Catalyst Studios - News

Catalyst Studios + The Nerdery Overnight Website Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (jason rysavy) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:45:00 +0000

Catalyst Studios has put together a team to participate in the Nerdery Overnight Website Challenge. In a nutshell, here's what it's all about. Nonprofit organizations get paired up with a team to build them a new online experience. Last year there were 12 nonprofits and 12 interactive teams participating. The kicker is that there are only 24 hours to complete the website.

We take that challenge. We put together team Rainbow Ponycakes which is made up of Catalyst Studios' employees along with the addition of a few friends (some of them past employees) to make something amazing in a day. You can meet our team and read our bio here.

The event takes place on March 20-21, 2010 and we're all looking forward to it. What a great way to help a select group of nonprofits who otherwise wouldn't be able to invest $30-$40K in a website. Kudos to The Nerdery for putting this event together.

Learn more about the Overnight Website Challenge here.

tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,

An Intern For All Seasons

noreply@blogger.com (Catalyst Studios) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:53:00 +0000

We have a problem at Catalyst. The problem lies in our abundance of ideas and strong connection to an awesomeness in our people, but very little time to execute the ideas the way they should be. Our clients know us as a great team with great ideas and great results, so when they ask us to do the work we love, we drop all of our internal projects and jump on the opportunity. Watching our ideas executed in other places by other people has us chomping at the bit to race to some project finishes. We need more time. Honestly, we're working hard over here and loving it. No one is complaining about the steady fun workload, but everyone wants to see the ridiculous crap that shoots from our brains hit the street and make a fuss! We need someone to help us get ridiculous. Here's what we propose: Let's get an intern!

This person needs to move on their own, make mistakes left and right, and then brainstorm their way out of it.
Great design and ideas need to smack them in the face and make them dance in their seat, run to their notepad, or stare in amazement.
We want an intern who gets it. They live smart and they love smart... smart as in ideas, challenge, growth, fun, the inane, the ridiculous, etc...
We have some ideas and projects to start you off, so get your running shoes on. Get ready to learn, because we'll throw a bunch of techniques and skills at you. Eat a big breakfast, because we'd hate to have your blood sugar crash in the middle of an idea.

Are you ready? We're ready for you! Send us a line at careers@catalyststudios.com

Small business, tight credit: Virtual forum on MN Public Radio (MPR)

noreply@blogger.com (jason rysavy) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:17:00 +0000

On Sept 9th, I was invited to participate (along with 8 other small business owners) in a virtual forum with MPR to discuss credit for small businesses and the challenges of keeping the money flowing in this recession. We discussed many topics, from the struggle to raise capital to how credit cards are used for business to skipping on credit altogether and going strictly cash based. It didn't surprise me how difficult this economy has been on most of the businesses in the forum. What did surprise me was that without hesitation, when we were all asked if it was a good time to start a business, we all agreed that it was. I guess I'm no different than the other business owners out there with my thinking that even in a down economy, if you're passionate about your business, you can make pretty much anything work. Here are the participants: Moderated by Michael Caputo, MPR, as part of the Public Insight Network (citizen journalism). Jason Rysavy, founder Catalyst Studios Amy Goetz, founder Bramblewood Treats Michael Schaffer, president, M.A. Schaffer Accounting Services Brian Lueth - Credit Union President, Partner in Manuf. Business Crystal Pollard, owner Bellies to Babies Brady Jass, president B&H Manufacturing Mickey McCabe, owner Q. Cumbers restaurant Shawn Sheely, founder Analog Interactive Josh Blanc - owner Clay Squared You can see the entire forum here. Thanks for reading. @jasonrysavy tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,

Drawing the line on transparency

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Fallon) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:57:00 +0000

