ImageWerks, lc Named Home Based Business of the Year by the Prince William County Regional Chamber of Commerce
WOODBRIDGE, VA October 28, 2009 -- At a private reception held last Wednesday evening, the Prince William County Regional Chamber of Commerce unveiled its 2009 Business Awards, which exemplify the dynamic energy of businesses in Prince William County, Virginia. ImageWerks, lc, is an innovative communications studio in Woodbridge, Virginia earned the Home Based Business of the Year award for 2009.
Kathy Strauss & GC Schow started their business in 1999 with one client—one project. It was a small local business that needed a logo & brochure. Since then, their client base has expanded from local individuals to large international corporations. They define their business with the mission statement: “ImageWerks strives to create stunning, innovative design work—to build strong business relationships—that allows their clients to communicate their mission.” “We are very pleased to have received this honor, said ImageWerks’, Creative Director, Kathy Strauss. “This is truly the icing on the cake as we celebrate our ten-year anniversary in business. We take great pride in our work and ability and look forward to another 10 years and beyond of growth helping our clients present themselves in a compelling fashion by providing ‘creative solutions for business.’”
Clients can count on ImageWerks to be with them every step of the way. Partnerships with writers, printers and other quality vendors allow ImageWerks to serve as a “virtual in-house” graphics department, taking customers all the way from the initial brainstorming stage to implementation of the final product. Another value-add is its “Advice without the cost” philosophy. Meeting fees are built into the design estimate, allowing clients to contact ImageWerks as needed, without worrying about a surprise when the bill comes!
About ImageWerks, lc:
Imagewerks lc is a design studio offering a high level of creativity, practical experience, know-how and development in a broad range of disciplines, including: advertising layout, publication design, packaging, signs, banners, multimedia and web design/hosting services, brochures, illustrations, logo design and related collateral, and photography. ImageWerks keeps its marketing skills current, using social media sites and helping clients to learn the ropes of Web 2.0 and other advances in the field. This online outreach, along with careful market strategy, has helped ImageWerks to succeed in the current downturn.
GC and Kathy are active in the community, volunteering their time and talents to groups such as Project Mend-a-House, Prince William County Library Foundation, American Red Cross/Prince William Chapter, and Literacy Volunteers of America/Prince William. Kathy is also in the 2010 Class of Leadership Prince William. A longtime Chamber supporter, ImageWerks has done many design projects for the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce, including work on the current logo.
Some of their clients include: The World Bank, Carleton University, UNDP, The Manoff Group, Rare Conservation, Family Health International (FHI), Prince William County Schools Education Foundation, National PACE Association, the National Center on Full Faith & Credit, Compton & Duling, City of Manassas Public Works, Prince William County Solid Waste Division, Jewelry By Design, and ReKonnect, RGS Title, and The Heritage Foundation.
www.imagewrks.net
Media Contact: Stacia D. Kelly (703) 597-2951
Media Contact: Kathy Strauss (703) 492-8215
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Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Two-sided Creativity
For a long time we've been telling people all about our business & our talents. They know that GC & I are graphic designers, we design logos, marketing materials (postcards, brochures, etc.).... layout publications for both formal and informal use (annual reports, simple Word documents, training manuals, etc.).... create presentations in PowerPoint... design trade show exhibits & posters.... all the way to creating interactive media (CDs, web sites, etc.). But, I think our most creative endeavor are our photography and illustration skills.
There is a mysterious side to the business of graphic design—especially for people that don't know what we do or for that matter, understand what we do. People assume that designers create stuff that comes out of a canned software package—but it doesn't. We literally envision what people think & then put it on paper. It takes me back to my old World Bank days when I started working in the evaluations department and most of my co-workers were economists. I was a publications designer and my office was colorfully decorated. I would get the strangest stares when they would walk by my office—it wasn't until someone walked in and made a comment, "We just can't figure out what you do! A Word file or a pile of papers comes into your office & within a couple of days, out pops this gorgeous book! How do you do it?" I just smiled & said........ "Magic!!"
Why do I call this post "two-sided creativity"? The reason is that GC & I have two very special skillsets... I'm a photographer & he is a fine illustrator, the nice thing is that these skillsets mesh perfectly together. We like to combine our two skillsets into "combination" projects (i.e., turning my photos into fine illustrations or paintings). We have done this numerous times for friends and personal enjoyment—but we have also been telling our clients about this! So, I decided that it's time to show the world samples of our combinations, as well as showing off some of GC's illustrations.
