kymabrams: blog

brookeworks.com

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2013-01-14T14:21:00-05:00

Brooke O'Neill, a multi-talented writer and branding professional, needed a new website that is as vibrant as she is. KAD created brookeworks.com, a platform for her to showcase her skills and personality. Following its launch, Adobe named it Muse Site of the Day.

where learning clicks

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2013-01-12T13:40:00-05:00

Edgenuity celebrates the “a-ha” moment and the success that online learning brings to students, teachers, and administrators. By blending superior technology with the principles of solid instruction, Edgenuity provides online learning models that are engaging, efficient, empowering, and effective. KAD repositioned the brand with a new identity, messaging, and brand materials across web and print.

fine-tuned

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2013-01-11T14:46:00-05:00

Music of the Baroque is dedicated to bringing early music to a modern audience. As part of our regular committment to keeping their season promotions engaging, we refreshed their website to better communicate the excitement of a concert experience.

new identity

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-12-14T14:00:00-05:00

Coming up on its 125th anniversary, Heartland Alliance needed to reevaluate and simplify its message to reach a wider audience. KAD defined that message and created a look a feel for it that was carried through a new introductory brochure and strategic statements for donors and policymakers. Out of that process, it became clear that the current logo did not live up to the promise of the message. So we created a new identity that communicated the boldness, seriousness and determination of the organization.

the end

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-12-14T13:37:00-05:00

Heartland Alliance's work is wide in scope. KAD worked with the Alliance this year to define the core essence of their work: ending poverty. To accompany the launch of this new messaging and a new brand identity, the annual report tells the stories of four individuals who ended poverty in their own lives, and have hope for the future, thanks to Heartland.

the power of policy

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-08-10T09:47:00-05:00

The Joyce Foundation's work centers on improving lives through policy. That work can often seem abstract, so for this year's interactive annual report, we put the impact of that work in sharp focus. We showcase stories of individuals who can learn, work, vote, be healthy, feel safe and be inspired because of the foundation laid by policy.

it's possible

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-08-09T17:09:00-05:00

KAD branded HFMA's recent annual member conference in Las Vegas. This year's event had a record-breaking number of leaders in the healthcare finance industry gather to network, learn about tools for success, and hear the latest on what's possible to achieve.

it's all that

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-08-08T16:32:00-05:00

Harris Theater's announcement of its exciting 2012-13 season makes a splash with some bold new messaging and design. The buzz will grow through email, street banners and direct mail campaigns.

map keys 2.0

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-06-25T09:32:00-05:00

We've made the MAP Keys even more easy-to-use for HFMA members by migrating them to an app for iphone and android smartphones. A valuable reference tool, the HFMA's MAP Keys are key performance indicators that set the standards for revenue cycle excellence in the healthcare industry.

best of the best

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-06-22T09:35:00-05:00

Our recent annual reports for Adler School and The Joyce Foundation have both been honored once again with inclusion in Graphis' publication of the 100 Best Annual Reports. The Joyce reports have received recognition consistently since it was reconceived as a digital project: see the 2009 and 2008 websites.

golden trumpet awards

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-06-22T09:17:00-05:00

Helping brands tell their story is at the heart of what we do. So it's great to receive recognition from the Publicity Club of Chicago for our work with Adler School. Not only for individual projects like the website, magazine, or annual report, but also for the strength the school's entire rebranding effort.

chicago commons

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-05-03T13:56:00-05:00

Chicago Commons is committed every day to helping families in local communities overcome poverty, discrimination and isolation. Their 2011 Annual Report relates their continued dedication to that mission. It also represents a new, rewarding relationship for us, with an organization that gives back to our neighborhoods in a very big way. See some of our other work for do-gooders.

jorje

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-05-02T13:35:00-05:00

Jorje's interior design work is to die for, but it's branding was outdated. To refresh and unify the stationary, we introduced a vibrant pattern motif and pops of color. An all-new image-driven website lets the work shine.

put a fork in it

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-05-01T13:51:00-05:00

Music of the Baroque's annual gala is a feast for the senses. So for the invitation, what better way to celebrate both food and music than with a series of tasty graphics?

