CATALOG DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN FOR THE HOME DEPOT

Continuing to increase in size year over year, this report is the largest yet. Featuring new paper options for both the cover and the inside pages, the 2017 Responsibility Report is both similar to previous years, but also drastically different.

For starters, the cover incorporates the texture of the iconic Home Depot apron – what better way to showcase the company’s culture! On the inside, bigger, bolder and more colorful pictures were used – so much so, that the report almost has a magazine feel to it. Quite different than previous years, but they really wanted to take the overall creative to a whole new level. Combine that with even more eye-popping stats and large graphs/charts, and this report is the most impactful yet.

The 2017 Responsibility Report is the latest product of our successful partnership with The Home Depot, and we look forward to exploring other new creative avenues for 2018.

BEHIND THE SCENES/

CREATIVE CONCEPTS

THE RESULT

For six years in a row, we’ve worked with The Home Depot on their annual responsibility report.

CATALOG DEVELOPMENT FOR YAMAHA MOTORCYCLE PARTS

This was the second time that Yamaha approached Porchlight to create an accessories and maintenance catalog for their dealers. This catalog consisted of numerous parts and accessories that were to be categorized into a catalog/book.

Because the catalog had so many items, we faced the challenge of how to execute efficient production design since building pages one by one would just be too time consuming and not cost-effective. Porchlight created a flexible grid layout that would easily adapt to the product category and the number of items, and we developed an InDesign action script to help fill out all of the information. We also introduced color coding to help categorize each section and used a running tab index on the inside page edges for easy navigation.

Overall, this was one of the more challenging projects we have faced. There was a lot of information to include, while also ensuring it was easy to navigate. Some out-of-the-box thinking really saved a lot of time, and we continue to pursue other opportunities where this knowledge could be of use.

BEHIND THE SCENES/

CREATIVE CONCEPTS

THE RESULT

Porchlight created a concise, easy-to-read parts and accessories catalog that dealers could use to help consumers find exactly what they were looking for.

CATALOG DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN FOR THE HOME DEPOT

5 years and counting – that’s how long Porchlight has partnered with The Home Depot on their annual sustainability report. This report has grown substantially from the first time we did it (the first one was only 20 pages!), and every year we’re challenged with finding new ways to show more information while incorporating fresh, new design ideas.

Simplicity was best for this year’s all-white cover as we went with very minimal color except of course The Home Depot orange logo. Content-wise, this report always has so many moving parts and numerous departments involved that it’s a constant work in progress right up until it’s due to the printer. Working hand in hand with the client on an almost daily basis and keeping everyone aware of timelines are critical.

The end-result is hard to argue with – it’s definitely not your average annual report. It can stand on its own as a design piece and is a good example of how to continually improve upon a year-after-year project.

BEHIND THE SCENES/

COVER CONCEPTS

THE RESULT

For the fifth year in a row, we successfully produced The Home Depot’s annual sustainability report.

CATALOG DEVELOPMENT FOR YAMAHA STAR APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES

When Yamaha challenged us with creating their 2014 and 2015 Star catalogs from start to finish – including design, layout, pagination and photography – we couldn’t wait to get started on possible ideas. We had worked with them before on numerous other projects, but this was a great chance to take the reins and showcase Porchlight’s unique blend of skill sets.

Right from the start, we began working with the printer to determine paper and embossing options to distinguish the Star catalog from not only competitor catalogs, but also other Yamaha catalogs. Even though we had to keep everything to brand standards/expectations, we wanted this to be a piece that could stand on its own. The creative process included sketched concepts/mood boards and art direction for detailed in-studio and on-location photoshoots.

The final catalog was printed on 100# Opaque Cover with an emboss and 100# Cougar Opaque Text, and was finished with perfect binding. An online version was also created for the website.

THE PROCESS/

2014 COVER CONCEPTS

THE RESULT

Porchlight executed two successive catalogs that showed the full breadth of Yamaha’s Star Apparel and Accessories product offerings.

CATALOG DEVELOPMENT FOR YAMAHA MOTORCYCLE APPAREL

Yamaha approached us to design their fall apparel catalog. A variety of new clothes and gift items were introduced to keep inventory moving and ensure their lineup was always fresh. They wanted something fun, cool, outdoorsy and easy to review.

