Samuel Ballinger

Project Summary
I led a two-year initiative to elevate the Lawyerist brand through a comprehensive rebrand and website redesign. This project aimed to transform the visual identity and enhance overall engagement. My work included creating a versatile logo family for their sub-brands, developing a detailed 16-page brand guide, and executing multiple supporting projects to reinforce the updated brand.

Process
The project began with an in-depth audit of the Lawyerist brand to understand its existing strengths and areas for growth. I collaborated with the team to establish a clear vision for the rebrand, focusing on creating a modern, professional aesthetic that aligned with their audience. We developed a comprehensive logo family to cater to their diverse sub-brands and produced a brand guide to ensure consistency across all materials. The website redesign followed, implementing the new visual language and enhancing user experience. Throughout the process, we prioritized collaboration, feedback, and iteration to ensure the final result met both functional and aesthetic goals.

Outcome
The rebrand and website redesign resulted in a visually cohesive brand that strengthened Lawyerist’s market presence. The new logo family and brand guide provided clarity and consistency across their materials. As a result, Lawyerist saw a significant increase in brand awareness and engagement, with notable improvements in user interaction and feedback. The project contributed to Lawyerist’s continued growth and solidified its position in the legal industry.

Project Summary
I created a versatile collection of marketing materials for Postali, a nationwide digital legal marketing agency. This portfolio includes a variety of designs, from internal event assets to promotional materials for industry events. My work included an illustrated t-shirt for a team event, a series of posters representing company values, a comprehensive brand guide, custom icons for the website, a promotional poster for an industry event, and an advertisement for the Columbus Bar Association quarterly magazine.

Process
The process began with a collaborative approach, aligning with the Postali team to understand their needs and company culture. I spearheaded the discovery, design, and implementation of a comprehensive brand guide that would serve as the foundation for consistency across all materials. For the internal team event, I designed an illustrated t-shirt that captured the spirit of the company. The series of posters and promotional assets aimed to convey Postali's values and presence within the industry. I also worked on a set of custom icons that enhanced their website tier package, ensuring the designs were both visually appealing and functional. Throughout each project, I focused on balancing creativity with strategic objectives, ensuring that every piece aligned with Postali's branding and goals.

Outcome
The marketing materials I designed for Postali successfully reinforced their brand identity and culture. The custom icons enhanced the user experience on their website, while the posters and promotional materials effectively communicated their values and presence in the legal marketing industry. The comprehensive brand guide provided the foundation for future consistency, while the event-specific designs fostered team spirit and company pride. Overall, the materials contributed to a visually compelling and strategically impactful brand presence for Postali.

Project Summary
This project highlights a comprehensive user research initiative conducted for the Columbus Bar Association, aimed at enhancing their understanding of their audience. The primary objectives were to develop detailed user personas representing the main demographic and optimize site navigation through an updated sitemap (which is not yet finalized).

Process
To gather insights, I began by distributing a survey among Columbus Bar Association members, carefully analyzing and cross-referencing the data. I also facilitated in-person workshops and interviews with key stakeholders and members to gather firsthand feedback. This data was synthesized to craft detailed user personas, which I presented to both key stakeholders and a 20-person board for validation. Alongside persona development, I conducted in-depth interviews with stakeholders to better understand the website’s structure, objectives, and user challenges. To further inform the project, I utilized tools like Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity to analyze user behavior patterns. This research informed the development of an updated sitemap and website architecture, optimizing the user experience and site navigation.

Outcome
The user research project led to a clearer understanding of the Columbus Bar Association’s audience and their needs. The developed personas provided valuable insights into their members' motivations and behaviors, which were shared with stakeholders for validation. While the sitemap is still in progress, the project has laid a strong foundation for enhancing site navigation and user experience. The research and findings also offer actionable insights for ongoing website optimization, ensuring a more effective and user-friendly platform for the CBA’s members.

Project Summary
The Columbus Zoo Sales Kit was designed to drive event sales for prospective and current clients planning events at the Zoo. The kit was not only visually striking but also highly functional, featuring custom die cuts, folder tabs, and slits for business cards to enhance both aesthetics and practicality.