There is a mysterious side to the business of graphic design—especially for people that don't know what we do or for that matter, understand what we do. People assume that designers create stuff that comes out of a canned software package—but it doesn't. We literally envision what people think & then put it on paper. It takes me back to my old World Bank days when I started working in the evaluations department and most of my co-workers were economists. I was a publications designer and my office was colorfully decorated. I would get the strangest stares when they would walk by my office—it wasn't until someone walked in and made a comment, "We just can't figure out what you do! A Word file or a pile of papers comes into your office & within a couple of days, out pops this gorgeous book! How do you do it?" I just smiled & said........ "Magic!!"
Why do I call this post "two-sided creativity"? The reason is that GC & I have two very special skillsets... I'm a photographer & he is a fine illustrator, the nice thing is that these skillsets mesh perfectly together. We like to combine our two skillsets into "combination" projects (i.e., turning my photos into fine illustrations or paintings). We have done this numerous times for friends and personal enjoyment—but we have also been telling our clients about this! So, I decided that it's time to show the world samples of our combinations, as well as showing off some of GC's illustrations.
If there is anything that you see here that interests you, wows you, or moves you to ask us to do a project for you... call or email. Even better - leave a comment :-)
Possum Point
Blue Boat
Firebird 2004
Diane
Train
Pastel illustration for Hewlett-Packard brochure (section only)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
where has the time gone?
Dear g-d... where has the time gone? It seems like just last month we were in Spokane sitting on the beach at our lake cabin.... or was it that it was that we were celebrating the ringing in of 2009? More people have been telling us... only 100 more days till....... I really don't want to hear that. But, regardless of "time flying by" - I have found that I've let my blog slip off to the wayside and I've not done any showcasing of our portfolio or photography.
So, for posterity - here are the posts I made to my Facebook profile & a photo or two from our trip.
1. up early - just after sunrise.. chill in the air & steam rising from the water on the lake. wandered down w/ camera in hand (of course)... ducks, loons & gulls making all kinds of noise... peaceful & beautiful pictures.
2. spent the afternoon w/ our kids & grandkids... sat down at the lake & watched the neighborhood dogs chase balls in the water. the kids swam & splashed in the water... got great pics of all. listening to the geese honking while flying overhead... drink in hand & dinner on the way.. til later
3. relaxing on the deck. (did you hear that - I said the word relaxing... the kids went for a walk - might go swim in the lake later.
4. the kids left for home. all is quiet now... time to break out the wine! looking forward to exploring the area tomorrow... might sweet talk gc into heading up to canada tomorrow... canadian rockies, here i come ;-)
5. cool, sunny morning on the lake. amazing how quiet it is up here. very few cricket noises, no frogs. sometimes you'll hear the ducks or the loons... amazing, there are NO mosqitos... but there are yellow jackets.
6. granite point park - beautiful place on Loon Lake... cool place that was built in 1939.
7. sitting & enjoying some Alaskan Amber ale.... gosh some of the best beer we've ever had!!!
8. it is truly amazing when stepping out on the deck & there is not a cloud in the sky & all you see are stars... yes, you can really see the milky way clearly from here. peaceful dreamy & there is definitely something else bigger out there. until tomorrow...
9. spent the day in spokane walking around River Front park. the area is clean B the falls are gorgeous. Its no wonder the Spokane indians settled around the region. The energy is amazing. heading back to the lake - but of course after some wonderful NW beer :-)
10. sat out on the deck this evening, chill in the air tells that fall is coming soon. the stars are quite bright, I see constellations that I know the shapes, but can't remember the names. I looking for my friend Orion, but he's not up in the sky just yet. Peaceful still water that's in contrast to the noise of the falls. will try to rise early to photograph the sunrise - we'll see.
13. last nite at the lake. sitting on the deck. cool clean air. hearing the crickets & occasional dog barking in the distance. the sky is so bright w/ stars that i am brought to tears. I am truly going to miss the energy & awe of this place. like... before, the milkyway is bright, the big dipper is BIG & my buddy Mars is shining clear. peace ya'll
14. the kids surpised us & gave us a nite at the Cour D'Alene Resort. gorgeous hotel on the lake & room w/ a view. (fireplace, balcony, etc.). spending the day walking thru a town of artists & then off to walk some trails & maybe venture to see the floating golf green.
So, for posterity - here are the posts I made to my Facebook profile & a photo or two from our trip.
1. up early - just after sunrise.. chill in the air & steam rising from the water on the lake. wandered down w/ camera in hand (of course)... ducks, loons & gulls making all kinds of noise... peaceful & beautiful pictures.
