Half Sky Writing
  • Portfolio
  • COPYWRITING
  • CAMPAIGNS
  • COMMUNICATIONS
  • JOURNEYS

Client Case Studies

Picture
Picture

WorldOregon - Development/Fundraising Materials + Identity + Video Communications

As Director of Marketing & Communications, I led a multi-year, interactive, collaborative process to rebrand our visual and verbal identity—transforming 60+year old “The World Affairs Council of Oregon” to “WorldOregon.” I managed all development communications from strategy to execution, including donor e-mails and newsletters, event invitations, both digital and print fundraising campaigns. I also created various materials to convey mission, impact, increase membership, and build relationships on behalf of WorldOregon, and to train and align internal stakeholders around the organizational vision.
​
Sample descriptions and links pictured in images, from left to right:
1. Sponsorship Options Packet 2. Board Memo Fundraising Appeal 3. General Brochure 4. Press release / Language for New Brand/Name 5. Proposal document seeking support for rebrand 6. Revised beliefs and mission statements (website)
7. Short video to announce name change (led art direction, executed by Leopold+Ketel Design Studio) 8. About us / Support Our Work video (led story, facilitated logistics, and art direction—filmed and produced by Beyond Measure Media)

World Pulse Magazine:  Donor Communications, Copywriting, Publication Management, and Advertising 

Picture

Women, Peace, and Security report 2019. This piece continues to be used to influence policy makers for gender equity and peace process worldwide, and was recently revealed at the Women Deliver conference in Canada. Responsible for all editing, layout, photo and quote curation, design.

Visit https://www.worldpulse.com/explore/peace-and-security/women-peace-and-security-report-2019 to download.

Copywriting and copy editing, with emphasis on internal promotion pages, for global women's media organization, World Pulse. Managed all advertisements, distribution, and sponsor relationships. Created survey and formulated an incentive (answer and win a Bali workshop) to procure essential marketing information from readers. Managed print production and publishing of magazine from start to finish. (Graphic design by Cary Design Group)
View Oracle Issue Online with Issuu: http://issuu.com/worldpulse/docs/oracle
Download as PDF with Issuu: http://issuu.com/worldpulse/docs/oracle#download
​
Digital Empowerment Recommendations Report: ​https://issuu.com/worldpulse/docs/www_recommendations_package
Digital Empowerment Recommendations Report Social Media Toolkit: ​https://writing.halfsky.org/uploads/1/9/8/3/1983400/www_social_media_toolkit_final.pdf
Digital Empowerment Trainers Manual - ​https://www.thealliance.media/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Trainers-Manual-64-pages.pdf

Future Leader Now - Various Communications Projects

"What if everyone loved their work? For us, that is the future of work. We are on a path to help your company create that future—now!"
That's the mission of this forward-thinking company, for whom we created a website: https://www.futureleadernow.com/
In addition to creating their site, event programs, and organizational brochures, we also:
• Organized trainings for innovative workplace cultures at major companies
• Developed marketing campaigns, verbal identity and all written collateral
• Created verbal/visual print & digital collateral design, programs
• Fostered relationships with global workshop hosts and participant/clients
• Clients/hosts e.g.: Google, LinkedIn, Box, Whole Foods, Apple, Genentech and more

Urban Nest Realty - Various Communications Projects

This two-women-owned "Portland-centric" brokerage was going through big transitions including opening a second location. They rebranded their visual identity (with Relevant Studios) and needed to clarify their verbal identity to match. We helped them write their story, identify their company values, and create alliances in their diverse community. We pitched stories that were published in local media, wrote compelling website content, and created fun written educational materials for homebuyers. Their social media following has blossomed, and we've spearheaded a campaign to attract new, like-minded agents to their growing business. 
​Additional work:
• Home buying process steps
• Home selling process steps
Images courtesy of All Things Real Estate and Relevant Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Northwest Alpine Vision Book