honor roll

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-04-27T13:37:00-05:00

We're pleased to be counted once more among Graphis' international review of the top 100 Annual Reports. Spanning categories, our 2010 print piece for Adler School and our 2009 website for The Joyce Foundation both received honors. Also be sure to check out the most recent Graphis Poster Annual, which features our 2011 Joyce Awards Call for Entries.

joyce awards 10th anniversary

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-04-26T13:21:00-05:00

Since 2003, the Joyce Awards have distributed $1.8 million to support the commissioning of new artwork from artists of color in the Midwest. After 10 successful years, the Awards are changing the way communities interact with art again, widening the applicant pool to any nonprofit organization. KAD has developed the Joyce Awards communications since its inception, and we're pleased to help mark this milestone. Our 2013 Call for Entries reflects the new character of the program.

little ones

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-04-02T09:50:00-05:00

Susan Sorano's portrait photography is all about the precious babies and toddlers in our lives. So we rebranded her business as Pumpkins & Peanuts, with a fresh new website and business cards.

the french are coming

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-03-26T08:30:00-05:00

The Paris Opera Ballet's U.S. debut at the Harris Theater is the premier cultural event of 2012. To elevate the invitation to the not-to-be-missed gala opening performance, we customized it with a die-cut format and a special metallic ink. See more work promoting Harris Theater's historic season.

we care

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-03-12T21:18:00-05:00

Chicago Family Health Center provides quality health and wellness programs to more than 26,000 medically underserved patients throughout Chicagoland, improving the health of individuals and strengthening communities. This Annual Report provides a simple, direct overview of the organization and thanks donors for enabling CFHC to continue expanding and improving their services.

look out nyc

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-01-27T16:46:00-05:00

Today we bid a fond farewell to our designer Staci Whinfield. We wish her the best of luck in the Big Apple, and hope she'll continue to channel KAD in her design work as well as in her outfits.

leap year

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-01-17T17:10:00-05:00

Lead. Excel. Achieve. Perform. UHC and its membership are committed to these goals. LEAP also relates the story of dramatic changes in the healthcare industry, and significant organizational repositioning. The report represents a critical juncture in UHC's comprehensive and ongoing rebrand.

show them you care

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-01-16T16:30:00-05:00

Harris Theater's Access Tickets program supplies more than 1,000 complimentary tickets each season to deserving children and families. A previous annual fund piece helped provide for an expansion in the reach of the program, and this year's will continue to ensure that underserved, disabled and ill children—as well as those in military families–will continue to enjoy the magic of music and dance.

nation's best

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-01-13T14:30:00-05:00

Our narrative report and website Teacher Quality: What You Need to Know was recognized as one of the nation's best communications in the most recent PRINT magazine design annual. These materials have proved to be an effective tool for the Joyce Foundation in advancing national education policy.

a gift that keeps on giving

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2012-01-11T08:31:00-05:00

We were delighted to receive this beautiful thank you card from the "Letters to Santa" kids. Happy new year!

letters to santa

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-12-23T14:30:00-05:00

This year, instead of creating a traditional holiday promo, we decided to lend Santa a hand. The KAD elves saw to it that dozens of deserving children received presents this year through the Sun-Times "Letters to Santa" Program.

miracles can happen

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-12-22T17:55:00-05:00

Envision offers therapy, programs of rehabilitation and support, early intervention, assistive technology, and work opportunities to 1,500 developmentally disabled children and adults each year. In this fundraising appeal, KAD tells the story of one individual who has the desire, the will, and the ability deep within himself to succeed at the impossible.

opportunity knocks

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-12-22T17:00:00-05:00

We're thrilled to welcome Chicago Family Health Center to our coterie of healthcare clients. The Center is in fact a network of five community health centers on the south side of Chicago, offering medical, dental and behavioral services to 26,000 patients. This annual fund piece asks donors to enable the Center to continue to provide care to those who need it most.

fearless

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-12-20T09:30:00-05:00

Birnbaum, Haddon, Gelfman & Arnoux, LLC are not your typical attorneys, so they required a not-so-typical way to announce their new firm. KAD crafted an announcement for them that left an impression on their buttoned-up colleagues.

in the neighborhood

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-12-16T08:15:00-05:00

In 2009 we worked with ZNI to launch an initiative to revitalize struggling communities in Milwaukee. Layton Boulevard West is the latest neighborhood to participate in comprehensive quality of life planning, that will set it on track for a brighter future. Layton encompasses the iconic Mitchell Park Conservatory Domes, Miller Park stadium, as well as the Menomonee Valley, where 300 acres of brownfields have been restored to job-creating productive use. View the plan here.

game on

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-12-15T09:10:00-05:00

Paula Kaplan Berger has over 30 years experience in legally representing clients buying, selling, leasing, financing and constructing commercial real estate. She knows all the in-and-outs of the real-estate game, so KAD created a business card that reflects it.

