We do work that not only matters to our clients, but to the world—because the clients we work with boldly tackle important issues for incredible communities. When we craft the perfect tagline or design something as small as a business card, we know that object is going out into the world to make a difference.

Our latest poster series tells the story of this process. When we create something at Black Sheep, we don’t follow trends. We do what is right by/for our clients, which in turn sets the trend. So you won’t see any “this poster was inspired by…” explanation for the poster artwork here. It is inherently Black Sheep and a labor of writing and designing love. Piles of paper with notes, ideas, concepts and sketches that all came together to create these 3 pieces of art.

Here is the story of our latest poster series, as told through our step-by-step creative process that guides all of the work that we do at Black Sheep:

Our discovery process is a key component in the research phase of our work. We’re going to ask a lot of questions and dig deep to unlock some truths. So we’re going to open a lot of doors to find a lot of great information, but don’t worry: we only take what we know will work best and neatly put everything back the way it was (I’m sorry but we did break your lamp- but don’t worry we’ll replace it! Is it fixable? We have super glue).

BRAINSTORM/IDEATE
We take what we learn and light up our office with energy and excitement. When we brainstorm we get all of our minds around a table and it’s a flurry of flying papers, arguments and words on the whiteboard. Ideas come from the whole team. If you’re in the middle of a Black Sheep brainstorm, get ready for an exciting ride. It’s in this stage where we bottle some lightning.

CREATE/IMPLEMENT/START A REVOLUTION
We take the research, mix in the spark of lightning and get to work! The brand managers and writers craft the perfect copy, and the design team brings it to life. We also develop tactics and extensions and then determine how the creative will best live out in the world. On a cool shirt? On a slick poster? Projected with laser beams up into the clouds a la bat signal? Whatever we decide, it will shock, awe, change minds and accelerate impact. Our work brings together people, it ignites a fire, sparks the imagination, calls forth to all those who give a damn.

We mainly designed these posters as a way to get more badass Black Sheep art out into the world. Something we could give out at events, or send as a hello! or thank you! or we think you’re awesome, let’s be friends!

What I love about these posters is that they are 100% original, all drawn by hand. The computer was only used as a finishing tool to complete the designs. We’re also happy with the journey these designs took us on. It wasn’t just one-and-done. Each design went through iterations. The original series went all the way to a final sketch phase (and for one poster, a FINAL design) before we hit the reset button.

You must be brave enough to stop and go back to the beginning of your design journey if it means you’ll get it right in the end. 

Here’s a peek at some of our poster design iterations that didn’t make that final cut – experiment fearlessly, live creatively and – above all – embrace the process. Want one of our completed posters for your own walls? Comment here or Tweet us at @ShearCreativity!

The power of design process as told through a poster series

The Black Sheep team loves process as much as we love the written word and the visual art form.

The Black Sheep team loves process as much as we love the written word and the visual art form. By nature of the work we do, we love smashing words, visuals and heart together – mesmerized by how they intersect to create a powerful, lasting message.

Condensed

That’s why when I found the podcast LeVar Burton Reads, where—you guessed it—LeVar Burton reads his audience a new short fictional story each week, I instantly became a fan.

Listening to that familiar, soothing voice from my Reading Rainbow past allows me to take about an hour of my week to think of nothing else but the story LeVar reads to his audience. I take a break from my life and the world and focus solely on the events unfolding in Bruce McAllister’s Kin or Neil Gaiman’s Chivalry.

The act of taking a moment to recharge cannot be understated. You’re not forgetting about your troubles or the problems in the world; you’re simply having a moment for yourself where you can mentally and physically prepare for the weeks ahead.

New ideas flow and problems are solved all because you give your brain a break. Whether you do that by taking a walk, meditating, exercising, reading or listening to this new Reading Rainbow for adults, it’s important to take a step back and relax.

Reading Rainbow: Take a look. It’s now in a podcast.

Reading used to be a way to get ahead in class or learn a new thing or word.

Reading used to be a way to get ahead in class or learn a new thing or word. It was a way for me to escape, yes, but in a fun and adventurous way. Now, reading is more of an escape in a real way. My life is busy, the world around me is kind of a mess right now—I just want to forget about it sometimes.