Process
The design process began with a deep dive into understanding the Zoo’s goals and the needs of its event planning clients. I focused on creating a visually captivating kit that also served as a practical tool for the sales team. Custom die cuts, folder tabs, and slits for business cards were incorporated to make the kit both functional and memorable. During the production phase, I conducted extensive research into cost-effective print methods to ensure that the final product was of the highest quality while staying within budget. This research was crucial for balancing premium design with budget constraints, ensuring a top-tier result.

Outcome
The Columbus Zoo Sales Kit successfully combined aesthetic appeal with practicality, becoming a powerful tool in promoting Zoo events. The custom elements added a unique touch, enhancing the overall experience for clients. The kit's design was well-received by both the sales team and clients, contributing to increased engagement and event sales. The thoughtful consideration of cost-effective production methods ensured a high-quality final product while staying within budget.

Project Summary
Gavvl, a family law firm, sought to disrupt the legal industry with a fresh, innovative approach. By offering a more streamlined legal process that allows clients to handle much of their work online from the comfort of their homes, Gavvl wanted to set itself apart from traditional law firms. I played a key role in creating eye-catching, non-traditional visuals and branding that reflected this shift. Starting from scratch, I developed a comprehensive brand discovery, brand guide, website design, and custom character illustrations. The project resulted in immediate success at launch, driving leads, improving rankings, and boosting conversions.

Process
From the outset, I focused on creating a visual identity for Gavvl that would immediately signal to clients that this was a law firm unlike any other. I worked on every element of the brand, beginning with the discovery phase to understand the firm’s vision and values. The brand guide I created was designed to capture the essence of a modern, approachable law firm, and the website was designed to be both functional and inviting. Custom characters were introduced to add a playful yet professional touch, making the online experience more engaging.

Outcome
The result was a highly successful launch that exceeded expectations in terms of leads, search rankings, and conversions. Gavvl’s branding and website quickly resonated with its target audience, establishing the firm as a forward-thinking, client-centered brand. This project not only showcased my ability to create disruptive and impactful designs but also demonstrated the tangible results of integrating strategic design with a firm’s core mission.

Project Summary
I led a transformative rebranding and website redesign project for Kisling, Nestico & Redick, a premier personal injury law firm in Ohio. This holistic initiative included the development of a new brand guide and a visually striking website redesign aimed at elevating the firm's identity. The project resulted in significant improvements in user engagement, including a 25% increase in conversion rate, a 15% improvement in scroll depth, and a nearly 50% increase in click-through rate. I also provided artistic direction for photography, ensuring a cohesive and impactful visual narrative.

Process
The project began with an in-depth audit of the firm’s existing brand, followed by the creation of a new brand guide to ensure consistency across all platforms. I worked closely with the team to define the firm's values and unique positioning, translating these elements into a refined visual identity. For the website redesign, I focused on optimizing user experience and enhancing the visual appeal, incorporating strategic design elements that improved functionality and engagement. To ensure a cohesive visual story, I directed a photoshoot, carefully selecting imagery that reflected the firm’s professional, compassionate, and results-driven approach. Throughout the process, I worked in collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the designs aligned with the firm's objectives.

Outcome
The rebrand and website redesign resulted in a significant visual upgrade that helped Kisling, Nestico & Redick strengthen its online presence and identity. The firm saw a notable increase in user engagement, with improvements in conversion rate, scroll depth, and click-through rate, reflecting the success of the design strategies. The cohesive visual narrative, supported by the new photography direction, reinforced the firm’s position as a leading personal injury law firm in Ohio. The project not only enhanced the firm’s digital presence but also contributed to measurable improvements in user interaction and conversion.

Project Summary
For the City of Columbus, I developed a unique branding proposal inspired by the iconic board game, the Game of Life. The concept aimed to capture the vibrant essence of the city by illustrating key landmarks and infusing the project with a playful, interactive presentation that reflected Columbus’s character and cultural significance.

Process
The process began with a detailed exploration of Columbus’s key landmarks, identifying locations that represented the city's spirit and heritage. I then created custom illustrations for each landmark, ensuring they were both visually distinctive and reflective of the city's dynamic atmosphere. The illustrations were printed and meticulously hand-cut to create a tactile experience that mirrored the style of the Game of Life board game. This interactive element allowed the proposal to engage residents and visitors, inviting them to connect with the city’s landmarks in a fun and memorable way.

