Brochure Opportunity

I have recently had an opportunity to pitch for, what would have been, an exciting new project for Gabriel Design. A UK based travel agent, specialising in holidays to Portugal and the Portuguese Islands, asked me to prepare some designs and prices as competition to their incumbent print supplier. I readily agreed as it is always nice to have a 'meaty' project to get my teeth stuck into.

The brief was to prepare a front cover design, and two internal page layouts, for the brochure. The target market of which is the over 35s looking for a relaxing holiday within Portugal and its environs. Having visited the Algarve less than a year before I was filled with inspiration.

My first concept as to make use of the bright imagery offered by the Bougainvillea which seems to frame every view in Portugal. I decided to create a simple design, reflecting in part the artisan mosaics of the region, to frame each page and draw the eye in. This image would be larger and have more impact on the front cover. Use of large images wherever possible would then entice the customer and give them a sense of the country.

Having investigated artisan crafts for my first design I was inspired to create an alternative design using the Azulejo Tiles. Again this is a common image throughout Portugal and will bring back positive memories to those who have visited. I created some designs for these eye catching blue and white tiles using the photo images I was using elsewhere in the design with the plan that should the design be accepted I would have more time to choose the most suitable images for the project. Again this motif was used throughout the design.

Unfortunately the prospective client chose to keep their print and design with the current incumbent. This was mainly to do with the fact that they are closer to the travel agency and this would cut down on traveling time throughout the project. Also, it was felt in the current economic climate that they would prefer to keep the design as per previous years rather than risk changing direction.

However I have decided to display my two design options here on my blog as I am pleased with them and I think its a shame they would not otherwise see the light of day. Out of respect to the prospective client I have pixelated out their logo in these images. I hope that they are of interest to you.