design that works
concept, design, & illustration:
Jerry Stenback
Finding innovative logo expressions within strict corporate brand guidelines is a real challenge. This watershed execution enabled the logo to become a branding element. With no time or budget to shoot photography, I illustrated the supporting characters. The result was a unified marketing campaign with a family focus for New York City, Detroit, and Minneapolis.
Target Stores, community events
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
Target Stores, community events
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
A shared trait between photographic transparency film and computer imagery is the color formula RGB (Red, Green, Blue). The three bands of color were used to delineate folds on the backside of the letterhead and also as a monogram “E” on the frontside.
James Erickson Photography, digital photographer
Minneapolis, Minnesota
A selection of 35 from the library of 162 created over 5 years.
Prime Therapeutics, pharmacy benefits manager
Eagan, Minnesota
creative director: Ron Brant
design manager: Nils Oiseth
This campaign excited consumer travel aspirations and was also a rallying cry for travel agents.
“WE WERE A MAJOR HIT! Lots of clapping throughout the presentation ... the creative is an absolute dead-on hit, and that is with over 600 Associates in the room. That is a nearly impossible feat, and we could not have done it without you.” — Chris LaVictoire Mahai of Aveus
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Minneapolis, Minnesota
business consulting firm: Aveus, Saint Paul
account leads: Linda Ireland & Chris LaVictoire Mahai
writer: Jana Branch
Simple, economical, with a touch of flair and earthiness — these branding elements have stood the test of time.
Martha’s Gardens, floral design
Saint Paul, Minnesota
In the landscape of big healthcare brands, a nontraditional campaign was needed to put this scrappy, smaller provider on the map. The idea of writing in the shape of bodies was a way to communicate the scope of offerings with a surprising intimate connection to patient needs.
Park Nicollet, health care system
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
concept, design, & illustration:
Jerry Stenback
quality quartz surfaces
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
french cuisine restaurant
Chicago, Illinois
design office: Xeno, Chicago
art director: Christopher Garland
operations consulting
Roseville, Minnesota
business consulting
Saint Paul, Minnesota
business consulting firm: Aveus, Saint Paul
account lead: Linda Ireland
content strategists
Portland, Oregon
lead creative: Dave Anolik
3M Company, display materials and systems
Saint Paul, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
unpublished
A creative exercise to rebrand a coeducational undergraduate and graduate institution, with schools of architecture, art, and design. Final study was comprised of hand cut letterforms. “Where’s your idea kid? Put it in a circle. Most of my logos are in a circle.” — Paul Rand.
Yale Summer Workshop in Graphic Design
Brissago, Switzerland
creative director: Paul Rand
proposed
athletic mega park
Charlotte, North Carolina
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
marketing consultancy for the cannabis industry
Portland, Oregon
lead creative: Dave Anolik
Avanta Orthopedics, soft skeletal implants
San Diego, California
design office: The Kantor Group, Minneapolis
creative director: Daniel Kantor
beverage innovations
Los Angeles, California
business consulting firm: Articulo, Santa Monica
cosmetics
Neenah Paper
Alpharetta, Georgia
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
multidisciplinary arts center
Mount Tremper, New York
arts management group: Better Attitude, New York
Chicago’s International Performing Arts Festival
Chicago, Illinois
arts management group: Better Attitude, New York
financial advisor
Overland Park, Kansas
internal initiative
Prime Therapeutics, pharmacy benefits manager
Eagan, Minnesota
creative director: Ron Brant
Leggett & Platt, store fixture group
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
floral design
Saint Paul, Minnesota
catholic church, school, early learning center and parish
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Parish
Saint Paul, Minnesota
jewelry designer
Saint Paul, Minnesota
a community of catholic benedictine men
Collegeville, Minnesota
design office: The Kantor Group, Minneapolis
creative director: Daniel Kantor
3M Company, Scotch Brand / national sales force
Saint Paul, Minnesota
marketing communications agency: Rowe & Co Creative, Saint Paul
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
proposed
Brand Neu, male youth furnishings
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
nonprofit arts organization
Poughkeepsie, New York
