From nowhere, everything.
Rarely does a creatives have the opportunity to try out ideas that would never be considered in the 'real world', much less cut their teeth making them real. Of course, this doesn't happen without creating a culture of possibility and transformation, in an environment that is literally trying to kill you.
I am the co-founders of Articulated are also co-leaders of a Burning Man camp, It's All Made Up (IAMU). While the camp is not officially affiliated with Articulated, and is not itself a commercial entity, the annual iterative exercise is essential to our practice of doing incredible and unlikely things.
Concept. Culture. First.
We have learned a lot in 10 years of iterating the concept and the culture of the camp. If you are going to do incredible and unlikely things, you need to be clear on who you are, and more importantly, why you are who you are.
Articulating the Possible
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The couple had tried to work with artisanal jewelers to no avail. Given the high costs and potential vendor lock in (as well as the couple's limited resources) Articulated developed their design into a 3D model that could be shopped around to various limited run manufacturers. This also opened up the possibility of derivative and follow up products.
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Iteration & Emergence
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Converting the 3D model into a physical object became a meditative exercise. Adjustments were made to increase strength while reducing mass; important for keeping costs down for precious metals. Eventually the model was reduced to its smallest possible size, within .05mm tolerances.
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Meanwhile, Articulated began working with the designer to translate the overall concept into a story and brand. Indeed the story of the cross was the story of the faith. "History in your hands".
A Business Takes Shape
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The ideal business would be one where all ordering, manufacturing (in a variety of materials), global fulfillment and customer service would happen on its own. Out of a field of seven contenders, a winner was selected. The finished pendant itself was unreal.
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It was time to clear the deck and start adding back in every best thing that had come out of the entire concept development process.
Order Now!
Leveraging an original text about the history of the cross, Articulated created GlobalChristianCross.com as a Christian educational resource. This included a 'walk through' of the various pendant symbols and their relevance in the spread of the faith from the Holy Land. This was also an opportunity to highlight the great diversity of Christianity, something that no other cross pendant had ever done.
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Supporting business cards, letterhead and retail and wholesale sales materials was also developed. Global Christian Cross is now seeking placement in the very same locations and denominations it honors.