New Jersey Resources CEO and Chairman Laurence M. Downes’ challenge to us led to the creation of this unique illustration and data visualization design, a strong and striking departure from previously photographic approaches. The design of the New Jersey Resources 2011 Annual Report and accompanying video captures the breadth of their vision. So much more than pipes indeed: a utility, which, like its competitors, delivers a service based on its infrastructure investment, the company prides itself on innovative thinking, and environmental stewardship. Even more than that, it sees people, and makes an effort to touch their lives in meaningful ways: customers, employees, shareowners, and members of community.

This annual report is designed to capture that vision and make it tangible. Take a look and then call Lynda Decker at 212.633.8588 or email us to see how we can do the same for you.

Mutual of America’s 2010 Annual Report was singled out as one of the Top 100 Annual Reports by Graphis, The International Journal of Visual Communication, which serves as a platform for outstanding work in Design, Advertising and Photography, and is one of the most prestigious awards in the profession.  Awarding body:  Graphis.

Mutual of America 2010 Annual Report

Brochure:

Goldman Sachs & Co. 10,000 Women Brochure received the Astrid award for outstanding achievement in creativity, craft and originality in design.  Awarding body:  MerComm, Inc.

Goldman Sachs & Co. 10,000 Women

Logo:

Madison Performance Group logo was awarded the Logo Design 8 Award, which recognizes the finest selection of original logos, symbols and trademarks from around the world.  Awarding body: Graphis.

Madison Performance Group

Package design:

Washboard Fibers received the American Package Design Award, which recognizes packaging and point-of-sale materials which help to advance the brand.  The project included tags, packaging, website, and logo.  Awarding body: Graphic Design USA.

Washboard Fibers

Here’s a comprehensive list of links to all of the awards that we have won in the last year.

Graphis: Logo Design 8 Awards

Madison Performance Group logo

Graphis: 100 Best Annual Reports

Mutual of America: 2010 Annual Report
New Jersey Resources: 2010 Annual Report

Graphic Design USA: American Package Design

Washboard Fibers

Graphic Design USA: American Graphic Design

New Jersey Resources: 2010 Annual Report
Goldman Sachs & Co.: 10,000 Women
Mohawk: John Madere: Portraits of Design
Finch Paper Premium Blend
Finch Paper Uncoated Guide
Lynn Johnson: Delicate Strength

HOW Magazine: HOW Promotion Design Awards

Winning Project: For Outstanding Achievement
John Madere: Portrais of Design

MerComm: The International ARC Awards

Mutual of America 2010 Annual Report

In case you haven’t had time to read Heller’s post, American Apparel is jumping on that old marketer’s bandwagon: SEX. The images are trying hard to be lurid…it’s just that sex is oh so twentieth century.

What do consumers really want? Let’s look at retailers across the price scale and we can see a trend: everyone wants to be a STAR. The new Michael Kors campaign features a limo and a club scene replete with trendsetters bathed in his product. Donna Karan’s bridge line, DKNY, has launched a new campaign with women “caught” by the camera. If you can believe it, there is even a teenage prom dress line called, “Paparazzi.” And last but not least, if you can’t afford a dress, you can go to your local drugstore and purchase some Crest white strips in the 3-D version to attract the shooters.

Michael Kors Campaign image

Michael Kors Campaign image

DKNY Campaign image

DKNY Website image

Paparazzi Campaign

These images are carefully contrived with a creepy similarity. The lighting is complex, shot at ‘night’ with multiple strobes and of course, the styling is meticulous with luxury dripping from every hand or wrist. The higher the price of goods, the more the presence of the camera is implicit. In the Michael Kors and DKNY images we never see the photographers. The Crest on-air commercial by contrast has the paparazzi out in full force as does the prom dress manufacturer.

If you are a student of photography, you realize no paparazzi image would look as gorgeous—these images express fame as fantasy; a place where no one is fat, no one is ugly, and no one is ordinary. Fame is the new desire. We live in a post sexual society that is pleasured not by intimacy but voyeurism, oversharing and exposition; there are no risks, no diseases and superiority is gained with little effort.

Simply swipe a credit card.