The Dealy News

Moving Time

noreply@blogger.com (MReyes) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:42:00 +0000

We have officially moved. Visit our new home thedealynews.com

Life in Transit

noreply@blogger.com (MReyes) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:58:00 +0000

Life in Transit - A Grassroots Verticalblu Production

In the modern filmmaking world, no longer are the huge production houses in Hollywood the center of attention. Now movies like Paranormal Activity, which was made for $11,000, are opening nation wide. With the emergence of what we in the viral age like to call "word of mouse", social networking has enabled people to get the word about about their small projects on a much larger scale.

Verticalblu is a local indie production company. Their last movie Convenience opened to a sold out house due to simply getting the word out through the three most important F's in small marketing (friends, family and Facebook). Started in 2006, Verticalblu has set out to make a name for themselves as independent filmmakers. With an inner circle consisting of five key players: Joy Daniel, Stronz Vanderploeg, Tiberius Catinas, Daniel Gourley and Cori Orlowski, they have completed two feature films. From the website design (done by Daniel Gourley), to the posters (done by Stronz Vanderploeg), they do almost everything in house. All of their profits are thrown into their next big idea. Their efforts and accomplishments are to be admired by any aspiring filmmaker.

Their latest venture, Life in Transit is now opening for viewing in three venues. Just like before they are hoping to set forth a viral campaign and get the word out. As an Ad based news blog we wanted to help in their cause. You can buy tickets online now. Showings are October 18th, October 25th and October 29th. Help support the local arts and the indie movie scene by seeing this film. We here at the Dealy News want to commend Verticalblu on their marketing efforts. We will be doing follow up with the crew to tell you how it went. If you cannot make it to the showing, you can aid them through donations for their next venture. Visit their site verticalblu.com for more details

Karbon

noreply@blogger.com (Emanuel) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:55:00 +0000

The image bellow links you to Kris Sowersby's foundry website. I found this via ILT. From what I understand Karbon is not available yet, but I will definitely keep checking his site for any updates on its release.

Internalize This!

noreply@blogger.com (MReyes) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:50:00 +0000

One of our Art Institute alumni, Tim Brennan, has an opportunity to pose to all interested parties. The following information is in regards to a fun, new intern opportunity. Here's what you need to know:

Blind Society is the world’s first Consumer Connections company. We specialize in creating alternative high-impact marketing campaigns that reach the elusive 18-35 prosumer.

Consumer Connections are an evolved form of marketing that use alternative media tactics to start conversations and relationships with targeted and influential consumers.

We believe that interns help make Blind Society great. They provide energy, enthusiasm, and talent, three things that fuel the agency.

We are currently looking for an intern who can share our vision and if possible add to it. There are two internship opportunities available in our Scottsdale headquarters in both Account Services and Creative Departments. As an Intern at Blind Society you will be asked to work directly with our Production and Creative teams to assist with client focused as well as internal projects. We are seeking out the best rising talent – so if you think you have what it takes, be sure to get a hold of us.

Our schedule is flexible and will require no less the 20+ hours a week. This internship is unpaid, but offers a great chance to build your portfolio, gain industry experience, and work with high caliber clients all while having a fun along the way.

The ideal person to join our society:
- Thinkers and doers who love the ideation process.
- Someone who does not settle for the first idea.
- Continuously evolving and constantly improving.
- Positive+
- Proficient in the Adobe Creative Suite 3.
- Is ready to amaze and to be amazed.
- Enthusiastic, diligent, and determined.

TO APPLY: Please use ‘Internship Opportunity’ as the subject line. Submit a cover letter that lists; the department you are interested in, the reasons why you will make a true impact to our team, and a resume to tim.brennan@blindsociety.com by the deadlines provided below. If you are applying to the Creative Department, please also include a portfolio or work samples. PDFs and links are preferred (please keep them under 4mb).

