serve. Pared down text highlighted their impactful work addressing issues like HIV/AIDS, obesity, and environmental health hazards. Through compelling photography and storytelling, the report conveyed the School's powerful global reach and commitment to improving lives in at-risk populations.

2. south shore housing development corporation
“ Sawyer Design worked with us to design a tremendous Annual Report last year
that told all our supporters in a very compelling way about our organization’s
2010 Annual Report reemergence from a difficult period. I received unsolicted praise for the Annual
Challenge: Great Project + Limited Budget = Creative Solution Report from several colleagues and supporters which said to me that the Report
really got our message across. Diane is not only a gifted designer, she is also a
pleasure to work with.”
—Carl Nagy-Koechlin, South Shore Housing Executive Director
“We need to have the
housing at all income
levels to support
growth. South Shore
Housing’s work with us
toward this end has been
very valuable.”
Jack Hunter, Town Planner, Carver MA
“With the encouragement
and support I received
from Joanne and the
Family Self Sufficiency
Success Stories program, I reached a lot
of goals that were just
dreams back then.”
South Shore Housing is committed to Sherri Strickland, FSS program participant
With programs including financial literacy and foreclosure counseling, low and
enhancing the quality of life for emergency
moderate income people by providing
and homeless shelters, as well as low income housing, SSH is addressing some of
decent, safe and affordable housing,
the most pressing needs on the South Shore.
helping families move toward economic
and social independence; and assisting
“Without the hard work and
individuals to reconnect with their
We proposed to build the annual around successcommunity. , theirs and their clients.
stories
dedication of the HUD
counselor at SSHDC I do
not know if I could have
made it through the long
Building on the concept “There’s No Place Like Home” we created a small slipcase
and confusing process of
my loan modification.”
Anonymous program participant
to enclose the brochure, which serves as a metaphor for housing. Cut-out windows
provide glimpses into the lives of clients and partners. Once open, the brochure With help from the bank
and South Shore Housing,
expands out into 14 panel piece. Personal success stories and intimate photography
this couple was able to buy
a home in Plympton.
“Its just where we want to
be, and its a beautiful fit
communicate the unexpected breadth and depth of the organization’s services. for us. We are so grateful.”
John and Donna Barry, new home owners
14 panel brochure and slip case
Folded Size: 5.5 x 8.5
While this piece was produced within a tight time frame and limited budget,
Ink: 4/4 process plus SGV
there was no compromise on the content, photography, and execution. SSH is thrilled
Stock: 80# Rolland Enviro 100 Cover
Bindery: score, trim, fold, saddle stich & die cut with the final product and are receiving rave reviews from their constituency.
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3. south shore housing development corporation
“ We worked closely with Sawyer Design on our 40th anniversary gala.
They designed a beautiful invitation that properly set the tone for the
40th Anniversary Gala publicity and materials celebratory event. They also designed several pieces for the event itself
Challenge: Create a branded look that works with, rather than competes with Whaling Museum. that effectively and attractively highlighted our history and our vision.
We now have these materials displayed prominently in our office.”
—Carl Nagy-Koechlin, South Shore Housing Executive Director
“We need to have the
housing at all income
levels to support
growth. South Shore
Housing’s work with us
toward this end has been
very valuable.”
Jack Hunter, Town Planner, Carver MA
To celebrateWithsupport I received
“ its 40th anniversary, SSH planned to hold fundraising gala
and
the encouragement
from Joanne and the
Success Stories at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. In keeping with their mission
Family Self Sufficiency
program, I reached a lot
of goals that were just
to
South Shore Housing is committed to support families through the turbulence of the recent recession,
dreams back then.”
Sherri Strickland, FSS program participant
and
enhancing the quality of life for low and as a nod to the historic setting, we built the gala publicity around
moderate income people by providing
decent, safe and affordable housing,
a old image of a dramatic lifeboat rescue. Our tag line for the event was
All Hands
helping families move toward economic on Deck!
and social independence; and assisting
“Without the hard work and
dedication of the HUD
individuals to reconnect with their Both print and electronic publicity for the event centered on the theme
counselor at SSHDC I do
community.
not know if I could have
made it through the long of weathering the storm. We created table tents that focused on
and confusing process of
my loan modification.”
