Grafik has been fighting the fight against Prostate Cancer with partner and client, the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PFC) for two years since we were first chosen to work with the organization to evolve the brand, design their website and mobile app, and support them with ongoing programs and promotions. Inherent in Grafik culture, is our passion to support our clients in whatever way we can. So this month, Grafik is indeed “Blue All Over.” Our normally orange logo has gone blue . . . everywhere it appears—Twitter, Facebook, our blog . . . yes, even on the homepage of our website! And we are not stopping there.

We recently developed a microsite to launch the Blue All Over campaign, as well as designed t-shirts that are for sale on the site. Grafik has gifted a shirt to each staff member and has asked in return, that our staff “pay it forward” and reach out to an important man in their life, and spark an important conversation about becoming aware of prostate cancer by gifting the shirt to them. We will be sharing these stories all month. You can follow our progress with updates here on our blog, on facebook, and on twitter—#whatitoldhim.

We are spreading the word with these great Grafik-designed shirts!

In other PCF news, Grafik was proud to be an invited guest at the ringing of the closing bell at NASDAQ this week. And trust me, it was a huge effort to make our way there!  Hurricane Irene threw a wrench in our transportation plans as Amtrak still wasn’t running. But with dogged determination, Lance and I got on a very shady magical, mystery bus, to support all of our friends at PCF for the ringing of the bell and the kickoff of the Take Aim campaign and Prostate Cancer Awareness month. It was a well worth the effort and a seriously cool experience.

PCF ringing the closing bell at NASDAQ

So, stay tuned to see how the Grafites personally spread the word about prostate cancer. We know men don’t talk about it, but they should! So if you need some inspiration to talk to the important men in your life, check back here to find out how we have been doing it. I’m off to call my Dad and start the ball rolling.

And we couldn’t be happier! We have been searching for quite a while to find that special combination of talent, experience, and charisma to lead our interactive design team — and we have finally found it in Sun Yun — joining Grafik as our Interactive Creative Director.

Sun has experience in multi-disciplinary design including advertising, interactive/web design, user experience design, information architecture, as well as graphic design and consumer product development. In short,  Sun has participated in over 400 projects for over 150 different clients and 9 agencies over his career.

Some of those agencies? Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy & Mather and Y&R to name just a few (plus several of our local competitors). Clients? The list is so long, but to name drop just a bit — Toyota, Johnson & Johnson, MetLife, Sun Microsystems, and the Washington Post. He’s a pretty impressive guy.

“Sun is just what we needed around Grafik as we are growing our interactive capabilities,” says VP of Interactive Greg Appler. “He is a strong talent; we look forward to the vision and leadership he will bring to our creative team.”

Welcome to Grafik.  We are mighty glad to have you!

Last week while I was on vacation, we got a mysterious meeting request from Donna, our HR manager. It was a mandatory company meeting called for Tuesday afternoon at 3:30pm.  No one knew what it was about. I asked my boss, Lance, and he wouldn’t say a word. I had emailed Greg Appler asking him what it was about, he said he didn’t know anything. When I got back from vacation, I asked Donna, who sent out the request. She was certain that I had the inside track — and despite my denials to the contrary — was sure I knew something.

We filed into the conference room. Judy sat there alone waiting for all of us. She was looking kind of smug. She started talking about how challenging the last few years had been. And, indeed they had been. I began to think about when I had first arrived at Grafik. It was October 2008, and I had packed up as much as my car could carry and drove myself and my two dogs from Miami Beach, Florida. Within two months, the economy had really taken a turn for the worse, and Grafik — being the extremely conservative fiscal company that it is — made the some very tough decisions in order to weather the storm.

But no one complained. We all just went to work. It’s a real blessing that we really like each other — A LOT.  We kept pitching and pitching and working and working and — trust me — we had our fair share of disappointments. But then there were a lot of fabulous moments. We started stringing the successes together. We won some fabulous new clients like Global Automakers, JK Moving Services, Cap Relo, Anybill, Travelex, K12, Software AG, National Endowment for the Humanities, Gulliver Schools, TargusInfo, Skyterra, Prostate Cancer Foundation, Clarabridge, and Gannett. And we also welcomed some amazingly talented staff along with these new clients like Stacey, Kelsey, Mike, Lahaina, Danielle, Brandon, Eric, Dave, and MK.

