A brand system built to bring a regional auction house national and international recognition.

ROLE
Creative Director and/or Designer;
Sametz Blackstone Associates

SCOPE
Strategy // Branding // Print // Web

identity

A flexible identity system steeped in tradition and ready for modernity.

Custom lettering imparts a level of sophistication in keeping with the high quality of items on offer in Skinner auctions. 

A container system designed with a flexible approach to wordmark placement and color usage adds visual weight and functionality. The new mark works in symbiosis with virtually any background. 

The simple, bold square form juxtaposes with the historical forms of the wordmark to add a contemporary sensibility to the overall system.

publications

Catalog covers

Bold crops of evocative lot images paired with a flexible, asymmetric placement of the indentifier and auction name together create bold, modern compositions that retain a sense of elevated minimalist style.

Catalog interiors

A strong grid, mix of declarative and evocative object images, and clear, bold typographic hierarchies convey an assured and trustworthy business personality.

screen

Web

Consistency of visual language across multiple platforms—from print publications and direct mail to email, web, and social—tell a clear and compelling story and help audiences make connections across media touch points.

Concise, easy to parse, content-rich emails supplement traditional marketing approaches.

direct mail

Regular direct mail touch-points help maintain connection and interest.

Mailer interiors (below) feature event listings as well as an evocative array of images from upcoming auctions.

Business papers

brand guidelines

An in-depth brand book documents core visual elements and gives examples and strategies for exploring future communications within the visual system. 

Case studies

All material © Alexander S. Budnitz and/or the orgianzations listed