KPMG Proposals
In KPMG’s National Proposal Group, project spend often related to the potential client’s profile, strategic priority, and estimated revenue. As such, a creative mix of vendor printing and production and in-house printing, binding, and assembly methods were used to achieve cost-effective ROI and create an elevated, customized proposal tailored to the client’s industry and services. Following are proposals that showcase a range of techniques and production and I noted when I was a lead or team designer. For confidentiality reasons I have blurred text.
Trencor
This project was a proposal from KPMG to Trencor—one of the world’s largest marine cargo container companies. I lived in Oakland/Berkeley and went to the nearby Oakland shipyard and took photos of the containers and cargo lifters. I then outlined them (and other purchased images) in Illustrator and tweaked the illustrations for the cover and divider pages.
This proposal was fun to exploit a number of different printing and production techniques. The cover of the aluminum proposal container box has a nautical depth map silkscreened in grey, an effect that made it look like it was etched. The inset to the case is actually metallic, corrugated-aluminum paper I constructed by hand, specifically to fit the dimensions of the box.
KMPG rival Arthur Andersen had held Trencor’s audit, tax and consulting contract for 50 years. When the KPMG partner who pitched the proposal returned, he said the proposal couldn’t have been any better. Behind Trencor’s reception desk was its company’s logo etched in brushed steel. The Trencor proposal recipients loved the proposal and, in the end, KPMG won the proposal.
Role
Lead Designer
Print/Production Techniques and Materials
Simulated engraving on cover, custom in-house produced binder inset made from corrugated metallic paper, silkscreen cover of Chicago screw binder, adapted aluminum photo box for proposal
GlobalNetXchange (GNX)
I used an 8.5x14” size to give a unique feel to this proposal. To elevate in-house production methods, covers and chapter divider pages were offset printed and I used high-gloss cover stock with reverse dull varnish to lower printing cost while adding subtle design elements. Printing of interior pages and binding were done in-house.
Role
Lead Designer
Print/Production Techniques and Materials
Uncommon size 8.5x14”; reverse dull varnish of design elements on high-gloss stock
Chiron Corporation
The Chiron proposal aimed to underscore KPMG’s long history with this important existing client. For the main proposal book, I used perfect binding with high-gloss cover stock and thick semi-gloss interior pages to lend a luxurious and bespoke feel — a testament to Chiron’s high priority. The perfect binding method, rather than a wirebound assembly, and facing pages layout emphasized the continuous timeline of the KPMG/Chiron corporate-relationship milestones running through the proposal book.
Role
Lead Designer
Print/Production Techniques and Materials
Perfect binding, high-gloss cover stock and thick semi-gloss interior pages
Hewlett Packard
Two themes from HP’s legacy — thinking outside the box and the founders’ origins as electrical engineers — were used to underscore KPMG’s deep understanding of HP’s history and industry. As a team designer, I built out embedded charts, infographics, and the resume book to match the engineering and blueprint themes established by the lead designer.
Role
Team Designer
Print/Production Techniques and Materials
Custom box construction for multiple proposal books and CD, uncommon size 8.5x14”
Kamehameha Schools
Simple, cost-effective printing and production techniques combined with design elements lent a special, tailored feel to the proposal. A long sheet, full-bleed offset printed cover with embossed frame detail hid the typical in-house wirebound assembly, creating a more sophisticated finish. The embossed frame of the historical photo repeated on divider pages, combined with Hawaiian quilt elements used on section starts, communicated that KPMG understood the cultural and historical importance and legacy of Kamehameha Schools.
Role
Team Designer
Print/Production Techniques and Materials
Embossed cover/divider pages; long sheet, full-bleed offset printed cover hid typical in-house wirebound assembly
KPMG ICE Practice Overview and Summary Brochure
The KPMG Information, Communications and Electronics (ICE) Practice needed two companion collateral pieces: (1) an overview document that could be easily updated and customized to the target client’s needs, and (2) a brochure with fixed content. As such, I designed an offset printed cover to be used with in-house printing and binding, paired with a coordinated printed brochure.
Role
Team Designer
Print/Production Techniques and Materials
Full-bleed offset printed cover and brochure combined with in-house wirebound assembly for a cost-effective, quickly modifiable solution