INTERNSHIP DATES
FALL 2009
October 15 – December 15
APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 5

Address materials to:
Tim Brennan
Blind Society
4021 N. 75th Street #201
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Positivity, Creativity, Humility,

Check out the latest project from Blind Society
www.youareasu.com/Football/

So there you have it Dealiers. If you are interested in interning with Blind Society contact Tim.

Snail mail and Paper trails - Go Digital!

noreply@blogger.com (MReyes) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 03:34:00 +0000

One of my favorite things to shop for is random junk with a snarky edge to it. Fred & Friends Worldwide is a company that creates extremely unique and clever products. The copy alone involved with these products is enough to make you want to spend.

The copy shows the cheekiness of the product selection and opens up a new field that copywriters are finding themselves getting into. Web-copy is a whole new animal. Being that Fred and Friends is a retailer, their writers get a chance to do something old in a new way. Their catalogs are digital and digital only.

(a link to the actual catalog)

Check out the new way to do things. The catalog is over sixty some odd pages, but it doesn't skip on design, layout, or copy. Digital isn't killing the business it's just changing the game. Even their new products can share in the optical
splendor with their new digital product brochures.

(a link to the actual brochure)

Let Fred challenge you to step your game up Ad and Graphic kids. Adapt to the 21st century.

Everything is Design

noreply@blogger.com (jhr) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:43:00 +0000

World renown graphic designer Paul Rand once said, "Everything is design. Everything!"

This is so true for the eyes of a graphic designer. Everywhere we go, we are always scoping out good and bad design. Whether we critique it to ourselves or with some design buddies we might have with us. Packaging, signage and publications are being ripped apart or appreciated every second.

If you end up at a retail store with me...or in my car, your bound to see a few pictures snapped with my phone of packaging or signage. I admit...many accidents have almost happened on the road because I was snapping a picture of a billboard or car wrap. Recently, I uploaded all these pictures, and 55 images later, I noticed that in the past month I've had quite the addiction. Above are 9 of the 55 pictures, all taken at places like Wal-Mart, Frys and Cost Plus.

Don't be ashamed, we're designers. If you have a cool photo of packaging or whatever, post it on your facebook (or myspace if your still in 2007). Share it with everyone! You'd be surprised how many comments you'll get. This also helps you keep up with current trends and expands your creativity, almost as an alternative to Barnes & Noble design books or the latest CA.

Marketing Mix

noreply@blogger.com (MReyes) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:51:00 +0000

The music industry has to combat so many problems as the internet and file sharing have depleted sales. With iTunes and Rhapsody, they are trying to make music purchasing more convenient. Recently there has been a reemergence of an old marketing tactic that has the potential to bring the music industry back to its glory.

When hip-hop was relatively new (in the 80's), the mixtape was the best way to get one's music to the masses. Being that these cannot be sold due to sampling, the artists have complete creative freedom. A mixtape is an opportunity to showcase overall skills and give the people a chance to get to know them.

The new age of mixtapes have upwards to 20 to 30 songs on them. It used to be that only the subterranean music culture became aware of people like these. Kid Cudi is perhaps the shining example of popular one can become with the spread of this free medium. He has been producing videos, giving free concerts, and really putting himself out there all on a free mixtape. The public at large loves being able to take in an artist with "free samples". Now that they have been able to see what the artists have to offer, they will buy their actual CD when produced.

Colin Munroe , Kid Cudi, Big Sean, Drake, J. Period Presents the Abstract, and Pac Div

Hip-hop is taking an old marketing tactic and bringing it back. I wasn't aware the extent how popular this was becoming until I saw music videos for songs featured on J. Period's mixtape, as well as Drake's "Best I Ever Had" popularity on the radio and his album hasn't even come out yet. The mixtape is taking word of mouth to a new level. If you have interest in music marketing, check out these artist as they lead by example.

