The International Classical Music Database (ICMD) is a nonprofit organization located in Beijing, China. They exist to promote, educate, and archive classical music for people the world over. They approached Metagramme with a request for an identity that would be elegant, simple, and scholarly, yet contemporary to suit their focus on new media.

The logo concept plays on the global nature of their work, and the broad range of musical styles which can be labelled “Classical.” The classroom globe is found in schools around the world and has become a symbol of learning at all levels. The musical staff reference found in the symbol and logotype lock-up is not obvious in the mark as it stands alone. But it becomes apparent in the application of this identity, through usage of the five musical staff lines as a modular graphic element in all their visual communications.

Role: Naming Consultation, Creative Direction, Copywriting, Design, Production Management 

When WORLD Magazine commissioned us to reimagine their publication for the iPad, we chose to maintain the spirit, rather than the letter of the magazine. This allowed us to create a comprehensive set of templates for pages and interactive elements that are suited to the tablet medium. Featuring the same content as the print edition, plus digital extras like slideshows, videos, audio, and interactive maps, we created an immersive reading experience that takes advantage of the iPad’s strongest features. The app was released to the public in early March 2011. The response was very positive, with over 3,000 downloads in the first two weeks. As of the end of 2011, over 12,000 people have downloaded the app along with at least one issue.

Metagramme continues to provide creative direction for WORLD’s digital magazine on an ongoing basis. Visit WORLD’s iTunes page to find out more.

Role: Creative Direction, Design, Illustration, Project Management

Since 2009, Metagramme has designed the media guide for WORLD Magazine. The brochure provides advertisers with key information about WORLD’s demographic, editorial vision, and advertising oppportunities. For 2011, we updated the 2010 guide using the company’s new visual identity. Words by Nick Eicher, Dawn Stephenson, and Metagramme.

Role: Creative Direction, Design, Copywriting, Illustration, Production Management

Herbie’s is a French-American restaurant and bar in the West End of Saint Louis. Located in the same building as Balaban’s, a Saint Louis landmark from 1972–2008, Herbie’s maintained much of the ambience, almost all of the original French artwork and several classic menu items for a new, yet familiar dining experience.

 We designed a comprehensive identity program including logotype, menus, signage, stationery, ads and website. The new identity ties Herbie’s to the old Balaban’s with the “Vintage 72” strapline. Work completed in 2008 during employment at Kuhlmann Leavitt, Inc.

Role: Design, Production Management

We designed our first media guide for WORLD in 2009, prior to the identity redesign. The brochure provides advertisers with key information about WORLD’s demographic, editorial vision, and advertising opportunities. We felt that previous guides had neglected the most important information an advertiser can know: reader demographics. We focused on informative, engaging information graphics as the highlight of the brochure. Words by Nick Eicher, Dawn Stephenson, and Metagramme.

Role: Creative Direction, Design, Copywriting, Illustration, Production Management
Awards: St Louis AIGA 15 Show (2010)