We here at Catalyst believe in exposing our true selves (some call it transparency). We always have. It’s not that we’re just jumping on the bandwagon to show our trend smarts. We buy it. It feels right. We have nothing to hide (well, almost nothing). We’re now just trying to figure out where to draw the line. For instance, is it interesting to see our work in progress? Some of us think so. phase 1 website (blog format) phase 2 website (home) phase 2 website (client timeline/relationship) phase 2 website (about us) Our principal suggested that I post this. It makes me kind of queasy to throw something out there that’s so raw, so imperfect, only to solicit opinions that may very well lean negative. But I said that I’d do it. For the sake of conversation. It’s work in progress: a phased new site. The look is based on our new identity and the phases based on having a very busy development team who won’t be able to touch phase 2 for a while. And we’re trying to keep it simple. I’m told that a monkey can run phase 1 site. How much is too much? Does an agency benefit from showing their early thinking, their messy home? Do you trust us more knowing that we’re willing to expose our work in the early stages or is it just plain uninteresting. You can say what you’re thinking. We promise, you won’t hurt our feelings. We’re just curious. Thanks, Mary Follow us on Twitter: @catalyststudios or look at our old site (that's still live). tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,

Spanked but hopefully not forgotten

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Fallon) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:57:00 +0000

Thanks to our friends at Sevnthsin for putting on the 2009 Mpls. Ping Pong Championships last Friday. A good time was had by all. While we may not have made it through double elimination, our pride remains intact. Ping Pong artisans? Maybe not. But we’d like to think that not everyone can sport short shorts and white after Labor Day. Congrats to the other winners. check out the photo recap on flickr tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,

Go for a Social Not-Working ride with us!

noreply@blogger.com (jason rysavy) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:30:00 +0000

On Friday, August 28th, we, Catalyst Studios will be pedaling around town on a portable beer garden, heckling other agencies who have to work. We've got 5 or 6 open seats and want you to join us. Drinks, lunch and shenanigans are on us from 11-1pm. Just tell us why we should take you. Want to interview for one of our open positions? Looking for feedback on your new logo? Or do you simply need to get away from your co-workers for a while? Come on, it's a great time to Not-work! Check it out and apply! tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,

It's time to rebrand Catalyst

noreply@blogger.com (jason rysavy) — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:11:00 +0000

After nearly 10 years, we're changing up our look. I guess the starkness of the green, white and grey just finally got to us. This stuff is all just work in progress, but it gives you an idea where Catalyst is going. A lot more modern with more personality. Not quite sure where it will all land, so stay tuned. What do you think? Let us know. These images are pulled from a leave behind piece for new prospects. Compared to the old leave behind, which was nothing, these are awesome! This is our first stab, by the way. Final stuff is much lighter on the cutesy eyeball characters...at least that's what we thought a couple weeks ago anyway. Good quote. Pretty much sums up our work. Although I have to admit, we never really feel like we're going out on a limb. We're just doing what works. And clients like that. Cheesy? Well, it's true. There's nothing wrong with enjoying what you do and the clients you work with. And we can tell if you don't want to be hugged. Jason Rysavy @jasonrysavy @catalyststudios tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,

Catalyst Studios welcomes interactive designer Bryce Howitson

noreply@blogger.com (jason rysavy) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:58:00 +0000

Not to be confused with Howitzer, Bryce is still a force to be reckoned with. What can we say, Bryce came in and we liked what we saw, it's that simple. Sticking to our core values of being an idea shop first and producers of great work second, we feel that Bryce fits perfectly. His hybrid nature will augment our extremely dynamic interactive team perfectly. Bryce comes to us from Antidote X where he worked on accounts such as Allianz Life, American Standard, Eljer, CH Robinson Worldwide, Jennie-O Turkey, Guidant, AdFed Minnesota, Mima and more. He also teaches at Miami Ad School and writes for the Evanto Tutorial Network (flashtuts). Wow, huh? Welcome aboard Bryce. @howitson's not tweeting much, but if he gets 100s of followers, I'm sure he'll start. In his own words, "Evil rainbow gradients beware." You can also all help Bryce answer this question. tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,

Smart Moves by Digital Agencies

noreply@blogger.com (jason rysavy) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:33:00 +0000

AdWeek just published an article about how agencies are adapting to leverage the best ways to connect with consumers while saving money. Sounds crazy/impossible but it's happening. You can read more, but the thing we think is most important about all of this is that it brings more focus on the strategic, thinking part of design. If more of the clients (within our profession) begin to view our greatest value at the strategic, thinking level, everyone benefits. Clients engage us sooner, at the right stage and the results will be much stronger. Agencies will have the information they need to do their best thinking and work, as well as the motivation that stems from feeling like a true partner. Short term, budgets might be incrementally smaller, but the long term benefits of a deeper, more strategic relationship will be a tide that "raises all the boats." tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,