Still Curious?

noreply@blogger.com (jhr) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:54:00 +0000

Are you still wondering what Phoenix Design Week is? Still have questions about when and where it's going to be? Want to know who's going to be there? Want to know...well, anything about PHXDW!?! Then I highly suggest you attend the "Introduction to Phoenix Design Week" at Terralever in Tempe on Tuesday, August 25th (that's tomorrow for those reading this fresh) at 6 o'clock PM.

"Phoenix Design Week exists for print, web, motion, and interactive designers as well as those with an inherent appreciation for design. This incredible event is made possible with the support and expertise of AIGA Arizona, many local design agencies, and a large pool of volunteers."

"Phoenix Design Week is a celebration of the vibrant Phoenix design community. The week consists of exhibits, a film festival and a multi-track conference that will bring together the cities' brightest talents to reflect on the past, discuss the present and develop the future." -Phoenix Design Week Facebook Page

Visit the Facebook Page for more info if you'd like.

Terralever
425 S. Mill Ave. Suite 201 Tempe, AZ
August 25, 2009 at 6pm

Environmentally Responsible Calls

noreply@blogger.com (jhr) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:58:00 +0000

Here's something that most people don't think of: "How green is my cell phone?" Carbon footprints can be left even by your text happy fingers and marathon running mouths. Yes, you can recycle your phone by donating it after you upgrade, but Motorola has started a new trend.

Earlier this year, the Motorola Renew hit the T-Mobile stores and the first ever environmentally responsible phone hit the market. It's the first ever "Carbon Free" phone, meaning that the process used to make it, the casing and the afterlife of the phone is totally green. Here's why:

-The casing of the Renew is made entirely out of recycled plastic bottles.

-The phone is the first ever Carbon Neutral cell with green transportation, packaging and production.

-The packaging is 100% recyclable and made from 100% post-consumer materials and earth friendly ink.

Though the phone is fairly basic, it does feature Mobile Web, the longest talk time in it's class, games, hi-fi ringtones and an MP3 player. Sorry, no camera on this...yet. However, the full price of this bar phone is a grand $60. That's right, $60, or free if you sign up on a new plan. I'm sure that this eco-friendly phone trend is something that will catch on quite fast with our growing environmentally conscious society.

As a designer, I got especially excited about this phone when I saw the packaging. 100% post-consumer paper, vegetable ink, and the only plastic was a pre-paid envelope to mail your old phone, or this one when the time is up for a new upgrade. The paper is the typical fiber recycled texture you would see in a 100% recycled box, and the ink isn't raised or varnished (that wouldn't be eco-friendly). It's very exciting to see large companies making phones like this and ever since I purchased this little green bar, I noticed a lot of packaging out there is environmentally responsible. Most packaging is created from 30% post-consumer material and soy ink. Keep your eye out for this! I'm curious to see what the future of technology and packaging hold!

Screen Printing!

noreply@blogger.com (SpencerO) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 22:54:00 +0000

Screen printing is a printing technique that uses a woven mesh to support an ink-blocking stencil. The attached stencil forms open areas of mesh that transfer ink as a sharp-edged image onto a substrate. A roller or squeegee is moved across the screen stencil, forcing or pumping ink past the threads of the woven mesh in the open areas. Here's a video that I like that shows a real simple and fast way to screen print with some extra stuff on the side.

For all you all you AiPx people out there the Rad Club is having a

Screen Printing Tour + Print Workshop at AZ Hot Tees Aug 24th if anyone wants to attend this event they can email Aymie Spitzer: aymiespitzer@gmail.com or Chris Meisner: chris@chrismeisner.com

Hope to see you all there

Two of a Kind

noreply@blogger.com (MReyes) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:55:00 +0000

Meet Nick & Sally

They are Academic Advisers

While a seemingly small private institution, there is so much that goes on at the Art Institute of Phoenix one can hardly keep track. The best part about these various activities is the attention to detail and the management that's behind the scenes.

"One of the best things students can do for themselves are know their resources" - Nick Ames

"It's also really important to get involved. The students that spend more of their time here, are the ones that get the most out of their experience at Ai" - Sally Underwood.