We went with a large, newsletter-style format to really stand out from competitors’ catalogs. Yamaha wanted to separate each category differently than what was done in the past but still show all their products’ specifications while continuing to uphold the integrity of the brand. Our process included sketched creative concepts/mood boards, a model search, photo go-bys, and in-studio and on-location photoshoots. Photography was particularly challenging because it consisted of over 200 silhouetted images. Constant hands-on art direction was needed to ensure every shot was consistent and at the right angle.

So many elements came together in the final catalog: a grid layout that consisted of a simplified number-matching system to identify product description and price; overhead shots of the shirts with wrinkles/folds to make everything look more realistic; “New” icons for easily recognizing new products; icons and layouts to push customers to the website; and highlighted category colors for use as divider pages.

BEHIND THE SCENES

COVER CONCEPTS

THE RESULT

Yamaha was ecstatic with the final catalog as it successfully implemented all their creative ideals and promoted the brand, while still being very easy to peruse and identify the various products.

MOTORCYCLE BROCHURE DESIGN FOR YAMAHA BOLT

Yamaha put their trust in our team to create a brochure for their soon-to-be-unveiled motorcycle – the Yamaha Bolt. The brochure would need to showcase the Bolt’s modern edge and many customizable features, while still appealing to Yamaha’s target demographic.

We approached this task head on, creating a detailed mood board with client-supplied photography. From there, we experimented with bold folds and die-cut shapes. During this time, our team considered the model’s unique package options: Performance, Touring, General, and Lowered – with infinite accessories designed to make each rider’s bike look different than the next.

In the end, we opted for a stair-step folded brochure, with a soft-touch finish to highlight the Bolt’s cool accessory options. For the final touch, a shiny spot varnish was applied to pictures of customized bikes, making them pop off the page.

BEHIND THE SCENES/

PRESS CHECK

THE RESULT

Backed by our enticing brochure, the Yamaha Bolt revved the hearts of die-hard riders at its Daytona Bike Week release.

CATALOG DEVELOPMENT FOR YAMAHA WATERCRAFT 

Yamaha sought out an agency to develop their annual Watercraft Accessories & Apparel Catalog. The agency needed to be a partner – someone Yamaha could count on, year after year. They found this in us.

We began by creating a detailed pagination with an overall theme that walks the consumer through what they’ll need for a day on the water – from wetsuits to tie-downs. Our team also took charge with mood boards, shot lists, and sketches to ensure the right imagery was included. We then tackled our biggest challenge – coming up with unique yet cohesive design elements.

We chose a three-dimensional image of a Yamaha tow rope for the title. This served to give the cover texture and play up Yamaha’s fun accessories. The rope detailing was created by shaping one of Yamaha’s tow ropes into the word “Watercraft,” photographing it, and then retouching it to get rid of the existing background.

THE PROCESS/

2014 SKETCHES

THE RESULT

Impressed by our work, Yamaha picked us to design their Watercraft Accessories & Apparel Catalog for the next several years – to be distributed at retailers nationwide.

CATALOG DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN FOR THE HOME DEPOT

For the fourth year in a row, we partnered with the nation’s biggest home improvement retailer — The Home Depot — to design their annual Sustainability Report. The challenge: create a new layout, while maintaining the look and feel of previous years.

Copy comes first. Our team worked tirelessly to gather all information – facts, statistics, and quotes – for the 54-page report. After laying out copy, we brought the book to life through the use of vivid photography, unique pagination, and The Home Depot’s iconic orange color. To make the catalog stand out, we introduced half-page vellum overlays. Our team played with typography, color, and visibility to achieve a desired depth and dimension, allowing images beneath to show through.

We made the book’s cover the hero by choosing a slightly textured paper in The Home Depot’s signature orange color. Then a white foil emboss technique was applied across the company logo.

BEHIND THE SCENES/

PRESS CHECK

THE RESULT

Through these design decisions, we were able to achieve a strong, memorable, corporate look for the 2015 Home Depot Sustainability Report.