Charlestown Cultural Art District Logo/Brand design

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

I think contests are great, because you are the client. You get to design whatever you want. And you get to showcase it selfishly on your own blog. 

Recently I submitted my own design for Charlestown, Louisiana's new cultural art district.

There were looking for something simple, that could also be used for street banners, postcards, window clings you get the picture.

After emailing the director of the arts and science council with some specific questions. I was ready to dazzle.

Quickly I threw something together that I thought was right on and sent it out. Now this was on a Saturday and I couldn't believe that the director was emailing me back. 

She responded with "you have mad talent" comment which I have to say is one of my favorite testimonials to date and wanted to share my results with you.

They haven't picked a winner yet, but I heard I set the bar high.

Widmer Poster contest - no dice

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

My Widmer poster placed 4th out of 30 or so entries. I'm bummed, but will continue the fight for good design and perfecting my beer burps.

Auer Agency chosen to design Union County Military Family Assistance Project

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

Earlier today I received a call from a business associate asking if I would be interested in designing the logo and branding for an new initiative for military families. I didn't even hesitate. The person that called me told me that her husband will be back for 4 days during Easter and then deployed to Iraq for an entire year leaving her to fend financially for her family.

Others have felt the pinch of the economy as well, as the main breadwinners are unable to contribute due to their tour of duty.

So she and others have formed a task force where they are asking businesses in Union County outlying cities to get involved by offering discounts or other assistance to military families. Once the brand is designed we will be able to create promotional materials such as a door sticker that can be placed on business's doors and windows showing their involvement.  

I feel that my small contribution to get the word out there is so important and vital. And I'm honored to help out.

Man Down! Lance Armstrong Breaks Collar Bone

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com | www.aueragencycom

Reports are slowly coming out and video showing the aftermath as we watch our superhero crash and burn in Spain Monday. Lance we are here for you!! Get better faster, cycling needs you back.

YOu know us moutain bikers call that Endo. and back in 1996 I did a cool endo boy jersey design when I was working at Giordana. I wonder if anyone has that jersey. Hmmm....

Widmer Beer Poster Design

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com |  www.aueragency.com

We can't all work all the time right?  I took some time off to drink some flavorful beers with local distributor Chris Squier while he educated me about Widmer's cloudy beers. And of course, you have to have them with a lemon to bring out the flavors. Being an avid Bud Light girl, I was delightfully surpised and may have a new go-to beer.

So the point of all this? Widmer had a poster contest celebrating their 25th year anniversary. And I thought I can't design a poster without any research or background info.  So while taste testing their different beers, well I had to do a photoshoot and couldn't waste all that beer, I came up with these two ideas.

The background is a collage of 25 years of labels and the glass is a custom designed glass that Widmer offers with their beers.  I did a photoshoot of  the beer glass (found out that you have to use two beers to fill it.) And the other poster has pics of the brewery and one lucky happy guy sitting at the bar. I know it's tiny you can't see all these details but a lot of thought and beer burps goes into these.

Chris helped a lot and is probably one of the nicest guys I've ever met. And he is very passionate about what he does and who he works for.  He works hard to get the name out there, and helps restaurants and events with sponsorships.

And if I win? I get either $500 cash or a trip to Seattle for the 25th year anniversary party. Hmmm not sure, pay bills or go to Seattle and party with the Widmer brothers??? I'll let you know.

Rock Racing Celebrates on Multiple fronts

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

Rock Racing has one of the coolest team jerseys outs there with the tribal look. Here is some great news about their Vuelta Mexico Telmex win as King of the Mountains. 

www.bicycle.net/2009/rock-racking-celebrates-on-multiple-fronts

If you want a cool jersey like this, give us a call. We design cool jerseys and other apparel.

www.aueragency.com

Apparel Choices for Spring Sports

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com

What are the new Apparel Choices for Spring Sports?

Spring is in the air. And today in Charlotte, NC it's finally sunny and in the 70's and lots of people are playing outside. With so many people jumping on their bikes, getting up early on Saturday for their local 5k or heading to the golf course to beat on some balls, I have noticed some trends even for the casual athlete or sports team.

The end user has become more aware of the new offerings of higher-end items and branded retail names like Nike, Greg Norman and Arnold Palmer have all made their way into the everyday market. 

• Color Your World Green. The color green is showing up everywhere on trim, on hang tags. Companies that don't normally use green in their apparel line is realizing that the consumer is into a new fresh color.
• Fabrics - moving from cotton to high-tech polyester brands involving organic cotton, bamboo, seaweed, lycra and more. People want more advanced fabrics that reflect the demands of even the company softball team. There is even a new one called Cocona made out of coconut shells. People are asking me to source this type of apparel and it's not mainstream yet but I can see it being more available in the coming years.
• Technical fabrics - Under Armour type sports performance tops and bottoms are becoming mainstream. People will pay a little more for something that will last longer, wick away sweat and look good wash after wash.
• Fully sublimated uniforms - softball, baseball and track and field uniforms. You don't just have to paste a number on the back, but you could even print your school mascot or team logo all over the tops and bottoms. This will make you stand out from the pack. For sure!
• Decorating - technology that is available to embellish your order has really changed. The offerings are vast from complex embroidery designs, crystals, direct-to-garment inkjet printing, sublimation and digital printing.
• Small runs and quick turnaround time - Small teams or individuals want their own look. We can design and produce one jersey. The turnaround time is less than 2 weeks. This wasn't heard of 10 years ago. But manufacturers, have found that people want to order small quantities and when they want it.
• Wrap around printing - you can wrap your logo or graphics around the bottom of the t-shirt from front to back. Or you can even do all over printing with as many colors as you want with a sandwich press process.

Give us a call today if your team wants a new look for spring or your company needs some fresh ideas for your retail line. We can source, design and deliver.

www.aueragency.com