DESIGN & MESSAGING STRATEGY + ART DIRECTION
In collaboration with Alice Heinz Blair, we developed a fresh storytelling and design approach for the 2023 Sustainability & Social Impact Report to connect Prose’s impact efforts to its core brand values and position Prose as an industry-disrupting force for good. Our work also included sourcing stock photography and art directing (remote) select individual Prose team photos and the Executive Team group photo.
Copy & Messaging Strategy: Alice Heinz Blair
Photography © Prose
Project details available upon request.
—
Prose is a certified B Corp and climate-neutral custom hair and skincare brand.
VISUAL IDENTITY & PACKAGING DESIGN CONSULTATION
Carnaby & Vine reached out seeking design consultation to elevate their packaging and appeal to customers with an eye for fine details. They had various ideas in mind, but needed design assistance to make it feel cohesive. Through design consultation, we curated an updated, refined visual brand presence which would be applied on their website, packaging, and collateral. Thoughtful, considered solutions were recommended for the Carnaby & Vine logo, color palette, and materials. The logo was stripped of it’s original location marker to match their growth plans of catering to international customers, clients, and partners. The color palette was refined from a casual green and pink to a neutral, luxe palette of grays, marble, and copper foil, all aligning with their more high end gift offerings. Additionally, I reviewed material samples, provided final production specifications, and collaborated with both the client and the packaging team to achieve our desired results.
Please note, the website design and product photography was not part of my scope of work. Project details available upon request.
Photography © Carnaby & Vine
—
A bespoke services company with offices in Los Angeles and London, Carnaby & Vine creates thoughtfully curated gifts inspired by the founders’ love of timeless, high quality products, stunning flower arrangements, and impeccable presentation.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREATIVE DIRECTION + ART DIRECTION + SHOOT PRODUCTION
The photography creative direction for Govino’s wholesale catalog images focused on playfully featuring the product in bright, sun-drenched settings, both inside and out, where both drinks and conversations flow effortlessly. We highlighted Govino’s multi-use flexibility with bright natural light and contrasting, rich shadows, and a variety of drinks. Imperative to reveal the distinctive iconic thumb-notch feature for easy holding, we ensured that it was featured in the light just right.
Project details available upon request.
Photography © Govino
- Photographer: Kate Sears
- Stylist: Pam Morris
- Creative Director and Art Director: Maria Pastore
—
Govino is a shatterproof, reusable and ultimately recyclable line of plastic beverage glasses. They offer a more elegant approach to serving when an unbreakable option is desired. Environmentally-friendly, washable, and dishwasher safe, Govino is eliminating the waste caused by single-use plastic.
BRAND STRATEGY + VISUAL IDENTITY + DESIGN DIRECTION + PRODUCT, PACKAGING, & CATALOG DESIGN + PRODUCT CONCEPTS & DEVELOPMENT + SEASONAL LAUNCH PLANNING + CONCEPTUAL PRODUCT COPY + PHOTO SHOOT ART DIRECTION, STYLING, & PRODUCTION + CATALOG ART DIRECTION
A visual identity, product development and design, and photography art direction for a home and gift line whose products remind us of our rich familial histories while simultaneously inspiring us to create new memories with those we hold close. Sir/Madam offers timeless products that marry well with a range of styles in today’s eclectic interiors. The collection includes products made of wood, glass, ceramic, marble, metal, cotton, linen, and more. Packaging is kept minimal and simple, using uncoated papers and undyed, natural linen pouches, both printed with black ink featuring clean typography. Curated and designed biannual seasonal launches based on strategy and sales as well as production and manufacturing capabilities. Art directed the wholesale catalog photography and layout. Products are sold in shops such as ABC Home, Food52, West Elm, Terrain, and boutique retail and F&B outlets around the country.
Sir/Madam was created by the Aesthetic Movement design and sales teams. My contributions as Design Director are listed above. Details available upon request.
Images © Sir/Madam
- Photographers: Kate Sears & Rebecca Salzman
- Stylists: Pam Morris & Aesthetic Movement
- Creative Director: Jesse James
- Art Director: Maria Pastore
—
Sir/Madam is a home and gift lifestyle brand focusing on domesticity and entertaining, and evokes classical motifs and historical references in an easy, modern way.
