Nola Creative - A Printeractive Design Group

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Check out this miniature business card we created for Corey Rawdon. Using the popular Moo MiniCards we created a small but eye-catching card combining a profile image, important contact information and a QR code that directs traffic to a personal website. QR codes (click here to read recent opinion about them) have become popular ways to infuse traditional printed pieces with social interaction. They spark curiosity and when paired with a great design can increase traffic to special promotions and expanded media when advertising space is limited.

Scan this card’s QR code, and see where it takes you:

Along with the traditional links to social media spaces we also included a link to Corey’s Mashable Follow page, connecting followers to his personally-curated news feed.

Keeping with the new technology-driven aspect of TEDxSMU, a new component for the 2010 event included a web-based event program for smartphone users. This served as a companion piece to the refreshed website also designed for the event. Following a trend commonly employed in museum exhibits and special events, we built a website optimized for phone browsers that served as a valuable resource to participants. During the main event users were able to visit the mobile site and browse the day’s schedule.

As the sessions continued through the day, participants were able to read extra content about each presenter. In addition to the usual biography found in conference programs, the expanded mobile program included sections for “Favorite TED Talk,” “Favorite Idea Worth Spreading,” “Favorite Action Worth Taking,” and “Favorite Survival Tip.” Each presenter’s biography section also included a section of Related Media, directing readers to TED Talks and other websites or particular interest. This helped participants leave each session with a personal look at each presenter, and provided an additional resources to those longing for more information.

An easy to access button on the mobile program directed participants to the TEDxSMU Twitter feed, providing an additional way to encourage involvement and discussion during the sessions.

The site also included usual conference details, post-conference information, directories and additional pages for exhibitors and sponsors.

Overall the mobile program was successful at getting information to participants and encouraging involvement utilizing new technology. It also saved a few trees along the way. Check it out for yourself here: TEDxSMU Event Program

In October 2010 TEDxSMU hosted their second annual conference in Dallas. The event connected 575 participants to guest speakers from around the world, presenting on topics ranging from mountain climbing to high-tech gadgetry. TEDxSMU — a full day program hosted at the Wyly Theatre — catered to creative adults and TED fanatics, while a separate but just as important program — TEDxKids — aimed at engaging middle school students. Idea Week, which proceeded the main TEDxSMU event, included at least one free event every day around the Metroplex. During the rest of the year (after the main event is over) various forums and events are held to encourage the sharing of fresh ideas.

With all of these events, speakers and resources TEDxSMU had a wealth of content needing to be marketed to the general public. In just a year, TEDxSMU had outgrown their website and required one that was more efficient and better-navigable. We helped update their WordPress-based website by customizing a new WordPress template and filling in the pieces with consistent branding. The graphic-driven home page highlights important areas of the website, and leads visitors to clearly-organized content. Archived videos are featured for quick reference; upcoming events are easy to find; and a blog is integrated to feature the latest news. Best of all, because we utilized WordPress the future maintenance of the website became very easy; any staff member is able to add or change information, upload new content or promote an event. The redesigned site opened up new marketing opportunities and became a valuable resource to the year-round TEDxSMU experience. The branding and style of the new site also carried over to the mobile Event Program we designed as a companion piece.

Nola Creative recently completed a new logo and identity for Burns Music Studio. The color scheme and visual effect — inspired by the company’s slogan — infused the clean, sans serif type with a modern attitude. The company’s unintentional heat-referencing name influenced a passionate, fiery musical note. An appointment card and business card incorporated the resulting unique identity.

The 16th Annual Communicator Awards have awarded Nola Creative with two prestigious honors. We are proud to announce two Silver “Awards of Distinction”  given to interactive projects completed in 2009.

Our design work for Backbeat Music Instruction led to a win in the Website: Education division. The creative design and organized layout of backbeatmusic.net welcomed new students to the growing music school in Chicago. Throughout 2009 Nola Creative teamed up with Backbeat to provide effective marketing through online and social media forums; a holiday campaign even included custom Facebook badges and E-gift cards! In the Website: Self Promotion category our design for Stay Frank took home the prize. Stayfrank.com was designed to promote the internet marketing company in an approachable, unique format.

These awards speak to the talent, creativity and dedication of Nola Creative’s team and partners. The 2010 awards were the first interactive design awards received by our design firm, a result of the high-caliber work achieved in 2009. The “printeractive” paradigm of Nola Creative stresses the merging of both print and interactive work for a world of ever-changing media; we are excited to now have interactive design awards next to our print design award (won in 2007)!

Each year, the Communicator Awards receive thousands of entries from companies and agencies of all sizes, making it one of the largest award programs of its kind. The competition honors the best in advertising, corporate communications, public relations and identity work for print, video, interactive and audio. Visit www.communicatorawards.com for more information about the awards.