It takes "The Village".

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts". That's a definition for the word synergy. When things work together to create something better than they ever could independently, we call that synergy. When partners in business work together to create something better than they could independently, we call that collaboration. Such was the case when the Architectural and Engineering firm of Crafton Tull Sparks contacted me to help them with a project for their client.

They needed a collection of materials to showcase a new development in Northwest Arkansas called "The Village at Centre Pointe". The developer needed materials to solicit investors and potential clients for a new development that was yet to be built. The challenge was to create a look for the development with almost no visuals and very little time. I worked with Crafton Tull Sparks and their client to accomplish that goal. I designed a logo and letterhead system and then went to work on a multiple brochure and pocket folder kit. I used the slogan "live. visit. work. play" to illustrate the unique combination of retail business, residential housing and hotel accommodations that the development would provide. I created a unique, four-panel, double gate fold pocket folder featuring a large rendering of the development on the outside. As the folder opens, it reveals more of the rendering and finally, four brochures. Each brochure features one part of the slogan, "live. visit. work. play" and inserts into a slit on each pocket to hold it in place. When the brochure is lifted out of the slit in the pocket, it opens with a "C" fold, revealing information about that aspect of the development. All of the materials were printed on an off-white, laid finish paper to give the piece a feel of watercolor paper and enhance the rendering. Finally, the whole package is inserted into a translucent mailer that allows the architectural rendering to show through.

This piece is truly greater than the sum of its parts and the collaboration between business partners was proof that in this case, it really did "take a village".

**This piece won an IABC Bronze Quill Award of Excellence in the Branding/Community Relations/Public Service Campaign category