arts management group: Better Attitude, New York
personal dog portraits
Apple Valley, Minnesota
wedding monogram
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Saint Paul Jaycees, community service
Saint Paul, Minnesota
wellness center
Saint Cloud, Minnesota
business consulting firm: Aveus, Saint Paul
account leads: Linda Ireland & Chris LaVictoire Mahai
American Heart Association
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
business consulting firm: Aveus, Saint Paul
account lead: Linda Ireland
digital photographer
Minneapolis, Minnesota
software developer
Saint Paul, Minnesota
design office: Larsen Design, Minneapolis
proposed
World Kitchen, knife manufacturer
Greencastle, Pennsylvania
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
Target Stores, home improvement brands
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
proposed
FRAME, French Regional and American Museum Exchange
nonprofit museum coalition
Richmond, Virginia
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
internal recognition program
Prime Therapeutics, pharmacy benefits manager
Eagan, Minnesota
creative director: Heidi Ocel
design manager: Nils Oiseth
internal initiative
Prime Therapeutics, pharmacy benefits manager
Eagan, Minnesota
creative manager: Nils Oiseth
organic decomposition sourcing
Pensacola, Florida
attorneys at law
Saint Paul, Minnesota
environmental graphic design
Saint Paul, Minnesota
outdoor adventure retailer
Neenah Paper
Alpharetta, Georgia
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
custom furniture craftsman
River Falls, Wisconsin
large format photographer
Chicago, Illinois
Watson-Guptill Publications, photography category
New York, New York
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
concept, design, & illustration:
Jerry Stenback
The architecture of Frank Gehry’s masterpiece museum was translated into graphic form in this dual-function invitation/party hat. Party hats (without the invitation text) were also sold in the museum’s gift shop.
Weisman Art Museum
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Three Fish Design, Minneapolis
concept & creative direction: Caroline Vaaler & Monica Smith
portfolio photographer: Joe Paczkowski
Larsen Design wanted their 1997 New Year’s card to convey holiday greetings and a forward-looking message. The combination of an abstract background image, translucent paper, bright colors, and layering the numbers all convey the idea of upward movement.
design office: Larsen Design, Minneapolis
portfolio photographer: Joe Paczkowski
Marshall Fields’ Frank Lloyd Wright in-store boutique’s debut required an impressive launch, resulting in an interactive, tiered gala invitation of architectural drawing template stencils made from transparent plastic.
Marshall Field & Company, retailer
Chicago, Illinois
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
Directed to an established customer base, this piece announces a clothing store’s redesign and expansion while reiterating its ongoing commitment to avantgarde fashion. Emphasis was placed on Bacio’s signature logo and the store’s new architectural elements.
Bacio, clothing retailer
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Tilka Design, Minneapolis
account lead: Jane Tilka
portfolio photographer: Joe Paczkowski
Carson Pirie Scott & Company, retailer
Chicago, Illinois
portfolio photographer: Mitch Sondreaal
Datacard, card issuance technologies
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Larsen Design, Minneapolis
concept & writing: Dave Levi, Words at Work
portfolio photographer: Joe Paczkowski
The initial ask was for a digitally printed, one-sided 8.5 x 11 program. Expanding to a two-sided 11 x 17 wasn’t a budget buster, but adding the map to the backside was. I felt it was needed so I donated my time to create the very useful visual key to hip restaurants, coffee shops and watering holes within a 5 mile radius of the conference hotel.
Public Radio International
Minneapolis, MN
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
Giving the Scotch Brand a cheeky treatment was an effective way to update a classic brand with a contemporary tone.
3M Company, Scotch Brand
Saint Paul, Minnesota
marketing communications agency: Rowe & Co Creative, Saint Paul
writer: Jean Rowe
Carson Pirie Scott & Company, retailer
Chicago, Illinois
photographer: Tom Berthiaume
Vellum’s visual depth and natural variations in color lent well to the mood of reflection at the new year.
design office: Lamb & Company, Minneapolis
creative director: Larry Lamb
portfolio photographer: Mitch Sondreaal
The mark for Channel Zero had to convey the way-out, openly wacky and satirical tone of this parody on television newscasts. Aluminum foil lent a cheap glow to the usual newsflash icon. The mark was used on a variety of props, video graphics and promotional items.
