10.15.05
Photonics Kids take on
DAAP
As artists and parents, several of us here at Photonics now proudly brag that our children attend the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP). Alan and Christie Brown have a son studying Fine Arts and Elizabeth Mariner has a daughter in the Digital Design program.
DAAP is one of the most respected colleges of its type in the country and a great asset to the professional design community of Cincinnati. Check out the DAAP Web site for upcoming speakers and exhibitions, and don’t forget DAAPworks, the senior design show, and the renowned DAAP Fashion Show held at the end of each spring quarter.
6.27.05
Photonics Participates in 7 Days for SIDS
Photonics Graphics is proud to have sponsored the decoration of Bourbon Barrel #1 for silent auction, as part of the annual weeklong fundraiser, “7 Days for SIDS.” Sponsored by Pampers, the week featured 25 food and dining events involving Cincinnati area chefs and restaurants from June 13-19.
The event, in its third year, was created by Jean-Robert and Annette de Cavel, proprietors of Jean-Robert at Pigall’s, JeanRo Bistro and Pho Paris, after the loss of their daughter, Tatiana, to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in June 2002. Proceeds benefit the Sudden Infant Death Network of Ohio and the Tatiana de Cavel Scholarship fund at the Midwest Culinary Institute at Cincinnati State.
As part of the Champagne Brunch and Silent Auction event, Woodford Reserve donated several bourbon barrels for decoration/transformation by local artists. Photonics’ “Big Fish,” was the result of a collaborative effort by the Photonics design team: Marijke Shaffer, Stacie Brown, Doug Klocke and Elizabeth Mariner. As graphic artists, we typically produce virtual art via computer mouse, so the opportunity to create a hands-on, three-dimensional sculpture was a real treat!
We are happy to report that Jean-Robert himself placed the winning bid for “Big Fish.” We understand it will make a colorful (if large) addition to his young daughter Laeticia’s room.
For information on current events see:
www.7daysforsids.com
4.17.2005
Fresh and Non-Traditional Haggadah Designed for Family Use
Adapted from an article in the Cincinnati
Enquirer by Sara Pearce, staff writer
Alan Brown, owner of Photonics Graphics, Cincinnati, Ohio, designed the Haggadah written and published by Loveland's Congregation Beth Adam for the use of its members.
Recently, Barnes and Noble picked it up nationwide and the Borders chain is expressing interest in it for next year. It is also available at Amazon.com.
The Haggadah is a guide to the Passover Seder, a festive dinner during which the story of the Jews exodus from Egypt is recounted. Symbolic foods are served, and the Haggadah explains what is being eaten and why. Families frequently pass down Haggadahs from generation to generation. Beth Adam wanted a practical book that would stand up to family use, and an uncluttered design that would appeal to adults without intimidating children.
"It needed to be fresh and nontraditional, open and inviting," says Brown. "And not overly decorative, because that's not the personality of the congregation." He opted for quick, light illustrations that appear hand drawn, minimal color (mostly calming beiges) and thick, textured paper.
The congregation and Photonics are currently wrapping up another publication: a set of books designed for Jewish home services, including Hanukkah and Shabbat, which will come packaged in a slipcase.
Read about Photonics' approach to rebranding this singular community as they occupy their first congregation-owned meeting space. Congregation Beth Adam Case Study.
3.25.2005
TO THE POINT: BUSINESS LEADERS
Q: What separates good companies from great companies?
A: Providing a challenging yet nurturing environment that allows people to create and produce the best work possible for clients. Possessing a corporate philosophy of creating and growing long-term client and employee relationships makes a company outstanding in today's environment.
—Alan Brown, president of Photonics Graphics Inc.
From the Cincinnati Business Courier
3.01.2005
Online Bulletin Boards for Marketing Research
Every now and then our friends at Sigma: Research Management Group host an Online Bulletin Board forum in which they invite interested parties to “test-drive” this new technology and discuss marketing research topics online with participants from around the world.
- The sessions are conducted over time, as opposed to in real time. As a result, respondents may reply when it’s convenient for them.
- These multi-day sessions (3-5 days) allow for in-depth exploration of topics, ongoing product evaluation, or ideation and brainstorming.
- Because respondents can take time to formulate their answers, there is a richness of information not found in real-time methodologies.
- Participants can be prevented from seeing other responses, if desired. This allows multi-geographical, one-on-one interviews to be conducted online simultaneously.
1.20.05
Competing With the Real Estate Giants
In January 2005, the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors restricted public access to the Cincinnati Multiple Listing Service from their web site, www.cincymls.com. This service had been in use since 1996, and the public, as well as professionals in the real estate community, had come to rely upon it. Now, the Cincy MLS can only be accessed through an affiliated realtor’s Web site. Larger players in this industry have had customized entry points to these listings for some time, but now smaller, independent Realtors are faced with the necessity of having an Internet presence for this purpose.
Photonics helped one such company, Kopf Real Estate, by designing and building their first Web site, www.kopfrealestate.com. The Kopf family of agents can now steer clients through their own site to the Cincinnati Multiple Listing Service, where they can view all brokers listing. The site also provides mortgage calculators, agent profiles, Kopf rental property listings, and other useful information to clients.
A trusted name in Cincinnati for generations, Kopf Real Estate is pleased to have this valuable new resource for reaching and serving homebuyers and sellers in the southwest Ohio area. Congratulations to the whole Kopf family from the Photonics Design and Multimedia Teams! It is always a pleasure to work with you.
2004/2005 School Year
Employees of Photonics Graphics are proud to support Cincinnati Reads by tutoring third graders at the Hoffman School.
This program provides caring reading tutors for kindergarten through fourth grade students reading below grade level. The hope is that weekly one-on-one attention from a trained teenager or adult will increase children's reading skills.
Cincinnati Reads seeks to fulfill the mission of Governor Taft's Ohio Reads program. By recruiting and training reading tutors, they help children advance their reading skills while simultaneously providing them weekly exposure to positive role models--their reading tutors.
Cincinnati Reads is a flexible volunteer opportunity for busy people from all walks of life. The initial training seminar lasts just 90 minutes and is offered during both daytime and evening hours. Then, by committing just 30 minutes to an hour once a week in your choice of more than 45 participating schools in Cincinnati and Mt. Healthy, you can impact a child's academic future!
Since the formation of Cincinnati Reads in 2001, volunteer and school participation in Ohio Reads has increased dramatically. In addition, existing Ohio Reads programs are becoming more effective and accountable as a result of Cincinnati Reads' involvement. Cincinnati Reads merged with one of its founding agencies, The Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati, in June 2002, and is funded by a number of local foundations.
To volunteer, contact:
Julie Steimle
Director of Children's Services
The Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati
513-784-0450
jsteimle@lngc.org
635 W. Seventh Street Suite 103
19 Broadcast Plaza
Cincinnati, OH 45203
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