LOGO, PACKAGING, & SIGNAGE DESIGN
The visual identity for Regular Visitors, a modern general store in Brooklyn, features a black and white palette and bold, hand-crafted letterforms supported by an elegant serif font. This classic combination allowed for an iconic assortment of stationery, packaging, signage, and branded private label coffee and chocolate products. The visual identity is bright and clean, complementing the light-filled space of floor-to-ceiling windows and interior glass partitions.
Regular Visitors was created during my time at Aesthetic Movement. My responsibilities and contributions as Design Director are listed above. Project details available upon request.
Images © Regular Visitors
- Photographer: Joe McEnness
- Stylist: Aesthetic Movement
- Art Director: Aesthetic Movement
—
Located in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, Regular Visitors was a coffee and kombucha shop, newsstand, stationer, pharmacy, and housewares store—a neighborhood staple for everyday needs.
BRAND STRATEGY + DESIGN DIRECTION + PRODUCT, PACKAGING, & CATALOG DESIGN + PRODUCT CONCEPTS & DEVELOPMENT + SEASONAL LAUNCH PLANNING + FRAGRANCE CURATION + PRODUCT COPY & EDITING + PHOTOGRAPHY CREATIVE DIRECTION, ART DIRECTION, & PRODUCTION + BRAND VIDEO + CATALOG ART DIRECTION
The Floral Society offers a line of products for aspiring floral designers and entrepreneurs, a collection of tools of the trade along with decorative objects for the home and table. The collection includes candles, candle holders, vases, textiles, kit, garden tools, floral tools, and more. Packaging features floral photography and copper foil mixed with warm, natural hues, using uncoated papers and cotton pouches. Collaborate with the founder on biannual seasonal launches based on strategy and sales as well as production and manufacturing capabilities. Product design and development. Creative direction for the brand photography and art direction for the catalog. Products are sold in shops such as Food52, Rejuvenation, Bloomingdales, Burke Decor, and boutique retail outlets around the country.
Since April 2019, I have independently collaborated with The Floral Society (TFS). Prior, TFS was designed and curated during my time at Aesthetic Movement with my contributions as Design Director listed above. Details available upon request.
Images © The Floral Society
- Photographers: Kate Sears, Ngoc Minh Ngo, Jen Huang Bogan, & Rebecca Salzman
- Stylists: Ayesha Patel & Aesthetic Movement
- Creative Director & Art Director: Maria Pastore
- Video: Director, Producer, Designer: Maria Pastore; Writer: Alice Heinz Blair; Editor: Phillip Pastore
—
The Floral Society is a collection of tools and objects to inspire the floral design enthusiast at home — time-tested essentials infused with a heavy dose of aspiration. The Floral Society aims to open up a world of flowers, gardening, and casual entertaining to all.
VISUAL IDENTITY DESIGN & ART
With its hand-painted icon paired with modern and eclectic typography, the visual identity for Terra Earth + Surf reflects the seaside location and the connection one has with nature. The logo embodies both space and texture, and the hand-painted illustration depicts the visual characteristics of the earth and moon—the moon being especially relevant as it affects the surf. The design exudes a feeling of what one experiences while at the sea, both in water and on the shore, grounded on Earth. The arc of the card and vinyl outline symbolizes that all are welcome and the soft rust color is inspired by the colors of the sand. The logo was applied to a business card, shopping bags, and window signage. Project details available upon request.
Images © Terra Earth + Surf
- Art Director: Maria Pastore
- Photographer: Bryan Barham
—
Located in Spring Lake, New Jersey, Terra Earth + Surf is an outdoor living and natural home goods shop—a neighborhood resource and indulgence for the seaside locals and seasonal visitors.
