Emily Carr House Identity Project: 2004 & 2005

Project objectives:

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Over the years, Emily Carr House, Museum and Gallery at 207 Government Street, in Victoria B.C. has had a number of different modes of operation. Although the Province of British Columbia has owned the building and grounds since 1976 site operations  have been undertaken by different groups and configurations of management with varying focus or objectives. This has over time created a number of different public identities or images, or at least a less than strong clear identity. Though Emily Carr and her work has been, almost always, the main focus of site promotions it is the House of Richard Carr her father and the Carr family home. Emily's sisters Edith, Alice, Elizabeth, Sister Clara and Brother Richard as well as her Mother, Emily are additionally part of the interpretation at this important historic site. Each of the other members of Emily's family are part of the Emily Carr House "story" and thus, part of the historic site's "identity." Below is one of several brochure ( 4" x 9" rack card ) design proofs.
The brochure does not have a white boarder around it and a heavier paper stock ( 100lb Cougar Natural ) was chosen to compensate for the lessened "stiffness" of un coated paper. 100 lb. Cougar has a soft, almost rag paper look and  feel.
An art's and crafts font was chosen as a good representation of Carr herself.
The part of the card visible on the rack is about the top 1 / 3 or less.
Two business cards 2 x 3 1 / 2 " and one complimentary site pass, also 2 x 3 1 / 2 " 
Letterhead with similar elements.
All printed on different stock with very nearly the same colour. The brochure ( rack card ) is printed as 4 x4 full colour and the cards and letter head are one colour offset. The cards on 80lb. Cougar Natural and the letter head on linen 70lb. Natural Synergy Writing Linen. Low contrast ( not black ) pan tone coated ( colour to be determined ) ink used on all, but the brochure. Same colour for all.
Project Objectives: Draw together diverse elements. Simplify, clarify.

First.

Process:

Gather relevant ideas and images. 
Examine the period graphic styles.
Choose primary elements of style.
Choose a set of relevant elements that could represent Carr House.
Make sketches and doodle with concepts.
Design an image framework flexible enough to accommodate several presentation needs: print, poster, brochure, hand bill and web site etc... as well as required design elements.

Phase two.

1. ) Redesign web site with new elements.
2. ) Test site function.
3. ) Rework front page graphic. ( enlarge )
4. ) Replace front page photo with one of a suitable quality.

Phase three.

Design print material:

Select stock: Non glossy, off white ( linen ) Period style. Not common practice.
White space design, no bleeds. Not common practice.
Objective: Visibility, Simplicity & Clarity.