Klutz jr.
Challenge
How can Scholastic effectively cater to the demand for products aimed at non- or early readers, ensuring the skill set is engaging and distinct, while also creating a cohesive brand identity separate from their traditional Klutz trade line?
INSIGHt
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Collaborate with child development specialists
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Research competition packaging and branding
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Create projects that are age and skill appropriate
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Balance high material costs within cost constraints
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Tailor themes to skill development, interests, and learning styles
RESULTS
Klutz Jr. has achieved success by identifying and capturing a growing market in early childhood development, earning recognition from experts in the field, and implementing cost-saving measures through standardized packaging, which enhanced its brand identity and reduced production costs.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Product Pitch
Brand Guidelines
Project Management
Art Direction
Product Development
Product Testing
Author of Book
Packaging & Book Design
Photo Styling
Pre & Post Production — Photography
Social Media Campaign Visuals​
PACKAGING DEVELOPMENT
Collaborated with packaging engineer to create final dielines.
Established two standardized box designs for higher and lower price points.
Final Packaging Design
BRANDING
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Parent Logo
Final Logo Design
PHOTOGRAPHY
Established a modern and timeless photography style for Klutz Jr. Art directed and prepped all product photography for the entire brand.
Klutz Jr. Photography: Joesph Quever
Style Guide: Created a brand style guide and a digital art asset library for future design products.
Designed a child-friendly instruction system specifically tailored for non- to early readers, ensuring it remained on-brand. The consistent layout underwent rigorous testing with children and child educators.
Book DEVELOPMENT
Licensed Products: The design system was adaptable enough to maintain brand consistency while also aligning with other brand style guides.
![KZ-036_Wood Tooth Fairy2[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9a2e2f_a0e6ff6974904450b8aa35463afb9542~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_67,y_0,w_3189,h_2192/fill/w_364,h_250,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/KZ-036_Wood%20Tooth%20Fairy2%5B1%5D.jpg)
Every product I developed for the brand followed a standardized process. It began with meetings with childhood experts, followed by creating mock-ups and delivering a creative pitch, then by a series of kid testing and manufacturing. Each product presented its unique challenges, such as complying with safety requirements for the target age group, considering children's skill levels, obtaining approvals from licensors, or managing production costs.
Product DEVELOPMENT
FINAL DESIGNS
Responsible for the layout of all packaging and book design — initial concept through final production.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Developed a series of banners specifically tailored for diverse social media platforms to effectively promote the brand.
PROMOTIONAL
marketing video
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The promotional video served as a vital sales and marketing tool, included in the media kit to announce and generate excitement for the launch of Klutz Jr.