VISUAL IDENTITY + PHOTO SHOOT CREATIVE DIRECTION, ART DIRECTION, & PRODUCTION + GRAPHIC DESIGN + SOURCING + CONSULTING
Pirtti apparel and tabletop accessories are hand-dyed with natural material or left natural and are able to be composted and returned to the earth. The work of creating, dyeing, mending, and treasuring is most enjoyed as a community together in a workshop-like setting, inspiring the name, Pirtti, Finnish for cabin. It is in this spirit that a hand-crafted logo was created with an abstract representation of a supportive structure and partnership, much like the essence of Pirtti is to its community and Earth. Following the creation of the visual identity, branded eco-friendly garment labels, hang tags, stationery, and signage were produced (items were made of organic cotton, sugarcane, recycled handmade papers). Inspired by living mindfully and intentionally, the photography creative direction focused on soft, natural warm light, and an energetic flow to communicate the raw materials, the fluidity of the concept and process, and the care of the collection and brand with respect to nature. Details available upon request.
Images © Pirtti
- Photographers: Kate Sears & Anne-Marie Kavulla
- Stylists: Christina Lane & Anne-Marie Kavulla
- Creative Director and Art Director: Maria Pastore
—
Pirtti is a brand and studio founded by Anne-Marie Kavulla, a weaver, knitter, and dyer with a passion for plant dyes and circularity. Pirtti offers plant-dyed goods that may be mended, over-dyed, and when no longer of service, composted. Each piece is an expression of the belief that slow making imbues objects with a unique energy. This spirit grows richer over time, as the object changes hands, takes on a patina, and eventually returns to the earth as nourishment. Pirtti celebrates the life cycle of objects invites deeper respect for nature and contemplative living. Pirtti is a collaboration with nature.
PACKAGING DESIGN
In a sea of white and pastel packaging, the Way Of Will Skincare line pops off of the shelves. One, bold color for each skin concern category, as well as simple typography with a clinical-style layout, speak to the effectiveness of the product solutions themselves.
The packaging was created during my time at Aesthetic Movement. My responsibilities and contributions as Design Director and Designer are listed above. Details available upon request.
Images © Way Of Will
—
Seeded from founder Willie Tsang’s interest in a healthier lifestyle, Way Of Will is an athletic brand focused on elevating the workout experience, in and outside of the gym. Created especially for people who train regularly, Way of Will products protect, energize, refresh, relax, moisturize and groom using the power of essential oils and aromatherapy.
BRAND STRATEGY + BRAND NAMING + DESIGN DIRECTION + PRODUCT & PACKAGING DESIGN + PRODUCT CONCEPTS & DEVELOPMENT + FRAGRANCE CURATION + SEASONAL LAUNCH PLANNING + CONCEPTUAL PRODUCT COPY + CATALOG ART DIRECTION
Conceptualized Izola’s sister-line, a woman’s lifestyle brand inspired by honoring one’s self, or an ode to one’s self (me), à la Odeme. Odeme launched with its collection of everyday staples, The Dailies, and included products (beauty, home, bar, tabletop, accessories) packaged in bright, colorful patterns while remaining timeless and classic in both style and functionality. To balance out the pop, we used uncoated paper wrapped boxes printed in pink with witty phrases stamped in gold foil. Curated and designed biannual seasonal launches based on strategy and sales as well as production and manufacturing capabilities. Art directed the wholesale catalogs. Products were sold in stores such as J.Crew, Anthropologie, and boutique retail shops around the country.
Odeme was created by the design and sales teams during my time at Aesthetic Movement. My responsibilities and contributions as Design Director are listed above. Details available upon request.
Images © Odeme & Aesthetic Movement
—
Odeme is a lifestyle brand of accessory collections for the modern woman at home, at work, and at play. Odeme embodies a celebratory spirit with considered design and a palette that pops for objects that are both fun and functional.
PHOTO SHOOT CREATIVE DIRECTION, ART DIRECTION, & PRODUCTION + CATALOG DESIGN
The Andraab cashmere line photography visually defined the artisanal craftsmanship of woven textures and embroidery details, bringing the scarves and shawls to life and featured the ease of wearing them countless ways. Soft and ethereal light and colors, almost blurry, and fluid movement paired with the catalog’s sparse sensibility allowed the collection’s seasonal story to flow across the pages.
This project was created during my time at Aesthetic Movement. My responsibilities and contributions as Design Director are listed above. Details available upon request.
