In the fall of 2009, Crane & Co. approached Berkshire Creative to be the second host of the newly launched initiative: the Berkshire Creative Challenge. Known as a world leader in paper manufacturing, and stationery design, Crane recognized the Creative Challenge as an opportunity to cultivate and engage local artists, illustrators, designers and copywriters for their freelance creative resource team.
A total of 48 local creatives submitted applications to be a part of the Crane & Co. Challenge. Of these applicants, 5 were added directly to Crane’s resource database as specialists in areas such as paper marbling and copy writing, and 13 applicants were invited to participate in the full Creative Challenge.
On May 7, 2010, the thirteen selected participants toured Crane’s facilities in both Dalton and North Adams, and the Crane Museum to learn more about the company’s unique creative needs and production capabilities. (Click here to see pictures!)
“Crane & Co. really pulled out all the stops for the challenge participants”, said Helena Fruscio director of Berkshire Creative. “The participants saw every aspect of the product and production and got the real insiders tour of why Crane & Co. are leaders in their field. It was a great opportunity for all involved.”
Twelve of the 13 participants later submitted designs for review, and John Neiner of Pixel Graphic Design Studio of Pittsfield, was selected as the Creative Challenge winner.
“John stood out to everyone on the review committee. His work was impressive, organized, and imaginative,” said Megan Kuntze, Crane & Co.’s Brand Director, “We are looking forward to working with John on future creative assignments.”
As the winner, Neiner now has the opportunity to produce a stationery collection for Crane & Co. In addition to the winner, six other designers were identified as potential resources for future freelance projects: Amanda Bettis, Robin Brickman, Meg Buratto, Rebecca Schreiber, Julie Hammill, and Margaret Lundin.
“We are so elated that the Crane & Co. Berkshire Creative Challenge was such a resounding success,” says Fruscio. “This is only our second Creative Challenge, but we have already clearly demonstrated that if you are a manufacturer looking for a top-notch designer or a designer looking for a contract with a world-class company, you can find it here in the Berkshires, where creativity lives!”
About John Neiner
John Neiner is a graphic designer and illustrator working at Pixel Graphic Design Studio in Pittsfield, MA. Founded in 2005 by John’s brother, the studio has been an outlet for their creative skills and imagination. Over the past few years John has transitioned from his background in traditional media into the realm of digital-art through the use of his favorite piece of equipment: a Wacom Intuos3 graphics tablet. John resides in the Berkshires with his wife Erin and their 3 energetic boys. In addition to art, John also enjoys rock climbing, ventriloquism and a slew of other eclectic pastimes.
About the Creative Challenge
In fall 2009 Berkshire Creative launched a new initiative to connect Berkshire manufacturers and businesses with local designers, engineers and creative workers: the Creative Challenge.
A Creative Challenge is structured as follows: Berkshire Creative partners with a business to define the nature, format and criteria of the Challenge. The community is then invited to submit resumes and information on how their work and relates to the host company. From these applications, participants are selected to participate in a site visit of the Creative Challenge host business and then to submit a solution to the Creative Challenge.
Click here see results of previous Creative Challenges!
Companies interested in hosting a Creative Challenge should contact Helena Fruscio, Director of Berkshire Creative by phone or 413.822.8324 or email at helena.fruscio@berkshirecreative.org.