It's been a good year

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-12-14T09:15:00-05:00

Despite a challenging economy, it's been a good year for Adler School of Professional Psychology. Meeting ambitious goals. Preparing greater numbers of future practitioners. Building new support, and being nationally recognized for advocacy. And a good year not just for themselves alone, but for all: Adler's social programs go beyond the school, profoundly impacting the community at large. KAD's Annual Report tells the story of the year's many notable successes.

take note

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-12-13T08:45:00-05:00

KAD has long nurtured a fruitful partnership with Music of the Baroque, and this season is no exception. We oversee a wide variety of their promotional materials, in print as well as on online. Not to mention a celebratory invitation for their 40th anniversary gala. While the music is from another era, we convey an experience that is thoroughly exciting and modern. See more of our work for art lovers.

the fun in fundraising

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-12-12T08:59:00-05:00

Friends of Lincoln hosts a popular annual fundraiser for Lincoln School. To give participants a better sense of the impact of their donations, we created a save-the-date that's easy to read and conveniently sized to keep in one's wallet for reference.

we are one

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-12-09T09:10:00-05:00

Heartland Alliance hosts a truly remarkable array of services to support the world's most needy: housing, healthcare, legal services and more. KAD took the lead in transitioning their traditional Annual Report to a digital platform. The new online format allows visitors to scan the wide breadth of what they do, while never losing sight of the unifying ethos that drives the organization.

exporting health

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-12-08T12:55:00-05:00

UHC is partnering with the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce to found a trade association focused on increasing global visibility of U.S. hospitals. KAD developed an identity that will help the association serve as "the face of American health care internationally".

oh la la

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-10-21T10:55:00-05:00

Harris Theater's "Presents" series is hosting a truly epic season. In addition to the world-class music and dance performance that are par for the course in their program, Harris will be hosting Paris Opera Ballet's touring debut in the United States. So KAD upped the ante for their season materials, including this direct mail brochure that successfully drove subscriptions. Keep a lookout for new posters and banners in the Theater and around downtown.

eye scream

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-10-19T16:30:00-05:00

Lincoln Elementary's summer reading program aims to inspire a love of reading in students, as well as raise funds to support programs in areas such as art, technology, and music. KAD branded the new program and developed supporting materials. Stationary and brochures inform parents, and bookmarks, posters, stickers and buttons motivate kids. The program was adopted with enthusiam, and funds raised exceeded expectations.

this is huge

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-10-18T09:08:00-05:00

Sometimes it's the tiniest things that mean the most. So we knew mom's expectations would be high when we set out to promote Northwest Community Hospital's new maternity facilities, which include the latest ammenities alongside the latest technology. The highlight is their Level III NICU. Traditional advertising and print materials supplement NCH Baby, a hyper-local community of moms and moms-to-be on facebook, twitter, and (delivering soon) a blog.

a new course

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-10-17T09:45:00-05:00

Formerly Renaissance Schools Fund, New Schools for Chicago has raised more than $50 million and started 70 new schools since 2004. This progress report launches their new name, identity, and newly refined mission: to radically improve outcomes for children by charting a new course in public education.

wig out

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-10-14T15:05:00-05:00

Can you spot the real Kym? In honor of her birthday, the office gets wiggy with it.

the power of collaboration

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-10-13T09:17:00-05:00

UHC is an alliance of academic medical centers and their affiliated hospitals. Its mission is to create knowledge, foster collaboration, and promote change to help members attain national leadership in health care by achieving excellence in quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. This year the organization made some big leaps, both strategically, and physically, by moving their space to a new, dynamic, downtown office. To mark this shift, KAD ushered UHC through a complete rebranding, updating their identity, editorial voice, print collateral, signage, website, as well as a suite of promotions for their annual meeting.

