Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Spark Story Starters

Last year, I started working with the delightful Tamara Vukusic on a project that would encourage creativity in children. She had an idea for a card game and app that would prompt imaginative answers and encourage parent-child conversation. Tamara and I got along right away, as we are both moms of young children and seek to balance motherhood and creative work. :)

In short, I created artwork for two of her projects, "Spark Story Starters" and "KidCart". Both are apps available on iTunes, and "Spark Story Starters" is also available as a deck of cards. "Spark Story Starters" is a creativity prompt game, while "KidCart" is a shopping list app that encourages children to help with the grocery shopping. I drew over 100 grocery items for that one!

I had so much fun being a part of these two projects, and I am especially happy to see how well "Spark Story Starters" is being received by both parents and educators! I play the app with my daughter quite often. She is now 4, and her answers to the questions have really evolved in complexity since we first started playing.  (Check out the Spark website!)

Here is one of my earlier designs for Spark.  I liked this version too, but in the end we went with a design that worked as a more recognizable brand.  Besides, this version looks a little naked.. 

2 comments:

Tamara Vukusic said...

I can't resist piping up to say that working with you was an outstandingly positive experience Alissa.

Children respond to your illustrations with great enthusiasm and interest. You have a style that stands in a class of it's own.

We are always proud to put the Spark character that you created on all things Spark Your Imagination. It is the key element of our brand and people often tell us how much they love him!

Alissa Staples said...

Thank you so much Tamara! :)