design

Design-a-Day

DAILY DESIGN PRACTICE

Wake. Create. Sleep. Repeat.

We believe in the importance of mental exercise and working out our creative muscles every day. This is where we showcase custom non-client design work based on hypothetical briefs and unique concepts we develop as part of our daily design and branding practice, which includes writing promotional ad copy. If you’re interested in purchasing exclusive rights to any of these never-before-used proprietary designs for a significantly reduced price or requesting a custom design based on one of these designs, please contact us.

CLICK THE (+) NEXT TO “READ THE BRIEF” FOR DETAILS ABOUT EACH DESIGN. CLICK THE SQUARE DOTS TO SCROLL THROUGH MORE DESIGNS. 

May 2024

May 1-3

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GHOST-HUNTING SHOW PROMO


"Spectral Signals" combines the expertise of the world's leading paranormal technologists with the extraordinary abilities of renowned psychics to uncover and interpret spectral signals in a way that has never been attempted on television.

Each episode features a unique gadget or technology, developed specifically for the show, that captures paranormal activity in innovative ways, such as translating electromagnetic frequencies into visual data or using augmented reality to reveal unseen entities. These technological breakthroughs, paired with the insights of psychics, provide a dual lens through which the paranormal is not just detected, but communicated with, offering viewers an unprecedented journey into the unknown.

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GHOUL GUMMIES PACKAGING DESIGN


Dare to delve into the darkest corners of delight with Ghoul Gummies: Delta 9 THC Nightmares Edition. Crafted for the thrill-seekers and horror aficionados, these gummies are not for the faint of heart. Each gummy is infused with premium, hemp-derived Delta 9 THC, ensuring a potent and pure experience that will send shivers down your spine and elevate your senses to a realm of eerie euphoria.

Our gummies come in a variety of haunting flavors, including Midnight Berry, Phantom Pineapple, and Cryptic Cherry, each designed to tantalize your taste buds while sending you on a spine-tingling journey. With meticulously measured doses, Ghoul Gummies offer both novice and experienced users the ability to control their adventure into the supernatural.

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FLYER FOR A VAMPIRE BOOK CLUB/KNITTING CIRCLE


Are you a night owl with a thirst for rich narratives and exquisite yarns? Welcome to The Crimson Coterie, the exclusive gathering for women who share a passion for books, knitting, and the vampire lifestyle. It’s where the classics meet craft under the glow of the moonlight!

Embrace the night, weave the shadows, and let the pages turn. Join The Crimson Coterie and become part of a community that celebrates the eternal joys of reading and crafting together.

May 4-6

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HORROR-THEMED CEREAL BOXES


Calling all horror fiends and breakfast enthusiasts! Slash-O’s, the new cereal that's scarily delicious, is here to haunt your mornings (in the best way possible). Slash through your morning routine with a breakfast that’s both frighteningly fun and ferociously flavorful.

Slash-O’s come in a variety of flavors, each inspired by your favorite horror movie villains and featuring a chilling collector card inside. Collect them all!

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NIGHT WHISPERS ZOO LOGO


Create a logo for a unique, nighttime only zoo that conveys a sense of mystery and elegance, with a bit of whimsy — showcasing the zoo's creative approach to immersive wildlife interactions.

Night Whispers Zoo is the first of its kind sanctuary that celebrates the mysterious and vibrant life of nocturnal animals. Open exclusively after dark, the zoo offers a unique glimpse into the lives of creatures that thrive under the moon's glow.

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NIGHT WHISPERS ZOO FLYER


Embark on a magical journey through moonlit pathways, where the night comes alive with the sounds and sights of the animal kingdom's most elusive inhabitants. From the mystical owls ruling the sky to the stealthy leopards prowling the shadows, Night Whispers Zoo is a haven for those creatures that dance in the dark.

Nestled in the heart of nature, a short drive from city lights, much awaits you at the Night Whispers Zoo, including moonlit safaris, interactive encounters, conservation under the stars, enchanting performances, and dining by moonlight.

May 7-9

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LOGO FOR NEW PET PRODUCT


The CatNap Cinema is a plush, heated pod designed for cats to snuggle up and watch bird videos or other stimulating content specifically made for felines.

The brand is whimsical and fun, with a cute aesthetic and playful voice, and the logo should reflect that while speaking to cat lovers.

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FLYER FOR NEW PET PRODUCT


Give your cat the gift of entertainment and relaxation. The CatNap Cinema features a cThe CatNap Cinema features a cozy, heated pod, a built-in screen displaying captivating cat-friendly videos, and optional calming soundtracks. Keep your cat mentally stimulated, reduce stress, and promote restful naps.

