We’ve learned a lot working with the CL for nearly ten years on over 500 projects. Thinking big and working fast with a collaborative spirit has cultivated a dynamic and productive relationship. The projects that we work on range in scope and structure—from poster sprints to identity systems to full advertising campaigns. Given the nature of an innovation lab, a good deal of what we work on together is under NDA though many projects become public-facing. We’ve picked some of our favorites and grouped them into three partnership categories: Leading, Paralleling, and Integrating.
We’re asked to lead the creative efforts on a variety of projects with the CL. We’ll frame concepts and realize solutions—ultimately bringing the project to the finish line. Frequent check-ins and transparency ensure productivity and protect forward momentum. Often we begin at a project’s end, as if it already exists, and search for clarity in the concept and synergy in the system.
We’re systematic thinkers that love a good creative challenge. We’ll often partner as independent teams on large-scale CL projects and sprint in tandem towards a shared goal. Sometimes we’re asked to create an alternate brand direction or give an outside perspective. Sometimes we’re a sidecar. Sometimes we’re the ace in the hole.
Some projects require a more ‘boots on the ground’ approach where we become embedded with a client’s internal team. In this type of partnership, we act as a single super-team. We bring our design muscles to follow their lead. The close collaboration leads to quick iterations and the ability to pivot at the drop of a dime.