“Sometimes the needs for small businesses pop up fairly often and asking someone to do something quickly for you is a lot easier when they are anticipating your needs.” Branding a Doctor’s OfficeĪlthough Sepia Studio just got up and running at the start of the year, the division already has a number of projects under its belt, including a graphics roll-out for a new, contemporary OB/GYN office in Chicago. “These subscription services will allow the client to connect with us about monthly needs,” says Kaufman. For clients, it will operate like having a design partner on retainer for an ease of ordering and connecting with someone who’s more of a brand partner rather than just a freelancer or an agency.
The new division is also offering subscription design services, which enable clients with more frequent design needs to more easily allocate their requests and budgets. Sepia Studio’s initial design services include brand identity, marketing collateral, environmental graphics, and social media/digital design. “The sky’s the limit on what we can do.” Serving Clients
MGMT GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO INSTALL
“I think now more than ever, we realize that we want to offer clients a full solution from the idea in their brain to the install on their wall,” says Kaufman. With the new in-house division, Cushing is now able to offer more. Prior to Sepia Studio, Cushing offered design tweaks or help with simple design set-ups of products like fliers, brochures, and business cards. “Knowledge of the print industry can change the course of a design project for the better, and I plan to bring my print expertise to this new division,” she said, in a press release.
MGMT GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO PROFESSIONAL
Kaufman has worked over seven years as a freelance graphic designer and print professional and has been working at Cushing as Graphics Supervisor for several years. “We love sharing a client’s story using the tools in our toolbox, which is a knowledge of good design, material applications, practical printing experience, and a track record of using marketing budgets efficiently,” said Eich, in a press release. Her work has appeared on the shelves of major retailers, including Target. Eich brings over twenty years of design experience working with consumers and small businesses. Managing Designer Amanda Eich and Design Director Julia Kaufman head up the all-new Sepia Studio. “I think our best client is direct to corporate America rather than through some sort of go-between contractor or another designer.” “To get put in front of the decision makers early is a crucial step in any business cycle,” says Cushing. In addition to filling this niche, Cushing is hoping that the new division gets them a spot at the table much earlier. Cushing, executive vice president at Cushing.
“There really isn’t a go-between option for corporate America between in-house graphics or going to a big-time agency and maybe paying more than you want or being forced to make more commitments than you want,” says Joseph X. Sepia Studio was established to address customer requests for a full-service graphic design and print experience, but it also filled a void not only in Cushing itself but the industry as a whole. The company didn’t stop there, however, and took advantage of the changing landscape to launch its long-planned in-house creative division, Sepia Studio. In fact, you may remember our interview with them from Episode 2 of our Shop Talk Podcast where they talked about keeping employees on, applying for the PPP loan, and pivoting to COVID-19 products. Over the last year, the industry has demonstrated resiliency and the ability to pivot in the face of never-before-seen challenges and change.Ĭhicago-based Cushing & Co., is just one example of such a sign company. One of the silver linings to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic is the ingenuity and creativity shown by sign shops across the industry.