Dan Holden, a recent graduate from the International Academy of Design and Technology is a creative individual with a passion for illustration, print, and plain old good design.

Originally from Massachusetts, Dan grew up with a paintbrush in his hand and was constantly drawing and painting. He has won multiple art awards over the years and has the attitude and motivation to be successful at whatever he puts his mind to. Whether he is out for a night on the town or at the golf course he is always admiring and critiquing other design, trying to inspire new ideas or see where it can be improved. Freshly equipped with his BFA in Graphic Design and experience ranging from 3D modeling to package design and photo manipulation, Dan will be a great fit with us here at PeakBiety.

by Megan Plaksiy

A recent intern at PeakBiety branding+advertising, Megan Plaksiy, wrote her thesis at the Art Institute of Tampa on sustainable packaging. We found the information interesting and valuable and wanted to share it. Here’s an excerpt.

BACKGROUND

Packaging in the modern world has changed the way companies focus on sustainability in an effort to minimize their overall carbon footprint. Companies are following the demands of stakeholders and investors, looking to “be green” and “do green,” by decreasing pollutants, lowering their carbon footprints, producing eco-friendly goods, reducing energy use, exploring alternative energy sources, and creating processes that augur for a long-term sustainable enterprise. The term “sustainability” has spilled over to the consumer world, leading to a global movement in reducing carbon emissions and preserving the planet. When searching for a potential company to do business with, consumers will often research the company’s green efforts, selecting the “greener” brand. This is the leading reason why corporations have begun to choose their materials wisely, constantly making sure that their products are as environmentally positive as possible. Eventually, every aspect of modern packaging ends up being impacted by one of the many sustainability precepts. Designers often collaborate on defining the best way to create an environmentally sustainable package.

Traditionally, packaging designers contemplated technical performance, expenses, presentation and regulatory compliance with national and international law when designing a package. Modern designers must now also consider what type of packaging the product will use right down to the materials and their ingredients. What sounds like a simple choice is not an easy task. Just because the designer thinks a certain material would be ideal for a particular product, it does not mean that when the development phase rolls in, the manufacturer will have the necessary resources to purchase such a material or if its attainability is even possible and sustainable at all. To distinguish the significance of design-phase decision-making, packaging professionals measure the environmental effect of their package designs against other common uses and agree thereafter on the best possible solution. Creating a completely and perfectly sustainable product can be very challenging. Every single phase must be considered right from initial idea to final distribution. The challenge of sustainability is that there are so many pieces to the puzzle of what makes a product or material sustainable.

PROBLEM

Communication and informational flow play a great role in packaging. Not only does the consumer need to be informed, so do the warehouse and the distribution chain. However, due to the lack of information known about sustainable packaging by designers and businesses, many misconceptions exist. Packaging is considered to be a part of the product through the whole entirety of the supply chain, meaning the design of the packaging influences the information, features, functions, and cost aspect of a product. With this, packaging is an essential part of the product-selling process and is responsible for bearing information to consumers. There is an overload of recycle/sustainable symbols in the industry that are specific to either one particular subject or material. There needs to be a simple approach for designers, businesses, and consumers to differentiate a package’s sustainable metric between countless packages on the shelf today.

SOLUTION

Purpose: To educate and inform designers, companies and consumers about the materials and frameworks which are currently in the industry for sustainable packaging, so that designers, companies and consumers are able to clearly distinguish sustainable metric for packaging.

Solution: Produce a manual informing designers, companies and consumers about the sustainable options that are currently available within the industry to educate them about the options available. Include the top sustainable and traditional materials to allow designers to be informed of selection available to them before the implementation stage is encountered. Present case studies about current sustainable packaging solutions that are being developed and implemented in the industry today, to show designers possibilities available to them. A framework for sustainable practice would allow the designer and consumer to quickly acknowledge the sustainable metric when comparing packaging. Showcase sustainable packaging through various advertising platforms such as iAd, will allow information to expand to an increasingly diverse body of users.

