modern8 eNews: November 2003

Like last November, this issue of the modern8 eNews looks back to reprise some of the most important projects and initiatives of the past twelve months. Though this marks only the second anniversary of the name modern8, some of our clients and employees go back to over 20 years in business.

"We are different, and that is by design." So begins the opening paragraph to the Dunn Associates, Structural Engineering website completed in July. Ron Dunn, president of Dunn Associates, believes that engineering is a creative activity that spawns more answers than questions. He wanted a website that not only reflected his "different" dictum but also served as a working tool for the company. The Dunn website graphics combine illustrations of interior spaces and photographs using animated Flash technology. Designed and programmed by modern8, the website reflects the brand position of Dunn Associates as a forward-thinking, progressive firm. The site is at: www.dunn-se.com.

You get on the elevator on the first floor. By the time you reach the third floor, can you tell someone what business you're in and have them understand it? Can you also explain what differentiates your business? And why it matters? Having a succinct elevator pitch is not only a good marketing tool but can lead to defining who you are, what you stand for and why customers should place faith in your products or services -- the very substance of branding.

In the "What We Do" section of the modern8 website you'll find our elevator pitch.

Young Electric Sign Company designs and builds custom signs -- whether for Las Vegas Spectaculars or a routed sign at an Inn in Jackson, Wyoming. The September issue of the Yescozette, the oversize publication we produce for YESCO, was on the subject of "contrast". Interior, exterior, high or low, illuminated or not, we photographed signs all over the western United States and contrasted the diverse capabilities of the company. The 10" x 14" full color periodical is created for YESCO customers and employees. We design and direct the photography, writing and printing of the publication.

"Utah Architecture Comes of Age" was the subject of the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects' annual conference. A geographically inspired building illustrates the theme in a brochure we designed to promote the event. The design will also be applied to conference materials distributed at the conference.

Shawn Johnson joined modern8 in June and formed the Visual Merchandising Group to bring retail services together with branding and design under one roof. The Group provides visual merchandising, store presentation, layout and brand consulting through design, technology and trend identification.

Shawn has numerous career successes in the field and has worked and managed projects for well-known national and regional companies including NordicTrack, The North Face, Park City Mountain Resort, Powerfood and Gart Sports. To learn more about the modern8 Visual Merchandising Group, contact Shawn Johnson at our regular number, 801-355-9541, or shawn@modern8.com.

NIC, who manages more eGovernment services than any provider in the world, is featured in a Case Study on the modern8 website. In June NIC concluded the five-step branding process known as 5d -- Discover, Distill, Depict, Design, Deploy -- used by modern8 to implement a Perception Branding program. 5d is the process by which the brand becomes a physical presence.

The NIC Case Study analyzes in detail, the problem and solutions in the comprehensive branding overhaul, showing before and after images. We invite you to tour the Case Study at: www.modern8.com.