“Fix the Damn Grid” Campaign Merchandise

The 2021 Texas winter storm exposed critical flaws in the state’s energy grid, leaving millions without power. Rapid response merchandise was created to amplify Mike Collier’s policy commitment to fixing the grid. The glow-in-the-dark “Fix the Damn Grid” t-shirt was designed to evoke a powerful message, symbolizing the literal darkness Texans experienced.

The merchandise was further extended to yard signs and stickers, ensuring the message reached diverse audiences.

To connect visual branding with policy discussions, the merchandise launch was timed with a press conference unveiling infrastructure proposals, where a branded podium sign reinforced the campaign’s message. By aligning creative assets with the broader strategy, the merchandise became a rallying point for grassroots advocacy.

Results

• Raised $10,565 in 2021 through t-shirt sales alone.

• Gained the campaign media attention and a spike of donations following the press release.

• Won the Best Rapid Response Merchandise in the 2022 Reed Awards.
  
  

Contrast Ad: “Not a Good Republican”

Designed to target Republican voters in rural West Texas, this ad highlighted Mike’s bipartisan appeal and criticized his opponent’s controversial public school voucher program. By pairing bright, optimistic visuals of Mike Collier with dark, ominous imagery of Dan Patrick, the ad drew a sharp contrast between the candidates’ values. Headlines from credible news sources bolstered the message, while upbeat rock music energized viewers to take action.

Despite a modest $8,000 budget, strategic targeting amplified the ad’s reach in key regions. The public education issue served as a wedge, enabling the campaign to secure endorsements from traditionally Republican officials and sway undecided voters.

Results

• Garnered media coverage valued in the millions of dollars.

• Secured endorsements from prominent Republican officials.

• Prompted strategic shifts in the opponent’s campaign, including attack ads on Mike.

Role & Responsibilities

As a designer and art director for this project, I:

• Designed the "Fix the Damn Grid" logo and merchandise.

• Storyboarded, edited, and motion designed the "Not a Good Republican" and General Election TV spot.

• Developed animated and static digital ads.

• Created several buttons and stickers in collaboration with Camille Gomera-Tavarez.