Outcome
The final proposal successfully highlighted the landmarks of Columbus while offering an innovative and playful approach to branding. The use of interactive, hand-cut elements created a tangible connection with the city, and the playful Game of Life-inspired theme resonated with both residents and visitors. The project not only effectively showcased Columbus's rich heritage but also positioned the city as a dynamic and engaging destination for exploration and discovery.

Project Summary
For Brassica, I worked on the brand discovery process, drawing inspiration from two key sources: a vibrant cookbook and a lively painting of a cabbage plant. These elements guided the development of a minimalistic yet intricate brand identity that complemented the restaurant's food presentation and interior. The brand's goal was to highlight the quality of the ingredients while maintaining a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

Process
We began by immersing ourselves in the restaurant's culinary philosophy through the cookbook, which offered valuable insight into their focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The cabbage painting was chosen for its bold, natural colors, particularly the vibrant fuchsia, which became the foundation of our color palette. To create a brand that matched the restaurant's ethos, I designed a minimalistic yet detailed identity that allowed the food to take center stage. A tawny hue was added to introduce an earthy tone, balancing the vibrancy of the fuchsia. Patterns were thoughtfully incorporated to reinforce the simplicity of the brand while also reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship behind every dish.

Outcome
The final brand identity successfully captured the essence of Brassica—simple yet sophisticated, with a focus on the quality of ingredients. The new design seamlessly integrated with the restaurant’s interior, enhancing the dining experience without overshadowing the food. The brand’s color palette and patterns established a cohesive visual language that highlighted the restaurant's commitment to quality and attention to detail.

Project Summary
I created an infographic for OFT, a distinguished law firm specializing in food safety, with the goal of explaining the key stages of the food production lifecycle. The infographic emphasizes how contamination can occur at each phase, effectively communicating complex information in a clear and engaging way. This visual communication piece helped increase awareness about food safety and supported OFT's mission of promoting a safer, more informed approach to food consumption.

Process
The project began with thorough research into the food production lifecycle, identifying critical stages where contamination risks arise. I collaborated with OFT to ensure the accuracy of the content and to align the visual style with the firm’s branding. The design process focused on simplifying complex information, using clear icons, color coding, and a streamlined layout to make the data easy to digest. The infographic was designed to be both educational and visually appealing, engaging viewers while conveying essential information about food safety.

Outcome
The final infographic successfully conveyed complex food safety information in an easy-to-understand format. By illustrating the key stages of food production and highlighting contamination risks, the infographic helped increase awareness about food safety practices. The piece became a valuable tool for OFT, supporting their advocacy efforts and reinforcing their position as a leader in the field of food safety law.

Project Summary
I led the website revamp for NextChapter, a leading cloud-based platform designed to streamline bankruptcy cases. This comprehensive redesign introduced a modern aesthetic aimed at enhancing user experience, with a focus on improving navigation and visual appeal. I also created a distinctive set of icons and character illustrations that reinforced NextChapter's brand identity, providing a more engaging and cohesive online presence.

Process
The redesign began with an in-depth analysis of NextChapter’s existing website and its user experience. I worked closely with the team to identify key areas for improvement and to define the desired aesthetic. My design process focused on creating a clean, modern look that would enhance usability while reflecting the company’s innovative and professional approach. I also developed a set of custom icons and character illustrations to give the site a more personable and approachable feel, ensuring the brand's identity was seamlessly integrated into the design. These elements were crafted with a focus on clarity, engagement, and aligning with NextChapter’s core values of simplicity and efficiency.

Outcome
The redesigned website significantly improved the user experience, with a more intuitive layout and modern visual style. The custom icons and character illustrations added personality to the site, reinforcing NextChapter’s brand identity and creating a more engaging online environment. The project resulted in a more visually appealing and user-friendly platform that better aligned with NextChapter’s goals and enhanced its overall digital presence.

Project Summary
I played a central role in crafting a distinctive brand identity and developing a captivating website for Walsh Law, a project that also involved directing the visual narrative through photography. My responsibilities included curating a cohesive visual story by selecting compelling images, ranging from product details to lifestyle shots. I also took charge of creating the set for the photoshoot, ensuring the visual elements perfectly aligned with the brand’s identity. This project highlights my ability to integrate branding, web design, photography, and set creation into a seamless and impactful experience.

