Benjamin Spear, TPE
Founder of Thinkside
"I've been in business for myself for the past five years, and in the past year hired two two employees to handle production and design, freeing a portion of my schedule to manage development and client relationships. Until recently I've focused mainly on building my studio and signing enough projects to stay busy. As the studio has matured I've developed a desire to connect more robustly with my clients and with the work.
These developments mark an exciting new tack for Thinkside, and I felt a strong desire to acknowledge my clients' support and keep my business on the top of their minds. The new year is the perfect opportunity, and because we'd like to extend a air of celebration, we chose champagne. Coppola's Sofia sparkling wine comes packaged in these delightful four-packs with little pink straws. The boxes are hexagonal, which seemed like the perfect opportunity to present something unexpected.
I collaborated with Allana, and we came to rest on a portrait of the studio cropped into a hexagonal note card, to greet clients as they open the box. The experience of the gift will re-introduce my company to my clients and will be restating my commitment to their service. For many of my clients, this is the first time I've delivered something they didn't ask for.
Interestingly, this outward-facing pursuit has had an impact on the studio internally. One's own perception can play as important a role in development as one's relationship with outside stakeholders. Having been through this exercise, I find it easier to think of myself more dynamically, and that shift in perception has tangibly impacted the sum of my professional interactions.
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Photographed by Allana Taranto of Ars Magna Studio"I knew I wanted the body language in the portrait to project an air of casual professionalism, and also to position Ben as a leader of a team. We decided to use a solid white background, which references not only the walls of art studio and the archetypal ‘blank slate’ but also speaks to the minimalist aesthetic of Thinkside's unique approach. After some thought on wardrobe – a client meeting look felt most appropriate – collared shirt and jeans both finished with excellent tailoring. Adding to the graphic figure/ground composition, a vibrant yellow and grey were echoed amongst the three team members in their final clothing choices. The shoot went pretty quickly, as I had a clear idea from several discussions with Ben of what would work for Thinkside’s new web presence as well as for the holiday gift piece. Ben brings his clients precise and thoughtful design, and I think this image reinforces that." |
Compiled by Mike Michalowicz, Author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur
