Mark Sarmel is the not-so-secret-secret identity of Mark Moreno. As a mild mannered creative Mark is a multi-disciplinary designer with over 17 years of experience in print, digital, tv and experiential design. I’ve been around, I’ve seen some things and I love making cool stuff with cool people. Scroll down for some of his favorite projects. Contact here.
JBL - 70th Anniversary Book
In 2017 JBL wanted to celebrate 70 years of sound. JBL offered up a bevy of assets and we took a deep dive into their archives. This exploration revealed a long running connection to music culture as well as their commitment to high quality sound. What was produced celebrated major innovations, accomplishments and partnerships. In the end the client received a luxurious book that encapsulated the prestigious history of this ubiquitous brand. Rock on!
Ford - Ford Heritage Month Posters
To celebrate Ford’s 110th Anniversary a series of illustrated posters was designed and sent out to select dealerships. A retro modern illustration style spoke to the brands history as well as their current offerings. Ford fans loved the posters as well as Graphic Design magazine which featured it in 2013.
Ford - Quick Parts Franchise Campaign
Ford was launching their first auto parts store in UAE, the last major automaker to do so, thusly they needed to alert potential B2B clients to their offerings. We wanted to convey the benefits of getting in on the ground floor by alerting them to other once small, but now major industries. In four consecutive days select clients would receive a box featuring a brief summation of what they would have gained had they been a partner for the start of the bottled water, coffee and running shoe industry. The fourth and final box features an invitation for a partnership for the new Ford branded Quick Parts stores.
Detroit Public Theatre - Season 4 Posters and Brand Refresh
The DPT sought a brand refresh to accompany the launch of their new season. A new brand identity was built that highlighted the seasons offering as well as the theater’s distinctive personality. The new look brought a higher level of awareness and attendance to the theatre, pleasing both clients, theatre goers and playwrights as well. Now, shhhhh, the show is starting.
Shinola - Checkers + Backgammon game set
Working in house for Shinola a classic Checkers/Backgammon game was developed. Utilizing the in house leather makers as well as partnerships with local wood-workers a bespoke game board was developed that furthered the brands home accessories offerings and helped define them as more than just a watchmaker. Checkmate! (Sorry wrong game).
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Pitch for bespoke edition of Phillip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Front and back covers feature full color illustrations with Deckard and Pris asleep among a gaggle of wires (perhaps they are dreaming). Super gloss spine bleeds onto front and back with author and title featured in upper left corner of front cover. The texture of the spine is meant to recall the shiny texture that some wires have. Interiors feature full color flood chapter breaks and a custom magenta colored “wire” bookmark.
Ford - Dubai Parts Warehouse Photo Shoot
Ford’s first foray into the UAE auto parts market was the met with some skepticism. The brand needed to convey their commitment as well as the breadth of their parts offerings. To do that the 30,000 square meter parts distribution warehouse was photographed top to bottom. An accompanying magazine and billboard campaign touted the 4,000, 000 parts on offer Quick note, if you’ve ever wondered if auto parts stores are air conditioned, they are not! In 110 degree temps (or 40 celsius for you metric fans) we got beautiful shots, even if our photographer sweated off a few pounds.
Ford - Website Nameplate Banners
Animated nameplate carousel for various Ford automobiles.
Alfa Romeo - Playing Cards
Alfa Romeo was relaunching in America after decades of being absent. The brand requested some accoutrements for the brand launch and a set of playing cards was proposed. Custom face cards were designed that utilized design characteristics of the brand’s new offerings as well as their brand identity. ”Joker” cards were also designed that highlighted important figures in the brands history. In the end the cards raised brand awareness and perhaps even led to a few friendly wagers.
JBL - Hard Rock Hotel Campaign
Working once again with JBL, in partnership with the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, NV., a series of posters was developed to not only nod to the brand’s speaker placement in the concert hall, but also highlight the brand’s product offerings in the gift shop.
Bulletproof Kids
To raise awareness of the rise in gun violence, especially in schools a chilling campaign was proposed: bulletproof vests for kids. We set up outside of grocery stores in a mock candy selling table and offered our wares: chocolates so kids could buy bulletproof vests. Some adults guffawed, some were outraged, some even got the idea, but in the end no one thought bulletproof vests for kids was a good idea. Work won a D award from Detroit’s D show.
Ford Edge UAE
Commercial for the Ford Edge in United Arab Emirates. Ford was looking to make a foray into the UAE and the then new Ford Edge was one of their flagship vehicles. Here we playfully focused on the growing need to always be connected. If you look closely you can see the comedian Hassan Minhaj as the commercial’s barista. He wasn’t famous back then, or funny. I kid, I kid.
The Master Planner.co - Brand Launch
Multiple pieces for personal brand launch. Brand focuses on positive motivational messaging mostly derived from hip-hop songs. The line, “Thinking of a Master Plan” is a direct quote from the Erik B. and Rakim song, Paid in Full.
The Master Planner.co - Brand Posters
Poster series continuing the brand’s positive motivational spirit.
Wall Mural
Illustrations for a local eyewear company with a focus on their more fashionable offerings. See what I did there?
Detroit Posters
Poster series highlighting design in Detroit and my love of Art Deco.
Nevertheless, She Persisted
Poster series focusing on women and their contributions to society and culture. Inspired by the condescending remarks Mitch McConnell made about Elizabeth Warren. Appeared via personal social media accounts and was featured at the 2017 3% Conference in New York.