Oliver Uberti
Illuminating science since 2003
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Case Study: 826michigan

Selections from my volunteer work for 826michigan

 

DESIGN FOR A CAUSE

826michigan

826 National is a network of creative writing and tutoring centers, each with a unique theme designed to inspire students and delight adults. I first got involved with 826 in Washington, DC where I helped design the buildout of 826DC’s Museum of Unnatural History. Later I linked up with the team at 826michigan and began creating posters, products, and books for them whenever I needed a reminder that design is FUN.

 

PRODUCTS

 
 
 

To help fund their free writing programs, 826michigan slings robot supplies. Burning out? Try Break Fluid. Feeling creaky? Rust Remover will help you “uprise and shine.” These are just a few of the many products I have designed for their gift shops: the Detroit Robot Factory and Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair in Ann Arbor.

 
 
“Where do I even begin to talk about how easy it is to collaborate with Oliver? He’s the perfect mix of out-of-the-box creative and holy-cow-attention-to-detail meticulousness—a true unicorn.”
— Amy Sumerton, 826michigan
 

POSTERS

 

In early 2017, programming director Amy Sumerton invited me to design a set of posters. The fine print highlights the Detroit Robot Factory's comprehensive, 826-step program to complete sentience for ALL bots.

 

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

 

I'll never forget the excitement of seeing my first published book in a bookstore. 826 gives students the same feeling. 

In A Lantern of Fireflies, 826michigan paired student authors with professional illustrators, such as Jon Klassen, Dan Santat, and Erin Stead. I contributed an illustration, along with the cover design, these little reading fireflies, and a set of two-color endpapers that had my brain in logistical tangles.

Years ago, 826 National & McSweeney’s published Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country, letters to President Obama, and I Live Read Close to Where You Used to Live, letters to Michelle Obama. When it came time to assemble a collection of letters to our 45th president, I was eager to help. I hope you consider what they've written. Some are funny; many are wise. All are heartbreaking.