Process
The process began with a deep understanding of Walsh Law’s brand values and target audience. Working closely with the client, I developed a brand identity that would resonate emotionally with their audience. In the photo direction phase, I carefully selected images that reinforced the brand messaging, making sure every shot—from product close-ups to lifestyle imagery—served a strategic purpose. I designed and oversaw the creation of the photoshoot set, ensuring every detail supported the overall brand narrative. Additionally, the website design was crafted to complement this visual story, with a focus on clean, modern design and user-friendly navigation.

Outcome
The final result was a distinctive, well-rounded brand identity that seamlessly integrated photography, web design, and set creation. The carefully curated visual narrative enhanced the brand’s emotional connection with its audience and strengthened its overall messaging. The project was a successful collaboration with the client, showcasing my ability to blend creativity with strategic thinking to deliver an impactful brand experience.

Project Summary
As Lead Designer for the Columbus Zoo’s quarterly membership publication, Beastly Banner, I was responsible for overseeing the end-to-end process of each issue. This included project management, content curation, layout design, editing, and maintaining consistent communication with printers. I also took a proactive role in researching more economical print methods, ultimately reducing the overall cost of production by 15%, all while maintaining high-quality design.

Process
Throughout my tenure, I collaborated closely with the Zoo’s marketing and content teams to curate relevant and engaging content for each publication. My design process was focused on creating visually appealing layouts that aligned with the Zoo’s branding and communicated key messages effectively. I managed the production timeline, ensuring that each issue was completed on schedule. Additionally, I conducted thorough research into cost-effective print methods and negotiated with printers to identify the best solutions for optimizing the production budget. This effort allowed us to maintain quality design while reducing costs.

Outcome
The final result was a highly successful series of Beastly Banner magazines that showcased my design leadership while staying within budget. My efforts led to a 15% reduction in production costs without compromising the quality of the magazine, demonstrating my ability to balance creativity and efficiency. The magazines were well-received by the Zoo’s members and successfully contributed to strengthening the Zoo’s relationship with its community.

A highlight reel, featuring a handpicked collection of my favorite logos and logo concepts crafted over the years.

Project Summary
This curated collection features photos from shoots I’ve directed and produced over the years, showcasing my proficiency in visual storytelling. Collaborating with Accounts Coordinators, I was responsible for location and talent scouting, ensuring seamless integration of elements that aligned with the clients' brands. From creating detailed shot lists to providing on-set direction, each project was designed to emphasize brand alignment and deliver impactful, brand-conscious photography.

Process
Throughout each shoot, my approach was centered on ensuring that every element—location, talent, props, and shot composition—worked harmoniously to reflect the client’s brand identity. I collaborated with Accounts Coordinators to scout locations and select talent that fit the brand’s essence, ensuring that all visual elements were in alignment. I developed detailed shot lists and directed on-set activities to guarantee that the final images resonated with the client’s vision. My goal was not only to capture striking images but to create high-quality photographs that spoke directly to the unique identity of each brand.

Outcome
The result is a diverse portfolio of photographs that illustrate my ability to produce visually compelling and brand-aligned imagery. Each shoot is a testament to my dedication to understanding the client’s identity and transforming that vision into powerful visual storytelling. The collection highlights my skill in curating impactful photography solutions that reflect the authenticity and personality of each brand.

Project Summary
These annual membership mailers were designed for the Columbus Zoo and Wilds, targeting both existing and potential members. Part of a larger 39-piece project, the mailers aimed to engage the audience and drive membership growth, contributing to a 3% year-over-year increase. Through strategic design choices and clear, effective communication, these mailers played a pivotal role in both retaining existing members and attracting new ones.

Process
I developed five distinct pieces for the Zoo and Wilds membership campaign, ensuring that each mailer was tailored to meet the specific needs of both current and prospective members. My approach combined aesthetic appeal with strategic design to effectively communicate the benefits of membership and the exciting offerings of the Zoo, Wilds, and Zoombezi Bay. I worked closely with the marketing team to ensure that messaging was aligned with the broader campaign objectives, ultimately contributing to the campaign’s success. These pieces were designed to resonate with the audience, capturing attention and driving action through visual storytelling and compelling calls to action.

Outcome
The final mailers were instrumental in achieving a 3% year-over-year membership increase, highlighting the power of thoughtful and strategic design. The project not only added to the Zoo’s overall membership growth but also showcased my ability to create effective marketing materials that combine form and function. This success stands as a significant achievement in my portfolio, emphasizing the measurable impact of purposeful design on business outcomes.