Why is it so hard to find job listings on corporate careers sites?

noreply@blogger.com (jason rysavy) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:04:00 +0000

Recently, I discovered a pretty common branding problem that really surprised me. While researching corporate job boards for a project (we recently launched kohlscareers.com, Kohl's recruiting site), I noticed that the majority of the sites were well-branded until you hit the jobs/career section. Once you arrive, the brand becomes almost invisible. It’s as if you’ve left the site you were on. The reason for this is simple. So many companies buy and integrate one of the ‘candidate application’ tools. These tools are great for putting a solid, online application process in place. But unless these process tools are appropriately branded, a candidate is going to feel a shift away from the brand and everything it represents. I understand why this happens – it’s much easier and much less expensive to let the software company apply your logo and some other simple elements of your brand to the “job search” section. But if great candidates are turned off or turn away, that’s going to cost that company handsomely, in terms of HR resources. Does it really save money to let the branding fall down in the area of employment? Feel free to search the Kohl's Careers site for a job. It's super easy. And who knows, maybe you'll find your next career. @catalyststudios tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,

Now Hiring - ActionScript Developer

jared.lukes@catalyststudios.com (Jared Lukes) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:16:00 +0000

Interactive Flash / Ajax Developer Full time, salaried Catalyst Studios, a team of interactive and digital specialists, is seeking an interactive developer who has the skills, passion, and unique qualities that will continue raising the level of our interactive team. This is not an entry level position and will be responsible for hands on programming both individually and in teams. A deep understanding of the user experience is required for this position that will work closely with our designers to deliver a very high caliber client side experience on the web. Detail oriented focus is important and you must be able to provide options and be helpful in making decisions around visual and motion trade-offs with designers as projects move through development. Required Skills

Flash AS 2.0
XHTML / CSS (validating)
DHTML (Jquery, Prototype, Scriptaculous)
API / Web Services integration with REST / SOAP
XML
Mac OS X
Source Control
Cross Browser Testing

Desired Skills

Flash AS 3.0
SWF Address
Jquery
Information Architecture
C# .Net
PHP
MS SQL
MySql

Bonus Skills

Java
Flex
Papervision 3D
Video Editing
Motion Design
CMS experience

Pay is based on experience and work examples. Extremely competitive benefits package which include 100% health coverage, matching 401K, free downtown parking, education budget, 4 weeks of paid time off and more. Plus other fantastic agency stuff like free beer and a Wii, to name a few. Our favorite benefit is our ability to manage projects to scope which means we rarely work overtime. APPLY NOW tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,

Kudos to Hyundai

noreply@blogger.com (jason rysavy) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:49:00 +0000

I'm upset. I work in the industry where ideas are king. Newness is necessary. In the midst of this economic crisis I couldn't help but hone in on the auto companies. I was irate at the GM commercial blitz during the football playoffs. In a time when you need to do something drastic, instead of changing from within and taking some personal accountability, you decide to ask the government to bail you out. Here's an example of not changing. I must have seen 30-40 GM commercials during the playoffs (and I only watched a few games) advertising your red tag event. Seriously? Wow, the price on the tag is the price you get? Haven't we all heard that same campaign for the last 10 years? Haven't you learned that what you've been doing in the past hasn't been working? It's time for change, not sameness. For once, try something new, something different, something that will actually spark a would-be buyer to take notice. No, I'm not talking about another finance offer. And guess what else, the next campaign you tried fails too. The one that says something that's apparently unique about your vehicles and the spot ends with "From GM...surprised?" No GM, I don't think any of us are surprised. Then I saw the Hyundai ad. The one where they talk about the economy and troubling times and offer to buy the vehicle back from you if you lose your job. Now that's brilliant, compelling and emotionally engaging. And from what I can tell, not a huge investment. Do you see the difference, GM? They started with an idea that would strike at the emotions of a consumer...maybe even get someone who's on the fence about buying, worried about their job, to consider making the purchase and benefiting this economy. Maybe you want me to blame your ad agency for the lack of engagement? Well, you're the one who hired them and approved the campaigns so I'm looking at you instead. As for the employees of GM and Chrysler, the only people you should be upset with is your employers. This isn't a government issue, this is a mismanagement issue. I'm certainly torn on the idea of a bailout, looking at it more to save your job than to save the company, but regardless, if they don't start making some changes, they deserve to disappear. I'm not auto-maker expert. But I am in the business of creating engaging experiences. More importantly, I'm a consumer. There's not much GM or Chrysler could do to win my business. I see failure all over them. Maybe I'm still reeling from the fact that GM thought a Hummer would be a good idea. As for Ford, I used to be on the fence. But something changed in the early 2000s. The cars they started creating just made more sense. I've been following @scottmonty (Ford's social media guy) on Twitter for quite a while and have appreciated what he has had to say. Whether Ford needs the bailout or not, I think it was a brilliant move for them to say they didn't and they'll be fine. A little confidence never hurt anybody. I'm in the market for a vehicle, something that supports my third child that's on the way. I was starting to think the AWD Ford Flex, but now I'm wondering what my options are with Hyundai (besides the minivan). @jasonrysavy tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,

