Annual Report

About this project

The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) selected “Powered by SOCAN” as the theme of the 2016/17 Annual Report, to exemplify how SOCAN is weaving a powerful platform able to provide best-in-class, tailor-made services to anyone in the digital music ecosystem in Canada and worldwide.

The 2016/17 Annual Report is imperative in demonstrating the impact SOCAN has had in achieving its vision to lead the global transformation of music rights. The report is successful in depicting the strategic objectives of SOCAN as well as reporting on the important advancements that have been made in 2016 to benefit SOCAN members.

The report was developed in an online and print ready, accessible PDF as well as a responsive, accessible, bilingual website featuring colorfully animated infographics bringing the report to life, supporting the “Powered by SOCAN” theme. C(Group presented five homepage concepts centered around the chosen theme.

To portray the “Powered by SOCAN” theme, C(Group created an illustration design consisting of a hand holding a lightning bolt. This concept illustrates the new power SOCAN wields in empowering SOCAN members and in advancing the SOCAN vision through their improved strategic goals and growing success in rights and royalties internationally.

About this project

Each year, Food Banks Canada produces HungerCount, a report on food bank usage across the country highlighting the surprising levels of need as well as presenting recommendations for change. With the election hubbub and a new government taking power, this year, in particular, presented a significant opportunity for storytelling and reframing of the issues.

Food Banks Canada worked with C(Group to design an impactful concept for the report and series of materials all aimed at building awareness, generating discussion, and ultimately driving strategic government support. C(Group presented several concepts, but the winning design centered around the notion of a fridge and the many angles this object offered for telling the story.

The retro-style fridge provided a canvas for sticky notes that creatively highlight the findings and key takeaways from the research. The report design features white space, column layouts, tables, and graphics as well as imagery and color treatments to provide diversification of layout across the pages ensuring readability, impact of the content, while also considering the overall Food Banks Canada brand. In addition to the report, a companion video was produced as well as a series of infographics and micro-content for use in multiple social media platforms.

About this project

The Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) is a non-profit representing the Canadian performing rights of millions of Canadian and international music creators and publishers.

The annual report is a key communications piece within the organization and works to outline the work of SOCAN and establish the brand’s identity and mission within the context of the ever-volatile music industry.

Built on WordPress for web-first readership, the annual report is a professional, cohesive, and brand-aware microsite produced in both French and English. The parallax website design yields a contemporary look and feel with animated charts and graphics for added interactivity and movement. The repeated image of an audience adds energy and a feeling of celebration. A strong emphasis was placed on integrating the SOCAN colors, and close-cut images of the SOCAN staff add an extra layer of personality.

C(Group also produced a smaller, printed version of the report for circulation, as well as an accompanying powerpoint presentation for SOCAN’s AGM (annual general meeting). The powerpoint carries over the look and feel from the web annual report and pulls out key information that allowed SOCAN to convey what a performing rights organization can and should be. Feedback revealed that they did indeed cut through and their message was heard.