Mildly said, 2011 has been an intense year. Like many others, last year had its share of diverse, intriguing happenings: Here in New York we witnessed first-hand events going from Occupy Wall Street to the Tenth Anniversary of 911. The nation got caught up in the trials of Casey Anthony and Conrad Murray and the homecoming of Amanda Knox. Around the world we saw some good, some bad and some ugly: The killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan; A terrible earthquake in Japan; The death of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-il and the lavish wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Everyone mourned the untimely death of Steve Jobs. Many politicians were caught cheating—which unfortunately is nothing new for last year or any year for that matter. And Facebook and Twitter became more ubiquitous than Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber together!
In personal history, 2011 will always be remembered fondly. Despite the global economic recession we managed to keep producing work that we are proud of. We created strong brand identities and powerful, collectable posters. We directed our first stop-motion animation for a leading New York fashion house and created a spectacular costume design using lights and gloves. We lectured in prestigious universities and met tons of curious young design students. We worked with one of the most beautiful voices of the Spanish-language singing world and even attended the magnificent wedding of Alfalfa’s own Mariana Gurrola Pineda all the way in the vibrant heart of ravishing Mexico City!
As many small businesses suffered and had to close their doors, we are proud —and lucky— to still be here! We hope 2012 will bring us much more of what we love: good and smart clients, challenging projects that will make us grow (and pay us well), more appreciation for design, new friends, new collaborators and the opportunity to keep making the idea clear and simple, but the design surprising and beautiful.
Ok, here they are… our favorite, best of the best, crème de la crème, most beloved projects of the year. See you in 2012!
1. Alfalfa Studio Website:
One of our resolutions for 2011 was very ambitious: to launch a redesigned website for the studio.
The new site went up just before the end of the year. It is designed to better communicate our passion for design and to present our expertise and projects in more informative ways.
For its development, we employed the same rigorous process we use for client projects: in-depth research, concept exploration, and faithful adherence to our mission statement (“Make the idea clear and simple, but the design surprising and beautiful”). Our goal was to illustrate our expertise in strategic thinking and our passion for beautiful form-making.
Take a moment to view it and let us know your thoughts.
2. Animation for Kate Spade:
The stylish New York fashion house asked us to salute the rich color of chocolate. In our one-minute stop-motion animation we imagined the secret life of an eclectic salon wall. An enchanted story for October, set to the sweet music of Carla Morrison.
3. Theatre Posters for Amphibian Productions’ 12th Season:
Early in the year, we launched Amphibian 12th Season Poster campaign. A set of six posters which Stephanie Orma from Imprint Magazine wrote: “The outcome of which is mind-blowingly inspired, fresh, original designs that fully capture the essence of their plays…”
4. Branding for Cumbe: Center for African and Diaspora Dance:
Alfalfa Studio created the entire branding for Cumbe, the new home for African and diaspora dance in Brooklyn. A four-month project which included naming, brand identity, website design and development, social media, signage and printed marketing materials.
5. Hands Down Costume Design:
In April, we were part of the biggest night in design: “Bright Lights. The AIGA Awards.” We rocked the runway with our Hands Down, a suit made with more than 1,000 gloves and lights. By popular demand, Hands Down was the best costume winner of the night.
6. Guadalupe Pineda CD:
We had the honor to work with one of Latin America’s most beloved singers, Guadalupe Pineda, on the design and art direction of her latest CD A flor de piel as well as the design of the artist’s logotype.
7. USA Star for Alfalfa New York:
Design legend Tony Di Spigna created a new icon for Alfalfa New York. The USA Star can be described as a sentiment all Americans feel in a time of uncertainty and challenges. Limited edition t-shirts and tote bags are available only at our online store.
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