Recently, we launched a new website for Great Caterer’s of Iowa, a catering company based in Pleasant Hill, Iowa that specializes in BBQ. When they approached us, their existing site was difficult to navigate and felt as though it had been pieced together instead of thoughtfully designed. We wanted to improve the flow of content throughout the site, as well as create a more visually compelling website design.
We began by condensing the main navigation options and re-organizing the flow of content throughout the site to be more user-friendly. We removed unnecessary content that was cluttering the site, such as weather widgets, a search bar and event specific menus that were more confusing than they were helpful.
Once the site map was worked out, we developed a wireframe that was more suitable to the functionality we were looking for and began thinking about the design. A style was created that blends the formality of the catering company with the friendly, laid-back BBQ cuisine they are best known for serving.
We limited the color palate, focusing on blending formal event catering with casual backyard BBQ. The majority of images on the site were replaced with impressive photography that represents Great Caterer’s style and selection. We kept the interior pages clean and accessible, with text that is easy to read and graphic elements that enhance the user experience.
Overall, we feel that the site better represents the company, while functioning in a way that is easy for users to find the information they need and get in contact.
When the W Scottsdale approached us about adding some visual interest to the front of their hotel at Scottsdale and Camelback, we jumped at the idea of giving a little life to an otherwise dull arrival experience. Their dramatic 2nd floor WET® pool, which can be seen from the street below, had an empty acrylic box just begging for some attention. The W wanted us to embellish this box with imagery that resembled water, movement and the sexy style they are so well known for.
Working with the existing 3-dimensional red W that, strangely enough, seems to be the only red W anywhere in the hotel. We created an illustrative graphic element that captures the essence of the hotel’s water features and wraps all five sides of the acrylic box. Visitors to the W are now welcomed by a serene splash of purple and blue, accented by a pop of red! You can see the dramatic transformation in the before and after pictures above and below.
It was another epic Tuesday this week as 550+ people from around the valley congregated at the Mesa Arts Center for the sixth installment of Ignite Phoenix. The crew did another excellent job organizing and promoting the event (tickets sold out in 27 minutes), and the presenters brought their “A” game to the table, enlightening the crowd and sharing their passions.
Incase you aren’t privvy, we’ve been working our magic on the programs and signage dating back to Ignite Phoenix 3. (Woah. Seriously? Ignite 7 is really on the way?) It’s been a blast to help the brand grow, and even more fun to have creative leeway with the printed pieces. Having free reign isn’t something to take for granted, and for this we’ll be eternally grateful. Check out our most recent program pictured here ==>
Being that we were so (in)kind with our donations, we had the privilege of putting together a 30 second video to be shown at the beginning of the night. After toiling with several ideas for a number of days, we decided it was time to put together a sample of our work that highlighted a handful of favorite projects. If you missed Ignite Phoenix 6, you can check it out here (make sure to turn up your volume).
Now it’s time to get back to work and start dreaming about the next big idea for Ignite Phoenix 7. More good things to come from Splinter Creative… Stay tuned
Between client work and events it’s been a crazy couple months for Splinter Creative. So… I thought I’d check-in and give everyone an update on several things that are beginning or ending in the old project pipeline.
Twestival Local Phoenix turned out to be a huge success and a great time. With help from twitter nation and area businesses, the localized effort was able to raise $9,332 for St. Mary’s Food Bank. This is double what Twestival Phoenix achieved back in February and exceeded the preliminary goal of $7,000. Our hats off to @chrislee, @aussieheather, @jennycarnie, @amandablum and countless others for organizing the event and getting members of the Phoenix community involved. I don’t know what it is, but the fact that a couple hundred people came together and raised enough money to provide over 65,000 meals to the Phoenix community, kinda makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside As always, looking forward to helping out with the next one.
In addition to Twestival, we’ve had some pretty cool client work the past few months. While I don’t have quite enough room to show everything, here’s a few logos I hand picked from the “need to update portfolio” folder. From left to right: Up and coming skateboard company out of northern California (Ladera), a Scottsdale, AZ based law firm (Bar Urness) and a newly launched non-profit organization (Phoenix Innovation Foundation). It was a pleasure working with all three clients on their respective logos, and we look forward to furthering our relationships with them over the coming year.
And last but not least, Splinter has been working with a couple ladies over at Type A Events to help out with the production of event signage for Crave 2009. For those of you unfamiliar with Crave Arizona, it takes place in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale and treats the world’s culinary community to a celebration of food, wine and spirits. According to their site, the event highlights local chefs, artisans, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences found only in Arizona. Splinter Creative is excited to be a part of this great event, and even more excited to attend (wine and food is NEVER a bad thing). For all the juicy details, be sure to visit the website… And if you end up attending, make sure to track me down so we can share a few spirits and a laugh. Cheers!
While there is an infinite amount of greatness happening across the valley, here’s a few events taking place that Splinter will be attending and/or helping out with…
Phoenix Design Week – It’s the inaugural event and it’s happening October 21st – 25th. The week will be filled with exhibits and galleries featuring the work of local graphic artists, interactive and motion designers. Phoenix Design Week kicks off on Friday with the Typophile Film Fest at MadCap Theatres and then moves to the weekend conference at the downtown convention center. The lineup of guest speakers looks amazing and it is sure to be the start of something great. Visit the PhxDW website to purchase tickets and get all the details. The folks here at Splinter are looking forward to checking out the exhibits and taking in some knowledge from the speakers. Should be a great one!
Ignite Phoenix #5 – This pile of awesome was brought to life by a group of folks passionate about lighting a fire under the Phoenix creative community. Gearing up for the 5th installment of Ignite, Splinter is eager to jump in and help out again by providing killer design services along with a few other juicy items. In fact, we’ll be donating enough goods and services that we’ve been offered the opportunity to put together a 30 second spot showcasing who we are and what we do. Hopefully it turns out as awesome as this video by @bwilley and @krysvs from Ignite Phoenix #4.
PodCamp AZ 2009 – Originating in Boston, Massachusetts and heading into its 3rd year, this event takes the original concept of PodCamp and changes it up a bit to meet the needs of Phoenix. Contrary to its name, this event isn’t just about podcasting, it’s about the creation and delivery of new media and how people use the information. Taking place November 14th and 15th at the University of Advancing Technology, this unconference has been coming together over the past several months and is sure to be the different event you’re looking for. And hey, it’s FREE. If you’re interested in sponsoring or attending this new-media focused event, make sure to check out the website for more info. While the event is new media based, we’ll be assisting the crew with some printing and graphic needs as the date nears.
