fresh
stepping back in time…75 years
What could be an innocuous publication—the annual directory of shippers and processors for Idaho Potato Commission—went back in time this year for the 75th anniversary edition. We coupled beautiful farm and field photography with photos portraying a day in the life of growers, shippers, and processors, giving the directory a fresh approach to listings, potato varieties, brands, and Julian dates. Never before has a directory had such…“good taste.”
foerstel cooks up 6-ton potato
If you think you saw a giant potato on wheels trucking down the road this weekend you were not hallucinating! It was real. Well, your vision was real…not the potato. Schofield Design in Weiser, Idaho, did such a great job constructing this radical russet, we have had to convince potato enthusiasts that it’s just a reproduction!
We inspired our client, the Idaho Potato Commission, to let us design, build and promote the world’s largest potato in celebration of their 75th anniversary. Complete with imperfections, bumps and potato eyes, this giant spud started capturing the attention of Idahoans from the moment of its debut at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Bronco Stadium this past Saturday.
At 12,130 lbs (that’s over 6 tons!) and 28-feet long, this spud has drawn huge crowds of people with their cameras since it emerged, literally stopping traffic and generating tons of interest and questions about where it came from and how it was grown! We may well be creating our own potato folklore to be passed down through generations about the largest spud ever grown in Idaho!
Next year the giant potato hits the road, on a custom-designed flatbed trailer, for a tour of the entire country. The traveling tater truck will make its way to the east coast and then back, ending the tour on the west coast, raising money and awareness along the way for Meals on Wheels. We don’t know how they would cook it, but if it was a real potato it would be the largest Meal on Wheels in history!
it’s a blast working with dynamite
- new brand identity
- new packaging and brand architecture
Dynamite has a long history of commitment to providing the highest quality, environmentally sound products for animals, people, and the soil. We were impressed when they came to us with the primary goal of making their packaging more sustainable. It wasn’t easy finding the right solution for the packaging that protected the integrity of the product, fit the shape of the product better, weighed less for shipping, drastically reduced the amount of non-renewable resources being used in the manufacturing and shipping process, and finally, was a recyclable paper material.
Foremost in the new branding, messaging and package design was clear communication about the quality and integrity of this company and their products. In addition to quickly indicating the use of the product to the customer, it also had to convey an all-natural product which is handmade in small batches, and at the same time communicate the cutting-edge science that backed each of the formulations. Not to mention creating a clear differentiation between each of the product lines. It was a big job, but as you can see in the before and after photos, Debbie (the lead designer on the project) and the team did a bang-up job!
The launch was a great success , the new packaging was a hit, and we had a great time working on this project with Dynamite. Yeah, ok……we had a blast!
woodstock revival
Woodstock Farms was introduced over a decade ago to serve as the natural and organic value brand for both natural and conventional supermarkets needing an option in that category. With over 350 products Woodstock has a presence in almost every aisle of the grocery store. Here is an example of their previous packaging:
The branding, messaging and package design had not changed since its introduction. Our goal was to reinvigorate the brand and create a new image that was relevant and resonated with the natural and organic consumer of today–and tomorrow!
Our work included branding, messaging, brand architecture, package design, collateral, web design, brand style guide and market research components. A major consideration that influenced our work on the project was the client’s desire to research and implement sustainable packaging practices whenever possible.
A significant part of the Woodstock product offering is their packaged bulk items. Working with the client we developed a new system of categorizing the various products to help the consumer find the product they are looking for while quickly and clearly communicating its unique benefits.
The new packaging will start rolling out this summer and continue through the second half of the year.
it’s the real thing baby
Stahlbush is a real farm, run by a real family, growing real(ly) good food. The ad we created for them tells the story in a way that reflects their down-to-earth style and their commitment to sustainable practices.
it’s spudtacular!
When your product is spudtacular, your trade show booth should be too. Don Odiorne, aka, Dr. Potato, at the Idaho Potato Commission asked us to come up with a trade show booth like no other, to promote his new video series, Stunt Tater. See all of Stunt’s episodes at spudtacular.com.
you say po-TAY-to, i say po-TOT-o
Dan Quayle says potatoe. Oh well, it’s all good if it’s associated with the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC). Who doesn’t enjoy promoting the biggest commodity of our great state? Spudtacular.com is the latest, greatest promotion dreamed up by IPC’s VP of Foodservice, Don Odiorne (also known as Dr. Potato). Don asked us to provide some items for his next trade show event, promoting Spudtacular.com. Coasters, signs, cards–like I said, it’s all good.
shakespeare takes the stage
This time it is the web stage! We are pleased to present the re-launch of IdahoShakespeare.org.
Complete with a Box Office, Calendar and overall information architecture–and a hot new look–the site has launched for what will be yet another wonderful season of performances.
We are thrilled to contribute to an organization that adds so much color to the cultural community here in Idaho. Check out Bat Boy: The Musical and Midsummer’s Night Dream - both now playing!
On Saturday evening, we celebrated the launch of the site and beginning of the season at Bat Boy (hilarious - a must see!). It was wonderful to be in the Amphitheater again eating good food with great people and enjoying such amazing talents. Other highlights from the night: alpine glow (after weeks of rain here in the high mountain desert) and two eagles soaring overhead throughout the show. A perfect night and wonderful way to celebrate work by our rockin’ web team.
white wall + creative people = results
The modern architecture in our building (aka large white spaces) prompted us to create some modern art of our own. Each of us took home a 16×16-inch canvas and in a month we brought them back together to display who we are collectively. Ralphie, our resident cat, painted her all-black masterpiece with metallic paint, to hold all the paperclips she collects from around the office.
it’s the h-bowl baby
Boise is a sports town. It’s kind of bred into Idaho folks. So, when we found out we were chosen to redesign the logo for our local Humanitarian Bowl we did a little happy dance. A great project for some equally great people.