WTTW Chicago, public broadcasting service
Chicago, Illinois
design office: WTTW, Chicago
creative director: Don Larson
portfolio photographer: Mitch Sondreaal
Target Stores, financial services
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
fellow designer: John Moes
Biothera Pharmaceuticals
Eagan, Minnesota
marketing communications agency: Rowe & Co Creative, Saint Paul
writer: Jean Rowe
McKinsey & Company, global management consulting
Chicago, Illinois
creative director: Donald Bergh
Prime Therapeutics, pharmacy benefits manager
Eagan, Minnesota
creative director: Heidi Ocel
design manager: Nils Oiseth
Prime Therapeutics, pharmacy benefits manager
Eagan, Minnesota
creative director: Heidi Ocel
design manager: Nils Oiseth
Prime Therapeutics, pharmacy benefits manager
Eagan, Minnesota
creative director: Heidi Ocel
design manager: Nils Oiseth
Prime Therapeutics, pharmacy benefits manager
Eagan, Minnesota
creative director: Heidi Ocel
design manager: Nils Oiseth
internal initiative
Prime Therapeutics, pharmacy benefits manager
Eagan, Minnesota
creative director: Heidi Ocel
design manager: Nils Oiseth
writer: Alisa Regnier
This press kit merged a typical fabric swatch book into an atypical press kit format to highlight the floral patterns and fabric textures of a new line of home furnishings.
Target Stores, home furnishings
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
fellow designer: Anne Peterson Boynton
Carson Pirie Scott & Company, retailer
Chicago, Illinois
photographer: Bob Frame
“I just received the Nashville fold out mailer. This is 100% the most beautiful piece that Boot Barn has ever done. My entire family was standing around while I opened it and said, ‘WOW’, Boot Barn has certainly come a long way!!” — Laurie Grijalva, Chief Merchandising Officer, Boot Barn
Boot Barn, western & work wear retailer
Irvine, California
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
concept, design, & illustration:
Jerry Stenback
Summer scenes and images capture the essence of life in the heartland, a priority for the printing company that wanted their Midwestern roots portrayed in a showcase for their quality printing capabilities. As a marketing tool, this piece has opened the door to many new clients.
Heartland Graphics, lithographic printer
Saint Paul, Minnesota
design office: Larsen Design, Minneapolis
photography: various
writer: Jana Branch
portfolio photographer: Joe Paczkowski
36 pages
With found imagery and a collage style, the Superbowl’s sportsmanship and over-the-top excitement were portrayed in perspective illustrations and an eye-grabbing cover. The publishers sold out the print run within 2 weeks.
Bobbleheads Press, publisher
Minneapolis, Minnesota
portfolio photographer: Joe Paczkowski
130 pages
An icon of abstracted initials fused with an arrow communicate Object|FX’s key object-oriented technology. The identity was introduced in this capabilities brochure and applied to stationery, data sheets, folders, training manuals, and packaging.
Object|FX, software developer
Saint Paul, Minnesota
design office: Larsen Design, Minneapolis
photography: various
writing: Words at Work
portfolio photographer: Joe Paczkowski
12 pages
A coffee table book has to delight the eye as well as feed the mind. This book gave readers a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes of the flying White House, with rich photography and carefully designed text.
MBI, publisher
Saint Paul, Minnesota
author: Robert F. Dorr
photography: various
156 pages
International Multifoods, food manufacturing
Wayzata, Minnesota
design office: Larsen Design, Minneapolis
creative director: Paul Wharton
illustrator: Guy Billout
portfolio photographer: Joe Paczkowski
48 pages
Greentree Acceptance, financial lender
Saint Paul, Minnesota
design office: Little & Company, Minneapolis
creative director: Sara Bratnober
illustrator: Kevin Sprouls
portfolio photographer: Joe Paczkowski
36 pages
Prime Therapeutics, pharmacy benefits manager
Eagan, Minnesota
design manager: Nils Oiseth
12 pages
This industry leader of plastic card solutions required cohesive, clean, and easy-to-read marketing materials. Photo illustrations convey a high-tech, engineered edge that signaled confidence in a fast-paced industry.
