This week at Tribe, Wyatt and Mitch asked me to work on the design for the bike boxes. Tribe specializes in urban style single speed bicycles. There are about 4 different kinds of bikes they make: Hi-Ten, CRMO, Track, and Cruiser. They mentioned that they were expanding their line of Hi-Ten and CRMO models so they needed to add the new model names to the sides of the boxes. Before I could get started, the guys needed to finalize the model names.

As I started setting up the files, Mitch asked for my opinion on color schemes for the new models. At first I was pretty surprised, he wanted my input on a product they’re spending thousands of dollars on. It probably isn’t a big deal, but I thought that was super cool of him. As if that wasn’t enough to surprise me, they wanted my input on naming the bikes as well. Each model has coordinates to a city where the guys have visited, and they name the bike after something significant in that city. For example, one CRMO model has the color scheme of a flamingo, so first city that comes to mind is Miami. We brainstormed for a few minutes before they made their final decisions and I had the information I needed to create the new bike boxes. Overall I’m having an awesome time working with the guys.

My third week at Tribe was pretty eventful. I finalized the handlebar tape packaging and continued on to designing their handlebar packaging. One of my supervisors, Wyatt, specified what they were looking for, and what to stray away from. I immediately knew they wanted to stay as far away from their competitors, Pure Fix Cycles. Before I began working on a few ideas, I decided to do my homework and research a few companies that have similar styles to Tribe. I wanted to know what to stay away from and also get a little inspiration.

After a day or so I sent over some ideas. Both Wyatt and Mitch loved them. We all decided on the most efficient design, and I finalized the files by the end of the week. On top of the handlebar packaging, I also sent the guys new versions of the wheel set boxes, and they emailed me back with their favorite designs. The following week when I came in, I submitted the final design. It’s so refreshing to work on packaging design. I fell in love with it a few years ago and I’m so happy the guys are giving me a shot.

After our meeting last week, the guys at Tribe asked me how I felt about packaging design and my eyes lit up. I absolutely love packaging, and these guys are giving me the opportunity to design their accessory line. Needless to say it was a huge honor. I mean, I sell these products on a daily basis, so the thought of selling someone a box of bar tape that I designed is pretty awesome.

The first project they asked me to design the packaging for their bar tape. Mitch and Wyatt explained what they needed from me, which was essentially a mechanical. I was very fortunate to have learned how to create mechanicals through Professor Brodeur in his packaging design class. Also, they gave me a few examples of what they wanted, which were from their competitors. I had absolutely free reign to design whatever I wanted, which was extremely refreshing. I submitted the files along with some logo concepts for the wheel set box, which they also requested.

When I came in this week, Wyatt wanted to tweak a few things in the files. Once I was done we printed miniature versions of the boxes. I must say the bar tape boxes looked adorable! After both the wheel set and bar tape designs were approved, Mitch and Wyatt gave me my next assignment: design the handlebar packaging. Overall I love what these guys are throwing my way, and the environment that they have created is really awesome.

During the winter break I decided to get a head start on my search for an internship. I found a bunch of companies that seemed like they would be great to work at, but nothing really stood out to me. After looking through countless Craigslist posts, I decided to apply to Tribe Bicycle Company, a Brooklyn based bicycle manufacturer.

I learned about the company back in September when they first arrived in New York. After seeing their awesome logo, I was immediately interested in working for the company. I did some research on the company and I saw that they were accepting applications for graphic designers. I decided to wait until I worked on my portfolio before applying, and I’m really glad that I did. I figured I should contact them regarding an internship position first to get my foot in the door. After applying and touching base with one of the owners, I landed an interview.

Working in the cycling industry for the past seven years as a manager for a local bike shop gave me a great advantage. I was really excited to find out that they’re still learning the ropes of the cycling industry, and I can bring my experience to the table. They are still a relatively new company, so there are a lot of projects that need to be done. I’m really excited to work with Tribe and I can’t wait to help them grow as a company.