doin' good in the world

I absolutely love what I do for a living. I suppose I'm lucky that way. I feel even luckier when I can do what I love and know that I make a difference in the world, even if it's just a small difference.

That's why I'm always thrilled when it's time to design the next issue of the Oregon Humane Society magazine (read more here). Officially a newsletter, this publication is distributed to roughly 27,000 readers and is filled with interesting news and heartbreaking stories that often have a happy ending thanks to OHS.

A sample of the fall issue I designed recently hit my mailbox and I was reminded again of all the great work OHS does around the state. The rescue that hits closest to home is, of course, the one where OHS drove all the way out to Harney County to pick up our little Tucker (a golden retriever mix) along with 125+ other dogs that had been grossly neglected by the owner.

I'm currently working on new illustrations for this year's holiday gift (shh... can't say any more!) and have decided that I will donate a portion of the sale of one particular illustration to the Oregon Humane Society:

Yes, this little cutie pie will do his part to give back to the Oregon Humane Society: $5 of every 8x10 and $7 of every 11x14 matted print will be donated to OHS (who, btw, doesn't receive any federal or state dollars but is supported 100% through private donations).

Want to help, too? You can buy the print here or just email me (alex [at] defteling [dot] com).

corporate communications

Corporate communications don't have to be bland and boring. They're another opportunity to connect with your customers and reinforce your brand.

Case in point: Peterson Sullivan in Seattle recently merged with another accounting firm and wanted to announce this fact to their existing and potential clients. Instead of sending out a standard postcard or invoice stuffer, we took a different route:

This fun yet informative direct mail piece tells the story beautifully. Yes, they merged and here's what it means to you, their customer.

Closely on its heels followed an invitation to an open house – a great way for clients to meet the new partners and staff, as well as a nice way to thank them for past business.

Because the event will be very wine-focused (various tasting stations with food pairings set up throughout the office), we incorporated vineyard elements throughout (the corks on the back become a fun background once inserted into the translucent envelope for mailing) while staying true to the look and feel established in the first mailer.

Next time your organization needs to communicate a message that falls outside the standard realm of advertising, consider a creative twist to make your message memorable.

holiday cards

Every fall I look forward to designing my very favorite project of the year: Defteling Design's client holiday gift! I've already started busily sketching new ideas, and it made me think back with pride and pleasure to last year's project, a weekly day planner (click here for more info).

That, in turn, reminded me that I created a fun illustration for the month of December. Wheels started churning in my head and I decided to reuse that image to create a holiday card.

It's available for purchase here but if you want a more customized look for your business or personal use, feel free to give me a jingle!