Shoot Images © Andraab
- Model: Stacy Janelle
- Photographer: Carolina Palmgren
- Stylist: Renata Bokalo
- Creative Director and Art Director: Maria Pastore
Catalog Images © Aesthetic Movement
—
Made in Kashmir, India, from the rarest and finest Pashmina, using weaving techniques and arts from 15th century Persia, an Andraab shawl is like no other. Andraab’s mission is to revive the heritage of the Kashmiri Pashmina. By introducing authentic, handwoven Kashmiri shawls, Andraab aspires to breathe life back into a once world-renowned industry. Andraab seeks not only to showcase traditional, exclusive pieces of handwoven luxury, but also to bring fresh ideas, design and color to the Kashmiri Pashmina.
DESIGN DIRECTION + PRODUCT, PACKAGING, & CATALOG DESIGN + PRODUCT CONCEPTS & DEVELOPMENT + FRAGRANCE CURATION + SEASONAL LAUNCH PLANNING + CONCEPTUAL PRODUCT COPY + CATALOG ART DIRECTION
Created an impressive collection of lifestyle products (home, bath, grooming, dress, travel, bar, etc) that together were inspired by the utilitarian ideal of making things that are “built to last.” Curated and designed biannual seasonal launches based on strategy and sales as well as production and manufacturing capabilities. Designed and art directed the wholesale catalogs. Products were sold in stores such as J.Crew, West Elm Market, and boutique retail shops around the country.
The work for Izola was created by the design and sales teams during my time at Aesthetic Movement. My responsibilities and contributions as Design Director are listed above. Details available upon request.
Images © Izola & Aesthetic Movement
—
Izola is a lifestyle brand that exhibits whimsy and masculinity within its assortment of objects for home, grooming, work, and travel.
ASSISTANT ART DIRECTION + PHOTO SHOOT PRODUCTION + CATALOG DESIGN
To support the launch of Thomas O’Brien’s debut wholesale collection, TOB/Aero, every detail of the catalog, from its size to typography, layout, and image selection, was carefully considered to ensure congruence with the established Thomas O’Brien brand. As assistant art director to Thomas O’Brien on the catalog photo shoot, I supported his vision, ensuring no detail was missed for the storytelling of this artful tabletop collection. The images feature a layering of new product with a rich history and for the catalog design it was important to have quiet moments in between of clean, open spaces to share O’Brien’s inspired stories of collecting.
Project details available upon request.
Images © Thomas O’Brien
- Photographer: Francesco Lagnese
- Creative & Art Director: Thomas O’Brien
- Assistant Art Directors: Maria Pastore & Jesse James
—
TOB/Aero is a collection of decorative home goods including large objects, table textiles, and desk accessories designed by acclaimed New York designer Thomas O’Brien.
BRAND STRATEGY + DESIGN DIRECTION + VISUAL IDENTITY + PRODUCT, PACKAGING, & CATALOG DESIGN + PRODUCT CONCEPTS & DEVELOPMENT + SEASONAL LAUNCH PLANNING + PHOTO SHOOT ART DIRECTION, STYLING, & PRODUCTION + CATALOG ART DIRECTION
Through strategy, Minor History was developed as a modern, edgy leather accessories brand inspired by art, history, and travel. Pieces are made of high quality leather with clean construction, sans lining, and brass hardware, all at an approachable price point. Following the launch, to keep the core collection artful and fresh, seasonal launches were defined by a new assortment of shapes, colors, and leather textures; additionally, in-house designed artwork was printed on a limited number of pieces. The wholesale catalog covers were inspired by an artist or concept and also coordinated with the color palette for that particular seasonal launch.
Minor History was created by the design and sales teams at Aesthetic Movement. My responsibilities and contributions as Design Director are listed above. Details available upon request.
Images © Minor History and Aesthetic Movement
- Model: Jo Anna M
- Photographers: Kate Sears, Jonathan Bumble, Aesthetic Movement
- Stylists: Maria Pastore & Aesthetic Movement team
- Art Directors: Maria Pastore & Aesthetic Movement team
—
Minor History creates smart, sturdy, and altogether covetable accessories to help carry the stuff of life. Using high quality leathers and solid brass hardware, our modern silhouettes are designed with clean functionality and a pretty edge to be with you for years to come. There are currently 120 product SKUs spread across 18 styles in the Minor History collection.
