Case Study

Collier Awards

Giving an ambitious new journalism initiative the stature it deserves 

NYU’s Ethics and Journalism Initiative (EJI) launched the Collier Awards to spotlight the vitality of ethical journalism — and to raise EJI’s own profile in the field.

The challenge: With a limited budget and staff, create an award (both the trophy and the brand surrounding) that would immediately elevate the perception of Collier and EJI.

The project: Partnering with EJI staff, renowned industrial designer Piotr Woronkowicz, and production partners in both New Jersey and California, we delivered sophisticated branding, inspiring collateral, and a monumental, one-of-a-kind trophy — turning a small dream into a top-tier, industry-recognized awards program.

Trophy photos by Grant Cornett.
Formed of a solid piece of brass, the trophy is bent into a “C” shape, evoking the “C” of the logo while providing enough structure for the trophy to stand on its own.
The interior is polished to a high-mirror shine and engraved with a pattern based on the “C” shape of the trophy itself.
A printed program and tote bag elevated the awards ceremony experience; gold foil stamping on the cover of the program helped tie it to the metal trophy.
Custom Pina Zangaro packaging expanded the high-value experience, while also ensuring that winners could transport their trophies home safely.

My role

  • Conceived visual identity and guided EJI staff and primary donor through creative development process

  • Found and hired creative partners, developed creative briefs, and provided art direction throughout

  • Inspired EJI staff to think more broadly about opportunities for telling EJI’s story through the Collier project

  • Managed timelines, budget, and expectations

The outcome

  • The sophistication of the Collier branding made a deep and positive impression on all attendees at the final awards ceremony in April 2025

  • Primary donor of the awards was so thrilled that they immediately extended their funding commitment

  • Project met all deadlines and budget expectations

  • EJI staff commissioned a new digital home for the Collier Award, launching summer 2025