2. spent the afternoon w/ our kids & grandkids... sat down at the lake & watched the neighborhood dogs chase balls in the water. the kids swam & splashed in the water... got great pics of all. listening to the geese honking while flying overhead... drink in hand & dinner on the way.. til later
3. relaxing on the deck. (did you hear that - I said the word relaxing... the kids went for a walk - might go swim in the lake later.
4. the kids left for home. all is quiet now... time to break out the wine! looking forward to exploring the area tomorrow... might sweet talk gc into heading up to canada tomorrow... canadian rockies, here i come ;-) 5. cool, sunny morning on the lake. amazing how quiet it is up here. very few cricket noises, no frogs. sometimes you'll hear the ducks or the loons... amazing, there are NO mosqitos... but there are yellow jackets.
6. granite point park - beautiful place on Loon Lake... cool place that was built in 1939.
7. sitting & enjoying some Alaskan Amber ale.... gosh some of the best beer we've ever had!!!
8. it is truly amazing when stepping out on the deck & there is not a cloud in the sky & all you see are stars... yes, you can really see the milky way clearly from here. peaceful dreamy & there is definitely something else bigger out there. until tomorrow...
9. spent the day in spokane walking around River Front park. the area is clean B the falls are gorgeous. Its no wonder the Spokane indians settled around the region. The energy is amazing. heading back to the lake - but of course after some wonderful NW beer :-)
10. sat out on the deck this evening, chill in the air tells that fall is coming soon. the stars are quite bright, I see constellations that I know the shapes, but can't remember the names. I looking for my friend Orion, but he's not up in the sky just yet. Peaceful still water that's in contrast to the noise of the falls. will try to rise early to photograph the sunrise - we'll see.
- coffee with cream or sugar I can see, but fish? ;-) Other than that, the morning sounds great.
- ....when typing on a tiny keyboard you have no idea what keys you hit... i think it was supposed to be ''finished our coffee'' ;-)
- Based on the averian theme, I'm guessing it was perch flavored.
- Glad you're having a great time fishing!
- .....well I guess we have to bring back some fresh trout or bass for you... the rods are in the shed waiting to be hooked up w/ bait.
- fished your coffee??? are you going for Java Trout?
- .....you know, that could be a name of a coffee shop out on a lake front resort... especially up here in the NW
13. last nite at the lake. sitting on the deck. cool clean air. hearing the crickets & occasional dog barking in the distance. the sky is so bright w/ stars that i am brought to tears. I am truly going to miss the energy & awe of this place. like... before, the milkyway is bright, the big dipper is BIG & my buddy Mars is shining clear. peace ya'll
14. the kids surpised us & gave us a nite at the Cour D'Alene Resort. gorgeous hotel on the lake & room w/ a view. (fireplace, balcony, etc.). spending the day walking thru a town of artists & then off to walk some trails & maybe venture to see the floating golf green.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Success & Marketing
I do alot of reading or investigating of what to do to market our business & our clients. There seems to be a continuous tone to the messages I see. This is..... don't stop advertising, marketing, or keeping your face (personal & business) out there. The economy might be in a slowdown - but this is the worst time to pull back from letting people know you are there. On the other hand - this is when you MUST be out there! This is where the creativity comes into play... get creative, be persistent, be original & you will be noticed.
Here are some nuggets from one of the magazines I recently read:
Q: Why is marketing during an economic slowdown so important?
A: You want you target customer to be aware of you when their in the buying process. If you disappear from the radar, there's no way for them to find your business or to think of you—it's as simple as that. Commerce is still being done. there may not be as much potential business as a few years ago, but it's still out there for those who make themselves available.
Q: What low-cost techniques can businesses employ?
A: E-mail marketing, can be cost efficient. If you're going to build a database, people need to opt in—you don't want to spam—and you need to send something that is relevant to them. And add a blog to your web site. It takes time & a commitment, but it's an inexpensive way to market your business. Say thank you to your existing customers. Call your top 10 customers for no other reason. Six months from now, send them an e-mail, and remind them how much your appreciate their business. make them a special offer that only they are getting.
Q: Why is it important to market to current customers?
A: They know you. they love you and your poduct or service, and it's a lot easier to keep existing business than to get new business. An it cost a lo less. Another benefit is they refer business to you.
Q: Should companies sitck with the messages they communicated about themselves in better times?
A: You always have to adapt to changing market conditions. Your core marketing message has to remain, but you have to speak to what's important to your customers.
(excerpted from: "Marketing Expert Mary Shallies". The Rotarian. August 2009.)
