214 East Roosevelt

214 West Roosevelt is more than an address. Inspired by the Bauhaus movement, it’s a place where new things start – new companies, new events, new ideas. Making your own rules is a powerful way to live. When you make the rules, you enjoy the exhilaration of running in the lead and breathing rarefied air. Some people know that 214 and the MonOrchid Gallery were ground zero for First Fridays and the downtown Phoenix art revival. But few know that 214 was an incubator for blockbuster television programs, including ‘Lost’, and boasts client portfolios that include Dreamworks, Procter & Gamble, and Coca-Cola. No matter what the address, the philosophy is the same – two minds are better than one, and infinitely better when you’re writing your own rules. Whatever the address, collaboration is always ground zero.

Heaven was used in acclaimed skate film Fully Flared directed by Spike Jonze and Ty Evans. The collaboration inspired the directors to take footage and re-edit a sequence of shots that shows the Lakai skateboarding team demonstrating their considerable skills as they navigate through and around various exploding obstacles. With "Heaven" as the musical backdrop, the resulting marriage of sound to picture is quite extroaordinary. Dig It!

New Logo for Starbucks

To continue today’s topic of company branding, take a look at Starbucks new logo. Not only did they remove the “Starbucks Coffee” text, but they also reduced the mark to one color.

“Starbucks says the changes amount to more than nips and tucks to its favorite lady. The fresh look goes with a new direction for the company as it makes its way back from its toughest times in its 40-year history.” - MSNBC

As we continue moving forward in this new year, it is no secret that many resolutions involve spending less and saving more, which might include cutting out a $5 cup of coffee each morning.

 
Do you think a fresh look will help Starbucks pull through?

Brand Positioning Workshops

In the best of economies, new initiatives require smart planning and sharp execution. Overcoming stagnant markets, anemic budgets, and desperate competition demands something bigger: You must rewrite the rules.

While airlines contemplate charging you to use restrooms, Southwest Airlines still checks bags for free. Harley Davidson took a stalled counter-culture brand and repackaged it for doctors and lawyers. Both companies write their own rules.

Workshops help you focus your assets, build a game plan, get noticed, and dig out. Here’s where we excel:

• New initiatives – making them customer-optimized and market-ready.
• New brands – doing it right from the start.
• New campaigns – advertising is more complicated and important than ever.
• Positioning – making sure you’re meaningful, credible and different.
• Creating alignment – getting everyone to pull together.
• Customer research – few companies actually take this one critical step.
• Testing – dig into the hearts and minds of your customers, they can tell you how to win.