Anonymous program participant
cities and towns the organization serves, which included statistics and
facts about the communities, their challenges, and services rendered.
We designed and installed a focus exhibit called Success Stories,
With help from the bank
and South Shore Housing,
Materials Produced:
which featured photos and quotes from the annual report. We also
this couple was able to buy
Invitation—print and electronic a home in Plympton.
“Its just where we want to
Program
created banner stands that detailed SSH’s history, and services, a slide
be, and its a beautiful fit
Signage for us. We are so grateful.”
Exhibit pop-up displays John and Donna Barry, new home owners
Slide show
Table Tents
show and other collateral.
The fundraiser exceeded its goal by over 50%.
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4. simmons college
SIMMONS Alumni Magazine “Going Green”
Challenge: Save money and resources without compromising on quality.
As part of its increased commitment to sustainability, SIMMONS decided
to switch its alumni magazine to an uncoated sheet with more recycled content.
After researching alternatives, we specified Roland Enviro100, manufactured
with 100% post-consumer waste. The inaugural issue, aka the GREEN
issue, is chock full of stories on all the initiatives that Simmons has undertaken
to be more environmentally-conscious, and improve their carbon footprint.
In addition to saving 176 trees, eleven thousand pounds of waste, and over
100 thousand gallons of water per issue, this paper change saved the college
8.5% in paper cost on the first issue alone.
Throughout the pre-press and printing process we worked closely with
the FSC certified printer to make sure that the images were optimized to
print as vividly as possible on the new recycled sheet. The magazine printed
beautifully, and we all love the new look. SIMMONS Magazine Goes Green
Simmons goes green
In response sustainability efforts at the
From recycling water bottles and plastic cups from the Fens, to a new “green certified”
College, the data to the left illustrates what
academic building and a study of sustainable business models, Simmons is well on its the SIMMONS magazine is doing to help
the environment. Starting with this issue,
way in “going green.”
the magazine will now be printed on
This special section will give you a glimpse into the College’s green movement, 100% recycled paper, which is made from
100% post-consumer waste. From saving
starting with a look at environmentally friendly administrative initiatives and student
trees to conserving energy, the magazine
sustainability efforts. Beyond that, you’ll read about impressive faculty, students, and is doing its part!
176 trees 11,209 lbs. 105,794 gallons 70.9 lbs. 24,614 lbs. 25,650 cubic feet
alumnae/i who are making valuable green contributions — and who may even inspire preserved for of solid waste of water saved of waterborne of air emissions of natural gas calculations to demonstrate the environmental
the future not generated particles not prevented (energy) saved benefits of using 100% post-consumer recycled fiber
you to make a green change yourself! created in lieu of virgin fiber from cascades eco calculator
What’s making SIMMONS “Green”? Plenty.
Here’s a look at some recent sustainable actions:
> onstruction of the new School of Management
C The College has established energy efficiency Last year, Simmons signed the American College and Several study-abroad courses are sustainability-related,
and Academic Building, as well as the Beatley standards in all classrooms and meeting spaces University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), including one led by Biology and Ecology Assistant Pro-
Library renovation and the Fens expansion, such as controlling climate based on room joining more than 450 other colleges and universities in fessor Vlad Douhovnikoff. Last year, Douhovnikoff led a
incorporated many sustainable building practices occupancy, controlling interior lights through a pledge to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions and to two-week course to explore the diverse natural ecosystems
such as energy-efficient kitchen equipment, cork room sensors, and controlling exterior lights accelerate climate-related research and education efforts. of California, visiting sites including the vast Sierra Nevada
flooring, and special bathroom faucets that use 0.5 by photo cell (a device that detects and Simmons is now working to implement the ACUPCC Mountain Range. The trip allowed students to examine the
gallons of water per minute versus the standard measures light). requirements, which include taking immediate steps to wildlife, plant life, and physical environment of the various
2.5 gallons of water per minute. reduce greenhouse emissions and developing a compre- ecosystems, and to examine strategies to manage them as
hensive climate neutrality action plan. natural resources.
Erin DeCurtis ’08SM interned at Simmons last fall,
working with the College’s Climate Change Committee to
The Sustainability Committee is a group of 20 students ad-
vised by Philosophy Professor Sue Stafford, who work with
Folded Size: 8.375 x 10.78
address the longer-term actions required by the ACUPCC. the College to coordinate recycling programs on campus.
Ink: 4C process
Using information gleaned from the SOM course “Sustain-
ability Analysis,” DeCurtis completed an assessment of all Project Move Out, started by Laura Smith ’09, collects
green efforts at Simmons and a greenhouse gas inventory. items left behind by students moving out of residence
halls at the end of each semester. The items, such as small
Nearly all buildings on the academic campus have convert- appliances, batteries, books, and clothing, are donated
ed to compact fluorescent lighting. Each energy-efficient
bulb can last up to five years, and over its lifetime prevents
to Boston-area nonprofits, including domestic violence
shelters. Stock: Rolland Enviro100 white
the release of 1,000–2,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere. ecycleMania is a 10-week competition in which more
R
Students initiated the College’s first recycling program
in 1999, working with the Office of Business Affairs
than 400 U.S. colleges and universities compete to collect
the largest amount of recyclables per person. In its first
year, 2008, Simmons ranked 10th out of 57 in the paper
Bindery: Saddle stitch
to promote paper recycling on the academic campus. category, and 13th out of 56 in bottles and cans.
By the end of that first year, 15 tons of mixed paper were
collected. he “Switch Your Bulb” program provides compact
T
fluorescent light bulbs free of charge to students on
When the School of Management relocated to the main the residence campus.
campus from 409 Commonwealth Avenue, much of the
Commonwealth Avenue building’s contents were recycled
and donated to area non-profits.
10 simmons alumnet.simmons.edu spring 2009 11
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5. simmons college
SIMMONS Alumni Magazine
Challenge: Create an alumni magazine with five editions per issue.
Simmons College requested a fresh new contemporary look
for their alumni magazine. At the same time, a communications
survey revealed that graduate students were interested in more
news specific to their major. We developed a new magazine format
using clean lines, and a clear yet flexible grid to create a sense
of openness and organization. The first five pages of each edition
were designed to contain college specific news. The box form
is used throughout the magazine to house icons, information or
photos. Other components include an implied rule, use of white
space to allow breathing room, and a sophisticated color
palette. The resulting publication features distinct sections, but is
unified into a single, extraordinary whole.
Folded Size: 8.375 x 10.875
Ink: 4C process
Stock: Galarie Art White Silk Text
Bindery: Saddle stitch
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6. simmons college
SIMMONS Vision and Values
Challenge: Share Simmons’ vision and values as articulated at their fall convocation.
After their fall convocation, Simmons asked us to create a piece to capture the
vision and values expressed there. We combined their words and images in
a small intimate format that folds out into a poster. Simmons was so happy with
the result that they expanded the scope of the project, mailing the brochure
to the entire community, creating two additional size posters to be framed and
presented to faculty and staff, and adding wall displays throughout the college
that echo the theme.
“ I’ve had the pleasure of working with Sawyer Design for more than 10
years now. I find their approach to design to be very thoughtful and
refreshing. They don’t simply assume that a client will give them the
information that Is needed for an effective marketing piece—They ask
Flat Size: 11 x 17 inches
tough questions that help focus our ideas so that the end result is both Folded Size: 5.5x8.5 inches
Ink: 4/4 + OSV
collaborative and meaningful.” Stock: 80# Anthem gloss text
—Allyson Irish, Marketing Communications Director Bindery: Score fold
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7. boston university school of public health
Dean’s Report 2010
“ Diane Sawyer’s design work on our annual reports has poignantly
conveyed the feeling of the school with understated elegance. Her
visual elements are powerful and captivating. Her graphic design
Challenge: To convey the powerful impact of BUSPH’s research helped us set the tone that we were striving for with our readers.”
on communities at risk both here and abroad.
—Robert Meenan, Dean, BUSPH
We have been creating Dean’s Reports for the Boston University
School of Public Health for the past 10 years. We find these projects
to be a wonderful opportunity to communicate the power of creative
ideas to create change.