BRAND STRATEGY + BRAND NAME CONCEPT + DESIGN DIRECTION + PRODUCT & PACKAGING DESIGN + PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT + SEASONAL LAUNCH PLANNING + PHOTO SHOOT ART DIRECTION, STYLING, & PRODUCTION + CATALOG ART DIRECTION
immLiving, a ceramics decor brand, worked with Aesthetic Movement to develop a new product line from scratch utilizing their production partners and capabilities. We strategized and focused on building outward from the core immLiving products (ceramic dinnerware and the iconic Big Top Balloon Dog bookend). Through this effort, we named the brand 1993 (an homage to the year the founder’s family immigrated to Canada from China), and designed a curated collection that was rich in color and simple in form. A cool gray box design with knocked out design elements was both an economical solution and the perfect backdrop to the colorful products. We produced and art directed the bi-annual photo shoots and designed the wholesale catalog.
1993 was designed and curated by the design and sales teams at Aesthetic Movement. My responsibilities and contributions as Design Director are listed above. Details available upon request.
Images © Imm Living/1993 & Aesthetic Movement
- Photographer: John von Pamer
- Stylist: Aesthetic Movement
- Art Director: Maria Pastore & Aesthetic Movement team
—
1993 was a bold and modern ceramics collection for the home founded by the makers of immLiving.
PACKAGING DESIGN DIRECTION
The Way of Will essential oil product assortment packaging design complements the colorful sport core collection of the brand by utilizing the brand typefaces and trusted droplet icon in a clean design application that evokes a sense of luxury through the warm, healing spa-like finishing detail of copper foil stamping over rich, minimalistic black. Pattern details of organic shapes speak to the natural use of essential oils as a key collection ingredient. The end result is an essential oil collection from an established brand that is bold enough to stand on its own.
The packaging was designed by the design team at Aesthetic Movement. My responsibilities and contributions as Design Director are listed above. Details available upon request.
Images © Way Of Will
—
Seeded from founder Willie Tsang’s interest in a healthier lifestyle, Way of Will is an athletic brand focused on elevating the workout experience, in and outside of the gym. Created especially for people who train regularly, Way of Will products protect, energize, refresh, relax, moisturize and groom using the power of essential oils and aromatherapy.
DESIGN DIRECTION & DESIGN OF PRODUCT & PACKAGING + CONCEPT/PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT + SEASONAL PRODUCT PLANNING
A leather goods collection, Graphic Image x Aesthetic Movement is an assortment of classic books and accessories designed with a minimalistic sense of style that highlights the quality of the leather and the utility and design of the books and objects themselves. In collaboration with Graphic Image, reviewing production capabilities, materials, and more, a design-forward, smart assortment of essential books, stationery, and accessories was created. The artwork on the foil-stamped journal covers was inspired by the windows, doors, and art of the art deco style, opening the door to one’s own imagination.
The collection was designed and curated by the design and sales teams at Aesthetic Movement. My responsibilities and contributions as Design Director are listed above. Details available upon request.
Images © Graphic Image x Aesthetic Movement
—
Born of a mutual love of collaboration and a desire to highlight the unique strengths and capabilities of American-made customization, this alliance has allowed Aesthetic Movement to create multiple unique collections for the leading name in domestic leather bookbinding. Founded in 1969, Graphic Image, a New York stationery and accessories brand, has a long history of partnership with leading stores, from Bergdorf Goodman to Tiffany & Co. Each quality piece is painstakingly finished by hand in New York state.
DESIGN DIRECTION + DESIGN OF NADIA BRAND ICONS
Epiphany 112 was a collection of three naturally infused flavored sparkling wines brought to life through designs inspired by the visual lens of both its NYC village roots and Gordon Matta-Clark, a favorite artist of the founder. Packaging design directions inclusive of gold foil finishes, monograms, and collage work defined both the brand Nadia and the Epiphany 112 wine assortment.
Designed during my time as Design Director at Aesthetic Movement. My responsibilities and contributions as Design Director are listed above. Details available upon request.
Images © Aesthetic Movement
—
Nadia and Ephiphany 112 sparkling wine was imagined by Nadia Koch, owner of cocktail establishments Home Sweet Home and Figure 19 in New York’s Lower East Side. With plans to bottle a collection of infused sparkling wine, the client approached Aesthetic Movement to design both the visual identity and packaging for the product.
