While Merce was juggling a photography course in her graphic design program and working part-time at the Urban Design Group Architects office, her homework caught the attention of some colleagues that sparked a somewhat periodic chat bringing together staff from different teams in the office circling around on her photography class days. Inspired by the interest and revelation, Merce founded the photography club whose seasoned and beginner hobbyists meet monthly and bounce off ideas, techniques and critique of a monthly prompt hosted by each member. The casual meetup evolved into fostering teambuilding and development of the communication skills of its members whose job scope does not often involve presentations and public speaking. This outcome was recognized by the office management leading to the funding of the photography club projects. Featured above is the first annual publication of a coffee table photobook that graced the office reception and served as a corporate giveaway. The photobook and its copywriting was conceptualized by Merce around the accidental discovery of a common passion. Its last page reveals the identities of the silhouettes of its members. Merce passed the class with flying colours and landed a full-time job.
A school project that turned into a business enterprise, the branding and identity design of The Weekend Baker arose from Merce’s effort to encourage a working pastry chef to pursue her weekend side hustle into a full-time business that allows more flexibility to the demands of parenting young children all week. The business thrived and with the children now into their teens, the weekend baker has expanded into a family-run business to meet the demands of the award-winning delectables that celebrate their family heritage in baking.