While these two wise people lend very valuable advise, who are they?

Let me give you an idea ~

Q: What are their backgrounds?

A: Sally: Graduated from NAU with a degree in Psychology and Speaking. Worked at Devry for 25 years and retired as Dean of Student and Career Services in 1998. she also teaches public speaking there today. Worked in the library in admissions and SFS/Career Services as well as student services. She also has two kids, one in college, one in high school. Sally has been happily married to a Devry graduate since 1986.

Nick: Graduated from ASU with a Business degree and Mass Communications. He has worked in Admissions for 5 1/2 years as a coordinator for SFS here at AiPX. He was there until last july. Nick is currently getting duel Masters in Sports Psychology and Counseling from Argosy.

Q:One might ask, what exactly do they do?

A: "We know and do a little bit about everything. Pretty much anything the Academic Directors do as well as tutoring, SFS issues, personal issues, counseling issues, references to other faculty and information, support for Student Affairs functions registrations for new and continuing students, online registering, curriculum committee advisory, admissions, new student meetings (prematriculation meeting), liaison for instructors, attendance, orientation, and we often alternate helping with open house. We're pretty much a one stop shop."

Q: While they tag team in all of these areas, do they have their specialties?

A: Nick: Tutoring and various SFS issues

Sally: Study Abroad, Alpha Beta Kappa, back up for accuplacer testing, club advising

Q: So how do they work with our Academic Directors?

A: "We are really more for the first year experience which leaves the Academic Directors open for more complex issues like portfolio prep or really heavy scheduling conflicts," says Sally "But we really work hand and hand with them. We are in constant contact with each other." - If you need to talk you can see your AD or Sally & Nick.

Q: Which majors do each of you oversee?

A: Nick: GAD, VGP, Photo, DVMP, VMG, MAA, CUL, WEB ("boy majors")

Sally: FM, ID, AD, GD (both) - "girl majors"

Q: What were your reasons for taking this job?

A: "I wanted to find a place where I could help students more as well as continue my education at the same time," -Nick

Sally says, " I eventually had to go back to work because my son was starting college. Also because my entire career was working with grads. This was my first opportunity to work with the students 'in the trenches' and getting to see the beginning and how they make the transition into a brighter future."

Perhaps my favorite part about these two people is their level of dedication to the students. I often spend my time in their office as they listen to me vent about morning classes. It wasn't until I did this interview that I truly realized how much they do and how passionate they are about helping us. I asked Sally was there anything she didn't like about her job and she responded, "Having to go home at the end of the day. I wish i could solve every problem. Sometimes I have to give it to other people and I'm not happy with that. I like to see things through". That kind of care really helps me know what kind of school I am attending.

So, if you need anything, you now know where to go.

Mad About You

noreply@blogger.com (MReyes) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 18:28:00 +0000

For those of you who are ADdicted like the rest of us, the show "Mad Men" is right up your alley. From the prospective of the ad world in the 1960's, with style and class they really show how it was to be in the business. From lessons in account managing to the ends and outs of being a creative director you get to see Sterling Cooper really run. I know most people in the industry can nod their heads in agreement with the trials and tribulations this firm constantly faces. Due to the fact that I'm an Ad student, I love to watch this show and gain some insight.

The reason we make mention of the show is, as of recently, the show's website has added a new application "ManMen Yourself". It's all the range of Facebook as of late due to the fact that all of us who watch the show love idea of living in an era where cocktails in the office occur as often email does now. I recommend the show, and have some ad related fun with the app, I know I did.

On a design related note, Mad Men spares no expenses when it comes to visual nostalgia. The opening sequence is an AfterEffects dream. It's modern, abstract, iconic, and simply Americana. They continue with the aesthetic overload with their DVD covers. Never for a second do they reliquish any style points with their merchandising. If and when you watch the show, you'll understand the significance of the lighters. Let's just say it's a miracle the whole cast doesn't have cancer right now. Expect nothing less from the show that puts our industry on the map.

