Branding, Art Direction, Print Design, Digital Design, Social Media, Illustration, Apparel and Marketing Collateral

Taking over the art direction for Hawai‘i Foodbank, I sought to evolve the way the organization appeared in the community. We launched a complete brand refresh with more focused visuals, language and tone to better reflect Hawai‘i Foodbank’s mission and commitment to the community.

Creating a new look that represented all facets of Hawai‘i Foodbank’s mission was a deliberate, thoughtful process. First, I added a horizontal version of the iconic Hawai‘i Foodbank mark. The lateral orientation provides more versatility while symbolically indicating Hawai‘i Foodbank’s forward movement towards a hunger-free Hawai‘i. I also created a new tagline to more concisely communicate the growth and vitality of Hawai‘i Foodbank’s mission: Nourish Our ‘Ohana.

We carried this progressive tone into all elements of Hawai‘i Foodbank’s color palette, imagery style, typography and language. The new look was reflected in all of Hawai‘i Foodbank’s marketing and general public-facing communication materials. This includes the organization’s website, social media, print and digital marketing materials, publications, vehicles, event collateral, apparel and more. Collectively, the new brand elements and updated materials work together to tell the story of Hawai‘i Foodbank in a way that is fresh, bold, bright and hopeful.

Hawai‘i Foodbank has received multiple awards for its branded materials since its refresh launched in 2018-2019 including the following:

Koa Anvil Awards – Public Relations Society of America
• Food Drive Day Campaign – Integrated Communications, 2025
• The State of Food Insecurity in Hawai‘i – Public Service, 2025

Koa Hammer Awards – Public Relations Society of America
• Beyond the Shelf: 2024 Annual Report – Annual Reports, 2025
• Beyond the Shelf: 2023 Annual Report – Annual Reports, 2024
• Nourish Our ‘Ohana Newsletter – Newsletters, 2024

MarCom Awards – Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals
• Beyond the Shelf: 2022 Annual Report – Publication, 2023
• Beyond the Shelf: 2022 Annual Report – Creativity and Design, 2023
• ‘Iniki Remembered – Featured Article, 2023
• ‘Iniki Remembered – Brand Journalism, 2023
• Nourish Our ‘Ohana Newsletter – Publication, 2023
• Nourish Our ‘Ohana Newsletter – Creativity and Design, 2023

Pele Awards – American Advertising Federation Hawai‘i
• Farm to Foodbank – Color Photography, 2021
• Farm to Foodbank – Photography Campaign, 2021
• Food Drive Day T-shirt – Illustration, 2021
• HawaiiFoodbank.org – Website Design, 2021

Integrated Communications Strategy, Multichannel Marketing, Art Direction, Content Creation, Print Design, Digital Design, Web Development, Social Media, Illustration, Copywriting, Copy Editing and Marketing Collateral

Food Drive Day is Hawai‘i Foodbank’s largest and most highly-anticipated community engagement event. Each year, an integrated communications campaign is launched around the event to help raise awareness about hunger in Hawai‘i while also rallying support for Hawai‘i Foodbank’s mission. Heading into the 2024 event, Hawai‘i Foodbank aimed to leverage Food Drive Day’s widespread recognition to highlight one of its key communications pillars: health and nutrition. This goal was created in alignment with the organization’s larger strategic plan, and it also factored in primary research on Hawai‘i Foodbank’s public sentiment and brand recognition. Responses from focus groups, interviews and surveys revealed a high level of positive public sentiment and trust; however, some misnomers about the Foodbank prevailed – particularly, many respondents largely associated the Foodbank with non-perishable, canned food items like SPAM and did not make an immediate connection to healthy items like fresh fruits and vegetables. Similarly, many respondents were not aware that typically over one-quarter of the food distributed by Hawai‘i Foodbank is fresh, healthy produce. This research helped shape the goals and objectives of the Food Drive Day campaign – not only to raise awareness about hunger but to, more specifically, raise awareness about Hawai‘i Foodbank’s commitment to being the healthy option for those experiencing food insecurity.  

Working for Hawai‘i Foodbank, I developed a comprehensive integrated campaign to increase brand awareness and exposure of Hawai‘i Foodbank’s role in health and nutrition, as well as a dedicated, multi-channel fundraising appeal. The goal was to increase community engagement around Food Drive Day and generate fundraising revenue dedicated to the purchase of fresh, healthy produce.

Strategies included engagement with Hawai‘i Foodbank sponsors, media partners and ambassadors to broaden reach; influencer marketing with local artist Kamea Hadar, who designed the kalo leaf artwork for the campaign; creation and distribution of a media toolkit to establish consistent, unified messaging across channels and to all audiences and stakeholders; a coordinated earned media campaign including proclamations and certificates, press release, op-ed placement and editorial coverage; and consistent communications across Hawai‘i Foodbank’s owned media channels including social media content, a dedicated landing page, email communications, fundraising appeals, digital display ads and traditional PSA content (e.g., television and radio).

