2023 Graphis Advertising Awards
We’re excited to share our poster campaign with the Harmony NC LGBT+ Allied Chamber of Commerce brought us home silver in the 2023 Graphis Advertising Awards.
Getting Strategy Right
We’re in the midst of creative awards season. Lots of slaps on the back, validation and even career boosts. But not for all. What about strategy? It’s the foundation of everything we do, yet invisible by design.
Age Old Question
Put simply, people buy the brands they want. Not the cheapest. Not the best. Not the most purpose-driven. And so on. Ask why, and the answer is different. Think Apple. Qualitative research (real conversations) will tell you what people really think…
Marketing Is An Investment
Too few CEOs recognize marketing as an investment: "Net revenues up 48%, client assets up 39%, earnings per share up 80% from a year ago." Good read from @KimWhitler.
Marketing Is Discipline
We’ve all seen the stats. CMOs have a shorter shelf life than ever. And for most, it’s not for a lack of ability or intention. So with all of our marketing classes, MBAs and best-selling gurus with quotable quips of wisdom, how is it that marketing efforts so often miss the mark?
Say No, Ask Why
Things get off track too often because we don't say "no" or ask "why" per @FastCoDesign and #MikeMonteiro.
Reenergizing Boating
Not everyone gets to be the first. Before Voltari, performance and electric were two distinct boating categories. So we set out to document “A story that can only be told once.”
This is episode one.
Unmatched Determination
With unmatched grit, determination and service Fayetteville State University, an original Historically Black College and University (HBCU), has seen generations through to achieving betterment in their lives. The legacy of seven: thousands more doers of deeds.
When Marketing Is Strategy
In our commoditized world, marketing can be the difference-maker per @NirajDawar.
Storytelling Lessons
Scott Berinato: "storytelling with data is not about PowerPoint slides and numbers but about setup, conflict, and resolution" Something #SpikeLee does time and again.
So This Happened
2022 has been one heck of a roller coaster ride for us all. So as we try to catch our collective breath readying for the new year, we take a moment to reflect. And even though some of our best ideas never saw the light of day, we know that many did.
Time For Some Fresh Air
Even though we’ve been in the office pretty regularly for the last year or so, just like you, we’ve become more and more devoted to our devices. So for sanity’s sake, take a few minutes to read this. And then once a week, walk away. Literally.
Back To The Future
Some of us remember when comps were done by hand. When the studio and typesetters were our computers. Then Quark and Photoshop threatened to even the playing field. But in the end, we realized computers couldn’t make bad ideas better.
Voltari Communication Arts Award
Communication Arts has awarded our print advertising work for Voltari Electric. Our spread aimed to demonstrate the power of Voltari Electric that allows you to sit back and indulge the awe-inspiring beauty of the open seas.
Yeti’s Masterclass
Last year, Chief Strategic Director — Dwayne Fry — shared this article about Yeti’s marketing on LinkedIn. It was so popular, we thought we’d share it again.
Check It Out Here.
Helping Is Second Nature
The far-reaching effects of COVID-19 took us all by surprise – threatening lives, jobs and businesses. Yet rather than lament the loss of visitors that drive the hospitality industry, the Fayetteville North Carolina Convention & Visitors’ Bureau chose a different path.
Dilworth Coffee Communication Arts Award
We’re humbled to share that our design work for Dilworth Coffee has been recognized with an award from the prestigious Communications Arts. This campaign involved creating packaging that was not only visually appealing, but also told a story about the brand’s values. In Dilworth’s case, the lifelong quest for the perfect cup of Joe.
Unrivaled Strength
Voltari Boat Co., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, names independent agency The Republik has its first agency of record, according to Commander In Chief of the agency, Robert Shaw West. Billings are expected to be $2 million in 2022.
Hollywood Treatment
As the home to Ft. Bragg for the past 100 years, Fayetteville has welcomed and celebrated servicemen and women as they trained, deployed, returned and retired. So it is only fitting that every year, Fayetteville extends an invitation to Heroes Homecoming…
Excuse Me, Your Agenda’s Showing
The future arrives on our doorsteps every day as a new opportunity. So why is it that some of us seek to perpetuate the status quo when there is so much to gain from moving forward?