Straight A’s for Kohl’s

Time to hit the books! Our latest effort for Kohl’s Department Stores was their Back-to-School Catalogue, targeted to fashion-conscious teens looking for high marks in style. The 24-page mailer hit mailboxes in early August featuring lifestyle photography and trend-worthy looks that are student (and Mom) approved. The Willoughby team worked closely with our Kohl’s clients to create the overall concept, layouts, copy and oversee the photo shoot for the book.

SPIN! On the Go!

Out and about and craving SPIN!, you wonder, “is there a location near me?” No problema!

This summer, Willoughby and SPIN! joined forces to create an intuitive, HTML-based mobile WAP page. Now you can browse locations and peruse the menu from the comfort of your smartphone. With m.spinpizza.com, you have all the info you need to call in your order and swing by to pick it up on your way home.

Presto! Dinner is served.

Cultivating an Identity

Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture (KCCUA), a locally grown, non-profit that helps people grow and eat produce in city neighborhoods, was recognized throughout KC as a ground breaking organization striving to introduce agricultural living, and was also nationally renowned for influencing new programs and ordinances in urban areas.

Unfortunately, their acronym was not ownable and their mission needed clarity. Based on research, testing and our 30+ years of experience, “Cultivate KC” was born. Representing the cultivation of people, lives, cities, eating and more, the new name, website and other collateral pieces launched in May of this year.

Engaging Entrepreneurs and Start-ups

In September, Kauffman Foundation exhibited at Inc. 500/5000 Conference hosted by Inc. Magazine in Washington D.C. Before heading to our nation's capitol, they reached out to us for help designing and sourcing an engaging tradeshow booth that would stand out against the busy environment. Partnering with award-winning exhibit and environment solution specialists, Renze Displays, we designed a dynamic interactive booth featuring three unique spaces:

• Dear World photography booth
• Interview video booth
• Interactive polling lounge

We Need More

Meet We Need More, a group of young adults hitting the road on a quest for knowledge. Partnering with AIGA Colorado and more than a handful of sponsors and supporters, this group of 10 students from the University of Colorado Boulder loaded up in a van bound for a one month, 10-city tour. Kansas City was the first stop on their journey exploring graphic design. On August 5, the group toured our office, inspired our designers and ate lunch at a little spot we love, SPIN!

Take a look at the experience through their eyes.

WilloBees

Welcome the Newest WilloBee baby

Congratulations to the Stephens family who welcomed baby Rhys into the world on August 8, 2011. Rhys arrived with a full head of dark hair, weighed 8 pounds 1 ounce and measured 21 inches. Jon, Megan, Jet and Gordon are all enjoying their newest family member.

The “Cat’s” Meow

Cat Coquillette officially transitioned from intern-extraordinaire to a full-fledged WilloBee. Her fresh approach to problem solving paired with an eagerness to explore new possibilities in design makes her a valuable addition to our company. She has hit the ground running working on projects for Trabon, Hallmark and KauffmanLABS just to name a few.

Going Ivy League: Business Meets Design

“You don't have to know everything. Ask the people who know.” – Dr. Steven Permut, Yale.

It’s in the pursuit of learning that we sent Zack to Yale School of Management, in partnership with AIGA, for the weeklong intensive, “Business Perspectives for Creative Leaders”. Exploring topics ranging from technological advances to strategic analysis and beyond. Zack reviewed case studies, attended lectures, met guest speakers and collaborated with other senior-level peers in the design industry. We’re putting Zack’s schooling to good use with weekly lunch sessions to share the knowledge.

Fall Intern

Introducing our Graduate Design Intern, Roberto Camacho. Roberto is a recent grad of Avila University. He recently won awards at AIGA’s A7 Awards for The Music Of Louis Armstrong, Pioneers and he received the Juror’s Choice-Student award for redesigning the St. Louis Zoo’s brand identity.