The Vintage product line has long been a trusted choice for those seeking true image reproduction with an ideal blend of warmth and brightness. When our client asked us to rebrand this iconic product—a staple in the automotive industry—they sought a fresh perspective on a 'classic' and 'tried-and-true' offering. We crafted a concept that connects timeless still-life classics, which remain relevant today, with the distinctive features of Vintage Paper. To evoke a timeless feel and highlight our print techniques, we chose straight-on, museum-style black-and-white imagery that emphasizes the paper’s classic, artistic essence. Given that this paper is predominantly used in the automotive industry, we designed a logo inspired by vehicle hood ornaments, reinforcing the product's heritage and appeal.
Brand, Objects, Print, Packaging, Marketing
I collaborated with the Creative Director, Account Manager, Print Manager, Writer, and Client throughout the project.
I worked closely with the Account Manager to develop the positioning strategy and teamed up with the Writer to establish an 'Inspirational' brand voice.
My role involved designing, laying out, and sequencing all communication materials, and I also worked directly with the client to devise a strategy for implementing printing techniques.
I designed the logotype, selected fonts and photographs, created custom graphics, and presented the work to the client in conjunction with the Writer.
Additionally, I selected the photographer and collaborated with them and the stylist to define the shot and prop list.
I directed the photo shoot, provided feedback on printer proofs to ensure quality standards, and partnered with the Print Manager for the press check.
Our client had two critical requests for this campaign: first, to introduce a new paper finish—Silk—into the product line, and second, to elevate the concept, making it highly appealing not only to Automotive industry professionals but also to Advertising creatives, print buyers, and printers. These goals required us to push the boundaries of creativity and craft a concept that resonated across diverse industries.
To address the client's challenge, we seamlessly merged automotive enthusiasm with cultural relevance in our concept, "Vintage Vroom." Recognizing that automotive industry professionals are passionate about cars while advertising creatives are deeply engaged with culture, we paid homage to classic car culture. To spotlight the new Silk paper finish, we amplified the campaign by collaborating with car culture icon Big Daddy Roth, the master of "Fink" art. This partnership led to the creation of a distinctive character, "Silk Fink," that captures the essence of both automotive heritage and cutting-edge design.
Brand, Digital, Video, Environmental Object, Print, Packaging, Naming, Marketing
I worked with the Creative Director, Account Manager, Print Manager, Writer, and Client to develop a cohesive strategy and 'Inspirational' brand voice.
I designed and sequenced all communication materials, developed a printing strategy, and created the logotype, custom graphics, and video content.
I also selected fonts and photographs, directed post-production, and provided feedback to the Illustrator.
Additionally, I collaborated with the Art Buyer and metal fabricator on a custom table, managed giveaway material selection with the Print Manager, and ensured quality standards throughout the production process, including press checks.
I’ve been David’s creative partner multiple times and watched as his design solutions perfectly adapted to each assignment. From a high-octane homage to ’60s hot rod culture to a refined image for a jewelry company, David defined each brand’s expression with meticulous attention to detail. He has superstar talent without the ego, combined with a strong Midwestern work ethic. His loyalty and client-focused approach make him the best hire you could find.
The McCoy product line, renowned as Potlatch Paper’s premium bright-white sheet, was expanding to include a new matte finish alongside its existing gloss and silk options. The client required that this campaign not only highlight the new finish effectively but also adhere to a tight budget, making cost efficiency a crucial aspect of the strategy.
To address the challenge of introducing the new matte finish for McCoy while remaining budget-conscious, we stayed true to Potlatch’s brand values—fun, authentic, premium, and subtle. Our concept brought the character of Matte McCoy to life through the engaging narrative, 'Have You Seen Matte McCoy?' By leveraging stock photography, we effectively represented the concept and captivated the audience with a compelling story, all while adhering to the budget constraints and maintaining high-quality execution.
Brand, Digital, Video, Objects, Print, Marketing
Collaborated closely with the Creative Director, Account Manager, Print Manager, Writer, and Client to drive project success.
Worked directly with the Account Manager to develop a strategic positioning approach.
Partnered with the Writer to craft a compelling 'Inspirational' brand voice.
Designed, laid out, and sequenced all communication materials for a cohesive presentation.
Developed a strategy with the client for implementing innovative printing techniques.
Designed the logotype and made font and photographic selections.