Megan Plaksiy, an award-winning student at The Art Institute of Tampa, describes herself as a creative professional with a passion for graphic design and its development and execution. With experience in package design and brand development as well as special skills in illustration and digital photography, Megan will be a valuable addition to the PeakBiety creative group.

James Ferrell is a multi-talented student with the Zimmerman Ad Program at the University of South Florida’s School of Mass Communication and will be graduating in May. With interests ranging from account management to music, he describes himself as design conscious, detail oriented, a team player, reliable and occasionally ridiculous. We welcome James and some occasional comic relief.

by Maria Boutzoukas

I can honestly say that during my nine-week internship with PeakBiety, I have learned more than I could have imagined.

On my first day I was told that they had just started a major project and I would basically get to see the process on how a major project is completed from the beginning. I was very excited because even though I have worked on projects for my own clients and for class, I knew that this wasn’t going to be the same. It most definitely wasn’t, especially after spending an entire week researching photos, sketches, and brainstorming. I was able to sit in on meetings to discuss ideas and thoughts on the campaign and how we should go about it.

My second week involved deciding what concepts we were going to work on. We decided on 6 different campaign concepts and went from there. Each concept required a print ad, outdoor billboard, a radio ad, and a TV ad. This involved a lot of sketching, mock-ups, and critiquing.

My school prepared me for this but I didn’t realize how much time and energy is actually put into it. I was used to just coming up with an idea and then using all my time and energy to create the final product. It was a great eye opener. We then ran the 6 concepts by Glen, the president/project supervisor, to get his input and opinion on what concepts to continue with. We decided to work with all six, so we needed to complete all of the concepts for presentation to the client. We created storyboards for the TV ad concepts and the radio ads, and finalized the print ads and billboards. I learned a lot about consistency and alignment when we were going through this process.

Another project surfaced that I got to work on and it was the re-creation of a logo. I was thinking to myself, oh this is a no brainer and it will be a piece of cake…nope, not what I thought at all. I started working on the logo, making sketches like I normally would and just finding a font to use, and then, thinking I was done, I showed it to Amy, the creative director/senior art director. She explained to me what I needed to lay out and show, how I needed to search for different fonts, and try to find a variety of them. It was great because I had no idea that this was the process that a designer needs to go through when making a logo. So I was back to the beginning with a better understanding of what I needed to do. I spent more time than I would have imagined just researching fonts and figuring out which one matches well with another. After doing this, color was added in, and then placement.

Triston, another intern, was also working on this project, and it was great to see how he went about it and what his ideas were. I went from thinking that a logo can be created in a few hours to realizing that it actually takes a lot more time and energy, and has a very important process.

I also learned a lot about time management. We were working on about three or four projects within the same week and I got to see how everything was managed. Everything had a timeline so I couldn’t spend too much time on one thing. I came to the realization that when I work on a project not just for a company but for myself, I really need to map out what days certain steps need to be completed by.

Overall, I feel like working at PeakBiety has been such an amazing experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for an internship position at a place where they want learn and gain lots of experience. It was such a pleasure working there and I would most definitely consider my time well spent.

Maria is graphic design student at the International Academy of Design and Technology. Born and raised in Clearwater, FL, Maria enjoys expressing her creativity in many ways—including graphic design, photography and DJing. You can check out her portfolio here.

PeakBiety welcomes art interns, Triston Thomas and Maria Boutzoukas, this fall.

Triston Thomas attends The Art Institute of Tampa and is majoring in Graphic Design. He describes himself as “a passionate designer with knowledge of editorial, packaging, and branding design, one of humble temperament, and having an unmatched enthusiasm for creating new things.”

Maria Boutzoukas is a student at the International Academy of Design and Technology. Born and raised in Clearwater, FL, Maria enjoys expressing her creativity in many ways—including graphic design, photography and DJing. Maria is also very active in the community, and has designed logos and T-shirts for a variety of organizations.

PeakBiety is pleased to welcome three art interns this quarter.

