Studioblog (n): a blog by Studiobanks about design, marketing, internet, business, Charlotte and more.

Jumping in as the new AIGA Communications Director

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Not long after I gave a lecture at our studio to the local Charlotte chapter of AIGA, I was asked by the chapter's president, Chris Bradle, to join the group's board of directors. AIGA is the oldest and largest membership association for professionals engaged in the discipline, practice, and culture of designing. Nationally, the AIGA represents 22,000 designers through 59 national affiliates and 240 student groups.

The role he had in mind for me was Communications Director. I would be responsible for keeping our membership and local media informed about the happenings of the chapter and work with the event coordinators to properly promote upcoming chapter events. I accepted the position late last year. The first thing I wanted to focus on was revamping the chapter's website. Luckily, the board's Internet Director, Taylor Nall, agreed it needed some attention.

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(Project Update) Bourbon Boards Website Launched

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Bourbon Boards is a new company that is selling authentic Heart Pine wood from an old bourbon mill in Kentucky. Board by board they have reclaimed over one million feet of this beautiful wood.

Longleaf Pine ecosystems were once among the most plentiful during the 1800s. American settlers used the sturdy and decay-resistant heart of these trees to construct homes, factories, breweries, & distilleries. Unfortunately, habitat loss and degradation have made this resource extremely rare.

Our friends at Eye Design Studio did all the branding work for Bourbon Boards and we did the website design and development. We just launched the new site to coincide with the opening of the their showroom on South Blvd. Perhaps we should update the Studiobanks site background with some authentic Heart Pine jpegs.

Asana Holds a Media Night, Launches New Website

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Last night, Asana Activewear held a Media Night. It was a PR event that catered to local media, in efforts to make them more aware of the new activewear apparel store. Owner Gary Schwake, spoke in front of the media to describe his vision and goals for the store. He explained how Asana is more that a store that sells clothes but is a hub for the active lifestyle community. Partnering with local yoga studios, gyms, and fitness centers Asana is able to offer their customers with more than the latest fashion trends, but with valuable information about the happenings throughout the active community. It was this unique community hub concept that was the inspiration of the Asana logo we designed.

Later in his presentation he announced the launch of AsanaActivewear.com a website we recently designed. The website offers a directory to find local studios and trainers, a community calendar that you can either post events on or search to find other local fitness events. Also, each month Asana picks a “Hero of the Month”, an instructor or trainer that helps to motivate people to live an active lifestyle. We built a section that highlights these Heroes and gives them their due recognition. Of course the website also allows users to learn more about the store and the brands they carry, but it is the community aspect that Gary is most proud of. Check out some photos we took at the event.