get smart

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-10-12T12:05:00-05:00

Whether you use the internet to look for a job, pay bills, or simply reconnect with an old friend, the answer is online. However, digital literacy is not universal, so the Smart Communites program is bringing computer training to five moderate- and low-income communities around Chicago. KAD developed a comprehensive campaign to spread the word, including outdoor advertising, brochures and postcards. The campaign speaks from the voices of local residents, encouraging each other to improve themselves and their neighborhoods.

konnichiwa

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-10-12T11:15:00-05:00

Published by PIE BOOKS in Japan, Corporate Brochure Designs catalogs the world's latest outstanding brochures and annual reports by industry. KAD's work snagged the spotlight in the Education section, with publications for Chicago-Kent College of Law, Chicago Public Schools, New Schools for Chicago, The Harris School, and Adler School of Professional Psychology. See more of our work in education.

good dog

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-02-08T17:05:00-05:00

The Better Government Association works for integrity, transparency, and accountability in government by exposing corruption and inefficiency; advocating effective public policy; and engaging the electorate. The organization (and their logo) has evolved many times since 1920's, and KAD was pleased to work with them to refresh their identity for a new phase of reform efforts. Their main logotype highlights their goal of "shining a light on government", while their traditional bulldog mascot represents their Citizen Watchdog Training Unit.

getting promoted

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-02-08T16:50:00-05:00

KAD supports Adler School's communications strategy on many fronts, including print, environmental graphics and online. But we always come back to Adler's core value of Social Responsibility. When we posed the question "What does social responsibility look like?", it became the central theme of their 2009 Report, currently featured in HOW magazine's Promotion Design Annual.

lights. camera. action.

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-02-08T15:58:00-05:00

There is no better way to tell the story of Facing History and Ourselves than through the voices of students, parents and teachers whose lives have been touched. KAD had the pleasure of collaborating with Facing History once again on their 2010 annual report featuring the student directed videos from Nature Coast Technical High School in Brooksville, Florida. Visit the annual report to watch the videos.

creative juice

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-02-03T10:06:00-05:00

Funded by the Joyce Foundation, the Joyce Awards supports the creation and production of new works by artist of color in dance, music, theater, and visual arts. This year's call for entries highlights the "fresh," cutting-edge ideas fostered by the Awards. See posters from past years here and here. Learn more about the 2011 winning artists here.

how it works

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-01-25T08:20:00-05:00

Adler School continues the groundbreaking work of Alfred Adler, who laid the foundation for community psychology. How does this work? The school fosters innovative ideas, challenges its students, and makes a practical, on-the-ground commitment to creating healthier communities. See the full report.

gdusa

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-01-24T15:53:00-05:00

KAD is a recurring theme within the pages of Graphic Design USA's latest American Graphic Design Awards. Featured projects include a web annual for Facing History, Quality of Life Plans for Milwaukee's Zilber Neighborhood Initiative, as well our own website: kad.com.

how-to-harris

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-01-20T17:00:00-05:00

The Harris Theater collaborates with Chicago arts organizations by providing resident companies with subsidized rental, technical expertise and marketing support. This toolkit binder contains step-by-step information on what Harris offers and how renters can make the most of their performance. KAD also worked with Harris to promote their artists to an external audience through direct mail postcards and outdoor advertising.

lürzer's archive

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-01-17T11:01:00-05:00

KAD was recently honored by Lürzer's as one of the "200 Best" in worldwide packaging design. The magazine's special compilation featured our work for Vitula's Pickles, which has also received mention in Form magazine, and Die Gestalten Verlag's Boxed and Labelled.

kindermusik.com

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-01-13T09:02:00-05:00

KAD's long been a fan of Kindermusik's research-based music curricula for young children. So we were pleased to help tell their story and build an emotional connection with parents on the new kindermusik.com. Coming soon: a restructured portal for teacher recruitment.

if walls could talk

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2011-01-12T08:38:00-05:00

Adler School challenged KAD to create "a space as innovative as we are" in their new downtown campus. We developed a graphics program that supports a collaborative, immersive learning environment and reflects the school's long-standing dedication to social responsibility. See more of the environmental graphics.

get carded

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-12-23T09:22:00-05:00

Wishing one and all a happy, healthy 2011. Keep on eye on your mail for holiday greetings from KAD.

