The state of Illinois, in partnership with Illinois Cares for Kids and the Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development have come together to launch a multi-lingual animated campaign highlighting early childhood resources for families across the state. With the help of all local, Illinois talent, there was a heavy focus on putting artists back to work post-pandemic. Shawn Smith, the artist and designer behind Shawnimals and Ninjatown, created the lively, colorful, shape-based characters featured in the video. Chicago native & “The Voice '' contestant Megan McNeal led vocals on the English spot, and up and coming musician and singer Arla Vox, DACA dreamer & Chicago native lead the hispanic market spot. Finally, local Chicago animation house Sarofsky & music studio Squeak E Clean lead animation & music production for both spots.
This campaign was a true celebration of all local, Illinois artists and talent to bring awareness of early childhood education and care resources available for families across the state.
1o8 challenged traditional ways of advertising government resources, and made an interactive & engaging campaign to lead parents to resources clearly and quickly.
This campaign focused on low-income families and communities, making access to affordable resources easy.
1o8 additionally partnered with multicultural marketing experts PACO Collective to develop a bilingual campaign, accessible to the diverse Latin/Hispanic community in Illinois. All communications are in both Spanish and English, so Illinois families can quickly and efficiently find the right providers and resources.
In the first 2 weeks of the campaign:
+200% in site visitors to our campaign site IllinoisCaresForKids.org
+125% increase in page views, with a goal to lead people to the right resources for their child’s age and needs
+65% in early childhood program providers search