It all starts with the story. We wrote and art-directed this booming company's first-ever piece of print collateral. The Vision Book articulates the history and values of this high-end climbing apparel company, dedicated to reviving US economy by keeping production local. View the book here as an online magazine. (See captions for fragments of copywriting.) Visit nwalpine.com. Graphic Design by Andrew Eastman. 
"By creating our Vision Book, you helped us commit to our brand. It made our other marketing decisions much easier."— William Amos, CEO, NWAlpine

 

Molly Muriel: Rebrand and Product-Naming

"Lemongrass Kelp" soap became "SEA CHANGE" (photos by relevant studios. all rights reserved.)
"Cinnamon Clove" became "Spice It Up" (photos by relevant studios. all rights reserved.)
"Lava Tea Tree" became "Volcanic Bliss" (photos by relevant studios. all rights reserved.)
"Rosemary Sage" became "Soul Salad" (photos by relevant studios. all rights reserved.)
Blended products like herbal oils were named for their benefits instead of ingredients, such as "Pure Radiance." (photos by relevant studios. all rights reserved.)
In partnership with the design team at Relevant Studios, we helped transform this natural beauty product brand by creating new names and product descriptions for re-branded packaging on hundreds of soaps, oils, and lotions. (See photo captions for some new names.) We also created website content and PR pieces to promote the small business owner's achievements locally and nationally, and she was featured at Portland's Crafty Wonderland. A sweet-smelling project that helped increase sales by 40% in the first month! Client website: http://www.mollymuriel.com/
"Thanks to you, I now know the power of good branding!" — Branda T., small business owner

Follow The Dragon: Martial Arts Campaign

The goal: to help improve visibility for a local martial arts and fitness studio providing self-defense training for people from all backgrounds. 
The concept: show real, ordinary people doing extraordinary things. We wrote copy that was mindfully matched with photos that were used on posters, signage, and an interactive website that included video interviews with the real people portrayed. Call to action guided the user to sign up for a free training session. Graphic Design & Photography by Andy Kerr. 
Client: One With Heart Tulen Center www.onewithheart.com

Kundalini Yoga Portland - Web architecture and boilerplate written content

Re-vamped website design, architecture, and content management system for this spiritual community, so that their volunteer-based team could easily add photos, class schedules, and updates. Copywriting consisted of "boilerplate" language based on board member interviews, to create a structure from which to grow. Their team is thrilled with how simple it is to use, and their membership base has grown significantly with the new site announcement. Client website: http://www.kypdx.org/

Journeys: Cambodia, Kenya, Rwanda

all rights reserved
For more about past trips and the mission of Half Sky Journeys, click here. 
We wrote itinerary copy and descriptions, event marketing pieces, guest correspondence, and crafted unforgettable journeys to introduce groups of North American women philanthropists to several outstanding leaders in human rights. We coordinated journalist sessions with some of the most sought-after visionaries, including: human trafficking survivor and spokeswoman Somaly Mam; member of Parliament and “mother” of women’s rights in Cambodia, Her Excellency Mu Sochua; legendary author and anti-landmines activist Loung Ung, and Kenyan daughter of the late Wangari Maathai, Wanjira Maathai. Our trips resulted in increased program donations, lifelong advocates, and enduring friendships. 

Half Sky Writing & Half Sky Journeys

My name is Ila Asplund. My vision is to increase the impact of purpose-driven businesses and organizations — particularly those advancing gender equity and social justice. I do this through creating in-person and digital engagement experiences, storytelling, and thoughtful communications and content strategies for my clients. I've also provided international journeys to give travelers the opportunity to meet and engage with global leaders in countries like Cambodia, Kenya, and Rwanda. ​Thank you for checking out my website!
Picture

​Get in touch.

​Copyright © 2022. All Rights Reserved.
​Website by Ila Asplund

"Women hold up half the sky."

  • Portfolio
  • COPYWRITING
  • CAMPAIGNS
  • COMMUNICATIONS
  • JOURNEYS