The most recent in a series of eye-popping, large window displays at
Landor Associates' location in the old Shillito Department store building matches Landor's branding teams with local artists.
Dubbed Smashup Creative, the window installation is the latest project designed to inspire Landor employees through outside collaboration, and offer the outside world a peak into the creative process of branding and design.
"Cincinnati is a hotbed for creativity. We love being part of a community that draws inspiration from one another, and we embrace the opportunity to come together and collaborate," explained Landor Client Manger, Special Projects, Mara McCormick.
The displays are a collaboration of Cincinnati artists and Landor employees who work on well-known brands like Cheer, Sour Patch Kids, Crest and Old Spice. The smashup put a fresh twist on those familiar brands.
"The Old Spice team was paired with local artist and illustrator Keith Neltner. Keith grew up on a farm, and it instilled in him an appreciation for texture, vintage signage, and a hand-crafted feel that shows up in his work today. The Old Spice team got inspired by Keith's raw style, and pulled skull graphics from some of his recent work to infuse into their conceptual packaging idea. They used materials like spray paint and wheat paste to bring the window display to life," McCormick said.
The artists' mediums varied, from musicians to glass blowers, and were chosen based on employee recommendations. The five chosen were Neltner,
Charley Harper, Courttney Cooper,
Higher Level Art, and Neusole Glass Works.
The Landor team used wildlife artist Harper's work and created a new brand Bugaboo, a line of grilling accessories inspired by one of his favorite subjects: the ladybug.
"This gives us the opportunity to actively seek inspiration outside of our cubicles as we did with Smashup Creative, or as we've done with past window installations, look within our own walls to get inspired by our people, the work we do and the many talents we bring to the table. Either way, the window activations are a place for us to share our discoveries and hopefully give people something to think about, talk about or simply enjoy as they pass by," McCormick said.
Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Landor Associates Client Manger, Special Projects Mara McCormick
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