Cats in a Box: A Creative Leap for Feline Welfare

Daniel da Hora's Campaign Merges Art with Animal Advocacy

Amidst the surge of animal abandonment in Brazil, exacerbated by misinformation during the pandemic, Daniel da Hora's "Cats in a Box" stands as a beacon of hope. This communication design project, spearheaded by the NGO Adote Um Gatinho, leverages the power of visual storytelling to combat the stigma against cats and encourage adoption. The campaign's unique approach intertwines the comfort cats find in cardboard boxes with the support they receive from the NGO, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with the public.

The campaign's strength lies in its distinctive marketing and communication strategy, which utilizes digital illustrations to capture the hearts of potential adopters. These illustrations adorn a variety of materials, from posters to social media posts, each crafted to engage and inspire action. The campaign's success was further amplified by a line of charity bazaar products, including mugs, decorative plates, and eco-friendly bags, which sold out, reflecting the community's overwhelming support.

Technologically, "Cats in a Box" is a testament to the seamless integration of digital art and traditional marketing mediums. The illustrations, created using Procreate on an iPad Pro 12, served as the foundation for all campaign materials. The specifications for these materials were meticulously chosen to ensure the highest quality and impact, from the opaline paper for posters to the pixel dimensions for Instagram posts and stories.

Keywords such as "Cat," "Pets," "Adoption," "Illustration," and "Color" encapsulate the essence of the campaign, highlighting its focus on animal welfare through vibrant and engaging design. The project, which began in October 2021 in São Paulo, Brazil, continues to generate product sales and awareness, demonstrating the enduring power of well-crafted design in social causes.

The research underpinning "Cats in a Box" was extensive, delving into the societal issues surrounding abandoned animals in Brazil. The team's methodology included qualitative interviews and surveys, which provided the insights necessary to craft a campaign that not only raises funds but also educates and influences societal attitudes towards cat adoption. The challenge was to address a sensitive subject in a manner that would resonate with the public, and this was achieved through a combination of research, creativity, and strategic marketing.

In recognition of its excellence, "Cats in a Box" was honored with the Iron A' Design Award in Advertising, Marketing, and Communication Design for 2024. This accolade underscores the campaign's successful integration of design and social responsibility, creating a model for future initiatives that seek to make a positive impact on the world.