Judy then turned her conversation to the great news of the day.  All the new faces and the veterans listened intently as she reported that our dedication, hard work and perseverance had paid off.  Our fiscal year had come to a close, and unlike many of our peers who had not survived the recession, we not only had survived, but we were showing a modest profit this year and we were on our way to a healthy recovery.  In gratitude for all that everyone had done, Judy gifted a new iPad 2 to everyone in the room.  I can tell you, that everyone was completely shocked and utterly touched.

But even more touching might have been the five “CEO Nods” that Judy proclaimed.  The first went out to Maxine, our comptroller, whom Judy credited with keeping herself and Partner David Collins calm and fiscally sane through the tough times. Maxine is always in the office before anyone gets here, and as Judy says, is her counselor — working late into the evenings and on weekends making sure that she is looking at the tough situations and making good, sound decisions.  She then commended Arthur for quietly, and consistently being the calm, cool collected guy who puts out fires when they are raging without the slightest whimper. Judy also commended Heath, whom she remarked has had everything, including the kitchen sink, thrown at him with her panicked calls from the farm when her hardware doesn’t work to really everything and anything technical happening at the shop.

And finally my two favorite nods, (not that they all weren’t great!) the first because it went to Greg Appler, who not only never attends staff meetings (we all applauded as he entered the room causing him to blush the color of a macintosh apple), but also because I personally know that he has been dreaming of an iPad for months. Now, he doesn’t take public praise well (or public attention for that matter), and although he and I work very closely together, we can often be heard screaming and fighting like an old married couple. He is my dear friend and when Judy commended his intellect, and his contributions to Grafik over the last four years, well, I was really, really proud.

And the last nod went to me.  If any of you out there regularly read our blog, you know how much I care about this place, so we can just leave it at that — thanks Judy.  We are all very grateful to be part of making sure that Grafik will be around for another 30 years.

And thanks for the iPads. They are AWESOME.

Over the past few weeks and months, Grafik, one of the DC-Metro area’s leading marketing communications firms has been working overtime to produce exceptional work for three clients, all very recently released. In keeping with our core competency—integrated brand strategy—these new campaigns weave strong brand positioning throughout print, direct mail and interactive executions.Grafik has been working with three distinct divisions of Software AG, a global player in business process excellence, to develop lead generation programs that represent a strong departure from the rest of the industry. The newly launched “Know” campaign, for example, is a breakthrough marketing solution for supply chain logistics. Described by the client as edgy, sexy, and compelling, it delivers all the necessary information across print, direct mail, html emails, trade show signage, banners and giveaways, event invitations, and a microsite.

In contrast, the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM), came to Grafik looking to redefine its position. Labeled as the “foreign” automakers’ association by its rivals, it needed to change the ongoing conversations on the Hill, and present its members as global brands. After a comprehensive strategic rebranding effort, Grafik proposed changing the association’s name to Global Automakers and  focusing messaging around the new brand line, “Ahead of the Curve,” which points to the leadership and innovation of its member companies. We then launched the brand with an integrated identity that includes a robust new website.

Simultaneously, Grafik took on a rebranding initiative for JK Moving Services, the third largest independent moving company in the nation. With five divisions marketing independently from each other, Grafik set about to dismantle the silos, and promote cross-selling throughout the organization. Armed with solid research and exceptional customer testimonials, we embarked on a one-year overhaul that touched every facet of the company. Grafik completely reorganized the brand architecture and established new naming conventions, developed the new brand line “What Matters Most,” overhauled the website, launched a new blog, designed a new system of collateral, and significantly increased their social media presence. Now when one of the newly designed trucks crosses the country, JK doesn’t look like a “mom and pop” operation — it stands out as a professional national carrier of choice.