The 2024 Food Drive Day campaign won a 2025 Koa Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America in the category of Integrated Communications.

Integrated Communications Strategy, Multichannel Marketing, Art Direction, Content Creation, Print Design, Digital Design, Web Development, Social Media, Illustration, Copywriting and Copy Editing

Working for Hawai‘i Foodbank, we commissioned and launched The State of Food Insecurity in Hawai‘i. the state’s first in-depth, locally relevant report on food insecurity in nearly a decade. The goal: to develop a more accurate understanding of the crisis and elevate it into the public policy conversation. The report utilized the full U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module — the gold standard in measuring food insecurity in population studies — and surveyed residents across every major island, demographic group and income tier. The results were alarming: nearly 1 in 3 households in Hawai‘i experienced food insecurity in 2023, including nearly 1 in 3 children. Specific findings also revealed disproportionate impacts among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, members of the LGBTQ+ community and young adults enrolled in college.

These data highlighted an urgent communications opportunity: Hawai‘i’s hunger crisis was not being fully understood — and, thus, not fully addressed — by lawmakers, media or the general public.

Using this important data, we developed a fully-integrated campaign aimed at reframing food insecurity as a systemic, urgent issue requiring coordinated response. Objectives included the following: driving awareness of the report findings and food insecurity's scale and impact; establishing Hawai‘i Foodbank as the leading voice and data authority on food insecurity; and mobilizing support from community members, donors, businesses and policymakers.

Strategies included a coordinated media campaign consisting of a virtual statewide press conference, press release, op-ed placement and editorial coverage; consistent communications across Hawai‘i Foodbank’s owned media channels including a website landing page, social media content, blog articles, e-newsletters and stakeholder briefings; and the creation and distribution of a full report, executive summary, infographics, presentation decks and FAQs.

The The State of Food Insecurity in Hawai‘i campaign won a 2025 Koa Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America in the category of Public Service.

Branding, Art Direction, Content Creation, Web Design, Web Development, Photography, Video Production, Copywriting and Copy Editing

Working for Hawai‘i Foodbank, I implemented a complete digital refresh of the organization’s website and online presence. It was important to revitalize the look while still paying homage to Hawai‘i Foodbank’s longstanding history as Hawai‘i’s leading hunger-relief organization. The bright, clean design aims to communicate the virtue of Hawai‘i Foodbank’s mission and work.

Strong content development, visual engagement and user-friendly functionality were integral components of the website’s development — as Hawai‘i Foodbank appeals to a broad range of audiences including recipients, donors, volunteers, food partner agencies, community supporters and a variety of other stakeholders. Accordingly, the website was designed to become the digital hub that connects all of the organization’s channels, platforms and constituents.

The website incorporates many custom-designed elements tailored to the unique needs of Hawai‘i Foodbank. These include donor resources, volunteer registration, an emergency food assistance finder, food partner agency portal, blog integration and more.

The website won a 2021 Pele Award from the American Advertising Federation for Corporate Social Responsibility in the Online/Interactive category.

Art Direction, Production Management, Content Creation, Print Design, Photography, Copywriting and Copy Editing

Nourish Our ‘Ohana is the official newsletter of Hawai‘i Foodbank. This publication serves to thank the organization’s donors and inform the public about Hawai‘i Foodbank events, volunteer opportunities, community partnerships, important issues surrounding hunger and more.

Working for Hawai‘i Foodbank, I took over the creative evolution of Nourish Our ‘Ohana — managing all aspects of the publication’s design, content and production. We utilized this opportunity to develop a more focused communication strategy for the newsletter, determining that the most authentic method to convey Hawai‘i Foodbank’s mission was through rich storytelling. Each issue was designed to spotlight the generosity of Hawai‘i Foodbank’s supporters while also driving social change and raising awareness about hunger in Hawai‘i.

The newsletter has received multiple awards including a 2024 Koa Hammer Award from the Public Relations Society of America in the category of Newslettery and two 2023 MarCom Awards from the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals as a publication and for its creativity and design.

Photography

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic began to disrupt life for nearly every individual and business in Hawai‘i. The public health crisis brought on many changes to how we all operate daily, and, likewise, Hawai‘i Foodbank was forced to make many adjustments to its food distribution models. One innovative solution was the cultivation of a new partnership with Hawai‘i Farm Bureau. This initiative provided immediate economic support to local farmers while also distributing healthy food products to communities in need.

Working for Hawai‘i Foodbank, I had the opportunity to help document the story of Huang’s Green Leaf Products, which was one of the participating farms. Despite the challenges surrounding COVID-19, the local Wai‘anae farm creatively shifted operations to provide continued sustenance in multiple forms — jobs for their 35 employees and food for Hawai‘i's hungry families. The photographic series was designed to have an editorial feel with careful selection of composition to provide texture, scale and personality.