The 2010 edition of the BUSPH dean’s report focuses on their
commitment to community-based participatory research (CBPR),
a research methodology that “involves the community as partners,
not only in choosing what to study, but in finding solutions, mounting
responses, and evaluating results.”
From Haverill, Framingham, Chelsea, Roxbury and South Boston, the
report profiles researchers and communities working together
addressing issues from youth empowerment, to accessing health
Folded Size: 8.5 x 11
Ink: 4C process with bleeds care, to measuring and combating pollution, and supporting healthier
Stock: 100# Garda White Silk cover and text
Bindery: Saddle stitch
lifestyles.
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8. boston university school of public health
Dean’s Report 2008
Challenge: Create a unified and visually exciting presentation of five areas of research.
This Dean’s report focused on the work of five researchers whose work under-
scores the core mission of BUSPH. To illustrate the diverse subjects, we
combined full body studio portraits with images of the real-life issues that
each addresses.
“ SDA has a knack for seamlessly combining school-specific
photography and high quality stock art in a way that helps us
hold down design costs without sacrificing visual impact. Diane
is extremely creative and is one of those rare designers who reads
the copy and listens carefully to the clients while developing a
concept. We are consistently impressed with her ability to take
our sometimes vague ideas and give them form and definition
in designs that always hit the target.”
—Sharon Britton, Director of Communications and School Relations, BUSPH
Folded Size: 8.5 x 11
Ink: 4C process with bleeds, SGV cover and text
Stock: 100# Garda White Gloss
Bindery: Saddle stitch
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9. johnson wales university
JWU Alumni Magazine
“
Diane’s creativity and keen sense of how to convey our changing
identity through a clean, sophisticated design was a critical piece
Challenge: Redesign alumni magazine, and build the university’s brand of our entire rebranding project.”
—Patricia A. McLaughlin, J.D. Senior Vice President, Institutional Advancement, JWU
Using a flexible grid system we created visual rhythm,
organization and hierarchy. Department spreads highlight
their 4 campuses and range of undergraduate and graduate
programs. Features “break-out” of the grid with dynamic
layouts and imagery. We changed the trim to an off-size
and specified a matte stock. The overall look is clean,
colorful and sophisticated. Finally, we renamed the
magazine. For years the school has affectionately been called
jwu (pronounced jay-woo) by its students. Adopting
this nickname as the magazine’s title resonates with both
current students and alumnae.
Folded Size: 9 x 11
Ink: 4C process with bleeds
Bindery: Saddle stitch
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10. johnson wales university
Transforming the Landscape of Culinary Education “ When we needed to create a case statement for our largest capital cam-
paign, we asked Diane to take us to this uncharted territory. Not only
Challenge: Tell a complex story in a readable and compelling manner did she take us there with thoughtful design but captured every com-
ponent of the complex project. Her award-winning design captured all
of these aspects, and has proven to be a successful campaign tool.”
— Patricia A. McLaughlin, J.D. Senior Vice President, Institutional Advancement, JWU
Award: The Pinnacle Award (1st
Place), Corporate Identity Category,
Printing Industries of New England
JWU’s new Center for Culinary Education is built on a former industrial
waste site that borders the Naragansett bay. In building the case for supporting
this innovative and environmently progressive building, we focused on the
concept of transformation. JWU is transforming the landscape, by working with
Save the Bay to restore this blighted site to its natural beauty. They are trans-
forming culinary education by continually improving standards, training,
lab spaces, and offering opportunities for advancement. They are transforming
Folded Size: 16 x10
the state of the art, through the construction of this environmentally progressive
Ink: 4C process LEED certified building.
Stock: cover: Neenah Environ-
ment classic laid 120# duplex
cover, 30% pcw, text: LOE cream
100# dull coated text weight,
30% pcw, overlays: Glama
Natural 36# vellum, 30% post
consumer waste
Bindery: diecut, emboss, foil
stamp, wiro-bind, 14 leaves plus
cover
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11. hadassah-brandeis institute
Jewish + Female+ Athlete, Calendar and Exhibit
Challenge: Create a clean, contemporary design to showcase the history
of Jewish women in sport
“ Diane is a seasoned designer with immense creative talents. She brings
to the table a keen ear, a willingness to fully explore many different design
solutions until the best is identified, and a strong command of design that
advances communication and marketing objectives. The team of design
professionals at SDA ensures that projects flow smoothly, deadlines are
kept, and communication is transparent.”