Lisa Cox is a senior in Graphic Design at the Art Institute of Tampa with past responsibility for all major college marketing materials including flyers, brochures, billboards, posters, email blasts, identity design, and more. Talented, employing both sides of her brain, Lisa is an IT wiz assisting students and faculty with computer software and troubleshooting. In addition to being an awesome designer, she maintains and repairs video, audio and photography equipment for the school. And she’s an active student member of Ad2 Tampa Bay. Is there anything she doesn’t do? We’re trying to figure that out.

Liz Hyler comes to us with a BFA in Graphic Design having graduated May, 2009 from Kansas State University. With extensive freelance design experience under her belt, she is a valued contributor to logo design and brand identity projects. Her award-winning talent has garnered 1st place in K-State’s Forever Proud Young Alumni logo design, runner-up for the K-State Olathe Innovation Campus logo design, and runner-up for K-State’s Center on Aging logo design. Liz is also an AIGA member since 2008 and was an officer in 2009. She’s also a proud member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. With her many accomplishments, accolades and associations, we are honored to have her working with the PeakBiety creative team.

David Miller is a senior at the Art Institute of Tampa working toward a BA in Web Design and Interactive Media. His accomplishments include building a learning assessment tool for The 50 States, constructing an interactive video player component with Adobe Flash and developing a movie trailer titled, The Combo Kid, using Adobe After Effects. David also assisted in the production of a short documentary about Ybor City titled Cigar City. If that’s not enough, David is an IT department associate maintaining equipment rentals, conducting print services for students and faculty, and monitoring computer labs.

PeakBiety is pleased to welcome three art interns this quarter.

Josue Franco is a senior in Graphic Design at the Art Institute of Tampa, and compares himself to an octopus: “Ever changing, shifting and wafting in accordance to its environment, the octopus has a great ability to adapt to its surroundings meticulously. My designs are flexible and adaptable to various approaches, media and styles.”

Alejandro Valdivia is also a senior in Graphic Design at the Art Institute. Alejandro describes himself as a creative problem solver, decision maker and team player, and has several years of freelance experience. He says “I’m a firm believer that simplicity is key. The attention span of the target audience is limited and finding a way through the maze of advertising that is already out there is challenging to say the least. That is why, usually, less is more.”

Nick Brower graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Advertising Design in November. He is eager to gain real-world industry experience and strives to create ads that not only solve problems but are also works of art.

PeakBiety welcomes graphic design interns, Hemi Shimizu and Meghan Buchanan.

Hemi (pronounced emmy), attends the International Academy of Design and Technology in Tampa and is majoring in graphic design. Hemi considers herself not only a graphic designer, but a diverse, persistent and creative illustrator. In the future, she plans to work at targeting Hispanic markets as well as the general market. Diversity not only runs in Hemi’s designs, but in her family, too. Her father is Japanese, her mother is Venezuelan and her husband is American.

Meghan Buchanan, a student at the Art Institute of Tampa, comes with freelance design experience and is a member of AIGA and Ad 2 Tampa Bay. She has worked on numerous projects, including rebranding, advertising campaigns and web site development. Her work was featured in the Design Futures Showcase of 2009. Megan has always had a passion for creative thinking. She strives to be a citizen designer, concerned for the betterment of society and is focusing on the necessity of design.

Both Hemi and Meghan have hit the ground running and have participated in branding research and conceptual illustrations. We are looking forward to what they will bring to the table in the coming months.

Seeking real-world industry experience, Lindsay Churton and Mauri Mohler are spending time as PeakBiety interns this fall.

Lindsay Churton holds a degree in Textiles and Consumer Sciences and a Communications minor from Florida State University. After graduation, she considered joining the Peace Corps, but changed her mind after she was offered a position on the Obama Presidential Campaign.

Lindsay’s passions vary between fashion, visual merchandising and copywriting. Her ideal career path would be joining the creative team of a company that can incorporate all her interests. She states, “PeakBiety has become a wonderful eye opener and starting point for learning how the creative side of advertising evolves.”