If you or your business should have questions or would like to discuss how to "get creative" for your marketing needs—call or e-mail us. We'd love to sit down & chat!!
Until the next time........
Here are some nuggets from one of the magazines I recently read:
Q: Why is marketing during an economic slowdown so important?
A: You want you target customer to be aware of you when their in the buying process. If you disappear from the radar, there's no way for them to find your business or to think of you—it's as simple as that. Commerce is still being done. there may not be as much potential business as a few years ago, but it's still out there for those who make themselves available.
Q: What low-cost techniques can businesses employ?
A: E-mail marketing, can be cost efficient. If you're going to build a database, people need to opt in—you don't want to spam—and you need to send something that is relevant to them. And add a blog to your web site. It takes time & a commitment, but it's an inexpensive way to market your business. Say thank you to your existing customers. Call your top 10 customers for no other reason. Six months from now, send them an e-mail, and remind them how much your appreciate their business. make them a special offer that only they are getting.
Q: Why is it important to market to current customers?
A: They know you. they love you and your poduct or service, and it's a lot easier to keep existing business than to get new business. An it cost a lo less. Another benefit is they refer business to you.
Q: Should companies sitck with the messages they communicated about themselves in better times?
A: You always have to adapt to changing market conditions. Your core marketing message has to remain, but you have to speak to what's important to your customers.
(excerpted from: "Marketing Expert Mary Shallies". The Rotarian. August 2009.)
If you or your business should have questions or would like to discuss how to "get creative" for your marketing needs—call or e-mail us. We'd love to sit down & chat!!
Until the next time........
Thursday, August 6, 2009
creative intuition
This evening, I thought I would sit & see if I could tap into a part of myself that I've been ignoring - my creative intuition. I've been struggling over the past couple of months with ways for me to tap into a part of myself that I know is there. Listening to the news, whether it's bad or good - hasn't been good for my creativity. So, over the past couple of weeks I've created a favorite spot to sit & just be quiet on the deck/balcony that's off my office. Of course the weather earlier this summer was perfect for doing just that.
So, sitting there this evening I found myself listening to the crickets, the frogs & my favorite Brazilian music - quiet & asked myself what is my inner wisdom, my creative intuition & who is it? The sounds seem to blend into one another until I saw & felt something stir in me... it was a ping, small - but something that I think we can call a spark.... This spark, is going to have to grow larger & I'm going to need to listen & feel harder, or maybe I should put it - more deeply..... This spark is something that I can tap into to put into my photography and my client's projects. If that spark is there when I create the pieces, I know that people will feel it & will be moved by them. If they are moved, they are drawn into action..... if that's the case, I know I've done my job well.
I think what I just described is part of the creative process - tapping into the freedom & unknown to draw a viewer into the piece, the message and into action.
Over the next couple of posts, I'm going to start to showcase some of our portfolio work, describing how we came up with the designs, what they mean to us & how the client/designer interaction works. I hope you'll check back often & leave comments.
So, sitting there this evening I found myself listening to the crickets, the frogs & my favorite Brazilian music - quiet & asked myself what is my inner wisdom, my creative intuition & who is it? The sounds seem to blend into one another until I saw & felt something stir in me... it was a ping, small - but something that I think we can call a spark.... This spark, is going to have to grow larger & I'm going to need to listen & feel harder, or maybe I should put it - more deeply..... This spark is something that I can tap into to put into my photography and my client's projects. If that spark is there when I create the pieces, I know that people will feel it & will be moved by them. If they are moved, they are drawn into action..... if that's the case, I know I've done my job well.
I think what I just described is part of the creative process - tapping into the freedom & unknown to draw a viewer into the piece, the message and into action.
Over the next couple of posts, I'm going to start to showcase some of our portfolio work, describing how we came up with the designs, what they mean to us & how the client/designer interaction works. I hope you'll check back often & leave comments.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
ideas rolling in my head...
I've been thinking to myself that when I decided to start writing a blog, it was a gut wrenching idea. Was this going to be marketing tool, a journal of ideas, or just something that I did & never followed through with. The fact is, I always fought having to write—I hated it as a kid growing up & as I got older, it became harder & harder for me to even think about working with the written word. I still see the knot I used to get in my stomach when I have to sit down & put ideas to paper. I even remember the comment one of my old co-workers said to me, "you know - you're a pretty good writer!!" I just about choked. :-(... But over the years, people have come to know me & our business for being expert/creative publication designers! It doesn't matter, a well designed publication or even be a simple Word document, can draw the reader into it's pages and they will read every word.