archive 2010

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-11-05T09:34:00-05:00

The Society of Typographic Arts has inducted a selection of KAD's work into The Chicago Design Archive, including annual report websites for the Joyce Foundation and Facing History, our site: kad.com, and our 2009 holiday cards. The Archive, updated annually, provides a permanent, online record of excellent design created by Chicago professionals from 1927 to the present. View KAD's past archived projects.

teacher quality

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-11-05T09:06:00-05:00

KAD partnered with the Joyce Foundation to release Teacher Quality: What You Need to Know, a narrative, guidebook, and website for improving the performance of our nation’s school teachers. Aimed at parents, community leaders, school administrators, and policy makers, the materials illustrate the story of two teachers: one who receives the right support to help her students succeed and one who does not. The publication also includes a ‘how-to’ section, outlining ways to take action. The stories have sparked discussion amongst policymakers across the country, as featured this week on WBEZ's Eight Forty-Eight program. Listen to John Luczak, education program manager at Joyce, discuss the initiative.

help wanted

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-09-23T17:00:00-05:00

Now accepting portfolios for the position of Graphic Designer. 3–5 years experience preferred. Experience in design for web is a plus. Please email a resume and samples (as attachment or link) to nancyr@kad.com. Include "blog listing" in the subject line.

erikson matters

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-09-22T09:57:00-05:00

This brochure illuminates the ways Erikson Institute positively impacts the lives of nearly 4,000,000 children every year. For KAD, telling their story is a natural extension our branding work for the institute. See the full brochure here.

smithsonian posters

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-09-16T08:33:00-05:00

KAD partnered with the Smithsonian Institute to create a series of posters for Facing History's Choosing to Participate initiative. The exhibit aims to encourage dialogue, engagement, respect and participation in our communities. The posters struck a chord with Facing History's Facebook community of educators, who snapped up 3,000 free copies in a matter of hours. See more of our work for Facing History in print and online.

gesundheit

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-08-23T16:54:00-05:00

KAD has designed magazines for a wide range of audiences, so we were thrilled to have the opportunity to revamp Adler School's alumni magazine: Gemeinschaftsgefuhl. The name means "community engagement", and it relates the innovative work being done by Adler psychologists to improve the health and well-being of societies across the globe. Check out the premier issue.

instant message

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-08-20T14:06:00-05:00

Chicago Public School's Technology Magnet Cluster Program aims to prepare students for the 21st century workforce by providing access to new media. KAD's report describes their progress towards increasing technological literacy, student engagement and academic achievement in five underserved Chicago neighborhoods. Click here to see more of our work for CPS.

the main event

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-08-19T10:08:00-05:00

HFMA, the leading membership organization for healthcare finance professionals, launched the MAP initiative at their recent annual conference to give members the tools to Measure performance, Apply strategies, and Perform to the highest standards. KAD branded the initiative and created a suite of print and environmental promotions to spread the word throughout the conference.

in good company

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-08-18T15:32:00-05:00

KAD hobnobbed with other notable firms in AIGA's Snapshot, a regional yearbook of design. Our campaign brochure, Meet Emma, for The Illinois Maternal & Child Health Coalition was featured, along with annual reports for The Joyce Foundation, and The Adler School of Psychology.

go for the gold

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-08-17T08:38:00-05:00

We're proud to announce that our 2008 Annual Report for the Joyce Foundation, Taking Root, has been honored with "gold" status in the Graphis Design Annual 2011. A website works in conjunction with a print piece to convey the story of Joyce's cross-program success. See the full report here.

grammar lesson

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-08-16T08:23:00-05:00

Chicago Grammar School needed an admissions viewbook describing their unique elementary-level programming. We couldn't help but get involved: Kym's sons Ben and Ari are CGS students. See more of our work for educators.

as bean on tv

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-07-22T17:52:00-05:00

Our client BeanSprouts Café recently promoted their recipes on ABC News in Chicago and New York. Check out the identity and branding we created for this kid-friendly restaurant. Located in Middleton Wisconsin, the café is expanding to the Madison Children's Museum.

now we're cooking

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-07-13T09:32:00-05:00

Our work for Women Employed and Chicago Public Schools had just the right ingredients for inclusion in The Designer's Graphic Stew. This Rockport publication serves up a compendium of key components to great design.

