In 2011, Honeysuckle was chosen to, "encouraged us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor." This year's choice, Tangerine Tango is described as,"a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward."

Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute® describes the 2012 choice as, "Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it. Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries thevivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy."

For more information visit the Panton website at http://www.pantone.com/pages/MYP_mypantone/mypInfo.aspx?ca=75&pg=20946

Yep, Shrek Forever After (that's number 4 if you're counting) will hit the big screen on May 21^st. But don't worry, if you need your Shrek fix now take a look at what we've been working on - Shrek Twinkies, CupCakes & 100 Calorie Packs. We think Donkey would be proud.

Shrek Packaging Execution

What's the most important aspect of the project? Well, there's several. Timing is obviously very important and maintaining the production schedule ensures on-time deliveries. However, creating the production art is critical and will make or break the schedule. Producing accurate color is paramount and is both the responsibility of the production artist and the printer. Great communication and experience keep the process moving, often avoiding time-consuming and costly roadblocks that can jeopardize in-store delivery dates.

Here’s an image of the Hostess Shrek CupCakes packaging press proofs with the style guide sitting on top. It takes a sharp and experienced eye to proof, evaluate and provide printer direction to make any necessary adjustments before the final packaging goes into production. The final product, Shrek in the perfect shade of Ogre green (delivered on-time and on-budget).

The project has not gone without controversy or incident. However, from a purely visual perspective, which is greatly intensified the backdrop, it's hard to argue that it’s not an absolutely amazing feat of engineering and design.

Building blocks over the Hoover Dam

For example, if you witnessed Shannon Bahrke win a bronze metal in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics last week you could easily see where we found our inspiration when developing her logo. After watching Shannon's signature back flip on her highlight real several times you can say we were inspired.

Congratulations Shannon!! We, along with the entire nation are so very proud of you. It was an honor to have had the opportunity to work with you and we wish you all the best on and off the mountain.

Shannon Bahrke Logo Inspiration

2009

Full disclosure, yes, this post is a shameless self-promotion where we practically break an arm to pat ourselves on the back. Well kind of. It's also about what we collectively think the real meaning of a design award is.

Traditionally, Lundmark Advertising + Design has not participated in design contest based on the school of thought that our clients and their consumers were the only "judges" that really mattered. In part this is true, however, in part is it not also false? Does the phrase, "you don't know what you don't know" apply here? Could we learn more, become better by sharing our work with a larger group of "judges"?

As a member of the marketing, advertising and design community we have come to the conclusion that we owe it to our clients and ourselves to compare and contrast our work to others. Collectively, we can advance our craft through thoughtful collaboration.

Therefore, for the first time in a long time we gathered a few examples of our work, completed lengthily entry forms and wrote a check to collaborate with our peers. And, we are humbled and excited to report three American Graphic Design Awards from Graphic Design USA. Thanks! As long as we keep winning, we'll keep submitting entries (joking).