Sarah Jane Maki

Mindo Chocolate Sustainable Package Design

client: Mindo Chocolate Makers

This work was produced as a two part project – brand strategy followed by sustainable package design. In the initial phase, I performed research on the social (cultural), economical and environmental aspects of chocolate making, through which I gained an intimate knowledge of the process from farm to table. I also interviewed the client and other stakeholders in an effort to learn as much as I could about their goals, perceived needs, behavior and values.

For the second phase of the project, I created sustainable packaging solutions for Mindo. I reviewed artisan chocolate making, explored the competition and market, looked at potential materials and processes, explored the supply chain of those ideas and finally outlined a solution that encompasses all the data collected.

You will find an overview of the process in the Case Study and detailed documentation in the Full Report.

Apostrophe Brands Identity

client: Apostrophe Brands

Brand identity design – logo and stationary – for a beverage company. The design represents liquid elements without identifying a specific beverage. This was done by creating the illusion of three-dimensional droplets sitting on the paper. The printing was done with six colors – four, plus a metallic, and a gloss varnish on the droplet elements.

Turning Point

client: Turning Point Macomb

When Turning Point, a domestic violence shelter in Macomb County, Michigan, approached me to redesign their website, I used the opportunity to put systems thinking and sustainability principals to work.

I first identified the systems involved; all inputs and outputs of the main and sub-systems. This gave me a good overview of all stakeholders and potential outcomes of the systems.

The next step was to identify the problems with the current system. This involved isolating patterns. What wasn’t working and why?

I identified pattern solutions that truly utilized human-centered design and improved the site use (User Experience) for all stakeholders in the system (users, Turning Point staff, as well as website managers).

Salon Tru Logo and Website

client: Salon Tru

Logo and website concept for an Aveda hair salon.

Little Human Logo

client: Little Human

This logo was designed for a online retail store whose specialty was earth friendly, non-toxic children’s toys.