During my nine years with TOPS Products, this was one of my favorite projects. It was a print project, but I work in a similar manner for complex web projects. We sold 125 new Wholesale products to an independent retailer. These products were broken into five groups, and each group had artwork of three sizes. The project included multiple dimensions — each part utilizing the previously created artwork to ensure accuracy, organization, efficiency, and innovation.

1. Artwork for production
Working with a creative director and following a style guide, we applied each size to each group. This artwork was used in production. The plant then produced the barcodes and product numbers.

2. Example of each
This artwork was then used as a master for the creation of artwork for all the individual products. The retailer wanted to see the artwork for each product, not just a master. Barcodes and an automatic product numbering system were added, thus creating a sample of each product for the retailer to review.

3. Mockup photos
The retailer then wanted photos of every product so they could begin selling in their catalog and website as soon as possible. But the project was a month ahead of production schedule, so the products did not currently exist. Working with the photographer we were able to use current photos and make adjustments to the color and add the packaging.

4. Shelf planning
The retailer wanted to begin planning the layout of shelves for selling the products. They needed the shelf-view of each one. Using the artwork from step 2, I added an illustration of the products and quickly create an image of each.

5. Store pallet
In addition to shelf-space, the retailer wanted to sell the products on pallets in stores. Working with an industrial designer, I created and mocked up the pallet using the retailer's style guide. The rendering was also used to ensure the pallet was loaded with the proper product.

6. Carton labels
The final piece of the project is a carton label for each product. These are not glamorous but critical in the delivery and stocking of the product. Like the artwork before them, these used a few masters to produce the hundreds of individual pieces.

Summary
This method ensured the individual designs were exactly the same as the others in their size and group. If a change was requested, it could be made quickly to the master and all subsequent individual pieces would be updated immediately.

With the teamwork of the creative director, photographer, and product manager, we stayed ahead of schedule and we were able to accommodate changes and additional requests without hesitation. Using similar methods over the following months, we were awarded Vendor of the Year.