Kindred Products Everest Brand
Headquarters:
Benton Harbor, MI
Website:
kindredproducts.net
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The Problem
Finding the balance between cost-effectiveness and authenticity in the absence of physical products.
The Solution
With only 3D models in hand, Kindred reached out to Dart Frog for a collaboration that could bring their products to life, providing numerous assets for their multi-layer marketing strategy.
Our team funneled the 3D models through our proven process, turning them into white sweeps and, eventually, full-on environmental lifestyle imagery. With one project input, we expanded upon each idea until an entire catalog of creative existed to help internally and externally launch this new line of storage cabinets.
“The collaboration process with Dart Frog Creative began with a thorough consultation to understand the specific needs and vision for Everest and the product's marketing strategy.”
Russell Bodnar
Senior Marketing Manager at Kindred Products
The Process
1. Discovery Session
We met with the Kindred team to gain a broad understanding of the brand, their goals, and the target audience for this new line of storage solutions. Then, we dove in deeper to the products, learning about their intended use, versatility, and best ways to show them off.
From the 3D models, we gathered all necessary product information—dimensions, features, and aesthetics—that would help us move into the drafting phase. By taking the time to thoroughly understand the essence of the Everest brand upfront, we ensured a more efficient process that ultimately delivered an outstanding end result.
2. Drafts
The Dart Frog team then drafted initial concept illustrations and potential CGI renderings. We reviewed the drafts collaboratively to ensure any adjustments aligned with the brand’s objectives. Once the drafts were approved, we continued to flow the project through our process.
3. Building Assets
From the initial 3D models, we ultimately created 250+ unique assets featuring six different Everest products in three colors and six environments. CGI allows for a lot of flexibility and creative freedom that our team loves to capitalize on. Once you have the foundation built (typically, the product), it’s easy to manipulate into visually appealing, highly customizable, and versatile images that showcase the real-world functionality and durability of the products.
In this case, the Kindred team was looking to leverage the assets we created on e-commerce platforms. But with an abundance, they were also able to utilize them on social media, in sales presentations, and for internal education purposes.
“This iterative and collaborative approach ensured that the resulting CGI is not only visually stunning but also an effective marketing tool that accurately reflects the product's true essence.”
Russell Bodnar
Senior Marketing Manager at Kindred Products
4. Reviews
Throughout the development of the
CGI assets, regular meetings were scheduled to provide updates and maintain alignment with the client's expectations. The ProofHQ app we utilize for all projects allows for efficient reviews, revisions, and approvals to keep things on time and on budget.
"In telling the story, DFC took us from a CAD to silos to lifestyle imagery in the whole home."
Russell Bodnar
Senior Marketing Manager at Kindred Products