It's ridiculously official...

noreply@blogger.com (jason rysavy) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:47:00 +0000

We (I) have not made a news post in quite some time. Why? It's simple really, it's called Twitter. Catalyst tends to spread all our news on Twitter and I feel like I'm repeating myself here, only in a much more ramble-ramble sort of way. Here's a few excerpts from catployees on Twitter from the last few days. And yes, some of them are nonsense, but it certainly gives you an up to the minute idea of our banter. Follow us on Twitter to experience more, or to find out exactly what is going on around Catalyst. ---------------- Me: @jasonrysavy Wow, office mate just got a snuggie-See him here Order here: http://getsnuggie.com back at the office after another new biz meeting, trends continue to show that companies are looking for smarter smaller agencies tonight we exchange white elephant gifts at our office party-my gift a few yrs back (no worries, Jesus is inside) http://tinyurl.com/8te2wj ---------------- Interactive Director @jaredlukes: right now I've got 1/2 the office doing my work so I can write case studies, hoo wee! back from another new biz at one of my larger corporate clients, always feel so bad for folks who fight an uphill battle with their IT dept having a conversation about tag clouds with one of my designers, realizing that we don't really see the value navigationally or suggestively ---------------- Interactive Designer @jsnsck making cookies with team Emeril at the catalyst holiday party. oh yeah babe (talking dirty to the eggs). UR V8K8SH1 iz baqon. ---------------- Director of Client Service @btreinen Will be at 37,000 feet for the swearing in. :( Send updates so I can feel a part of it at touchdown. Whew. Finally done posting photos of Catalyst's holiday party, held last night. Check it out is developing social marketing strategies for a client. ---------------- Developer @andrewnorell 1 for 3 in attempts at grabbing a "lipstick-less" coffee mug. @paulwichser I can show you where it says that programming concerns by no means trump Workamajig ones, and are not inherently more valuable. hey MS Jet-SQL, can't you make COALESCEing, INNER JOINing, paginating stored procedures easier to write/understand? ---------------- Marketing Director @christinajacksn wow, in awe to see Catalyst Studios' work during the Golden Globes. I just had to pull this one...c'mon! :) just had a great meeting with @jasonrysavy. Grateful for his time/wisdom and acknowledged cynicism. ---------------- Interactive Project Manager @megan_potter Figured out how to create a schedule in Workamajig. But, wow, do they look ugly. I want to ask questions. But everybody seems to be taking a late lunch. ---------------- Designer @carlschultze waiting for what must be a rather large omnigraffle file (cough cough @jaredlukes) If I'm sick tomorrow, I blame it on Jenn's 1970s "Old Fitzgerald Prime Bourbon" ---------------- Developer and IT guy @paulwichser I screamed myself hoarse at #catbowl (Ad League, for all you extras) Workamajig users: how do you track Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time in the system? That's it. Twhirl is out of my life. AIR runs like crap on the mac, just like Flash. I mean, c'mon Adobe, static pictures+txt=slow? ---------------- If you want a list of all the Catalyst folks on Twitter, here you go. tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst, twitter,

Catalyst Mixer '08

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Norell) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:45:00 +0000