—Nancy Vineberg, President, NormanLouis Consulting
When the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute (HBI) first discussed featuring
world-class Jewish Women Athletes on their calendar, people asked,
“Are there any”? The problem soon became how to choose among the
many candidates identified from all over the world.
Contemporary athletes were featured along with others that “paved the
way” in a simple elegant format that allows the photos to be the main
focus. The calendar attracted lots of excitement everywhere it was sold.
The companion exhibit, built of fabric panels stretched on a metal grid
Folded Size: 12 x 12 (shown above), is still traveling around the country, to great acclaim.
Ink: 4C process with satin coat
Stock: 80# cover Primalith Matte,
100# text Primalith Matte
Bindery: Wiro-bound
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12. brandeis university
The Hadassah-Brandeis Institute Mailer “ At Brandeis University I worked with Diane on several large-
scale design projects, including “Fresh Thinking.” I am always
impressed by how her ideas both reflect and further my own
Challenge: Create a low-budget, high-concept piece to promote the HBI
vision for the project at hand.”
—Nancy Vineberg, President, NormanLouis Consulting
The Hasdassah-Brandeis Institute’s mission is to promote new ways of
thinking about Jews and gender. They asked us to develop a piece that
they could send out to explain their mission that would have a longer
shelf life than the average mailer. We developed the concept for this
piece: “Fresh Thinking,” in conjunction with our client, who wrote the copy.
The package includes a calendar of Jewish holidays, information about
the HBI, and five two-sided post cards. On one side of the enclosed cards
we show a famous Jewish male along with the words Conventional
Wisdom. On the opposite side, we show a lesser known, but extraordi-
nary Jewish woman in the same field with the tag line Fresh Thinking.
Folded Size: 6 x 6
By making the inserts postcards, we encourage people to share them, and
Ink: 4C process + spot colors
add their own thoughts.
Stock: 100# Finch Superfine
Bindery: Diecut folder and
cards, score and fold, package
and wafer seal.
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13. harvard extension school (hes)
Identity system, concept and ad campaign
Challenge: Strengthen and define HES’s visual brand. Create a campaign
that generates excitement and builds recognition for the program.
In order to define an identity system for the Extension School within the
large varied Harvard identity, we did a survey of fonts and typography in other
schools and colleges within the University. We then chose a serif and sans serif
font that recurred frequently, and developed typography and standards for
the school name.
In addition, we developed an overall marketing concept and campaign
that was flexible enough to be applied in many different ways. We later
applied this overall look to print collateral, including program brochures, and
course catalogs.
HES Environmental brochure
Folded Size: 6 x 9
Ink: 4C process
Stock: Chorus Art Silk Cover
Bindery: 4-panel roll fold
Award: UCEA 2009 Bronze
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14. the winsor school
Alumnae Magazine design
Challenge: Create impact with black plus one PMS.
“ Sawyer Design came highly recommended, and has lived up to our expectations.
They’ve made the magazine not only more visually cohesive and appealing but
also more thoughtfully structured. We value their intelligence, creativity, and
collaborative style. In our ongoing work, we continue to appreciate their respon-
siveness and sensitivity to our unique identity.”
— Joe Broughton, Director of Communications, Winsor School
The biggest challenge in the redesign of this alumnae magazine
for an independent girl’s school in Boston, was to keep the 2 color
interior exciting and fresh. We want the design to reflect the
energy and joy of learning so evident in the school environ-
ment. We continue to produce the magazine three times a year.
A layered effect is often used with duotones contrasting ghosted
halftones to add dimension to the page.
Folded Size: 8.5 x 10.875
Ink: Cover: 4/4 plus SAQ; Inside: 2/2
Stock: Text 80# HannoArt silk text
Cover 80# HannoArt Silk
Bindery: saddle stich
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15. the winsor school
Development Materials
Challenge: Balance tradition and vitality
Alumnae Fund
We created a suite of alumni stationary, including letterhead, envelopes, and cards
for the school to use in its annual appeal. The alumnae base is extremely loyal
and committed to the school. The use of photos of current students adds emo-
tional weight to the ask, while the image of the historic building grounds the piece
in tradition. This suite of materials gave the appeal a more professional branded
look, and enabled the development staff to produce a series of letters targeted to-
ward varied audiences.
