Southern Highland Craft Guild

Fresh Branding Images to Update a Long Respected Organization

Since 1930, The Southern Highland Craft Guild has exhibited the handmade crafts of the people of North Carolina and the Southeast, and today it is one of the strongest craft organizations in the country, representing just over 800 makers from nine states. They provide an invaluable support network for makers to utilize in furthering their businesses, while also promoting their work and creativity to buyers throughout the region.

I was honored to be enlisted to create a fresh new collection of branding images to showcase the timeless beauty, skilled craftsmanship, and vibrant community of the organization to be used for their future promotions for their bi-annual Craft Fair and retail shops.

A Shoot Celebrating Color, Texture, and Form

How might one capture such an abundance of handmade creations while honoring the traditions of the past and celebrating the exciting evolution into the future? I opted to feature select products in themed “colorway” groupings, ensuring that the image library included all eleven different craft mediums outlined by the Guild; clay, glass, wood, fiber, metal, leather, natural materials, paper, jewelry, manmade materials and mixed media. What an exciting experience it was to have access to the full inventory of The Southern Highland Craft Guild’s largest retail venue! Incorporating hands into some of the shots honors the handmade connection to the artists while also inviting a sense of desire from those who wish to gift these gorgeous items to themselves or others.