america works

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-07-12T08:44:00-05:00

Nearly 300,000 men and women come home from service each year. What's next for them? Our report, Coming Home, for America Works describes the organization's efforts to reduce poverty and homelessness among veterans, by helping them find and keep jobs. The piece acts as a companion to our report, Reducing Crime, which detailed AW's progress on employment for ex-offenders.

form and function

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-07-07T20:15:00-05:00

KAD's work hit the world stage in a recent issue of Form. The German design magazine featured Vitula's Pickles and Beeline in an article on food packaging trends. Check out more identities we've created for memorable brands.

more to celebrate

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-04-23T09:26:00-05:00

To create excitement around the grand opening of Northwest Community Hospital's South Pavilion, KAD implemented a cross-media campaign, including print, web, outdoor, environmental graphics, direct mail, and segway street teams. The South Pavilion is part of a larger commitment by NCH to raise expectations of what a community hospital can be. Technologically advanced, environmentally friendly, and above all, patient-centered, the state-of-the-art pavilion creates a true healing environment.

firearms research

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-04-05T16:57:00-05:00

A new firearms research database, designed by KAD and launched by the Harvard School of Public Health, makes scholarly articles more accessible to reporters, law enforcement, public health officials, policymakers, and the general public. The Firearms Research Digest provides summaries of articles gathered from social science, criminology, medical and public health journals and is written in clear, accessible language for use by those outside academia.

stop the presses

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-02-24T09:35:00-05:00

More and more we are seeing online annual reports emerging as a popular alternative to the traditional 80pp, 5/5 print run. Companies are looking for more ways to reduce cost and waste in producing these books and moving to an interactive space does just that. For their 2009 annual report Facing History and Ourselves made this very leap and we could not be more excited about the outcome. Click here to view the Facing History 2009 interactive annual report.

and check out the mustache

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-02-18T22:00:00-05:00

One of our clients, Peter Cove of America Works, showed up on the Colbert Report a couple of weeks ago. Cove, who boasts that his organization has helped more than 175,000 hard-to-place people get jobs, fielded audience questions about finding a job in hard times (including a hard question from host Stephen Colbert about how many workers it takes to groom Cove’s mustache). We helped Cove tell the America Works story back in 2002. He’s come back for our help on another project, due out this spring. Stay tuned.

white space

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-02-11T13:08:00-05:00

Things are heating up at KAD. Working on projects for Erikson, Harris Theater, Music of the Baroque, Delta Institute and Northwest Community Hospital. And Adler School brochure hot off the press!!

getting a little buzz

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-02-01T08:58:00-05:00

Sometimes it may seem that great design is born in moments of divine intervention. But behind every effective design is an effective process. Our identity work for Beeline, as recently published in Design Evolution, Theory Into Practice, demonstrates our analytical approach.

best of class

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-01-15T17:08:00-05:00

Our work for Renaissance Schools Fund has been selected for inclusion in Graphis 100BestAnnualReports2010. This publication, which presents a review of the 100 best annual reports from the past year, places us in the company of high-achieving designers from across globe. Click here to view the full report.

20x20 in 2010

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-01-09T10:42:00-05:00

We are thrilled to announce that Melissa, one of our senior designers, will be speaking at the AIGA Charlotte’s member’s meeting in March. In a PechaKucha 20x20 presentation format the event will be a celebration of Charlotte’s vibrant design community and an arena to showcase the superb creativity of AIGA Charlotte’s members. PechaKucha Night was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. It has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in hundreds of cities around the world, inspiring creatives worldwide. Read more about PechaKucha here.

Image pulled from PechaKucha, Brussels

the dieline

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2010-01-04T15:01:00-05:00

Our packaging for Beeline and Vitulah's Pickles have been featured on the dieline. The Dieline is dedicated to the progress of the package design industry and its practitioners, students and enthusiasts. Its purpose is to define and promote the world’s best examples of packaging, and provide a place where the package design community can review, critique and stay informed of the latest industry trends and design projects being created in the field.

share the joy

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2009-12-18T15:23:00-05:00

The Harris Theater partners with 17 health and human services organizations including those serving underserved children, families coping with disabilities and life-threatening illnesses, and families of those in the U.S. Armed Forces to provide complimentary tickets to family enrichment programs and performances. Since its inception, the program has provided over 500 tickets to our partnering organizations. Our goal this season is to extend our reach and serve over 1,000 children and their families.

america works

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2009-12-18T15:12:00-05:00

We are please to report that Graphic Design Referenced (a visual guide to the language applications and history of graphic design) is featuring America Works in their “New Classics” section under the Scala typeface. American Works asked us to communicate a piece that puts the issue of employment for returning offenders on the public policy agenda. Click here to download the America Works brochure.

