BRAND DEVELOPMENT
Blake Manning’s skill set is the culmination of a never-ending desire to learn and create; it is uniquely expansive. This page highlights massive, brand-centric projects that required the entirety of those talents. This is where it all comes together.
WORLD GYM INTERNATIONAL:
The problem: Gym memberships were in steep decline and franchisees were leaving the network due in large part to a lack of creative support. The brand was trying to modernize, but a creative agency had delivered an incomplete rebrand that missed the mark.
Solution: Completed the rebrand, developing a tone and aesthetic that captured attention throughout the fitness industry. Provided agency-style support to franchise owners and corporate team. Built suites of plug-and-play creative templates, content, and collateral. Produced local, regional, and international ad campaigns that grew brand awareness and consumer loyalty while ultimately increasing gym memberships.
Successes: Increased brand engagement and loyalty across the board. Franchise locations rebounded from 170 to 220 locations internationally over 9 years. Inspired countless individuals to join the gym and improve their lives through fitness, camaraderie, and community.
ADVENTURE BOYS COMPANY:
The problem: Adventure Boys was a startup children’s publishing company with great ambitions: to produce stories, toys, and games designed to educate and inspire kids through play and imagination.
The solution: Assisted in building a unique and consistent brand across six genera of product lines while appealing to kids and their parents. Contributed to every step of the creative process including big-picture concepting, copywriting, illustration, and design. Collaborated with and provided direction to best-selling authors, award winning illustrators, and exceptional creative contractors to produce 13 children’s books and supporting merchandise, plus a highly interactive website and digital storefront. Authored and published two comic books and a young adult guide to home moviemaking.
Successes: Provided wholesome, educational entertainment to children all across America. Sold thousands of books and merchandise items online and at major US retailers, including Barnes & Noble and Nordstrom, before the company sadly exhausted its funding.
SEATTLE UNIVERSITY:
The problem: Seattle University’s communications to alumni and donors were inconsistent and over-designed. The message was getting lost in the clutter. Simultaneously, the university was struggling to engage alumni and inspire donors to give.
The solution: Rebranded alumni and donor touchpoints to more effectively resonate with the audience while still aligning with the wider brand. Elevated the marketing approach to be more effective at informing and persuading. Delivered impactful, multi-channel creative support for dozens of major events. Provided alumni office and fundraising professionals with improved creative resources to enhance their work.
Successes: Was part of a small team that doubled alumni engagement metrics over a one-year period. Supported major fundraising efforts that exceeded goals by 30%. Presented the brand in a way that better reflected prestige and innovation while aligning with university priorities.