125th Anniversary Logo
Winsor requested a logo that could be used to promote events celebrating their
125th anniversary year.. They wanted a look that celebrated both the history
of the school, and captured the energy and vitality of the student body. We cre-
ated a calligraphic treatment of the 125 that is equally at home on
a T-shirt and a formal invitation.
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16. fowler printing and graphics
40 Tips Tricks
Challenge: Go wild! Create a piece that people will keep as a resource and serve as a
promotional give away to celebrate Fowler’s 40th anniversary.
To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Fowler commissioned Sawyer Design to
create a give-away for their customers.
They wanted a piece to promote their printing capabilities that was so special
clients would keep it. We sharpened our pencils and came up with our favor-
ite 40 printing and design tips and tricks, and 40+ images to showcase them.
In addition to design, it was also a chance for us to indulge in some creative
copywriting. The whole studio got involved brainstorming for the cover
text listing things that have changed in 40 years. A few of my favorites: “from
Snoopy to Snoop Dogg. From Ozzie and Harriet to Ozzy Osbourne. From MM
to Eminem.”
Tips included information on duo and quadtones, paperstocks, PMS vs. process
color and special folds and inks.
Size: 9 x 9
Pages: 30 plus fold out covers
Ink: 4C process + spot colors,
tinted, gloss and dull varnishes
Stock: Various
Bindery: Diecut, foil stamp and
emboss, special folds, full and
short pages, wiro-bound
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17. beth israel deaconess medical center
Leading Edge Newsletter
Challenge: Create a striking new format for a donor newsletter that pushes the envelope.
The BIDMC Development office asked us to create new and
different format for a newsletter that would both recognize gifts
to the hospital and outstanding achievements by members of
the clinical staff.
BIDMC is the official hospital of the Boston Red Sox, so it seemed
natural to lead off the first issue with a story on the “Sox Doc”,
seated in historic Fenway Park. Dr. Arun Ramappa is the
orthopedic consultant to the team.
From the intimate scale of the folded mailer the newsletter
expands to a colorful tabloid format. Targeted at donors, staff and
hospital visitors, Leading Edge communicates the energy,
innovation, and personal approach that has made BIDMC
a stand-out hospital in the Boston area.
Folded Size: 8.25 x 8.25
Ink: 4/4 process + SGV
Stock: 80# Garda Silk
Bindery: fold, saddle wire
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18. Partial List of Clients
Explore. Create. Ignite.
Education
Since 1990 SDA has been working primarily with non-profits in
Advent School
education, healthcare, and human services. Our mission is to Boston University
create dynamic communication pieces that challege and inspire. Brandeis University
Our clients count on us to ensure that their resources are well Derby Academy-Summer Arts
spent, their materials are beautiful and effective, and their Harvard Business School
Harvard University
deadlines are met.
Johnson Wales University
Our process? We listen, and ask questions to understand your New England School of Law
needs and goals. We explore possibilities, and create concepts that MIT Sloan School
Simmons College
capture the imagination and convey your message powerfully and
The Winsor School
clearly. We are easy to work with, responsive and flexible. We work
hEalthcarE
hard on every project we accept, and follow it to completion, work-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
ing closely with vendors to make sure it is done right, on time, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital
on budget. Boston University School of Public Health
Boston Medical Center
As a central part of our practice we support many organizations
Friends of Deaconess Hospital
working for positive change, seeking better solutions for issues Massachusetts General Hospital
affecting us all. From creating new partnerships in public health, Partners HealthCare System, Inc.
to building affordable housing or sustainable communities, these non-profit
organizations challenge us to reinvent a better future. Discovery Schoolhouse
First Parish Church Milton
How can we help you? Friends of the Milton Library
MassEquality
Second Helping
South Shore Housing Development
South Shore STARS Day Care
St. Boniface Haiti
Ideas made visible! Sustainable Milton
Town of Milton Recycling Program
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