Suspenseful, scary, and a bit twisted, THE RIVER Premiers Feb 7.

We were fortunate to work with Doug, Alana and the incredibly creative team at the new hit Television Series THE RIVER. Focusing on print and monitor images, John Wingard Design worked with the Prop/Art departments to design and produce 2-D props for the first season. This project was fantastic — the many challenges (from hand rendering sketches to Spanish translation) and last-second revisions made for an entirely new design experience. I often found myself creating pretty much whatever I thought was appropriate for the situation. A rarity outside of this industry.

Because we’re unable to show any of the work done so far (sworn to secrecy), you’ll get no clues or sneak peek here. Don’t fret, there is now a ton of info available online. At:  ABC   WIKIPEDIA   IMDB    Oren Peli and executive producer Steven Spielberg present THE RIVER 2-Hour Series Premiere Event Tuesday, February 7 on ABC.

Working with Tokyo–based Toell USA, we produced a few creative explorations for Alpina beverage labels. While outside factors forced Toell to kill the project before it ever saw the light of day, we felt that the direction was smart and ready to draw the kind of attention they were seeking within their industry.

For the second year in a row, we’ve designed the AIA entry for a PQ Architects project. There is really nothing quite like this space in Hawaii right now. The reception area takes advantage of massive ceiling height and has such a solid wow factor. I find myself lingering after meetings because I don’t want to leave their office. Between PQ’s work and JWD’s design, we have a strong showing again this year.

The music industry is huge source of inspiration for most designers, so we jumped at the chance to do the concepting for the new Single and Video Release Party for KIMIE MINER and SLAPP SYMPHONY.  West at Slapp Symphony was looking for something that they “hadn’t seen a hundred times before” and that helped reinforce Kimie’s artistic direction. The initial design concept clicked pretty quickly, and although so many ideas came to life for this, the first solution was approved “as is” with just a few tweaks to the copy.

The Video Premier is at Rumfire and the single Is this love? is available now from iTunes. Support local music and talent in Hawaii.

Sandi at PQ Architects has moved into new digs and kicked off the summer with a traditional Hawaiian blessing and party. JWD is now working on repositioning and updating their brand. We’re continuing to use the current logo, but have shifted the color pallet and moved the layout in a more contemporary direction. While the old brand was strong, the new look highlights a shift in a premium direction for PQ.

JWD provided branding, brand guidelines, identity, event invitations and is currently working on the web presence. 

Kamaka Hawaii will be rolling out a new gift card program with these holders and gift cards. And yes, you have to actually buy them. I like to really focus in on the details with Kamaka’s brand so the design work reflects the top-shelf quality of their product.  •  Fred, Casey and the crew at KAMAKA are always great to do design work with and this project was no exception. It also helps when the thing actually gets printed correctly.

Finished up an email blast and landing page for UBOOST. Now expanding into the higher education/college level market, uBoost provides a system that rewards students with merchandise, donations, virtual mascots and student recognition based on award points. As webmaster extraordinaire Dan Cameron puts it “Think of uBoost as airline miles for education.”

Congratulations to Sandi of PQ ARCHITECTS and Reiko of VENTUS DESIGN for winning the 2010 AIA Honolulu Editor’s Choice Award for their uber-cool Paiko Ridge project. The classic mid-century modernist home graces the cover of Hawaii Home + Remodeling magazine this month and also has a write-up HERE.

I had the pleasure of designing their entry book for the competition and have been working with Sandi on her brand for several years. Ted at Hibiscus Interactive and I put together the PQ website (HERE) back in 2007 and it still looks fresh today.

Last week I was stunned to find out that my good friend, and an amazing musician, Todd Ufkes had been diagnosed with leukemia. Todd has been active in the Kalamazoo music scene for years along with his brother Tommy. In an effort to help Todd and his family, over 20 musicians organized the “Rock for Todd” benefit show with all proceeds going to the family. I was lucky to help out in a small way by designing some tee shirts and an e-flyer for the event.

Music lovers and leukemia haters can show their support by donating. More info at ROCK FOR TODD, MLIVE and FACEBOOK

Sandi from PQ architects asked us to put together the AIA entry for a PQ Architects + Ventus Design project. This space is incredible and has an excellent chance of winning.

A couple pages for the PQ Architects + Ventus Design project.

Had a great time working with Eric Epling of FUEL COMMUNICATIONS and photographer DAVID MURPHEY on a full page newspaper ad. • When I showed up (on time) at the Mililiani location there was no sign of the models, but David and his assistant had been scoping the front of the house while three pit bulls gnashed at the fence. I stepped around the side and found these interesting steps and roof lines about the same time that the family showed up. The way the lines of the architecture converge and “weigh” on the guys shoulders worked out really well. • Eric and I turned this thing around in four business days even though we had to deal with a handful of revisions! Location shots, art direction, revisions, hard copy proofs and final delivery - no problem.

Dr. Dwight Lin’s website is live. Check it out HERE.

Working on a full brand for Physiatrist Dwight Lin, M.D. Identity, brochures, website. Here’s the stuff so far.

2010 Liliha Nuuanu calendar samples came in earlier this week.  It’s always a huge honor to work with the legendary National Geographic Society photographer PAUL CHESLEY. He hosted the launch party and the view from his place looks right out at Tongg’s surf break.