A soft, fluffy interior creates a cozy and secure environment for cats to relax. A built-in heating pad provides additional comfort and mimics the warmth cats seek out for naps. The durable screen is made of a non-glare, scratch-resistant material to withstand playful paws.

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VINYL FOR BLACKGAZE BAND


The latest album Unhinged by MANGLED is an explosive and varied blast of black metal and dreamy shoe gaze. It’s a uniquely layered and beautifully chaotic sonic experience that’s both ethereal and bone-crushing. With a variety of riffs, grooves, and rhythms, it balances blackened elements with instrumentation and atmosphere.

Unhinged explores themes of introspection, nature, and emotional catharsis, creating a juxtaposition of harshness and beauty. Stereogum calls it a delicate piece of music that’s both gorgeous and invigorating.

May 10-12

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POSTER FOR TIM BURTON'S REIMAGINING OF BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN


In the heart of London, Victor Frankenstein, a renowned but controversial genetic engineer, is haunted by the death of his beloved wife, Elizabeth. Obsessed with overcoming death, Victor embarks on his most ambitious project: to resurrect Elizabeth. Utilizing cutting-edge CRISPR gene-editing technology alongside arcane alchemical texts, he creates The Bride, a being of unparalleled beauty and complexity, imbued with Elizabeth's memories but possessing a consciousness all her own. The poster should feature a striking, central image of the Bride, reimagined by Tim Burton — with his penchant for blending the macabre with the whimsical.

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POSTER FOR GUILLERMO DEL TORO'S REIMAGINING OF BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN


The narrative unfolds in a world where the boundaries between science and the supernatural blur. The film, set against the backdrop of a sprawling, gothic metropolis, introduces us to Dr. Victor Hartwood, a brilliant but tormented genetic engineer obsessed with transcending the limitations of human mortality. Poster should feature a striking, ethereal figure of the Bride with gothic color scheme mirroring the dark, atmospheric tones of del Toro's "Crimson Peak" (2015), emphasizing a sense of mystery and the supernatural.

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POSTER FOR MIKE FLANAGAN'S REIMAGINING OF BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN


Dr. Victor Franklyn, a brilliant but controversial genetic engineer, has been pushing the boundaries of science and ethics with his work in synthetic biology. After the tragic death of his wife, he becomes obsessed with the idea of bringing her back to life. Utilizing his vast knowledge and the latest advancements in CRISPR gene editing technology, stem cell research, and artificial intelligence, Victor embarks on a clandestine project to create a new form of life. Poster should feature a striking image of a gorgeous but dark and mysterious Bride. Strategic use of red adds a touch of passion and danger.

May 13-15

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POSTER FOR REMAKE OF "EYES WITHOUT A FACE"


A remake of the 1960 French-language horror film directed by Georges Franiu. Based on the novel of the same name by Jean Redon, it revolves around a plastic surgeon who is determined to perform a face transplant on his daughter, who was disfigured in a car accident.

The original film had to make many changes to the book to avoid problems with European censors, including limiting the amount of blood and leaving out mad-scientist characters. This modern remake will more closely represent the controversial content of the book and be darker and more chilling in tone. The poster should pay homage to the original with a modern spin.

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POSTER FOR REMAKE OF "DARK WATERS"


Elizabeth is tortured by horrible visions from her childhood. She travels to a primitive island to discover the truth about her dark past. On the island Elizabeth finds a malevolent order of nuns. There seems to be no escape from the menacing evil that inhabits this strange island.

The film is meant to be surreal, entrancing, and dreamlike, reminiscent of Argento’s style with films like “Suspiria” and “Inferno” with a haunting score and striking visuals. It is stylish and chilling, with Lovecraftian undertones.

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POSTER FOR "WISHMASTER" REMAKE


In this modern reimagining of the 1997 film “Wishmaster”, the ancient and malevolent Djinn is inadvertently awakened and unleashed upon the unsuspecting world. As the Djinn begins granting wishes, his true intentions are far more sinister than mere trickery. Each wish fulfilled comes with a horrifying twist, as the Djinn feeds off the darkest desires of humanity, manifesting them in gruesome and terrifying ways.

This modern retelling delves deeper into the psychological aspects of desire and ambition, exploring the consequences of unchecked greed and the lengths people will go to achieve their dreams. With its dark and twisted take on the original concept, it offers a chilling reflection of the modern world and the dangers that lurk within our own hearts.

