Project Management Case Study
Platter Project
Image by Justin Chung
The Platter Project is an ongoing limited edition collaboration between Permanent Collection and a rotating selection of artists.
The objective is to commission artists to create limited-edition serving platters as an affirmation of the often-overlooked relationship between function and beauty.
The limited edition nature of the project allows us to work with gallery artists or higher-priced artists who would otherwise be inaccessible. In return, we’re driving brand awareness and generating revenue for both parties.
Image by Justin Chung
Scope of Project
Coordinate five artists to design and produce limited edition ceramic serving platters in quantities of (15-25) platters with three rounds of design revisions for each artist within six months.
Work with the marketing team and graphic designers to develop a unique branding strategy that showcases the artists and distinguishes this limited-edition project from the rest of the product line, refining the design direction through several rounds of feedback and creative adjustments.
Create and curate a comprehensive set of marketing and PR assets that communicate the project's vision, requiring close collaboration with the creative team to balance artistic expression with functional marketing needs.
A few iterations of the redesign we chose for the projects page.
My Role
I led the coordination between the artists and the internal team to align production schedules, ensuring the project stayed on track. Specifically:
Developed and maintained a comprehensive project timeline, accessible to all stakeholders, ensuring updates and potential roadblocks were visible and addressed promptly throughout the design and production process.
Acted as the liaison between the internal team and five ceramic artists, facilitating clear communication and fostering strong, positive working relationships.
Collaborated closely with the web designer and internal team to define the direction for new branding, guiding the process through multiple rounds of design feedback.
Managed the production process and budget for each platter design, overseeing everything from initial design reviews to launch, ensuring that each artist’s creative vision was balanced with the functional requirements of the project.
Coordinated with the external production team to ensure timely delivery of marketing assets, aligned with the project's objectives.
Challenges
At the outset, we recognized that to make the project financially viable, we needed a different approach to production funding. Unlike the rest of the line, which is funded and controlled by Permanent Collection, we offered artists two models: a consignment model, where they cover production costs and earn a higher profit share, and a 50/50 model splitting costs and profits. This required some slight internal restructuring of the vendor agreements but proved highly beneficial, expanding our ability to collaborate with a broader range of artists, including gallery artists, and opening new opportunities for future projects.
Results
We sold 90% of the inventory within two weeks of the launch and the project was featured in The Strategist and Remodelista and also received enormous positive attention on social channels which ultimately helped us grow brand awareness.
This project taught me the value of flexibility and creative problem-solving, especially when faced with budget constraints and varying production models. For instance, when we had to renegotiate with artists and vendors, it required a lot of open communication and creative thinking to make sure everyone felt supported. I learned firsthand how balancing financial limitations with the artists' creative freedom can lead to unexpectedly successful outcomes. Moving forward, I’m excited to apply these lessons in managing diverse stakeholders and navigating more complex vendor relationships. These experiences have made me more adaptable and proactive, skills I’m eager to bring to future projects.