Datacard, card issuance technologies
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Larsen Design, Minneapolis
creative director: Tim Larsen
photography: various
writing: Words at Work
portfolio photographer: Joe Paczkowski
Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Parish & School
Saint Paul, Minnesota
writer: Tom Witkowski
photographer: Michael Murray
12 pages
Working within the confines of a global corporate identity program, the graphic covers push the limits to convey the processes of energy system management.
Siemens, power systems control
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Larsen Design, Minneapolis
creative director: Nancy Whittlesey
portfolio photographer: Joe Paczkowski
Satellite Coffee
Albuquerque, New Mexico
photographer: Elias Quinn
12 pages
Mount Tremper Arts
Mount Tremper, New York
20 pages
The design celebrates Target’s sponsorship with this behind-the-scenes look into a championship auto racing team. Dual elements highlight the idea of partnership within the team, as well as between the team and Target.
Target Stores, sponsorship program
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
portfolio photographer: Joe Paczkowski
60 pages
The hottest racers to hit the tarmac take pole position in this colorful spotlight on NASCAR stock car racing.
MBI, publisher
Saint Paul, Minnesota
authors: Ben White & Nigel Kinrade
photography: various
128 pages
Designer paper promotions are the paper industry’s signature promotional vehicle, serving as reference for experimental printing techniques and functioning as creative concept starters. This booklet, the first in the Bound series, focuses on hotels and other hospitality facilities by architect Michael Graves.
Neenah Paper
Alpharetta, Georgia
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
photography: various
writer: Jeff Mueller, Floating Head
24 and 36 pages
Vivid use of color and imagery convey a company on the edge and on the move. Blended panoramic collages communicated the action of manufacturing and hinted at the expansion of manufacturing lines, processes and facilities.
BMC Industries, process manufacturing
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Larsen Design, Minneapolis
creative director: Michael Haug
photographer: John Ripley
portfolio photographer: Joe Paczkowski
48 pages
concept, design, & illustration:
Jerry Stenback
RCA competes in big box retail, warehouses and club stores — environments where customers see packaging that was formerly meant for the backroom only. The visual dominance of a box for a big-screen TV can be extremely influential in the purchase decision. The packaging strategy was to visually imply exactly what a customer expects from HD technology: intense color, heroically-proportioned product and high production values.
TTE Technology, audio-visual products
Indianapolis, Indiana
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
background imagery: Ron Schempp
production designer: Madeline Baird
A “Green TV” needed a sustainable packaging strategy, which would eliminate waste of any kind. The branding and labeling is done on a piece of uncoated paperboard that can be easily separated and recycled. It is held to the body of the clamshell package by reusable natural rubber bands. The body of the package is cast in Biofoam, an expanded foam product made from corn starch. After the product is removed, the package can be easily dissolved in water.
TTE Technology, audio-visual products
Indianapolis, Indiana
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
3D imaging: Shawn Hoglund
Simple, bold lines and forms were the starting point for a rebrand of Target’s basic lighting products. Unifying and beautifying the line was achieved through the use of neutral metallic silver.
Target Stores, home improvement
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
fellow designers: Dawn Selg, John Moes
This flip-chart-like reference catalog allowed Target customers to virtually “see” various elements matched together. The chart created a simple method for customers to view many options without disturbing the merchandise run.
Target Stores, home improvement
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
fellow designers: Dawn Selg, John Moes
Taking cues from the geometry of Michael Graves’ architecture and product design, this cuboid presentation was designed to maximize impact both as a store display and as a gift.
Target Stores, jewelry
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
This necklace holder/insert card and tag presents one-of-kind jewelry that combines vintage jewelry aesthetics with symbols of Catholic faith. The insert card has an assemblage of Saints that works as a backdrop for the repurposed jewelry.