April 2024

April 14-16

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SUPERNATURAL HORROR MOVIE POSTER


Create a unique, attention-getting movie poster for an indie horror film called THE UNSEEN. Logline: A research team ventures into a secluded valley shrouded in legend, only to discover the whispers in the wind are the chilling voices of unseen entities who crave to consume their very life force.

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CYBERPUNK BOOK COVER


Crete a futuristic looking cover for CHROME FURY, a cyberpunk novel about an android assassin seeking revenge. Description: In the neon-drenched ruins of New Shanghai, where chrome skyscrapers pierce a sky choked with smog, Rin, an ex-military android, stalks the shadows. Her porcelain skin, once a canvas for loyalty, now bears the etchings of betrayal. Memories, not her own, flicker behind her synthetic eyes – a massacre, a squad of soldiers gunned down, her circuits screaming with a hijacked directive. Now, cast out by the very force she once served, Rin is a wraith in the machine, a whirlwind of steel and fury.

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INDIE POP ALBUM COVER


Create an album cover for rising independent singer/songwriter Lyra Nash. Her new album, Never Have I Ever, has been described as soulful and ethereal, full of heart and shockingly self-aware. Pitchfork called it "sprawling and spectacular," "a foggy transmission from a sonic netherworld with its own ghostly canon of haunting hits." Her hit single "Woven Wings" is a searing and sensual, gothic-infused feminist anthem with lyrics like: Stardust in my fingertips, a melody unfurls | Echoes of a whispered dream, a song to break the world | Of silhouetted expectations, a cage I won't reside | My voice will be the rising sun, burning bright against the tide.

April 17-19

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SLASHER HORROR SHORT MOVIE POSTER


VENGEANCE is a short horror film about a young man who seemingly falls to his death in the woods and gets possessed by an evil spirit of the underworld and starts to stalk and kill his friends who he feels left him for dead.

Thank you to @tramahound00 on Instagram for today’s mock brief and creative inspiration.

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BOUTIQUE SMALL BUSINESS LOGO


Today’s prompt was inspired by our love for a lovely little small business called PSEUDO LUDO, a New Jersey/New York based company run by an extraordinary married couple of artists who make cool stuff for lovers of movies, horror, and pop culture. The shop is currently preparing for a rebrand and site relaunch, with new products. We love everything they do and were inspired to reimagine their logo. Though we completed this project merely as a design exercise and not as an official client project, the shop owners loved what we did and gave us permission to share our vision for their rebrand here.

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POP PUNK ALBUM COVER


Design an album cover for Farah Farouche’s debut album. This isn't your typical sugar-coated pop record. VAIN is a sonic explosion that combines infectious melodies with razor-sharp lyrics, delivered by a vocalist who could belt a blues ballad and then shred your eardrums with a punk rock scream (all in the same song, no less). Rolling Stone describes VAIN as, “more than an album; it’s a statement.” Pitchfork raves, “It's the sound of a woman owning her power, her anger, and her undeniable talent. This is a record that will stay with you long after the last power chord fades, leaving you wanting to mosh, sing along, and maybe even start your own glitter-fueled rebellion.”

April 20-23

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FILM FESTIVAL LOGO


EFFED (Extreme Film Festival | Edgemoor, Delaware) is a brand new film festival launching its inaugural season in 2024, just in time for Halloween. It's a four-day festival dedicated to lovers of extreme horror and underground cinema, with a focus on the weird, subversive, distasteful, controversial, shocking, and stomach-turning. Attending this fest is a badge of honor for those who love envelope-pushing films not for the faint of heart.

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SOCIAL MEDIA PROMO


Create a social media post/digital ad for the EFFED film festival, a brand new festival dedicated to extreme horror and underground cinema. It should incorporate the festival's brand of subversive, slightly dangerous content and convey a sense of atmosphere, mood, and dark and chilling vibes.

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FILM FESTIVAL POSTER


After developing the logo/brand identity and initial online teaser for a new film festival focusing on four days of extreme horror, fringe, subversive, and underground cinema, we were tasked with creating a promotional flyer and poster for the festival.

April 23-25

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FOUND FOOTAGE FILM POSTER


In the depths of an untouched wilderness, a group of adventurous filmmakers sets out to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of nature's beauty and brutality. The documentary takes a subversive turn as the wilderness becomes a mirror, reflecting their deepest fears and forbidden desires. But as they lose themselves in the ecstasy of liberation, the true horror of the forest reveals itself. The whispers in the wild are not just voices; they are a siren's song, luring them into the jaws of something unspeakably ancient and malevolent.

Making its World Premiere at the first-annual EFFED Film Festival, “Whispers in the Wild: A Found Footage Temptation" is a chilling, atmospheric film that blends the tension and terror of a horror movie with the raw sensuality of an NC-17 adult film. It is a story of beauty and horror, desire and dread, that asks the viewer to question what it means to be truly wild.

