Our Work
At Creative State, we partner with mission-driven organizations to develop thoughtful, impactful creative solutions. Explore recent projects by TCNJ students.
Blazin’ J’s PR Plan
Client: Blazin’ J’s
Project: Create a comprehensive strategic public relations plan to build the reputation of the new restaurant in Campus Town, Blazin J’s, into a critical part of the culture of student life at TCNJ. The objectives include increasing awareness of Blazin J’s among the TCNJ student population by 10% with one year, and increasing business from TCNJ students by 10% with one year.
Deliverables: Strategic Public Relations Plan and Media Kit
Empowering Trenton Non-Profits
Client: Trenton Non-Profits
Project: In this experiential initiative led by Professor Chris Ault and TCNJ’s Interactive Multimedia students, classroom projects became real-world solutions for Trenton-area nonprofits. One student team partnered with the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen to create an interactive digital tour that revealed the full scope of services available—not just meals—helping reframe the organization's public identity. Other student groups designed mobile apps, websites, interactive installations, and strategies to revitalize Trenton’s downtown and farmers market.
This project aimed to harness multimedia design and technology to serve genuine community needs. Working closely with local partners, students gained real-world experience by applying skills in animation, UX, web development, and content design within authentic constraints. The result was media and tools that had immediate impact—supporting nonprofits, empowering citizens, and enriching Trenton’s cultural fabric.
Deliverables: Websites, animations, and interactive installations
Metagenomics
Client: Colgate-Palmolive Company
Project: This animated explainer video introduces the concept of metagenomics — the study of genetic material from entire microbial communities — in a clear, engaging format tailored for non-expert audiences. Created for Colgate-Palmolive, the project simplifies a highly technical topic through vibrant visuals, motion graphics, and narrative-driven storytelling.
Working in close collaboration with scientific experts, the animation ensures accuracy while remaining approachable. With a focus on color, clarity, and pacing, the video helps bridge the gap between scientific research and everyday understanding, supporting internal learning and broader science communication goals.
Deliverables: Animated video
New Hope Augmented Reality Art Trail
Project: Blending public art with immersive technology, this project invites visitors to explore New Hope’s outdoor sculpture collection through a custom mobile augmented reality (AR) app. Using their own devices, users unlock hidden layers of digital media at each site—including 3D animations, illustrations, soundscapes, and interactive mini-games.
Each sculpture reveals a unique “dino dog” companion character inspired by Boomer, a beloved local statue, guiding visitors from one artwork to the next. The app features a dynamic map that tracks progress and encourages exploration, with local businesses offering rewards to users who complete visits.
Designed for tourists, families, locals, and art enthusiasts alike, the experience celebrates the intersection of art, technology, and community storytelling—transforming New Hope into a playful, open-air museum.
Deliverables: Custom augmented reality app
Trenton Makes Little Library
Client: Heritage South Family Success Center
Project: This community-built little library was designed and constructed for the Heritage South Family Success Center in Trenton, NJ. Inspired by the iconic "Trenton Makes The World Takes" bridge, the library's shape and green truss detailing pay homage to one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Created by student designers and fabricators, the project offers free books to local families and children, reinforcing the center’s mission to promote literacy, learning, and community connection. By blending civic pride with practical purpose, the library serves as both a functional resource and a symbol of Trenton’s creative spirit.
Deliverables: Little Library
What is DNA?
Client: Colgate-Palmolive Company
Project: To help non-expert audiences better understand complex health topics, this animation breaks down the fundamentals of DNA, genes, and epigenetics using engaging motion graphics created in Adobe After Effects. Designed for viewers with a high school-level science background, the project simplifies technical concepts through clear visuals and accessible language.
Created in collaboration with Colgate-Palmolive, the animation supports internal education efforts by helping non-scientific team members grasp key research principles. This work builds on previous health communication initiatives and continues to explore visual strategies that enhance learning and retention through design.
Deliverables: Animated video
Younity PR Plan
Client: Younity (formerly Womanspace)
Project: Create a comprehensive strategic public relations plan that establishes an on-going connection between TCNJ Community Advisors and Younity to destigmatize accessing supports and ensure TCNJ students who are or may become victims of domestic abuse have access to counseling and legal services, and increase awareness of Younity resources for TCNJ students who may be in need of supports.
Deliverables: Strategic Public Relations Plan and Media Kit
