George Hickey
Graphic Design Portfolio
Big Boys Do Cry
New studies show that the UK has the highest rate of male suicide in over two decades, with suicide becoming the biggest killer of men under the age of 45. Typical gender stereotypes depict sensitivity and emotions as being feminine, causing a stigma around men speaking about their feelings and making it difficult to acknowledge problems before they get too big.
Big Boys Do Cry is a campaign which challenges gender stereotypes and teaches young men that it’s okay to show emotions. The campaign will be shown on billboards and posters and will also feature collections of content on streaming platforms which aim to educate users and normalise the idea that big boys DO cry.
By partnering with streaming services, the campaign can reach users in different ways and can introduce multiple forms of media that support the message. Netflix and All 4 will allow the brand to promote films and TV series, whilst Spotify will allow for Music playlists featuring progressive masculine role models as well as podcasts which speak on the subject.
Brand tool kit and promo video can be found at: https://www.georgehickey.com/big-boys-do-cry
Whistling Frog Botanical Rum
Since 1625, Whistling Frog has been distilling it’s rum using botanicals from the island of Barbados, creating a gently flavoured, soft white rum to capture the essence of the whistling frog’s soothing song. This unique blend of flavours makes the perfect drink for a peaceful night in, without leaving the comfort of your home. A delicate white rum, with a taste of tranquillity.
The design of Whistling Frog’s decal is inspired by their brand story, a tale of the great king Neptune who found peace and tranquillity in the song of the Whistling Frogs of Barbados. The rum is sold in both a regular and a premium variation, both in 50cl bottles. The premium bottle comes in a silk lined wooden case complete with a Whistling Frog tumbler glass.
Full brand guidelines and brand story can be found at: https://www.georgehickey.com/whistling-frog
IGNITE
The spark that lit up a generation. The rising political tensions of the 1970’s heated up until boiling point, when the explosion of punk cultivated the masses. This exhibition celebrates the punk movement and the front men who defined the genre; The Sex Pistols.
The punk movement can be directly linked to the 4 stages of anger; the Build up, the Spark, the Explosion and the Aftermath. The exhibition is split into rooms representing these different stages and giving an insight into each one. The branding of the exhibition is inspired by thermal imaging and represents the rising anger leading up to the explosion of Punk.
Brand guidelines and Exhibition Layout can be seen at: https://www.georgehickey.com/ignite
Torn Opportunities
Many young people who choose to carry knives are involved in a life of crime, where knives are seen as the best form of protection. When asked about their ambitions in life, most of these young people explained that they had no other opportunities available to them, not realising that by carrying a knife they are tearing down their own opportunities.
This campaign uses a series of posters pasted over one another. These posters are designed to be ripped over time, revealing the layers of posters underneath and altering the message which is displayed. The typography is designed in a way that allows it to align throughout the layers, creating a legible message across the rips.
Campaign video can be found at: https://www.georgehickey.com/torn-opportunities
Exalt
To exalt something is to raise it to a higher rank or position: to glorify, praise, and honour. Exalt Cascara Soda Mixers are made from cascara, the part of a coffee cherry which is usually discarded. Unearthed and exalted, the hidden beauty of the sweet, rich fruit is the star ingredient of these mixers, creating a beverage that really tastes holier-than-thou.
The branding plays on the idea of worshipping cascara in a tongue in cheek way, with designs inspired by stained glass windows and religious manuscripts. The hand made, paper cut-out effect ties into the theme of re-purposing and reducing waste and also represents the idea of embracing imperfections, because beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Ambient media for the brand uses assets from the designs in a playful way with stained glass window designs placed on panels of glass to create light projections on the ground. The halo from the logo can also be used as an asset on poster designs and social media filters.
Brand tool kit can be found at: https://www.georgehickey.com/exalt
George Hickey 07732394270 contact@georgehickey.com @g_hickeyy www.georgehickey.com