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July 2008

In this Issue

Hello Again...
Continued Coverage
Nonprofits Chosen
Reaching Out
Design Spotlight
Closing Remarks

Hello Again...

Welcome to the fourth issue of Fifth Letter's email-based newsletter. You are receiving this message because you are a current client, business partner, or someone who has expressed curiosity in learning more about our studio. We hope you enjoy our occasional missives enough to pass them along to a friend or business associate. Conversely, feel free to unsubscribe at any time. We have made it very easy to do.

Continued Coverage

Imagine our surprise when we cracked open a recent issue of "Graphic Design USA" and found an article citing one of our logos as an example. It's true. Our logo for The ShawnCast was featured in a recent article describing logo trends. The author responded to the hand-drawn aesthetic of the mark and the fact that it conveys an earnest and authentic feel.

Curious about more design trends? Have a look at the entire article on LogoLounge (we're about two-thirds of the way through) to see the company our logo work keeps.

Nonprofits Chosen

We also want to take a moment to provide an update for you regarding our annual Design Grant Program.

We worked with our selection committee to choose two agencies to partner with this year. Our grant recipients are Family Services and the Pediatric Community Alliance, and we have had introductory conversations with both to get started on their projects.

Family Services is a Winston-Salem-based organization that provides programs to strengthen families through counseling, adoption, early childhood education, and violence response. Pediatric Community Alliance is a North Carolina-based statewide service formed with the mission of improving the quality of care for children with serious illnesses.

“Nonprofits often come to us for help with great ideas and energy but nominal financial resources to implement them,” says Elliot Strunk, founder and creative director. “We look forward to working with Family Services and Pediatric Community Alliance to raise awareness about their efforts and provide an increase in giving and other forms of support.”

Fifth Letter will be working with Family Services to provide an audit of their current materials and help craft new forms of communications to capitalize on the momentum of their move into their new LEED-certified building. Pediatric Community Alliance will use our services to craft an awareness brochure and related materials to educate families throughout our state.

Reaching Out

In addition to working with nonprofits, the donation of staff time through mentoring and reaching out to the next generation of designers in an important priority for us.

We participated in a portfolio review orchestrated by the Charlotte chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts, and Elliot was able to provide feedback for more that 20 students representing a variety of schools, ages, and levels of experience. All of the reviewers then rated the portfolios and compared notes to determine a Best of Show winner, a runner-up, and a summer internship winner. In addition, the award of a "Meal with a Mentor" went to a lucky student who was able to meet a professional designer over lunch and pick their brain about the profession.

We were pleased to be called upon and look forward to helping again next year.

Design Spotlight

Associated Artists of Winston-Salem is a nonprofit organization that has been in existence for more than fifty years. Their goal is to provide exhibition opportunities for local artists in both a gallery setting as well as in public spaces throughout the city. In addition, volunteers and mentors work together to create learning opportunities for emerging artists.

Associated Artists approached Fifth Letter to craft a giving piece that would appeal to philanthropic decision-makers in large area companies. We decided upon a format that would have some artistic flourishes while still being clean and organized enough for a quick read by an executive.

The format of the carrier is not only intended to provide protection when the piece is mailed, but also a bit of a flourish when a more intimate exchange happens and a brochure simply changes hands. The dots on both the brochure and carrier reference pools of paint on a palette, while the wonderful illustration by Leigh Wells depicts the “fire in the belly” spirit that drives people to create.

This piece was printed on Pegasus Super Smooth uncoated papers. The mill liked our design so much that it is being used as a nationwide promotion for their company.

You can see more images of the project here.

Closing Remarks

A big thanks to all of our clients, both current and new, who have been sending projects our way since our last newsletter. We enjoy the unique challenges and opportunities we're fortunate to have coming through our door, and the new friends we've been able to make in the process.