Typically, I am the one who writes all the blog posts that have to do with Grafik news — new work being launched, a new hire or promotion, or an event we are participating in — or I am editing someone else’s post, coming up with topic ideas or running around making sure that our bloggers are staying on top of our calendar. Today, I am giving and announcing my own award, Teddi Alyce Segal’s award for “Best Place to Work.”

Why, you may ask? Well, what I have come to believe and know is that when your co-workers become your family, life is a whole lot nicer. And when your company treats you with love, loving your job takes on a whole new meaning.

The little sunshine of my life, Josephine — a very spunky 7 1/2 year old miniature pinscher is having her second surgery in less than a year to remove yet another mast cell tumor. She just went into surgery. I am sitting in the waiting room now as I write, waiting for the news that she is out and fine. The journey with her health isn’t over, but at least she will not have that stuff in her anymore and hopefully, they will “get it all.” Again.

My co-workers — from our CEO Judy, to my darlings in interactive design (Brandon and Eric) and everyone in between (Lance, Lynn, Hal, Donna, Greg, Heath, Lahaina, Danielle… well, the point is I could name about the entire staff) — were not only kind, supportive and offering words of encouragement, but they actually offered genuine emotion and caring — and real help. They knew that I was currently juggling multiple proposals and projects, and had my back in every way. They also made sure I knew that they were keeping my little Jojo in their prayers.

In a time when companies have so many choices regarding personnel because of the economy, one hears more and more that people are completely dispensable. The choices are far and wide for talent and companies have begun to treat people as such — replaceable.  In contrast, we hear about companies winning accolades like “Best Places to Work” (that are bestowed by news organizations and the like), but the criteria for those awards stem more from the programs and bonuses offered in the workplace, than the culture and vibe that the workplace has created. Companies look to be one of the “Best Places to Work” because it is great for PR and recruitment, and trust me, as the person who is responsible for our PR, I know how important that is.

When Judy Kirpich founded this company more than 30 years ago, she wanted to create something different. And yes, Grafik is very, very different than any place I have ever been. Some days I think I need to have my head examined cause we are soooooo different that I want to cry. In fact, I have shed a tear here and there. We have our days like any place else. But today, I would like to award Grafik my award for the “Best Place to Work.”  It is the best place to work because I am surrounded by people who really care about what they do. They enjoy their work and they usually have fun while doing it. It is the best place to work because they understand that life is a human experience, full of special occasions, “ugh-illness”, extenuating circumstances and, yup — dogs that need surgery.

What I have realized is that the more they give, the more I want to give back. Today I have been attached to my computer as I wander between the vet and home and back and forth, all the while working on my proposals, my research, and clearly, this blog. And this weekend, while I am home with a sick puppy over the Memorial Day holiday, I will be working on finishing what I have to get done. I will do it with pleasure. Because I care deeply for the company that cares so deeply for me. And if I don’t keep pushing away at getting new business to keep everyone busy — well, then what?

So Grafik, please add to our long list of awards “Best Place to Work — by Teddi Alyce Segal.”  Thank you for being my colleagues, my friends, substitute mamas, and the brothers and sisters I never had.  And if anyone out there is reading this and is looking for a job, you couldn’t find a better place to hang your hat, (or have a surrogate family) than Grafik.

Little Josie

JK Moving Services is no longer the area’s best kept secret. Fresh from a brand overhaul, the nation’s third largest independent mover is quickly gaining ramping up marketing efforts, and attracting customers preparing to move their families, their offices, and their employees. Armed with solid research, Grafik helped JK identify a distinct competitive advantage, and leverage an astonishing string of ongoing testimonials. The newly revamped brand architecture includes smart new naming conventions that highlight the mix of services, as well as platforms that promote cross-selling.

Grafik’s comprehensive program touched every aspect of the brand including a powerful brandline (What Matters Most), and a new corporate logo. We redesigned JK’s trucks and uniforms, developed a full suite of print and online sales materials, managed a significant website overhaul, and established  a robust social media presence with active Twitter and Facebook accounts, SEM, and a company blog.

