Recently, we were asked to submit a bid for a decently large-scale design job. The job entailed design work for 2 campaigns for the University of Alberta – two campaigns focused on sustainability. These campaigns needed branding as well as a variety of print and digital design.
The question we had was how to properly respond to a bid for a job focused on sustainability. We could go the paper route and use FSC-certified paper, but we decided to go one step further and create a one-page website as our “Expression of Interest”, or proposal. Our thought was to create an environmentally friendly proposal, and no printing = no trees. Our hope was that it would set us apart from the other design studios asked to bid on the campaigns, as well as showcase the fact that we’re already thinking environmentally.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work. The job went to another design group in Edmonton (I’m not sure whom, but I’m sure it was well-deserved).
These things happen with RFPs and the like; what can you do! Good news is, we thought that our web proposal was interesting enough that some of our readers might enjoy it; if you’re one of those people, click here to view the sustainability web proposal.
As you can see, we went with a natural/”green”-inspired design. We used some textures and distressing to replicate the look of print, combining that with some jQuery Tooltips to bring the interactivity of the web into play. We’ve stripped out personal information and numbers, but everything else remains unchanged from the proposal we sent in. Have a look and let us know your thoughts and what you might have done differently!
Amazing job! That’s good thinking. Even though they didn’t pick Paper Leaf, you now have a great template for future proposals online.
Note: There are a lot of rivers in the fully justified left column. Smaller type size might reduce it.
Erick, thanks for the kind words and tip on the type rivers! I think we will use this template again for sure. Hope you had a good weekend!