An Opportunity for All

noreply@blogger.com (SupSophia) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:35:00 +0000

Show your best creative work and a possible way to pay off those student loans!
AIGA and I.D magazine have student design competitions going on right now.

I.D, the International Design Magazine is hosting the 2010 Annual design review.
$10,000 Cash prize!
Deadline is December1st, 2009 so get started at id-mag.com for more info.
categories for the I.D annual design review are:
consumer products
graphics
packaging
furniture
environments
equipment
interactive
concepts
student work

AIGA BlueRidge presents the Fourth Annual Flux Student Design Competition. Eligible work designed by undergraduate and graduate students between August 2008–October 2009. Freelance, Pro Bono and internship work completed by students is also eligible. Submitted work will be selected by a panel of accomplished designers. The selected entries will be displayed in Frederick, MD.

Entry Deadline: Friday, September 25, 2009, 12:00am EST

Reception: Saturday, October 24, 2009

For more information go to fluxdesigncompetition.org

Good luck to all!

Ad + bookmark = success!

noreply@blogger.com (SupSophia) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:51:00 +0000

I found this Terminix advertisement and thought it was a really creative way to market Terminix. Here, they associated their ad as a bookmark.

Credits:

Advertising Agency: Publicis, Dallas, USA
Creative Directors: Pete Voehringer, Steve Grimes
Art Director: Dustin Taylor
Copywriter: Andrew Beckman
Photographer: Scott Harben
Executive Creative Director: Shon Rathbone
GCD: Julial Melle

What is Phoenix Design?

noreply@blogger.com (jhr) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:03:00 +0000

What is Phoenix Design?

As students at the Art Institute, we often don't think of this. Some want to leave the city after graduation, and others want to stay. But while we're here, we really should be focusing on what this beautiful 5th largest U.S. metropolis has to offer. As a fresh designer, what does Phoenix have to offer? What is Phoenix Design? Phoenix isn't just pretty palm trees, cacti and sunshine (although that's a big plus for the city). Below is Mark Dudlik, who is helping lead the way with Phoenix Design Week this October. He has instructions on how to help contribute.

What is Phoenix Design? on 12seconds.tv

Log on to www.12seconds.tv and post a 12 second video response and tag it "phxdw". In October, there will be a collection of all these videos at the Phoenix Design Week Festival. I've already posted mine! It's time to post yours!

What is Phoenix Design? on 12seconds.tv

Nerd Alert! Snow Leopard

noreply@blogger.com (SpencerO) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:35:00 +0000

Hello my fellow Dealyer’s , you friend Spencer here with another installment of “Nerd Alert!”. I hope everyone’s summer is going along smooth; here in Phoenix it is hot, hot, hot! I am excited to cool off this fall with Apples latest operating system “Snow Leopard” it was announce this past June at their World Wide Developers Conference. Snow Leopard is going to be one amazing operating system further dwarfing Microsoft’s endeavors. Let’s take a look into this new development:

Apple states it as “Refined from installation to shutdown”. Their main focus is the refining of already awesome apps and inner workings in the current OS. Striving to make everything run lots faster! Starting with running through every application in 64-bit which means they will be able to take full advantage of all the memory in your Mac, which makes running applications faster.

Open CL in Snow Leopard is a technology that makes it possible for developers to tap the vast computing power currently in the graphics processor and use it for any application. In the case for us designers this is going to make the programs we use even more spectacular to use!

The AirPort item in the menu bar now includes signal strength for all available wireless networks, so you can see which access point has the best signal before selecting it. All-new thesaurus, Snow Leopard includes the Oxford American Writer’s Thesaurus second edition. The Finder will have more and better Spotlight search intelligence more reliable disk eject. Removable sidebar headers, if you remove the items under the Devices, Places, or Search For header in the sidebar, the header will disappear, too. To add it back, simply drag an item into the sidebar.

