Part of wooing new students to your school is showing them all the exciting things there are to see and do in your area. That’s even if you’re a prestigious institution like Johns Hopkins University with 29 Nobel Laureates to your name.
This unique piece was created to give visiting secondary school counselors a “bird’s-eye view” of Baltimore’s sights, sounds, and tastes. It was crafted for their annual conference.
Brand marketing agency Mission designed it, and Brilliant offset printed it CMYK. Phillips Graphic Finishing added the final touches.
Inspired by the university’s brand colors and mascot – the Blue Jay – the piece truly captures the spirit of Johns Hopkins.
The Delightful Unveiling of the Blue Jay
The excitement begins with a narrow insert sleeve, printed on 100 lb. Gloss Cover in the school’s colors. The phrase “Follow the Blue Jay” and the Johns Hopkins University logo reveal the White paper beneath. On the back, the message “Your Very Own Hopkins Blue Jay” teases the surprise inside.
With a gentle pull on a cotton string loop protruding from the bird’s beak, the Blue Jay slides out. Instantly, you notice the detailed printing and finishing, especially the shading on the wings and the prominent university logo on the tail feather.
Exploring Baltimore with Every Feather
Once the wings unfold, the fun really begins! Instead of two simple wings, each side has seven separate feathers. There are 15 die-cut pieces in all (including the bird’s body).
Turning the Blue Jay over reveals more surprises. Each feather displays a photograph or description of a local Baltimore attraction, including parks and restaurants. These details appear in White against vibrant, colorful backgrounds.
The expert use of eyelets holds the feathers securely to the body while allowing smooth movement. They’re balanced perfectly, staying in position without being too tight.
A Keepsake with More to Explore
On the bird’s “breast” you’ll find the phrase “Explore Our Vibrant Hometown” alongside a QR Code. When scanned, it leads to even more local attractions. Another QR Code on the tail feather invites the recipient to sign up for a newsletter.
The cotton loop also allows the Blue Jay to hang in the recipient’s workspace, making it a keepsake for years to come.
With its playful theme and innovative design, the JHU Blue Jay is an excellent example of how working closely with your printing and finishing partners can help even the most complicated design vision…take flight.
