The Financial Communication Society selected Thinkso to produce the materials for its 22nd Annual Portfolio Awards gala. We created the identity, messaging strategy, and wrote and designed print and digital ads, email banners, and a 40-page program book. Our overall strategy was driven by a simple idea: love for great work. By reimagining the “22” in the event’s name, we came up with a heart-shaped icon to build our editorial around. In keeping with the nature of the event, our editorial team put a playful spin on the word “love” in every marketing touchpoint leading up to the event and at the event itself.
At first blush, the number 22 wasn’t much to get excited about. But by turning it into a heart, we found a way to really celebrate the work being honored and reflect the “love” which designers, writers, and marketers have for the work they do. And while visually strong, it was even more effective as the event’s signature editorial device.
The program featured highly graphic, wrap-around cover art that tied into Thinkso’s sponsorship of the event.
Program interiors provided opportunities for additional messaging as well as utilizing the full range of the event identity components—including typography, iconography, and a crisp, modern layout.
Advertising was a key component of the program leading up to the event—both to encourage participation from creative agencies, but also to sell tickets for the gala.
The event identity was then extended to a range of applications including on-screen graphics, dinner menus, buttons, and banners.