Also Apple has pulled out QuickTime X a brand-new version of QuickTime Player, the standalone application used by millions to watch QuickTime-based video. Using the power of the Core Animation technology in Mac OS X, QuickTime Player offers a clean, uncluttered interface with controls that fade out when they’re not needed. And large thumbnail images make navigating chaptered movies simpler than before. With a single click, QuickTime Player can now capture audio or video using the built-in camera and microphone in your Mac. You can easily trim media to the perfect length, then send it to iTunes for syncing to an iPhone, iPod, and Apple TV. You can also use QuickTime Player to publish your media to MobileMe or YouTube — without worrying about codec formats or resolutions.

I know some of this info has gone over some heads, but in plain English this is going to be a very useful and extraordinary OS! Coming September 2009 with every new Mac. Upgrade from Mac OS X Leopard for just $29. For that cheap it is definitely a buy!

Picture Perfect

noreply@blogger.com (MReyes) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:06:00 +0000

As some of you may know, we no longer have Corbis as a stockphoto option. Tears, I know. They even go so far as to issue this statement:

"We're sorry, the Corbis Education program is no longer available.If you are interested in other ways to find affordable imagery for student projects, please be aware that Corbis now has a wide selection of more affordable imagery as low as $15. To find it, go to advanced search on our web site and search within our super value range. You may also want to visit Veer - a Corbis brand - and sign-up for the Veer student program which provides students with a 50% discount on many of its premium collections. Veer also has a wide selection of value imagery from $1 to $20 through its Veer Marketplace offering."

For most of the graphic designers at Ai, teachers have been weaning the students off of this process anyway. But being an Advertising student myself, I was left some what jilted without any knowledge of alternatives.

So the official word: Use "Creative Commons" such as flickr and sites of that nature and to simply cite who took the photo. Sounds easy enough. This will add variety to your work and also help you merge into how things are really done in the actual world.

Also if you would like further options visit Mr. Kings website: mrking24seven.com look under free image links.

It might take some more doing, but fret not. There is hope here is an example of how to cite an image provided by yahoo sponsored omg!:

right under Ms. Barton is a simple citation that prevents damages from incurring. For full page pics, gutters and margins also serve as a nice area for such a task. Open any magazine and have a look for yourself. You have options now, use them.

Season for Slumming

noreply@blogger.com (MReyes) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:44:00 +0000

My dear Dealiers

As the Art Institute has taken its summer break, so has the Dealy News. We like to make relaxation a holistic process, thus we have been on hiatus. Now that we have started back, so will our news casts. Now that we have at our disposal all of the necessary equipment to edit the Portfolio Review footage, we will be posting them along with the collateral collected during the actual event. So, PREPARE!!! We are back!

FAQ Portfolio Review

noreply@blogger.com (MReyes) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:01:00 +0000

For those of you who aren't familiar with the Art Institute of Phoenix's proudest tradition, Portfolio Review, we here at the Dealy News, have covered it at length to really give our readers an idea.

Common Questions:

Q: What is Portfolio Review?

A: Portfolio Review is showcase for graduates to display their work for the public to see. From flat-books to demo reels, the student portfolio is the focal point of this event. The graduates have display boards, computers, TV's and anything else they need to show off their finished body of work. The idea is to celebrate all their accomplishments and open their horizons to potential employers who use this as forum to find new employees. Not only can they display their work, but they can also pass out their business cards and resumes to anyone who wants one. It is the perfect way to their name out.

Q:Who gets to participate?

A: The participants are the current graduates of AiPX. This is their time to shine. The usual crowd that attends are employers, staff, faculty, current students, other graduates, family, friends, and any interested passer by who wants to see what the Art Institute grads have to offer.

Q: What steps are taken in order be eligible for portfolio review?

A: Each major has to go through their own version of what we call Grad Jury. Each student is brought in front of a panel of employers and faculty that judge their senior projects as well as their portfolios in order to determine whether or not they are fully prepared for the showcase.

