For this seasonal campaign, the client approached us with a clear vision: they wanted to evoke the cozy, welcoming atmosphere of Caribou Coffee—think Northwoods charm and log cabin comfort. Beyond that, they entrusted us with creative freedom. They also expressed a desire for a modern twist on what is traditionally a nostalgic time of year, blending warmth with contemporary appeal.
We crafted the seasonal tagline, “Santa Certified Gifts,” blending tradition with a fresh, distinctive campaign. To further differentiate the concept, we introduced Northern-themed characters, each playing a role in Santa’s success. The nostalgic illustration style, paired with modern characterizations, perfectly aligned with the brand’s central figure and resonated with a broad audience. These characters brought their unique Northern stories to life, enriching the in-store experience. With "gifting" as the core focus, we created custom background patterns to showcase the individuality of each gift, all while maintaining a cohesive look across the entire campaign.
Brand, Campaign, Packaging, Language, Environmental Way-finding, Merchandising, Objects, Retail
Worked closely with the Creative Director, Account Manager, Print Manager, Writer, and client to ensure seamless collaboration.
Partnered with the Writer to develop an "Inspirational" brand voice and campaign theme line.
Designed and laid out all communication materials, ensuring consistency and creativity across the board.
Presented multiple creative concepts and solutions to the client for review and feedback.
Handpicked the Illustrator best suited for the project’s vision.
Collaborated with the Illustrator to define and refine visual scenarios that aligned with the campaign's direction.
Directed the creation of final illustrations, ensuring they met the highest standards of the project’s goals.
Provided detailed quality feedback on printer proofs to ensure flawless production.
Partnered with the Print Manager during press checks to uphold quality and maintain brand integrity.
David is a true visionary, bringing brands to life in unique ways. In 20+ years of working with him, he never settles for “good enough” and rarely even for “great.” Unlike many, he doesn’t impose trends but reveals the inherent beauty of a brand. Bold collaborators get the best results with David. If you prefer to play it safe, look elsewhere.