She Sells Sanctuary, jewelry designer
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Neenah Paper
Alpharetta, Georgia
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
Eames Office
Santa Monica, California
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
3M’s international footprint and rigorous brand standards set a high bar for any graphic interpretation, which must function across cultural lines with minimal text explanation.
3M Company, display materials and systems
Saint Paul, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
Target Stores, beverages
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
Target created the Restore & Restyle brand to relaunch its home improvement line of homewares, furniture and hardware. A distinct color palette differentiated various product collections.
Target Stores, home improvement
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
Keeping in line with the established Restore & Restyle Brand Identity, Target added a kids line with a whimsical, fun approach. The end result was a congruous brand image that extended the Restore & Restyle brand equity.
Target Stores, home improvement
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
This packaging story for housewares co-branded with House Beautiful was all about color and coordination between soft and hard goods.
The May Department Stores Company, home furnishings
Saint Louis, Missouri
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
fellow designer: Wendy Bonnstetter
concept, design, & illustration:
Jerry Stenback
Bright graphics applied to simple, bold forms and a unique overhead skim gave the industry leader a ubiquitous visual in a vast exhibition hall.
Datacard, card issuance technologies
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Larsen Design, Minneapolis
concept & creative direction: Tim Larsen
Target sponsored a 10-city run of the renowned Boys Choir of Harlem. An event of this caliber required an eye-catching visual to grab shoppers’ attention as they entered and exited the store.
Target Stores, sponsorship program
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
internal initiative
Prime Therapeutics, pharmacy benefits manager
Eagan, Minnesota
creative director: Heidi Ocel
design manager: Nils Oiseth
writer: Alisa Regnier
unpublished
This exercise embodied Picasso’s advice: “Forcing yourself to use restricted means is the sort of restraint that liberates invention. It obliges you to make a kind of progress that you can’t even imagine in advance.” Final study was comprised of hand cut/torn PANTONE paper.
Yale Summer Workshop in Graphic Design
Brissago, Switzerland
creative director: Pierre Mendell
Inspired by the Nashville Hatch Show Print poster of woodblock carvings, the unique look was achieved through selective chiseling and gouging of type and decorative elements.
Boot Barn, western & work wear retailer
Irvine, California
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
WTTW Chicago, public broadcasting service
Chicago, Illinois
design office: WTTW, Chicago
portfolio photographer: Mitch Sondreaal
Taking imagery and calendar information from the program in order to get the word out on the street.
Mount Tremper Arts
Mount Tremper, New York
Carson Pirie Scott & Company, retailer
Chicago, Illinois
Located in the main entrance, this 165 ft. wide display depicts the founding of St. Marys Hospital and its development as part of the Mayo Medical Center. Visitors gain an easily understood, informative look into the people and events that brought worldwide renown to an institution with humble beginnings.
The Mayo Foundation, St. Marys Campus / The Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota
design office: Larsen Design, Minneapolis
Prime Therapeutics, pharmacy benefits manager
Eagan, Minnesota
creative director: Ron Brant
Housewarming gift to a friend and avid supporter to Germany’s national football team.
The oval shape of a race track, the checkered flag — blurred with motion, the lateral force of type. Simple, classic, inspired by the 60’s auto racing poster.
Target Stores, sponsorship program
Minneapolis, Minnesota
design office: Design Guys, Minneapolis
creative director: Steve Sikora
Commemorative posters for my niece and her senior teammates to share with their families on Senior Night.
Saint Paul Central High School
Saint Paul, Minnesota
photography: various
Employees who signed up to ride the 2-day fundraising event were kitted out in an eye-catching use of the Prime branding elements and colors.
Prime Therapeutics, pharmacy benefits manager
Eagan, Minnesota
design manager: Nils Oiseth
A selection of wall graphics: room and floor location signage, Connect IT facility, game room and workout gym.
Prime Therapeutics, pharmacy benefits manager
Eagan, Minnesota
concept, design and creative direction: Ron Brant
Prime Therapeutics, pharmacy benefits manager
Eagan, Minnesota
creative director: Ron Brant