Image supplied from UnderConsideration

the joyce awards

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2009-12-18T15:03:00-05:00

It seems like it was just yesterday that we designed the first Joyce Awards call for entry poster in 2004 and here we are now designing the poster for 2011. Funded by the Joyce Foundation, the Joyce Awards support projects that advance the creation and production of new works by artist of color in dance, music, theater, and visual arts. As it is second nature to us we are strong supporters of the arts and look forward to this project every year. Click here to check out more of our work that supports the arts.

happy new year

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2009-12-13T21:53:00-05:00

It has been a busy year here at KAD but we always make time to thank our clients in the best way we know how–with design. For our holiday promotion this year, we sent out a box set of greeting cards good for a year’s worth of celebrations. If for some reason you did not receive your box, contact us and we will send one to you–just to make you happy.

new work: adler annual report

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2009-12-13T21:50:00-05:00

Adler School of Professional Psychology is the oldest independent graduate school of psychology in North America with a focus on social responsibility in all its curricula and initiatives. Our team collaborated on the editorial approach and design of their annual to spotlight their unique commitment. Click here to view the full report.

boxed and labelled

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2009-12-13T21:40:00-05:00

We were delighted when asked to submit a few of our latest packing designs to Die Gestalten Verlag (an international publisher of books and other media on art, design and visual culture based in Berlin, Germany). A few months later when receiving the book in the mail we were even more delighted to find that two of our entries made the cut–Beeline Honey and Vitula’s Pickles.

Vitula's Pickles
This secret recipe was handed down through generations from great Auntie Vitula. Vitula's special touch was to add grape leaves from her very own backyard to each hand assembled jar of pickles. Today the pickles are hand picked each season, along the lakeside of Michigan. Each jar is still carefully hand packed, and shipped to a select group of family, friends, and customers."

Beeline Honey
North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN) is a nonprofit organization that creates innovative employment initiatives in a distressed Chicago neighborhood. It was developing a line of honey products to provide training and jobs for ex-offenders, and asked Kym Abrams Design to help with naming and branding. The new line was intended to launch in upscale farmers’ markets, and, once established, move into grocery stores."

Boxed and Labelled is a comprehensive overview of the most intelligent, innovative, playful and attractive examples of current packaging design. Thank you Die Gestalten Verlag for thinking of us in your search

new work: new communities

Kym Abrams — 2009-12-10T13:18:00-05:00

In 2008, the Zilber Family Foundation announced a $50 million dollar commitment to revitalize Milwaukee neighborhoods (creating the Zilber Neighborhood Initiative). Residents, educators, business owners and non profit leaders came together to envision the future of their communities. Our team was given the job of branding the initiative with design of an identity, website and quality of life plans. We coordinated the effort, managing to deliver final print and video in a compressed timeframe for the media launch in fall 09. (pictured here) Click here to read the full quality of life plans.

it works

Kym Abrams — 2009-12-10T09:55:00-05:00

Recently we had the opportunity to collaborate with Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation for the design of their ten year report. An amazing process of illustrating their story to highlight projects that will improve energy efficiency, develop renewable energy resources and preserve and enhance natural areas. In collaborating with Mary O’Connell (writer) and Charlie Simokaitis (photographer) this report really showcases ILCE’s accomplishments and a leaves you with a true understanding of how it works. Click here to view the full report.

new work: sector 3 identity

Kym Abrams — 2009-12-08T13:49:00-05:00

Sector 3 consults with foundations and non-profits in developing strategies to improve the environment. More of our identity work can be viewed here.

the emma report

http://www.kymabrams.06.thirdwavellc.com/ — 2009-12-08T13:24:00-05:00

More than 1,300 infant deaths occur every year in Illinois--many before their first birthday. The Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition gave us the challenge of communicating their recommendations to lawmakers to prevent even more loss. Click here to view the full report.