Created custom graphics to enhance the visual identity.
Presented work to the client in collaboration with the Writer, delivering a comprehensive proposal.
Selected the photographer and worked with them and the stylist to define the shot list and props.
Directed the photo shoot to ensure high-quality results.
Provided detailed feedback on printer proofs to maintain quality standards.
Partnered with the Print Manager for a thorough press check, ensuring the final print met all expectations.
For a company that had always produced coated paper, introducing an uncoated finish by stripping away the top layer was a significant change. It was such a big deal that they asked us to create an entire campaign around it. This concept of “stripping away” sparked the idea of “getting naked”, and after adding the entire family to the campaign you get “The Full McCoy”. The campaign also features a “dot” theme. This paper has minimal dot-gain, which means the dots used to make an image printable don’t spread excessively when pressed onto the papers surface, resulting in images reproduced true to the original.
Brand, Digital, Video, Objects, Print, Marketing
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align creative and business objectives.
Developed brand positioning and an "Inspirational" voice with the Account Manager and Writer.
Designed communication materials and implemented advanced printing techniques to strengthen brand identity.
Created logotype, selected fonts and photography, and produced custom graphics.
Presented work to the Client and directed the photo shoot, managing all visual elements.
Provided quality feedback on printer proofs and partnered on press checks.
“David worked on several projects for us, during my time at Potlatch paper. Carmichael Lynch Thorburn was asked to work on a small piece of business for us, and later became the de facto design agency of record for our fine paper division. David was that person in the room who took everything in and when he spoke, would command all of our attention. He has a brilliant mind and always brought an exceptional idea or trio of ideas to every presentation.
From the client-side, we usually saw one idea that stood out above the others, though with David on the team, we would struggle as all of the ideas were brilliant and spot-on or brand on.
Ironically, the work was so well done, when after our division was bought by Sappi, the CEO cited the quality of our marketing as a caveat in the acquisition. I highly recommend David and his team.”
U1X was Appleton Coated Paper’s ultra bright-white sheet with a tactile softness noticeable to all fingertips. We were asked to steer this piece towards the Fashion Industry since they are the largest consumer of this line of paper.
We enticed readers with alluring fashion that demands a closer feel. We also paired U1X with Curious Touch, a premium paper that feels like skin to the touch to reinforce the soft, touchable quality of U1X.
Brand, Product Development, Digital, Video, Objects, Print, Marketing
Collaborated with Creative, Account, and Print teams, as well as the Client.
Developed positioning strategy with the Account Manager and crafted an "Inspirational" brand voice with the Writer.
Designed, laid out, and sequenced communication materials.
Worked with the Client to implement advanced printing techniques.
Designed logotype, selected fonts and photography, and created custom graphics.
Presented work to the Client with the Writer.
Selected Photographer, defined shot and prop list, and directed the photo shoot.
Provided quality feedback on printer proofs and partnered with the Print Manager on press checks.
Our role in this project was to art direct the creation and development of section photography for the new swatch book. The concepts needed to reflect the unique character and quality of each paper line while aligning with the overarching theme, 'Our Paper, Your Project,' which highlights iconic pairings that naturally come together.
To meet this challenge, we developed a cohesive visual strategy that captured the distinct personality of each paper line. Through thoughtful art direction, we created photography that not only showcased the unique qualities of the materials but also reinforced the overarching 'Our Paper, Your Project' concept. By focusing on iconic pairings, we ensured that each image told a compelling story, seamlessly connecting the paper’s characteristics with its potential real-world applications. The result was a visually engaging and cohesive swatch book that reflects both the individuality of each line and the synergy between paper and project.
Brand, Art Direction
Partnered closely with the Creative Director to conceptualize and elevate the visual narrative, enhancing the initial idea through innovative photographic strategies.
Collaborated extensively with the Photographer and Stylist to meticulously define the shot composition and develop a comprehensive prop list, ensuring each element aligned with the creative vision.
Led and directed the photo shoot, orchestrating the entire process to achieve precise execution and visually compelling results.
Among the Harley-anointed, there’s a saying, “Ride to Live, Live to Ride.” Substitute “Design” and you get a sense of who David Schrimpf is—dedicated, passionate, and fully committed to his creative work. His peers’ praise is well-deserved. As a client, I can attest that he is one of the best and he rocks hard.