On Friday Catalyst hosted it's annual Mixer party. It turned out to be a hit, with great food and drinks, awesome DJ's, lots of activities, and most importantly, plenty of fun guests. The "guest book" took up an entire wall, there were three live video feeds, and live updates being shown both at the party, as well as being posted online. One of the popular pastimes was partaking in the digital photobooth that Catalyst created for the event, with over 500 photos taken by guests and shown at the party. Check them out on our Flickr stream. tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst, mixer, party, catalyst mixer

Non-tradional Advertising WILL outperform your TV spot!

noreply@blogger.com (jason rysavy) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:47:00 +0000

Last week we threw down a challenge to corporate America. It went something like this: Work with us and apply one television spot budget toward a non-traditional advertising program. To make the challenge irresistible, we'll guarantee business results of 50 percent over an average television spot. Why the challenge? "It blows my mind that companies will spend half a million dollars creating a television spot that reaches a broadly defined demographic, of which a substantial number will delete or "Tivo" out of their television experience," says Jason Rysavy, Catalyst Studios principal. "Even for the audience that does see the spot, it's an anonymous broadcast, meaning, once you've reached them, you know nothing more about them and have no way of following up in the future. You gain no new insights, no e-mail address, and no ongoing discussion about your brand." I won't copy the entire release, but encourage you to read the full press release here. tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst

Latest Target Art for All piece goes live!

noreply@blogger.com (jason rysavy) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:43:00 +0000

We've released our latest spot, "Art Interacts," part of the Art for All campaign created for Target. Target's bullseye is the star of the piece, taking the audience on a journey into an endless world of activity. Well, eventually it ends...but you get the point. To date, the Art for All campaign has been honored with awards by Communication Arts, ID, and HOW magazines, as well as the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association, AdFed and the Association of Independent Commercial Producers. We had the pleasure of partnering with Eyeball to bring our concept to life. Take a look, watch it a few times, you'll find something new every time. Unless, of course, if you watch it 100 times, then you'll have it memorized. Enjoy! Watch the spot. tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,

A new game for Best Buy's social networking site, BlueShirt Nation!

noreply@blogger.com (jason rysavy) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:05:00 +0000

BACKGROUND Catalyst Studios partnered with Best Buy to create an online game on Social Network, BlueShirt Nation. How cool is that? How often does any agency get a project that has parameters like, "Make it cool, super addictive, funny, a bit twisted...or whatever else you guys want." WHAT IT IS/HOW IT WORKS Orbit is an online game Catalyst Studios created for Best Buy's internal community site, www.blueshirtnation.com. Best Buy wanted to create a game that would introduce and evangelize their large employee audience on a new service offering named, "Best Buy Mobile." Because more than half of the 140,000 employees are under 24 years old, it was important that this message engaged them repeatedly in a fun, playful and competitive way. Orbit is a platform, arcade-style format with contemporary graphics and humorous sound effects. A leader board allows employees to see high scores, company-wide, and compete with each other. After every game, the player is taunted by a little trash-talk from the game itself, no matter how high the score. While the game is branded with information about "Best Buy Mobile," it doesn't detract from the game play and overall fun. GOAL OF THE GAME To achieve high participation rates, repeat visits/play time, and positive feedback. A direct quote from our client, Jackie Osking, BlueShirtNation.com producer: "The Orbit game has really caught on with our BlueShirt Nation users -they've described it as fun and addictive." One note left on the message board captures the effectiveness of drawing players in and keeping them engaged: "Must go to sleep now." "Working with Catalyst was amazing", said Jackie Osking, BlueShirtNation.com producer. They bring lots of fun and creativity to the table; it's clear they love to make games. Way to go Best Buy for investing in your employees...again...brilliant! Further proof that social networks in general -- have the power to improve the kinds of communications that drive business results. tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst, best buy, social network, blueshirt nation, blue shirt nation, bsn,

Betsy Treinen to speak at Retail Advertising Conference (RAC) Lite South Africa

noreply@blogger.com (jason rysavy) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:43:00 +0000

