Pom-pom puppies
Challenge
Considering the budgetary constraints, was it feasible to explore the archives and repurpose any of the previously developed proprietary tools for Klutz products in order to create an entirely new and elevated product?
INSIGHt
-
Research dogs due to the commercial success of pet-themed products produced by Scholastic
-
Explore the archives for potential tools to repurpose
-
Evaluate the project's scope and scale
-
Develop projects that accommodate a diverse range of skills
-
Manage the challenge of high material costs while adhering to budgetary constraints
RESULTS
Pom-Pom Puppies received highly positive feedback from both merchants and online platforms. The tremendous demand for this product led to the creation of two additional successful spin-offs. As a result, the series had already generated over 5 million dollars in sales within the initial five years of its launch.
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
Product Development
Invented: I had previously invented this numbered pom-pom making tool for Pom-Pom Monster Salon. Collaborated with an industrial designer to make the final plastic molds.
With the aid of the tool, I was able to devise a system that enabled me to determine the specific areas and quantities of yarn needed for wrapping each dog breed.
Hand Lettering: Created typography for the packaging and book with actual yarn then photographed.
Concepts: Experimented with simple to more complex patterns.
Cost Analysis: Compared dog breeds and the amount of yarn needed for manufacturing.
Paper Craft: Provided sketched references to an freelance illustrator and collaborated with production artist to create final dielines.
Packaging CONCEPTS
Digitally composited stock and in-house photography before shooting the final art on-set.
Approved Concept
FINAL DESIGN
Responsible for the layout of all packaging and book design — initial concept through final production.
WINNER! family fun magazine top 10 toys of the year
PHOTOGRAPHY
Art directed multi-day studio photo shoots. Creating shot lists, hand-made photo samples, set construction, prop shopping, and post-production of photos.
Pom-Pom Puppies Photography: KN+SAW
BOOK DEVELOPMENT
Wrote the 56-page instructional book, supplied photo references and art directed 300+ technical illustrations, and laid out the book pages.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Created Instagram stories and posts for corporate social media accounts.
Sales Tutorial Video
In-house, a quick video was crafted as a sales tool to engage potential merchants and retail buyers, adeptly showcasing the play pattern and displaying the final product selection.
RElated Products
Pom-Pom KITTIES
Pom-Pom Kitties served as a sequel, catering to cat enthusiasts while maintaining similar components. The craft itself was slightly more intricate, featuring the addition of fuzzy stems for paws and tails and plastic cat eyes. My roles and responsibilities remained consistent with Pom-Pom Puppies.
MINI Pom-Pom PETS
I refreshed the pom-pom product line by making the projects mini and introduced the option of using a kitchen fork as an alternative tool. I expanded the animal categories with varying skill levels. My roles remained consistent with Pom-Pom Puppies.