I had the pleasure of attending the Advertising Grad Jury, in which Elena Lozano and Lindsey Klies who had to present their senior projects which were a campaign for Binge Drinking awareness. Both did a phenomenal job with their unique delivery style and poise. They showed of their Advertising talents and proved to everyone, including themselves that they were prepared for the world.

Q: What are the benefits for the graduates who participate in Portfolio Review?

A: The best part is the number of employers that come in to see the graduates' work. They get to talk face to face with their potential job holders as well as let them witness at that they have to offer.

There is a little insight into portfolio. We will be posting videos of the whole thing with interviews from the students, employers and faculty. Stay tuned. It's coming to you SOON.

Enter the Vlogger

noreply@blogger.com (MReyes) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:17:00 +0000

Allow me to reintroduce myself, I am Michelle and this is the start of the Dealy Vlog. For those of you who

don't know what exactly a "vlog" is, it's a video log. I really wanted to start doing this due to the current trend and the fact that my good friend/fellow Dealy writer Josh is constantly entertaining us with his hiking updates.After seeing his take on "Phoenix Design" I felt it best for the Dealy to get in on the action. We are going

to be at portfolio this quarter with our own Dealy booth, showcasing all that Ai has to offer. This will

enable the world to see first hand as we update the Dealy with live video feeds. We are now on Youtube, so

if the mood strikes our awesome Dealy Dozen can vlog as well.

With that said here is our first Dealy vlog, subject: Direct Mail

(there is a tiny audio hick-up, just fyi)

So as advertisers we look to direct mail as an ad solution. Featured in this vlog is Ai Phoenix's direct mail

campaign for their new photography major. While I do know how direct mail works, I would like to know the

selection process being that my roommate didn't receive a piece and I did. So PLEASE give us feedback.

Let us know if you got one and we can try and understand the targeting process better. I will be speaking to

Ted, our marketing/PR guy at Ai to see if he can shed some light on it.

Pure fruit for thought

A Retailer That's Big on Design

noreply@blogger.com (jhr) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 23:59:00 +0000

For those of you that know me, I'm always talking about OfficeMax, mostly because it's my job. But one of the biggest things I love about OfficeMax is the beautifully designed campaign that they have. It's like Target; when compared to Wal-Mart, Target stands out as a better designed, better looking business. Officemax is that way when compared to places like Staples or Office Depot.

Part of the Officemax campaign is to focus on women in today's business world. This is a huge market and explains why a lot of their products at Officemax look more or less like something a woman would have. Divoga is one of the biggest product lines right now at Officemax, and that's heavily influenced by the female market. Divoga, by the way, is actually an Officemax brand sold ONLY at Officemax.

From the signage, to the flyers, to the price tags, Officemax is big on good design. Some of the older stores are still going through the transition, but ones like Arrowhead and Tempe Marketplace have already been remodeled with the new campaign. Above is a taste of the Officemax look. It's the MaxPerks Rewards card that you can sign up for to redeem giftcards, coupons and extra savings. The "packet" of information is beautifully designed with floral varnish, bright yellow (Omax colors) and my favorite, the "black on black" envelope inside with an amazing floral design. The cards inside are on a heavy 100lb stock and the actual rewards card itself carries on the look.

Click the image above to look at a bigger view. I love it when retail stores focus on looks and quality products, not cheap prices. Officemax is one of them. I'll be on the look out for some more big retailers who have an amazing campaign.

Nerd Alert!

noreply@blogger.com (SpencerO) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:58:00 +0000

So my good friend Tiberius has shown me some light on my design world, Pipette it is a handy utility for digital artists and web designers. It allows you to quickly and easily grab the color of any pixel on the screen and copy it in hex format, as used in CSS files, or in paint programs, such as Adobe products. Pretty much if we see a color on screen that we just have to use instead of going in the color palette and spending time searching for that right color we can use Pipette and get the hex# for that specific color. I love and use it all the time now! "And best of all, Pipette is completely FREE!" They have other stuff like Shades which lets you control the brightness of both screens! Thanks Tiberius!