So where does that thought lead me this evening? I'm writing... did you hear that? I'm actually writing! The knot in my stomach is less than it was, years ago - my thoughts & ideas are even flowing a little freer than they used to. Funny, I take a look at my astrological sign (Aquarius) & it says, I am a writer (or at least have a talent for it), I've always rolled my eyes at that. But, I have ideas rolling around in my head & have been for a long time. I get a spark of inspiration & I always seem to tell myself, I'll remember to write that down or I'll remember to act on that idea later—not anymore. The creative spark has told me that I need to move & react to these thoughts.
For now, the spark of inspiration says that there are stories waiting to be told, photos to be taken, paintings to be created, even books to be designed. Maybe I'll start writing down short stories of family funnies... who knows - it could turn into a NY Times bestseller. I know, I'll call it, "Nana Ran Over a Cow & Other Tidbits." (or something like that)...... <& yes, my mother did drive over a cow when she was a teenager, maybe I'll start writing family stories in this blog?>Saturday, August 1, 2009
new ideas... staying positive
Today was an interesting process. When I say process, I actually mean working a process to my day. I'm working on being positive - very, very positive. I'm finding creative ways to focus myself - to stay present in the moment & actually manifesting the reality that I would like to experience.
First of all - I need to shout it out that I sold some of my photos at the gallery this evening! (I'm so excited). Jen Chappell - one of my WPS cohorts hosted her artist reception for her solo show this evening. She did everything right when it came to marketing her event... the gallery was packed! (way to go Jen). Because of the marketing, the crowds came & people bought art. Funny, looking back at the way I started my comments this evening, I was going to start talking about my daily affirmation practices - but I realized that some of the statements/comments I heard this evening tied into the creative theme. Questions to ask are: How did Jen get such a crowd to the gallery this evening? Was it because she asked only her friends? Could it be that she only invited only her co-workers from the DC Design Center? Actually, it was all of the above and beyond...... when you look at yourself, your business or product - you need to ask yourself several very important questions:
First of all - I need to shout it out that I sold some of my photos at the gallery this evening! (I'm so excited). Jen Chappell - one of my WPS cohorts hosted her artist reception for her solo show this evening. She did everything right when it came to marketing her event... the gallery was packed! (way to go Jen). Because of the marketing, the crowds came & people bought art. Funny, looking back at the way I started my comments this evening, I was going to start talking about my daily affirmation practices - but I realized that some of the statements/comments I heard this evening tied into the creative theme. Questions to ask are: How did Jen get such a crowd to the gallery this evening? Was it because she asked only her friends? Could it be that she only invited only her co-workers from the DC Design Center? Actually, it was all of the above and beyond...... when you look at yourself, your business or product - you need to ask yourself several very important questions:
- how am I going to market myself/business?
- how do people know about me?
- what am I selling? (a solid object/art, myself, or an idea?)
- do I market myself using paper products & snail mail? the web/social media? only by word of mouth/personal contact?
- all of the above & more?
The answer to those questions is all of the above & more!!! I tell my clients & myself that the only way people know about us/our businesses is by marketing ourselves. If we don't create a "buzz" about ourselves people will not know about us or our business. Funny, was talking to some of my friends this evening & they kept saying, "I don't know many people. How am I going to put on a solo show & let people know I have work up in the gallery? I'm not going to do a solo show." Let's stand back & take a look at the negatives in those statements.... "I don't know many people, how am I going to put on a solo show?" Those negative statements, imagery don't have that creative spark... they actually have a creative block to them. What Jen did to create the buzz about her reception & work this evening was simple - "market, market, market, tell people, spread the word" Once she tapped into her creative network, the publicity buzz started & people came to her opening. Here are some of the things she did to create the buzz & get the word out.
- Created marketing postcards for the show & passed them out to everyone she knew. She put these postcards everywhere she could think of. She also mailed out some of the cards to a targeted audience.
- She posted a blog(s), gave out her postcards everywhere she went.
- Put her postcards in almost every gallery at the Workhouse
- Mailed out her postcards to her snailmail contacts
- stayed positive & talked it up
- contributed to our co-ops blob & then had the reciprical authors post similar events on their blogs
- posted & blogged about it on Facebook.
- talked, talked, talked about it. Creating a work-of-mouth about the upcoming show.
When looking back at these steps for this one party & event, I see where we can personally strenghten our marketing programs.. I would love to start a discussion about marketing, creativity & how to get the most out of the programs we have in place or don't have. Who knows where this will go...
peace out...........
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