Pioneer Contract Services, Inc.

Now in their second generation, this series of brochures was developed to promote the company's individual services, while presenting a complete one-stop resource. The smaller bi-fold brochure is a stand-alone piece for mailing or to give to prospective clients. The pocket folder provides more information, and the six department inserts can be arranged and presented according to each clients' needs – a very effective sales tool. Years go, the Records & Information Services bi-fold brochure was the first to be developed and printed. When the "corporate" pieces were developed later, along with a new Web site (see Web sites), a consistent design was established, and now this "older" brochure was updated to match that design.

Fertility Enhancing Retreats

This bi-fold brochure was designed to promote both the organization and an upcoming retreat. Stock images were used alongside images provided by the resort. The "centerpiece" images of the hands and couple were selected to keep the main focus on the purpose of the retreats. Because this was a "spin off" of Eastern Harmony, it was designed with a similar look, and the logo was derived from elements of the Eastern Harmony logo.

Cabo Restaurants

A long-term relationship was established with Cabo Restaurants in Houston to produce several colorful and creative pieces. The owner strived to make his restaurants an "experience" for his patrons, and he wanted this to carry over to all the printed materials. The menus were redesigned and updated once or twice a year, and numerous promotions were advertised on table tents, signage, gift certificates, fliers, stuffers, and advertisements. Also, large banners were often produced to hang inside and outside of the restaurants. Even the business cards were unique in their design and shape, and "Employees must wash their hands" signs were designed with the same appeal.

Most designs featured 3D illustrations, and "sparkling" chrome was almost always a requirement. The photography of the restaurant interiors and exteriors, along with food and drink photography meant to incite hunger pains, was often part of the design, and everything worked together to create a unique and colorful image for the restaurants.

See the Illustration and Photography portfolio pages for more on the Cabo projects.

402 Main Street

This bi-fold brochure was developed to promote office space in one of downtown Houston's newly renovated historic buildings. Both film and digital cameras (new, but low-resolution at the time) were used for this project to capture exterior images and both unfinished and finished interior images. Selected 35mm film images were scanned onto Kodak PhotoCDs and imported into the design. A floor plan was created in an illustration application to show the basic layout of the unfinished floors. At the time, a matching Web site was also launched.

Southwest Wholesale Records & Tapes

Along with a new logo design, several in-store sampler CD imprint and insert art and catalog covers were developed for Southwest Wholesale. Their creative director always had ideas that provided a good start to develop the art and complete the designs. Most of the designs featured 3D illustrations that tied into the genre of music or the music industry, and they were open to any different or offbeat ideas to promote their business.

Over the span of a few years, several "Select Trax" volumes were produced, sometimes two or three a month, and each new catalog cover presented the challenge of creating something new and different from the previous volume.

Charles F. Xeller, M.D.

A joint effort with another agency that managed the project and provided the text, this booklet brochure was an exercise in minimalism. One piece of art of a skeleton was created, and then used in creative ways throughout the brochure. Parts of the illustration were placed in circles to coincide with the content, and a subtle copy of the art was placed on the inside covers with its' spine aligned to the spine of the booklet.

International Meeting Managers (IMM)

As part of their full-service meeting management and consulting services, IMM produces a variety of brochures to promote events, provide meeting schedules and travel information, and cover fees and registration. Most events are planned at unique or popular locations, and the artwork for their printed materials is designed to convey the look or feel of the location. Most of their pieces are heavy on written content, so the goal is to produce a functional piece with an appealing look and design. Annual events require new designs each year that look different from the previous year, while still having elements that tie them together. Most projects are scheduled on short time lines, and require numerous revisions as the events are planned and coordinated.

SABA Blue Water Cafe

This cafe, located on Main Street in downtown Houston, was promoted as "An experience in dining and ambiance." Everything about this cafe, from the unique menu items and food presentation, to the wall coverings and upholstery had a very "designed" look. Therefore, it was very important to carry that look into any printed materials, such as a happy hour flier or lunch menu. See the Photos page for images of the cafe.

Eastern Harmony
Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic

The clinic needed effective piece to promote its' services and treatments, and provide information about the clinic and its' location. Along with designing a new logo, a tri-fold brochure was developed using photographs of herbs, an acupuncture chart, and an embroidered tapestry provided by the client. The cherry blossom background for the cover was even captured from a pillowcase. All elements were placed in the design to convey an Eastern look.

The business card also served as an appointment card, and a miniature brochure. It's fold-over design with a die-cut around the logo was a very unique design.

International Association
of Airline Internal Auditors

To promote an event planned in New Orleans, this brochure featured photography provided by the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and 2D artwork that conveyed a party atmosphere.

Union Pacific Christmas Card

Union Pacific's Washington D.C. office wanted a special Christmas card to send out to all of their local contacts. Staff members composed a special version of "A Christmas Story" where Union Pacific helps Santa save Christmas. Tim Hansford created a series of 11 illustrations to tell the story using Painter and a pressure-sensitive tablet.

For better images of select illustrations, see the Illustration page.