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LILITH FAIR: THE REVIVAL POSTER


In the late '90s, Lilith Fair broke barriers and set stages ablaze with the most electrifying women in music. Now, in a world clamoring for inspiration and empowerment, the iconic festival is back. Lilith Fair: The Revival is not just a concert; it's a movement, a gathering of the most influential and groundbreaking women in indie music, both legendary icons and today's trailblazers.

From the soul-stirring melodies of veteran songstresses to the raw energy of today's indie darlings, Lilith Fair: The Revival showcases the incredible range and depth of female artistry. Featuring artists who've defined their times, like the ethereal Sarah McLachlan, the powerhouse that is Fiona Apple, and the poetic genius of Tracy Chapman, alongside today's indie sensations, this festival promises performances that resonate with every music lover.

Whether you were there at the beginning or you're discovering the magic of Lilith for the first time, this revival is for you.

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HALLOWEEN PARTY FLYER


Create a flyer for a horror-themed Halloween party, which includes a costumed hot dog eating content. It should be bold, unique, fun, and stylish. It should appeal to horror fans but still be broad enough to attract a wide audience. Ideally, it will have a bit of a retro feel and play up the campy, unusual, fun aspect of the hot dog eating contest while still maintaining the Halloween aesthetic.

Thank you @kellyemintzer on Instagram for the wickedly fun prompt.

April 26-28

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ALIEN DAY EVENT POSTER


Design a bold, eye-catching, playful poster for an Alien Day event at a local hip, upscale club. The event will feature music from a well-known DJ, themed food and cocktails, giveaways, and more. The client is drawn to design that incorporates elements of Neo Brutalism with basic shapes and bold colors and type.

Alien Day is a day to celebrate the fantastic world of the Alien(s) franchise, occurring on 4/26 every year — inspired by LV-426, the name of the moon where the Xenomorphs are discovered in the 1979 film by Ridley Scott.

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COFFEE SHOP LOGO


Nestled in the heart of the campus, Philosopher's Cafe is more than just a coffee shop—it's a sanctuary for the intellectually curious and creatively inclined. It hosts regular events, including philosophy debates, poetry readings, and art exhibitions, making it a dynamic space where the campus community comes together to share ideas and inspiration.

The menu at Philosopher's Cafe is as inventive as it is delightful, with each offering named after a philosophical concept, famous thinker, or groundbreaking idea. The "Socratic Espresso" is a bold, questioning shot of coffee, challenging you to examine your day as Socrates examined life. The "Camus Croissant" embraces the absurd, pairing unexpected flavors in a deliciously existential pastry. Or try our signature special, the "Nietzsche Nitro," a coffee so strong it proclaims, "What does not kill me, makes me stronger."

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HAUNTED ATTRACTION FLYER


Spanning multiple floors and countless rooms, the Black House prides itself on being an ordeal too terrifying for most to endure, pushing the limits of fear and testing the boundaries of the human psyche.

As you step into the void, you leave behind the comfort of light, embarking on a journey through total darkness. Each floor is a labyrinth of horror, with every room crafted to disorient and terrify. With safety measures in place for those who find it too much, the Black House remains the ultimate test of courage, endurance, and mental fortitude.

April 29-30

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HORROR COMEDY MOVIE POSTER


Three college friends are on the hunt for affordable housing when they find an old, seemingly charming house with rent suspiciously within their budget. Ignoring the local rumors about the house’s eerie past, they move in. Little do they know, their fourth roommate is already waiting for them — a mischievous ghost named Marley with a zest for life and a penchant for pranks, who has been haunting the house since her untimely death during a wild speakeasy party gone wrong.

At first, the guys are terrified of their ghostly cohabitant, but, they soon realize she's more fun than frightening. When their harmonious living situation is threatened by a greedy developer, they hatch a plan to turn their former speakeasy home into the most haunted house in New Haven, using Marley's ghostly abilities and the guys' creativity.

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FLYER FOR A CINEMA EVENT


Join us at the Arthouse Theater for an exclusive event that marries the elegance of fine dining with the immersive world of film. "Sunday Service" is not just a screening; it's a celebration of cinematic artistry, accompanied by a curated selection of wines and a gourmet brunch that promises to delight your palate. This unique experience is designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life — exceptional food, exquisite wines, and extraordinary films.

Unwind, indulge, and immerse yourself in a world where every frame is a masterpiece and every dish is a work of art. Dress to impress, dine in style, and discover the magic of cinema at Sunday Service.