Mauri Mohler is a multi-talented 2008 graduate from the University of Florida’s School of Journalism and Communications. As a copywriting intern here at PeakBiety, she works on proofreading and editing projects. She is also interested in graphic design. Mauri explains, “I enjoy working with the nurturing team at PeakBiety and I’m thankful that the agency that has such a strong philosophy about creative strategy.”

After gaining enough experience, Mauri hopes to work for a magazine. She loves catching up on her favorite street fashion and design blogs and hopes these two subjects will be a part of her future career.

by Haris Silic

Finding an internship with an advertising agency in Tampa is not an easy task, to say the least. Hence my uncontrollable joy when Amy Phillips, PeakBiety Creative Director, offered me a summer internship position back in July.

I am a senior at The Art Institute of Tampa, pursuing a BA in Advertising. This degree is quite different than the BFA in Graphic Design, since the focus is more on strategy development and less on creative. However, in order to stay competitive in the industry, I have had to work hard on advancing both my creative execution as well as my strategic skills.

At PeakBiety, I have been able to apply both of those skill sets. I’ve worked on design solutions for their Tampa and central Florida-based clients and created a comprehensive SEO strategy for PeakBiety itself.  I really feel like I have been exposed to all functions of an advertising agency.

Haris giving a presentation on SEO strategy

My advice to anyone looking for an advertising internship in the Tampa Bay area is to stay flexible. Try to obtain as many different skill sets for your tool belt as possible through your education and be able to apply them. Internships at premier advertising agencies in Tampa, such as PeakBiety, are very limited and competition is strong, but it was definitely worth the fight.

Good luck future interns of PeakBiety!

TAMPA, FL –PeakBiety branding + advertising proudly announces the recent appointment of Kathryn Clark as art director. A native of the Tampa Bay area, Kathryn is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art & Design, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the area of Advertising Design and a minor degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. Kathryn’s ambition, along with her past experience as a graphic designer, will serve PeakBiety’s award-winning creative team well.

Kathryn has also received a number of local, regional and national awards. These include a 2009 Pollie Political Advertising student award, a 2005 Free Enterprise Scholars award and a 2008 Outstanding Director award with Agency Five–her college’s full-service, student-run agency. In her spare time, Kathryn has served as a Student Ambassador and is a member of AD2 Tampa Bay.

“Kathryn will be a great asset to this agency,” said Amy Phillips, Creative Director of PeakBiety. “She first came to us as a student intern and then later worked as a freelance graphic artist. I have watched her skills and talent grow as a graphic designer and art director and I am thrilled to have her on board as a full-time member of the PeakBiety team.”

PeakBiety branding + advertising® serves local, regional and national clients in a variety of business sectors. The agency focuses on adding value for its clients by improving customer perceptions. This commitment is summed up in the agency’s promise, “the power of perception®.”

PeakBiety is one of the few agencies in Tampa Bay to meet the strict requirements for membership in the prestigious American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As). For more information, call Glen Peak at PeakBiety branding + advertising, 813-227-8006, extension 114, e-mail gpeak@peakbiety.com or visit peakbiety.com.

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Julia Undella, a summer 2009 intern here at PeakBiety, was awarded a $2,500 scholarship for her illustration & design layout for DC Comics. The contest included six other International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT) campuses nationwide. For her entry, Julia chose to depict a story line of Wonder Woman defeating Superman. “I was so excited when I heard that I won the local level,” Julia said. “I spent a lot of time trying to make her look strong and beautiful. She’s a great role model for girls so I hope they continue to develop her character.” Local winners are to compete on a national level to receive another $2,500. The winner will be announced at www.visualdiner.com on Sept. 15, 2009.

Julia’s education started at Southwest Florida College before she transferred to IADT and her grades have earned her spots on the National Dean’s List as well as the National Honor Roll. She has completed a range of advertising projects for a variety of clients including: The City of Tampa and the Florida Music Hall of Fame. We are proud we had a chance to work with Julia and her award-winning work.