The campaign was honored with multiple 2021 Pele Awards from the American Advertising Federation for the categories of Color Photography and Photography Campaign.

Branding, Art Direction, Social Media, Illustration and Marketing Collateral

El Cabo Verde asked me to create a new brand that represented the quality and integrity of their restaurant. The goal was to create a clean, recognizable mark that highlighted the restaurant's commitment to great taste and healthy living.

Since the creation of the mark, we have worked together on a variety of other collateral graphics including menus, posters, social media promotion, apparel and more.

Campaign Development, Branding, Art Direction, Print Design, Digital Design, Social Media and Marketing Collateral

The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau and other affiliated partners sought to create an exciting, week-long culinary event across Shreveport-Bossier, La. My approach was to create a clean, uniform style that also shed light on the diverse, flavorful community in the “318.”

318 Restaurant Week materials included print advertisements, digital marketing elements, a microsite and social media. Additionally, I created event collateral such as tabletop tent cards and hanging pole banners.

The campaign won a 2018 ADDY Award from the American Advertising Federation in the category of Integrated Branded Content Campaign.

Campaign Development, Branding, Art Direction, Print Design, Digital Design and Marketing Collateral

Working for the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, the challenge was to create a unique brand for Mardi Gras in Shreveport-Bossier, La. My approach was to create a rustic, carnival style crossed with the family-friendly atmosphere of the area's festivities.

We created the Mardi Gras Gris Gris Guide to Shreveport-Bossier, print advertisements and digital marketing elements. We also created various event collateral including billboards, banners, signage and Mardi Gras beads.

The 2017 Mardi Gras Bash Bead won a 2018 ADDY Award from the American Advertising Federation in the category of Brochure Design Specialty Advertising

View the full guide.

Campaign Development, Branding, Art Direction, Illustration, Print Design, Digital Design and Marketing Collateral

In conjunction with National Travel and Tourism Week, the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau and Shreveport-Bossier Attractions Association set out to create a special branding campaign that raised awareness for local attractions. It became my goal to create a fun, engaging illustration that urged locals to take pride in all there is to see and do in Shreveport-Bossier, La.

Be a Fan of Shreveport-Bossier materials were distributed via print advertisements, digital marketing elements, a microsite and social media. Event collateral was also created including posters, hand-held fans, post-it notes and more.

The campaign artwork won a 2017 ADDY Award from the American Advertising Federation in the category of Illustration.

Art Direction and Print Design

The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau tasked me with creating the area's official guide to festivals and annual events. My solution was to create a theme reminiscent of vintage rock and roll event posters. This was a way to pay homage to the area's rich music history while also celebrating it's current, fun culture.

The 2016 Shreveport-Bossier Festivals and Annual Events Guide won a 2017 ADDY Award from the American Advertising Federation in the category of Brochure Design.

View the full guide.

Art Direction, Print Design, Illustration and Copy Editing

The International Weightlifting Federation gave me the opportunity to edit and design the layout for the International Weightlifting Federation Level Two Coaching Manual. My approach was to create a functional, easy-to-follow design that was also colorful and fresh with international flare.

In addition to layout, project responsibilities also included copy editing and illustration of anatomical and sport-specific diagrams.

Branding

USA Weightlifting gave me the opportunity to create an updated brand identity to reflect a more modern vision. The goal was to create a clean, memorable mark that focused not only on the strength of their current product but also on forging ahead toward the future.

Branding, Print Design, Digital Design and Event Collateral

Working with the International Weightlifting Federation, USA Weightlifting and various local meet organizers, I have had the opportunity to create artwork for a variety of weightlifting events and competitions. For each event, my approach was to create impactful marks and graphic elements that highlighted the unique characteristics of the event and its location.

In addition to branding for each event, other collateral included posters, banners, billboards, signage, credentials and awards.

Branding and Apparel

King of the Platform wanted me to create a visual mark for their Bless the Gym brand. The weathered crown mark was created to symbolize the company's synergistic view on weightlifting, love and life.

Since the mark's inception, we have collaborated on a variety of designs for their Bless the Gym apparel line.

Illustration and Apparel

King of the Platform asked me to create an illustration for their Bless the Gym apparel line based on Kendrick Farris's popular social media hashtag #PancakesForPRs. My intent was to create an illustration that spotlighted Kendrick's jovial personality while also bringing attention to two of his favorite pastimes: smashing pancakes and smashing personal records in weightlifting.

Art Direction and Print Design

During my time at The Forum magazine, I developed valuable experience as a part of the design team for a regularly occurring print publication. I obtained insight into various facets of the publication process including cover design, editorial layout and ad production.

My most memorable designs included the "Claws" cover, which won a 2015 ADDY Award from the American Advertising Federation in the category of Magazine Cover Design, and the "Bonnie and Clyde" cover and accompanying story.