Creative CoLab Window Decal
Fast Facts
Background
I created this window decoration for the Creative CoLab's main office window, to decorate the space and help convey it's values of growth and experimentation.
Project Results
The final print was approved by CoLab director Derek Ford, and was ready to install in the main window as a stylish attraction in the space
Lessons learned
The challenge here was to create a design that would communicate the CoLab's values: growth, connection, and experimentation. This office window is right by the main doors, so it would be one of the first things visitors would see walking in.
The Challenge
Design Process
1. Ideation. Using ideas suggested by the CoLab's director, Derek Ford, I sketched out a design featuring the CoLab logo with floral leaves growing out of it. The idea was to use plants to convey themes of growth and spreading ideas.
During the summer of 2025, I worked a summer student job at Assiniboine College’s new makerspace, the Creative CoLab. My job responsibilities were varied, but all centered on learning about the space’s equipment and preparing for its grand opening in the upcoming fall.
One project I worked on during my time there was designing, printing, and installing a translucent decoration for the office window. The CoLab at the time had little to no decorations, so creating an eye-catching window design would liven up the space and give visitors a sense of the creative work that would be done there.
Overview
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Practice working with preexisting brand assets (i.e. the CoLab logo)
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The workflow of seeing a project through from sketch to print
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How to do test prints to ensure getting the best results
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Practice printing with translucent material
Case Study
I got feedback on this sketch, and was given the idea of adding small pollen spores around the outer edge, to further convey the plant theme.
2. Digital iterations. While I had a design picked out, I still needed to choose colours. Using Adobe Illustrator I digitized my design and experimented with several different colour palettes.
Because the Creative CoLab is located in Manitoba, Canada, I used a lot of colours found in the surrounding prairies, greens, yellows, and browns.
3. Test prints. To help decide what colours would be best, I did a few test prints. I needed to ensure the colours were dark enough to be seen against the window, but light enough that some light could still get through. Using the CoLab's large-format printer, I tested various versions of the design.
A light green version. These colours were too pale.
An orange version. These colours were bold, but didn't reflect the colours found in Manitoba's environment.
An dark green version. This colour palette was chosen for the final design. It was dark enough to stand out on the window, but light enough to allow light in.
Before printing the full-sized decal, I wanted to see if I could adjust the print to get the best results. I created several more test prints, adjusting the design's saturation and opacity, to see how to make it best appear on the window.
4. Implementation. My earlier tests showed me that reducing the opacity to 75% yielded the best results. With this knowledge, I measured the office window, printed the full-size decal, and installed it on the window.
Lessons Learned
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Practice working with preexisting brand assets (i.e. the CoLab logo)
-
The workflow of seeing a project through from sketch to print
-
How to do test prints to ensure getting the best results
-
Practice printing with translucent material