Furniture Typeface

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:50:00 +0000

At a Houston based home furnishings store, for High Fashion Home, a furniture typeface was created using pieces from High Fashion Home, used to illustrate the possibilities at High Fashion Home.

"The instore and direct mail pieces use a die cut of a sofa silhouette to reference the possibility created by 15,000 available upholstery fabrics."

What do YOU think of the typeface and the general idea?

Thanks to, http://www.diskursdisko.de/2009/05/furniture-typeface/ for the article.

I'd like to thank the acADemy

noreply@blogger.com (MReyes) — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:06:00 +0000

As advertisers we love to see awesome campaigns. One of my favorite methods is through print. Here are some really creative ads from last year as well as this years winners from the 2009 Clios

Now for those of you who don't know what the Clio's are, the Clio Awards are like Oscars for creative brilliance in advertising and design. The only difference being they do things Olymic style with the different colors.

The categories for said awards are TV, Print, Outdoor, Radio, Integrated Campaign, Innovative Media, Design, Internet (or what they deem interactive), Content & Contact, and Student work.

I hope that last part caught your eye. YES student work. I don't know about you, but the idea of winning a Clio before you graduate is amazing. I was taking a look at most of the entries an almost off of them came of Miami Ad School and School for Visual Arts both of which Caylee mentioned a couple weeks ago. I ordered their course catalogs and even in their advertising to entry students mention the possibility that they can win a Clio, a D&AD Pencil, a Cannes Lion, a Golden Pencil from the One Show, not to mention a bunch of others. As an Ad student, I didn't even know there were that many awards for us to win.

Here is an example of an awesome poster someone at SVA NY made check it:

This, in case you weren't scared before, is our competition people! All I have to say is WOW. acADemia can only take you so far, the rest is up to you.

ASU Graphic Design Student - Nathan Finden

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 28 May 2009 00:41:00 +0000

What inspired you to pursue an education in Graphic Design?
I discovered, while pursuing my master’s degree, that I had a passion for graphic design. I was working on small design projects at my current job and also taking art classes at MCC for fun. Once I discovered my passion the decision to change paths was pretty simple.

How long have you been a student at ASU? How is the graphic design program at ASU? Why did you choose to go to ASU instead of a design school like the Art Institute of Phoenix?
I’ve been at ASU for two years. The design program is very competitive to earn a spot in the upper division. The program as a whole is routinely placed in the top graphic design programs in the country and I believe this to be true based on the level of expectations. I chose initially to go to ASU because of my employer’s tuition reimbursement program and I’ve been very happy with my decision.

When do you graduate? What do you plan to do when you graduate?
I plan on graduating in 2011 and hopefully will move overseas. I would like to work as an in-house designer for an environmentally based organization or a museum.

Tell me about working for the City of Phoenix, how long have you been working there? What exactly do you do? What advice, inside tips or rules of thumb would you give to a design student wanting to work for the City?
I’ve worked for the City of Phoenix for four years. I started out in the field as a park ranger and transitioned in to more office duties. I gradually moved towards creating more and more design work, and this is primarily what I do now. Designing for the City is almost always a design-by-committee situation. At the same time, there is also great creative freedom, as long as it’s conservative.

Is there any particular artist or designer that you are really inspires you or that you take interest in, right now?
I’ve always been inspired by Milton Glaser, but recently I’ve been going over Ray Gun’s work.

What is the most challenging job, client, or anything design related you have endured or overcome?
Early on I took on the job of designing our program guide. It was personally challenging because it was my first major publication and it was the first time I was working with a large printing company.

If you could be apart of a campaign that would change the world….what would it be?
Ensuring human rights for everyone, especially those living in developing countries.

Any upcoming events or workshops other designers should be aware of?
The local chapter of AIGA is really good about putting on events, and there’s even a student discount.