Wired magazine, the authority of all things tech, has put together an inspiring wish list of the years hottest must-haves. With detailed written descriptions of 100 flashy gadets, the December issue uses these illustrations to accompany the Wired staff’s top picks. Uniform line weights, simplified settings and a one color scheme make these icons eye-catching and a fast read. Taking it one step further, the article’s cover illustration intertwines a select group of favorites, breaking them down into graphic line drawings with pattern work and careful consideration of layout and connectivity.

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As the retail shopping world becomes more and more saturated, the need for clarity and intuition is stronger than ever. This illustration work done for hire under Mono helps brand MyGofer, a new type of online mega store whose icons take a streamlined approach by establishing easily recognized product categories for quick online shopping. In addition, process diagrams walk the consumer through this smooth and ultra-simplified experience.

This energetic travel blog puts online viewers in touch with the Minnesota Orchestra as they tour eight unique European cities. We created this experience using engaging functionality and design. Animated headers mark their latest location, illustrate city scenes and bring together orchestral instruments with a picturesque Europe. Colors inspired by the organizations current brand help organize information and provide a poppiness not typical of the blog format.

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Inspired by this restaurant’s eclectic interior and acclaimed menu, we developed a brand identity for Blackbird that reflects the creative spirit and sensibilities of its owners, Chris and Gale. The logo’s clean lines and serif typography play between the modern and the vintage, building a timeless, iconic mark. The menu’s coated paper stock increases the menu’s resistance to spills while cost-effective printing allows for easy seasonal menu updates. Rich colors are layered with a subtle spot varnish resulting in a casual yet sophisticated look, perfect for this hip neighborhood bistro.

With a grant from the Best Buy Children’s foundation, The Minnesota Opera established Imagine Opera, an educational experience that introduces kids to the artistry, history and excitement of the opera. Large, dramatic custom illustration, sound design and engaging copy not only emphasizes modern relevance over dated stereotypes but also illuminates the theatrical experience and creative energy that exists in all aspects of an opera production. Friendly to both students and educators, the site acts as a learning tool complete with lesson plans, glossary, image gallery and interactive timeline. As an extension to The Minnesota Opera, Imagine Opera carries the brand to a younger audience and inspires a love of opera in a new generation.

The focus of the website redesign for Bastian+Skoog, an urban flower studio, was style. Aesthetically oriented owners Liz Bastian and Heidi Skoog wanted a site that would express their unique business and design perspectives while showcasing their award winning work. This imaginative portfolio experience uses subtle motion and large scalable images as a constant centerpiece in each section. Custom pattern illustrations add a modern playfulness while differentiating the three offered services. An updatable blog is a venue for Bastian and Skoog to share their culture, evolve their brand and anchor their position as purveyors of style while effectively communicating their client work.

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Used in-store and online, these icons act as visual aids for nearly twenty different job descriptions within Target stores and distribution centers. Brand consistency and clarity were key factors in the design. Carefully overlapping shapes create objects that convey the duties and tools for each job description. Modern line weights borrow from Target’s HR branding while the proportions insure a clear read online and in printed materials.

Inspired by a phrase often said by our nephew, Parker, Eli no! uses iconic illustrations to tell the story of one trouble-making dog (our own Eli) and the one word that is never far behind. We paired bold graphics and bright colors with clean, strong typographic layouts to instantly engage audiences of all ages. A call-and response writing style makes this book easy to read and even more fun to shout!

Flashbelt, a creative professional development conference, brings together all kinds of new media leaders, developers, designers and enthusiasts. To showcase the brand’s energetically original aesthetic, we designed a modular identity system (featuring custom illustrations based on retro interpretations of math, science, technology, business and industry) that’s consistent through broadcast, online and print media. For the Flashbelt website, we designed a streamlined, fun and compelling experience that gives users fast and clear information about specific event details such as speakers, workshops, daily event calendars and after-hour parties.

Combining geometric shapes, scientific themes, bright colors and the intrigue of space travel, we represented this interactive agency’s sensibilities as forward thinking, design-powered and tech savvy. Trend and technology-driven illustrations rotate into the background at random, creating a vivid, blog-like personality that offers users a fresh, unique experience with every visit.

The third book in Victionary (tongue-in-cheek) Design for Kids series is an ingenious mix of the art of tattoo and contemporary graphic design. As contributors, we were asked to illustrate a set of custom tattoos and corresponding art incorporating those tattoos. For our part in the collaboration, we modernized classic tattoo elements with crisp lines and bold shapes to evoke feminine strength. To enhance the overall concept, select artwork was reproduced as temporary tattoos included with the book.