PACKAGING DESIGN DIRECTION + FRAGRANCE CURATION + MATERIAL SOURCING & MANAGEMENT
To celebrate Harney & Sons Fine Teas 30th anniversary, this candle collection embodies flavors and aromas of their impressive tea assortment. Created in close partnership with Harney & Sons and a renowned perfumery, the fragrances brought the essence of each tea to life, filling a room light and warmth. An application of bold color in a tonal monogram pattern distinguishes fragrances and elevates the rich black vessels. Luxe gold foil stamping and wax seals create a regal design making this limited edition collection one to be coveted as it honored the company’s heritage.
The packaging was created during my time at Aesthetic Movement. My responsibilities and contributions as Design Director are listed above. Details available upon request.
Images © Aesthetic Movement
—
Harney & Sons Fine Teas is a multi-generational family business established in 1983, with shops in Millerton, Connecticut, and New York City’s Soho neighborhood, and are known for their extensive range of uniquely crafted tea blends.
LOGO DESIGN + DESIGN OF SIGNAGE & PRINTED BROCHURE + DIGITAL ASSET DESIGN DIRECTION
Aesthetic Movement partnered to launch Shoppe Object and a visual identity was created to communicate the show’s fresh, communal approach to the trade show experience. The logo was designed to be bold, friendly, and minimal, allowing for instant recognition and flexible adaptation as it supports a new featured artist and color palette each season. For the inaugural event at Metropolitan West in NYC, the Studio incorporated work from New York City artist Sandra Constantine in the development of printed materials, signage, and online marketing.
Shoppe Object was created during my time at Aesthetic Movement. My responsibilities and contributions as Design Director are listed above. Project details available upon request.
Images © Shoppe Object and Aesthetic Movement
—
Shoppe Object is a semi-annual independent trade show for the home and gift industry.
DESIGN DIRECTION
The opening of the Aesthetic Movement pop-up retail space, SHOP, was timed with the re-opening of the Macy’s Herald Square housewares department of where it settled into place on the 8th floor. SHOP introduced a maker concept to the world of Macy’s and the branding evoked the legacy of the original Macy's and its origins as a family-owned dry goods store. The design of the bags and postcard echoed the hand-lettered signage of the early twentieth century.
SHOP was created during my time at Aesthetic Movement. My responsibilities and contributions as Design Director are listed above. Project details available upon request.
Images © Aesthetic Movement
—
Macy’s Herald Square is the flagship of the Macy’s department store chain and opened in New York City in 1902.
LOGO + PATTERN DESIGN
A lifestyle boutique within the Delta Terminal at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, Zona catered to bustling travelers looking for a last-minute gift through its well-curated assortment of beautiful and purposeful products. A bold, friendly logo and an energetic and dynamic pattern that felt in-motion yet grounded by a rich blue hue allowed the products to catch the eye of potential customers as they quickly made their way in or out of town.
Zona was created during my time at Aesthetic Movement. My responsibilities and contributions as Design Director are listed above. Project details available upon request.
Images © Aesthetic Movement
DESIGN + DESIGN DIRECTION
To support Aesthetic Movement’s marketing initiatives, the in-house design studio created seasonal newsprint wholesale trade show announcements and e-mail newsletters. The artwork or photography of the newsprint piece defined the visual theme for each trade show season and the e-mail newsletters corresponded for trade show schedule announcements or focused on individual wholesale line introductions to buyers.
The artwork has been created over the years by the Aesthetic Movement design team. My responsibilities and contributions as Design Director included: seasonal thematic concepts, occasional design, and overall design direction. Details available upon request.
—
Aesthetic Movement (A/M) is a think tank for smart, creative collaborations and a harbinger of style. Through the creation of relationships, products, and environments, Aesthetic Movement endeavors to move hearts and minds by advocating the extraordinary – not proliferating the ordinary. A/M provides a range of services for discerning clients in the gift, home, jewelry, and personal accessories industries. The integration of award-winning design with sales and marketing expertise enables A/M to provide clients with the most comprehensive solutions.
