modern8 eNews: January 2002

The official publication of the Utah Division of Community and Economic Development, Business Utah 2002 is a special annual issue of Utah Business Magazine. Published just in time for the Olympics, the edition is expected to receive wide distribution to companies and individuals interested in the business climate of the state. Topics addressed in the publication include the top reasons for doing business in Utah, myths about the state and a focus on business regions. modern8 designed and directed the entire issue, with the interior designed by Maralee Lassiter and the cover photo of Gov. Leavitt, shot by Michael Schoenfeld, from a design concept by Randall Smith.

Becden Dental Labs has completed the first phase of a re-branded web site, at www.becdendental.com

The effort brings the company's Internet presence in line with the branding previously established in the printed media. Becden provides dentists nationwide with cosmetic and aesthetic solutions for their patients. The site features educational information, before and after pictures and links to suppliers. The HTML-based site was designed and programmed in-house by modern8 employees.

Two years in the making, A Legacy of Light is a 72-page book on the history of Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO). Heavily illustrated with photos from over 80 years of sign making, the book is a nostalgic look at advertising icons that most people will recognize. The book includes local landmarks, like the Snelgrove ice cream cones and the Dee burger clown as well as Las Vegas symbols, like the Stardust Hotel and "Vegas Vic". The back of the book features a three-page foldout chronology that visually highlights YESCO's entire history. modern8 completely re-designed this second edition of the book, eliminating irrelevant stock photography and adding historical photos and artifacts from the extensive YESCO visual archive.

NIC, the nation's largest provider of online government services, must craft a clear sales message that cuts through government bureaucracy. modern8 re-designed an existing Power Point presentation that emphasized the human aspect of online services. Photos of people were added and graphs were designed to bring clarity to detailed information. The completed presentation is used to explain the services of NIC to state and local governments nationwide.

This semester begins Randall's fourteenth year instructing part-time at the University of Utah Graphic Design Department. Along with an occasional studio class, Randall consistently teaches "History of Graphic Design". The class is an overview of the history of graphic communication from the invention of the written language to the digital era, with emphasis on the twentieth century. Randall's involvement with students provides modern8 welcome opportunities for internships and fresh ideas. This year the class is interrupted with a major break for the Olympics.

Considering our close proximity, we're both excited and apprehensive about operating the business during the Olympics. Our new office, at 561 West 200 South, is less than two blocks from the downtown fenced-off area. We anticipate some hassles parking or getting to and from the office, but it will be fun to walk over for a taste of Olympic excitement. If you need to visit us, you might want to call for a status report first. (Can we get in trouble using the Audi logo with the Gill Sans typeface?)

In case you missed out on the last eNews, modern8 is the new name for some old faces. Randall Smith (a very old face) of Smith Sligting Partners, is the Creative Director, together with a team of employees that go back many years. modern8 is the modern name for a company that has a lot of experience, but doesn't want to call attention to names. We're graphic designers that work in both traditional and new media to solve communication and marketing problems.

Kyle Iman, modern8's newest designer, is staying up late with his newest creation, Abram, born to his wife Diane last month. / Peter Esko, University of Utah Graphic Design student, has just joined modern8 for a semester internship. / Detail work at the new office is wrapping up; fans are installed, carpet is in. Watch for an Open House after the Olympics. / 8man T-shirts went fast. Call if you didn't get yours.

modern8
561 West 200 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
801-355-9541 Same Phone
801-355-6309 Same Fax