ChangeUp: LA is an intense, community event with the goal of making great strides toward improving the effectiveness of five non-profit organizations.
In one weekend, a few dozen design, marketing, and web professionals meet with representatives from organizations. The organizations present their design challenges (a new brochure, updated branding, a website refresh, etc.) and the participants form groups and work to complete projects… all by the end of a weekend!

North East Trees (NET) is a community-based nonprofit organization. The founder, Mr. Wilson’s pledge to plant a tree a day for the rest of his life, and his parallel commitment to helping local youth find meaningful employment in the green industry, have resulted in a non-profit organization delivering effective training and environmental restoration programs to under served communities in the Greater Los Angeles Area.

A combined effort by Jay Stakelon, Joshua Jabbour, Liz Hale, Rob Gale, Sarah Kalbeitzer, Saurabh Dutta, and me. After (the almost neverending) discussions, designers went to their drawing boards (or Photoshop windows, in this case) and created one mock each within an hour and a half. At the end of the 2 hours, we had 4 very unique mocks. Here’s a quick rundown on the four options, in no specific order.

High-fives and cheers followed. Four mocks in 2 hours! We picked the best from each of the prototypes and went headstrong into development. Photoshop windows closed and each one of us sprung up our own fancy coding tools. It was indeed an enriching and satisfying experience. Goes without saying that I got to work with some very bright minds and talented skills. Here’s the final website mocks. You can always just visit the site and get the complete experience.