Based in Sydney, Australia, Foundry is a blog by Rebecca Thao. Her posts explore modern architecture through photos and quotes by influential architects, engineers, and artists.

Cultivating Niche Specialities

From outsourcing to a functional internal structure

Challenge

Art directors outsourced illustration programs to freelancers, which required additional training to ensure adherence to art guidelines and standards, resulting in production delays.

Solution

  • Gather a small subgroup of experienced illustrators on production team

  • Create an in-house illustration program

  • Test low-complexity programs to assess capacity and endurance

  • Collaborate with art producers and directors for implementation

Outcome

We were able to increase art director satisfaction, meeting business needs with quicker turn-around times and consistently high-quality outputs. We became a working model for field experts, paving the way for different departments to adapt similar functional structures.

Illustrations categorized in tiers served as a guide for art producers and art directors

TOOLS USED


STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED

VP Design, Creative Director, Senior Director of Art

“The way you’ve encouraged Terry and I with the illo guide and always made time for us in your schedule . . . meant more to me than you know”
— Production Designer

Making Measurable Metrics