About me
There's nothing quite as exciting as the future - it's an opportunity to improve existing ecosystems or rethink approaches entirely for a better tomorrow.
Design, research and strategy are the tools that I use to help brands and businesses to bring their vision to life in ways that are clear, tangible and sustainable.
With a focus on branding, CMF and visual design, I work across 2D / 3D landscapes and a broad range of sectors.
I'm at my best when navigating complexity, whether it's a challenging brief, bringing multiple elements together in a cohesive way or breaking a big picture down into actionable steps.
Connect with me if you're envisioning a future you'd like to make real, or want to have a chat about CMF, design, trends, technologies or mentorship.
Projects
- Negroni ExperienceCocktail bar Shin Gi Tai's chief bartender is Anthony Zhong, who trained in Japan and is well-known for making the best Negronis in Singapore. The bar's owners wanted to provide their discerning clientele with a new experience of Zhong's Negroni while increasing local awareness and appreciation of the classic drink itself. After conducting in-depth interviews with key consumers, we worked to develop a visual identity and user journey for a bottled version of Shin Gi Tai's signature Negroni. The bottle comes with a scrolled letter from Zhong detailing the story behind his version of the Negroni. Textured cream labels include information about the bar itself, the Negroni as well as suggestions for food pairings. A sleek external band forms the final flourish, reflecting the hidden nature of the bar itself while hinting at the character of the drink within. The first batch of bottled Negronis sold out almost instantly in 2016; a third batch is currently available, although not for long!
- Bespoke MemorialisationsSeedGem is a service that provides bespoke memory storage using seed DNA. Through an online interface users upload and curate their personal memories in the form of digital files such as photographs, designing a customised plant hybrid to contain these recollections. Upon their death the user’s loved ones will receive a GemPod containing the engineered seeds and can sow them or use the SeedGem decoder to retrieve the data. The seeds can also be donated to Seed Sanctuaries worldwide to aid reforestation efforts for a long-lasting, sustainable legacy.
- Trehalose ArtefactsTrehalose Artefacts is about enhancing human survival during drought using trehalose, a natural sugar that protects cells from dehydration. It explores how trehalose-based products may be developed to enable humans to live on less water by reducing water loss through skin surfaces. The project is focuses on two solutions: a range of skincare products, where different concentrations of trehalose are available for a variety of user needs and micro-encapsulated clothing, where the sugar is embedded in fabric and delivered to the skin when required.
Work history
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CMF Designer & Researcher · Project LeadChris Lefteri Ltd
London, United KingdomFreelance
Chris Lefteri Design is a consultancy with a materials-led approach, working with brands, designers and suppliers to integrate materials in more meaningful and innovative ways.
With a background in design research and marketing, I work with the team to define new pathways for material and product innovation through CMF, future-forecasting and narrative development.
What this looks like in action:
+ Produce trend, consumer and other insights to inform design and material recommendations
+ Develop CMF strategies and directions for product application
+ Art direction of material-based narratives for campaigns, presentations and other communications
+ Lead and deliver internal and external projects
Automotive · appliances · consumer electronics · manufacturing · packaging · sport and performance
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Senior Brand · CMF · Visual Designer & StrategistStudio Tai
London, United KingdomFreelance
With more than 5 years of industry experience, my practice is focused on insight-driven, multidisciplinary design and strategy for positive impact. I manage and deliver brand, CMF and visual design projects across a broad range of sectors from manufacturing to lifestyle products.
Drawing on different spheres of insight from cultural shifts to emerging technologies, I identify new opportunities for growth and translate these into physical and digital deliverables.
What this looks like in action:
+ Establish positioning based on current context and future scenarios
+ Build insight-driven strategies, concepts and narratives
+ Develop CMF directions and palettes for product application
+ Art direction and production of print and digital deliverables
+ Manage projects to ensure scopes are set out clearly, work is delivered on time and within budget
Charity · consultancy · food and drink · events · lifestyle · manufacturing · non-profit · transport
+ Show more
Skills
- Branding
- Visual Communication
- Futures Thinking
- Graphic Design
- Colour Materials
- Project Management
- Sustainable Materials
- Materials
- Concept Development
- Trend Forecasting
Education
MA Material FuturesCentral Saint Martins (UAL)
- London, United Kingdom
+ Nominated for the MullenLowe NOVA Awards
+ Showcased graduate project at Salone del Mobile in Milan and The Intelligent Optimist (London Design Festival)
BA Fashion Design with MarketingCentral Saint Martins (UAL)
- London, United Kingdom