BRAND
Drive Nation is an athletic footwear, apparel and equipment brand created in collaboration with 6-time NBA All Star Jermaine O’Neal. As the ‘spear’ logo suggests, Drive Nation is all about striving to move in the right direction.
Cognizant of the opportunity in the price-point marketplace, the mission of the brand is to give the masses an affordable option without comprising quality, performance or style.
Meant to inspire, Drive Nation also set out to give back to its young athletes through a commitment to their communities. Educational contributions included sponsoring a design project at Pensole Footwear Design Academy to be used in production.
PRODUCT
From the chain link fences to the ghosts of nets past, the Ignition embodies the basketball spirit. It features a light weight yet durable upper on a stable, cushioned ride, weighing only 12 ounces. Due to it’s breathable mesh construction and superior traction, it’s the ultimate performance product.
Drive Nation offers product to cover all positions, on and off the court. The Dynasty and Mach 5 are suitable for quick floor generals and chairmen of the boards, respectively. The Official allows you to take your game wherever you go. See the whole range and other color ways at DriveNation.com. All footwear was developed by myself through Calceus.
Drive Nation is the official outfitter of Ball Up Streetball Team. Uniforms, Shootaround Shirts, Graphic Ts, Warm-Ups and Jackets were designed with Muideen Ogunmola of Block Nation and developed by Colosseum and Uniforms Express.
MARKETING
Displaying the definition of drive as well as the nutritional benefits of being driven, products come in creative and consistent packaging. Shoe boxes were sampled in Portland through Premier Press and manufactured in Jin Jiang, China. Apparel hangtags and woven labels were developed in China through Colosseum.
Communication is key. Step by step, I art directed the product photography (with Michelle Pearl Gee), an animated video reel (produced by Los Angeles-based ad agency Superfad) and the website (designed by Kelly Hanna of Drink Red Creative) that would feature both. For the video, I scripted and performed the voice-over and as well as secured the music (provided by Trey Emilio). To support the brand message, content was created for all social media accounts.
Drive Nation partnered with CEVA Logistics and Amazon.com to bring its initial product line to market.