Betsy Treinen, Catalyst's prized Director of Strategy/Client Services, will Present 'Risk/Rewards: The Road To Brand Innovation' at Retail Advertising Conference (RAC) Lite South Africa - 2008 South Africa's First Ever Retail Advertising Conference: August 12th in Johannesburg and August 14th in Cape Town. Betsy asks: How willing are you to take risks with your brand in the name of innovation? Or perhaps the question should be, how much can you afford not to? Betsy will speak about the risks -- and the phenomenal rewards -- that come along the road to brand innovation. In addition to Catalyst Studios, other speakers include: Bob Thacker, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Advertising, OfficeMax, Manny Palomo, Group Creative Director, Best Buy, Ruby Anik, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing, J.C. Penney Company. They'll share some exclusive retail advertising concepts with South African retailers and others involved in the retail/advertising industries. If you're interested in learning more about the conference check out the RAC LITE South Africa site. Or take a look at the full press release on reuters. tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst, rac, rama, rac lite, brand innovation,

Jason Rysavy judges the 59th Annual ADCMW show. Whoa.

noreply@blogger.com (jason rysavy) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:48:00 +0000

First off, ADCMW stands for Art Directors Club of Metropolitan Washington. Second off, Jason was one of the inaugural interactive/web judges along with JD Hooge and Ryan Goodwin. The 59th Annual Show Web and Interactive Winners included Hirshorn Zuckerman Design Group, Design Army, Poccuo and Fleishman-Hillard. We'd love to show you the winning entries, but the ADCMW has yet to post links. So for now, you can take a look at their site if you'd like. tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,

Catalyst Studios + Flickr = 10,000 clicks

noreply@blogger.com (jason rysavy) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:05:00 +0000

A short while ago we started documenting daily antics at Catalyst Studios on our flickr site. Every day around here is magical, and we just want to share it with you all. Well, turns out we've been spotted, because at 11:15 this morning, our 10,000th image was clicked. Let's see how quick we can make it 20,000 clicks. Stay tuned for more Catalyst Studios at a glance! See our space and get to know our people...and look for giveaways too. Catlyst Studios on Flickr tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,

Pin in a Ham Stack

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Norell) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:52:00 +0000

We'll let the video do all the talking. Pin in a Hamstack tags: pin in a ham stack, office sabotage, catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,

Special Ops

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Norell) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:02:00 +0000

This morning a “clandestinely covert operation” was carried out at our competitors’/friends’ base in the North Loop, also affectionately known as “Swine in the Icebox.” Upon review during the debriefing, the mission was deemed a success. Hamployees may find themselves harassingly challenged to a bowling tournament via the act of littering plastic novelty toys. Or not. I suppose it depends on their interpretation of the newly decorated office. Stay tuned, as surveillance footage of the operatives may emerge soon. Some Incriminating Evidence tags: covert operation, inter-office challenge, catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,

Catalyst hires singer, songwriter, social media guru, Andy Dunbar

noreply@blogger.com (jason rysavy) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:20:00 +0000

So we brought in Andy Dunbar to explore and experiment with social media. So yeah, we have a facebook page, a flickr stream of daily photos in and around the office, myspace, we're on vimeo, youtube, twitter, etc. It's all good. We hear so much about social media, but what we're finding is that nobody really knows what to do with it. We've been to conferences where so called social media experts talk about how they really don't know what they're doing with it. We've sat in round tables with other experts who claim it will go away (what?). Well, since bringing on Dunbar, we're putting it to work for our clients, and oddly enough, making them more money and helping them launch products. It's brilliant actually. Watch Andy's debut. tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst, dunbar, andy dunbar, youtube,

Can you guess? – Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Carl Schultze) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:32:00 +0000

Ok, let's try this again: Has Catalyst again created an uber-awesome-you-can't-not-look pattern or are these just Ellen's pants? Get the answer to 'Can you guess – Part 1' here. tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,

HOW Design Blog features Catalyst Studios

noreply@blogger.com (jason rysavy) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:08:00 +0000

Catalyst's partnership with Target on the Art for All campaign was recently picked up by the HOW Design blog. Thanks, HOW! If you don't subscribe to HOW Design Magazine, you should. I know that some designers claim putting their work in design publications does little more than give them credit with their peers. But one lucrative client of ours came directly from seeing our work in HOW. HOW writes great articles about the business of design, going beyond just pretty pictures. Take a look at the How Magazine's Design Blog Art for All feature. tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst, HOW, HOW design blog, HOW magazine, Art for All, target,