Planet Word Museum
Words & Whimsy All Year
Challenge
For the past five years, Planet Word—DC's museum dedicated to the joy and power of language—has asked Eighty2degrees to help with creating an end-of-year mailing to send to its supporters. The museum wanted the mailer to reinforce its brand, generate excitement for the museum's exhibits, and show its gratitude by giving everyone a small token of appreciation for their support. We were tasked with designing the pieces of the mailer and dreaming up some kind of wonderful extra surprise that could fit in the envelope.
Approach
The surprise we proposed was a poster-style calendar, featuring a colorful, custom-drawn, conceptual illustration as the main visual. Each year, the illustration has a different theme from first introducing the museum to the inspiring ways words can be used to highlighting the magic of books in the museum's interactive library. The calendar serves as a useful and beautiful reminder of the museum that people can enjoy throughout the year. Elements from the illustration and the piece's unique design are sprinkled throughout the mail package, with a spot illustration teaser on the outer carrier envelope to capture recipients' interest.