With a mandate to convert prospects into clients, Grafik made a strong recommendation to transfer media dollars spent on conventional placements to online paid search and key words. We also simplified the call to action by removing the myriad phone numbers found on all their previous materials and replacing them with jkmoving.com — a change most notable on JK’s most prominent advertising presence, the moving trucks.

The company that appeared to be a local “mom and pop” moving company now feels like a national carrier of choice. Of course, the work is just beginning. Look for more great things to come from JK Moving Services.

Grafik is starting off the new year with a new client in the education sector—Gulliver Schools. Gulliver is renowned for its International Baccalaureate (IB) World School Programme, Signature Academic Program offerings, and Blue Ribbon School designation. The prominent school has been providing the finest in academics, visual art and performing arts, and athletics to its student body since 1926 from its Miami campuses.

“Grafik has a strong core competency within the education sector working over the years with such notable institutions as Johns Hopkins University, George Mason University, and Strayer University,” said Chief Creative Officer, Hal Swetnam. “Engaging with Gulliver Schools to enhance its already reputable brand is a complement to our roster of current engagements with Georgetown University and DC Prep.”

According to Gulliver’s Head of School John Krutulis, Grafik was selected “for its strategic approach to Gulliver’s branding needs and strong reputation for delivering bottom line-oriented results in the education industry.” Grafik will focus its efforts in the development of cohesive messaging, as well as look and feel for the larger Gulliver brand.

Gulliver Schools is a 501 (c) (3) private, not-for-profit, independent, coeducational, nonsectarian day school with the mission of providing a superior college-preparatory education and ensuring an outstanding dynamic learning environment which recognizes and nurtures the unique talents and gifts of each student. For more information about Gulliver Schools, please visit www.gulliverschools.org.

Alexandria, VA—November 16, 2010. Industry veteran and Grafik’s Vice President of Creative Strategies for the last eight years, Hal Swetnam has been appointed Chief Creative Officer, taking over the role held by CEO Judy Kirpich since the agency’s inception. In light of recent agency growth and expansion, Kirpich offered Swetnam the position with the intention of moving Grafik in a new direction. In this new position, Swetnam will touch every piece of business and share in the leadership of the firm. Creativity has always been at the forefront of every Grafik initiative, and with Swetnam’s accomplished background in brand strategy, this bold move cements the Grafik philosophy that every aspect of design must be driven by smart, clear, strategic messaging.

A seasoned copywriter and creative director, Swetnam has led branding efforts for clients across a wide variety of industries. He came to Grafik with nearly 20 years of extensive experience at large multinational agencies like Arnold Worldwide and small creative boutiques working on such clients as GEICO, Exxon Mobil, Lockheed Martin, and National Geographic.

“Grafik is in a great position right now,” said Swetnam. “Having emerged from a brutal economy, we are poised for a whole new type of growth. I look forward to helping Grafik build for the future.”

That exponential growth has been in full throttle this year with Grafik’s staff increasing by 25 percent. This is in addition to the 12 new client wins within just the last quarter bringing about $2.5 million in new business.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Founded in 1978, Grafik is an award-winning strategic marketing communications firm located in Alexandria, VA, specializing in brand and creative development across traditional and digital media. Current clients include: Software AG, U.S. Census, TARGUSinfo, EYA, Convergent Wealth Advisors, and Georgetown University.

Grafik Partner and Creative Director Johnny Vitorovich addressed county and city representatives at Virginia Government Communicators (VGC) Conference last week in Lynchburg, Virginia.

The VGC is a nonprofit of more than 200 members that advocate honest and effective communications between Virginia residents and government. The VGC invited Vitorovich to speak about the importance of branding based on the success of Grafik’s comprehensive branding initiative for the City of Lynchburg, Virginia.

“At Grafik, branding is one of our core competencies,” said Vitorovich. “So it was a pleasure to be able to deliver a talk of this kind, especially in a location where we have been so intimately involved with the branding of the area.”

Grafik’s Johnny Vitorovich and Cheryl Haar presenting at the VGC’s Fall Conference held at the Craddok Terry Hotel and Event Center.