reflect the comforting atmosphere catering to its older clientelle. The second variation of this logo was developed for their Manchester location and reflects a more contemporary style to suit their younger client base.
iconic
Furniture Mania
Developed for a wholeale furniture company in Miami,Florida. They chose another of my designs as the final logo but this lockup was my personal favorite.
Coffee Break
Coffee Break Inc. is a provider of specialty coffees from around the world. They offer unique flavors not found in typical coffee shops. Catering to a specific market, a unique, iconic logo was designed. Student work.
Wildthings, Inc.
Designed for natural furnishings company, Wildthings Inc. They wanted a clean, simple and balanced look. The client expressed an interest in animal related imagery, but I wanted it to be subtle. The peacock is a perfect representation because of its unique and exotic look, which is colorful and dynamic. Student work..
Maggie McDonald
A personal logo design for a friend who started selling her crocheted goods online.
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kendra smith
Define - noun 1. Jill of all trades: Prepared by a wellͲrounded education and determined to tackle any design
challenge. As the design industry changes so do we and you have to be able to teach yourself. 2. Results Driven: Developed marketing strategies supported by good design. It’s not all about the design, but about what the design can do. [alt. def.: creative, energetic, organized]
Contact t: 860.940.8151 e: design.kendrasmith@gmail.com w: www.kendraͲdesign.com Technical Skills & Software Identities Animation Brochures Business cards Illustration
Packaging Posters Websites Presentations Interactive
Stationary 3D modeling Vinyl cutting Signs MAC and PC Platforms
Adobe Creative Suite HTML CSS Onyx Gerber
Education B.A. Graphic / Information Design Central Connecticut State University | 2009 A.S. Graphic Design Tunxis Community College | 2005 Additional coursework taken in Marketing, Communications and Psychology.
Experience Graphic Designer | Oct. 2010 to present ShelterLogic 1. Quickly moved up in position from intern to full time graphic designer. 2. Involved in a wide range of projects, including retail packaging, development of instruction manuals and sell sheets, and tradeshow collateral. 3. MultiͲcultural design, consisting of bilingual and trilingual packaging and collateral geared towards specific geographies. 4. Reached out from my department to assist developing and uploading marketing materials for the websites of various customer accounts. Freelance Designer | 2008 to present Elmwood Productions 1. Created website and print collateral to showcase the talent of these local puppeteers. 2. Provided designs that showed their creativity and quirkiness, but still allowed them to promote themselves, and think of their company as a professional business. 3. Dramatically increased visibility of their company and interest in their products and services.
kendra smith 4. Work allowed them to expand their staff and participate in industry specific professional events. 5. All of the pieces of their company were brought together into a cohesive marketing and branding
unit, and allowed them to move forward in promoting themselves professionally. Brie McDonald Fine Artist 1. Developed identity, business cards, resume and website, which allowed her to promote herself not only as an artist, but as a brand. 2. Pieces were designed to be effective marketing tools, allowing her to use them to promote gallery showings, apply for jobs, and solidify herself as a professional in her artistic community. 3. Website allowed her to go beyond the traditional portfolio and set her apart from the majority of recent graduates in her field. Level 10 Hair Design 1. Incorporated existing design materials, such as outdoor signage, into new branding. 2. Worked directly with staff to create custom business cards. They loved being a part of the process and garnered repeat business. 3. Website brought together the different feel, and ultimately the clientele, of their two locations. Graphic Designer | Oct. 08 Ͳ Dec. 08 4 Biz Group 1. Worked on creative assignments for small businesses in the area. 2. Prepared print and web files for final output, photo retouching, logo vectorizing, and layout. 3. Maintained an organized work environment, completed tasks in a timely manner, and efficiently responded to clients needs. 4. Offered freelance design consultation services on projects after I was no longer with the company. Graphic Designer / Production Artist | Apr. 05 Ͳ Oct. 08 Fastsigns, Bristol 1. Consulted with clients face to face and discussed their individual needs and how to best fulfill them. Allowed clients to be included in the process, but steered them in the right direction. 2. ReͲorganized the design to production work flow by following a strict schedule and implementing an easier to read and find system for job packets. This drastically improved the communication between the design and production staff, made jobs easier to complete, production rates were faster, and jobs were finished accurately and on time. 3. Adapted design skills to fit the parameters of certain materials/mediums, especially when working with vinyl and with plotting software. This cut down on wasted materials and offered new and easily customized products to clients. 4. Worked with large format printing using solvent and aqueous based inks. Used various types and thicknesses of paper. Worked across platforms to create stickers. Taught myself new technologies. 5. By expanding my knowledge of other types of materials within a work setting, I was able to transfer these skills to my work in design school.
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