Portfolio
Monogram Appliances
- 2023
- Packaging Design
- Photography
- Art Direction
Challenge
The Designer Collection by Monogram, in collaboration with renowned interior designer Richard T. Anuskiewicz and Keeler Brass Company, required a luxurious and cohesive packaging solution. The packaging kit needed to accommodate various components, including different box and label sizes, enveloped kits housing tri-folded instruction sheets, care cards, gloves, microfiber cloths, and installation tools. Each element had to work seamlessly together to create a unified and elegant presentation.
Approach
To address the complexities of designing boxes with varying sizes while maintaining budget constraints, I focused on prototyping and testing to achieve as much universal sizing as possible within reasonable tolerances. For the co-branding aspect, I opted for a minimalist design to ensure a sophisticated look. This approach proved advantageous as the packaging underwent multiple iterations due to legal constraints, allowing us to adapt without compromising on the overall aesthetic and functionality.
The Designer Collection
The Designer Collection is a luxury line of appliances by Monogram, created in collaboration with interior designer Richard T. Anuskiewicz and Keeler Brass Company. This collection features customized aftermarket Brass and Titanium finishes for hoods, refrigerator panels, knobs, and handles for ranges and column fridges.
As the creative lead at Keeler Brass Company, I worked closely with Richard and the Monogram team to develop a luxury custom packaging kit and experience that complemented both brands. I led the design of the packaging, ensuring it matched the high-end aesthetic of Monogram and Keeler Brass Company.
Additionally, I sourced premium materials and components to meet our quality standards, managed the quoting process to balance budget constraints with exceptional quality, and conducted rigorous testing to ensure the packaging protected the products while maintaining its luxurious appearance. Throughout the project, I collaborated closely with vendors and internal teams to resolve any issues and ensure a smooth production process.
This project involved multiple complex components, and I was deeply involved in almost every visual aspect, showcasing my ability to manage and execute high-stakes, high-quality projects.
Unique Details
Richard brought many innovative ideas to the packaging design. One standout suggestion was a hanger tag to be draped around the appliance bar after installation. This tag would be personally signed by the installer as a mark of approval for the quality of both the hardware and the installation process.
The hanger tag also served a practical purpose, featuring QR codes that linked to online installation instructions and care cards. This ensured that customers had easy access to essential information, enhancing the overall user experience.
Beauty Photos
While working on the inaugural Keeler Brass Company lookbook and simultaneously launching the Monogram Designer Collection, I was responsible for filling its pages with captivating product photography.
To achieve this, I collaborated closely with Richard, the Monogram team, and our internal product designers to fully grasp the inspirations behind the design. One notable detail I focused on was the metal inset bar seamlessly integrated into the leather. Initially hidden on the underbelly of the bar, this feature was later flipped around to be showcased prominently up top after seeing the exceptional craftsmanship and precision in the assemblage.
My goal was to highlight this and other intricate details, including faux screw elements inspired by Cartier’s iconic “Love” bracelets and the radial patterns on the ends of each bar, reminiscent of Rolex watches.
Photo Editing
To support the launch of the Designer Collection and assist Monogram’s post-production team, I stepped in to edit their photography, ensuring we met critical print deadlines for our lookbook. At the time, Generative AI was not yet available in Photoshop, so I meticulously completed the backsplash tile behind the range hood, filled the windows with a background that matched the existing lighting, and digitally tailored the clothing at Richard's request. My attention to detail ensured the final images were polished and cohesive, aligning with the high standards of both brands.