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Blog

Inspiration. Explanation. Thoughts

Cannes Lions Submission Entry Design

I recently had the opportunity to dip my toes into one of the top design competitions in the world, Cannes Lions, by designing a submission entry for a poster that my team at Copper Giants created and submitted. While I’ve experienced the standard “upload your work and write a summary of your entry,” a competition of this magnitude requires the submission form to be meticulously designed.

The work was a poster by Copper Giants that spelled "American" in Mandarin and Korean, aiming to raise awareness about standing with Asian Americans who have been experiencing acts of violence in the US. These posters were displayed at speaking events and placed all around New York City.

Although I was not involved in the design of the poster itself, it was an exciting experience to create the infographic entry design for Cannes. My role involved highlighting stats, quotes, and event photographs, making the submission as impactful as possible.

Diego Melendez
New work: Great Bay Kids Identity refresh

The Great Bay Kids Company is a well-known daycare in Exeter and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It’s been around since 1967. I’m fortunate that my son goes there, so when they approached me for a logo refresh, I was beyond thrilled. The team wanted to elevate the look and feel of their new identity, adopt a new color palette, and incorporate a water element within the logo, as the institution is named after a bay. After a seven-month exploration, the new logo and identity were finally unveiled. It showcases the iconic building facade over a body of water. Companion elements include two stars for the two locations and the notion of kids leaving that place feeling like stars. The buildings will undergo an interior makeover to adapt to the new colors, and new building signs will be created. I’m very excited to see it all come to life. Check out the full project!

Diego Melendez
'Tis the season to get festive, a custom-designed ugly holiday sweater featuring Limu Emu

Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to design a unique holiday sweater for Liberty Mutual corporate, and it was an absolute blast! This project combined the whimsical charm of holiday traditions with the iconic elements of Limu Emu and Doug, resulting in a sweater that's both fun and memorable.

I incorporated playful glasses and ties to embody Limu Emu and Doug's quirky style, surrounded by classic holiday elements like snowflakes and stars. The vibrant color palette was inspired by the cozy, nostalgic patches from grandma's quilts, adding a touch of warmth and familiarity. The centerpiece of the sweater features a fun illustration of Limu Emu rocking the cool vibes.

What made this project even more special was how it came to be. It all started with a competition among all the talented agency creatives where I work. Despite being just my second month in my new job and role, my design was chosen out of all the other amazing entries. This was an incredibly rewarding experience, and it was thrilling to see my design stand out among such talented peers.

Another cool aspect of this project is that the design also inspired a larger generation of merch including socks, hats, scarves, among other products utilizing elements from the sweater.

It was indeed a long project, from beginning to end once you factor in production time, but it was joyful to say the least. I haven’t received mine yet, but it’s on the way! I can't wait to see Liberty Mutual employees wearing it with pride. Here's to spreading holiday cheer, one ugly sweater at a time!

Diego Melendez
New work: Dolce & Zaniboni Brand Identity

It’s always wonderful to reconnect with friends and colleagues from the past. It’s even more special when those people are pursuing a new dream and want you to be part of that new adventure. This was the case when former colleagues were starting their own accounting and tax business and reached out to create a new brand identity that is fresh and cutting edge.

From the very beginning, Dolce and Zaniboni Accounting and Tax Advisors had a clear vision of what they wanted their brand to represent: trust, professionalism, and innovation. They wanted a visual identity that would not only stand out in the crowded market but also resonate with their clients on a deeper level.

I was thrilled to take on this challenge and dive into the creative process. The goal was to design a logo that encapsulated their values and aspirations. After numerous brainstorming sessions and iterations, we developed a logo that features an abstract representation of a Roman pillar, cleverly combining the letters Z and D. This design symbolizes strength, stability, and the foundational support that Dolce and Zaniboni provide to their clients.

Working on this project was a truly collaborative effort. We explored various color palettes, typography options, and design elements to ensure that every aspect of the brand identity was cohesive and impactful. The final result is a sophisticated and modern brand that perfectly aligns with Dolce and Zaniboni’s vision.

This project was a testament to the power of reconnecting and collaborating with past colleagues. It reminded me of the importance of building strong professional relationships and how these connections can lead to exciting new opportunities. I’m incredibly proud of the work we accomplished and excited to see Dolce and Zaniboni thrive with their new brand identity. Check out the full project!

Diego Melendez
Travel Poster for Historic Geneva Museum

I had the opportunity to collaborate with the Historic Geneva Museum on a travel-poster of The Willows at Seneca Lake in New York. This fundraising effort highlights the nostalgic Willow tree line along the Seneca Lake. It was definitely a fun collaboration!

Diego Melendez