Of style & substance

With new projects on the horizon, I'm finding myself thinking a lot about the relationship between writing and graphic design. As a writer, I learned long ago that words don't often get the respect they deserve. I can't tell you the number of times over the course of my career that I heard, "Oh, nobody's going to read it anyway." (A sentiment you will never hear expressed over here at Crazy Savvy, Inc. World Headquarters, by the way!)

If she's going to survive, a writer has to quickly develop a thick skin — we all know that. But if she’s going to thrive, a savvy communications pro has to not only understand the relationship between content and design, but champion it.

It’s a pity — and an entirely unproductive way of working — when content and design are kept sequestered in their own separate corners. Design alone can’t carry the kind of strategic messages our clients are counting on us to convey. After all, no matter how beautifully designed a piece may be, how effective will it be if the type is difficult to read? Likewise, we’ve all seen the impact of a beautifully designed brochure fall flat when there’s no substance behind it.

The best writing and design work together to create a dynamic message that resonates on more than one level. Simple in theory, surprisingly rare in execution.

And that’s today’s coffee break manifesto.

Art Imitates Life?

At least, it does on our favorite new website.

Hours (er, minutes) of delicious entertainment. Pretend that you, too, work at Sterling Cooper in its glory days! Have a drink with Don. Rock your pitch. Picnic with Betty and the kids. Pour yourself a nightcap.

This tasty piece of interactive is sheer joy for the Mad Men-addicted among us. (Who could that possibly be...?) As a special treat, check out the Draper-ized versions of your two favorite communications and marketing entrepreneuristas! In case you're not sure who's who, let me give you a hint or two: my partner in crime sports a pair of rockin' glasses and loves the color green, while yours truly is an equestrian who rarely leaves home without a string of pearls...

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Well, it's official -- we're official! In the eyes of the State of Minnesota, the US Postal Service, and everyone's favorite entity, the IRS ... Crazy Savvy, Inc. is up and running! It was extremely exciting to receive a fancy certificate of incorporation from the State of Minnesota, and only slightly less exciting to get our federal tax ID and post office box numbers from the feds. Cha-ching!, as I often say.

The research and preparation that goes into setting up a business is considerable, so finally having bureaucratic matters squared away to our (immense) satisfaction is intensely gratifying. Now this means even more time to spend with our clients, on our identity, and developing new leads ...

Mad Men 2.0

Welcome to advertising, baby.

These were the thoughts running through my head while pulling myself out of bed the morning after my first big, successful pitch. Brain slightly fuzzy from lack of sleep (and perhaps a glass or two of champagne), I wandered into my hot pink bathroom, brushed back my bangs, and gave the mirror my best Don Draper non-smile. Mad Jen, I thought. The wordplay was delicious.

Over here at Crazy Savvy, Inc., Management is very fond of a certain television show (and, it should be admitted, a certain leading man). Does life imitate art, or art imitate life? We think both. Mad Men is brilliant not only for spectacular acting, art direction, writing, historical detail, and mood, but also for its remarkable accuracy in depicting life in The Biz. From pitches to late night creative concepting sessions, Mad Men captures both the glamour and the challenges of life in the ad industry. And while plenty of things have changed since the early 60's -- we can wear jeans to the office, not a calf-length skirt; we don't smoke like chimneys and drink Scotch like fiends; and most assuredly no one gets away with calling me "sweetheart" or asking me to make them a photocopy or cup of coffee just because I'm a woman -- the fundamentals of the business remain largely the same. Creativity, and success, hinge on the ability to take risks, inform your decisions with strategic vision, and make your case persuasively.

So when we mavens of Crazy Savvy are off to a big pitch or presentation, we like to ask ourselves, what would Don do? Are we prepared? Confident? Well dressed? (But of course.) Do we stand by our creative direction, our copy, our ideas? Can we explain our approach in light of the client's needs, image, and audiences? Because from Madison Avenue ca. 1960 to Hennepin Avenue ca. 2009, from Manhattan high society to La Belle Vie's five course tasting menus, from Sterling Cooper to Crazy Savvy ... what makes a good Mad Man (or Woman, as it were!) stands the test of time: audacity, creativity, strategy, courage, and -- when in doubt -- a flawlessly cut suit.

Ode to Macintosh

I admit it, I'm like a kid in a candy store with all of the new technology at my fingertips. Within hours of our fateful trip to the Apple store, I could scarcely believe I'd gotten along in life thus far without them. I'm almost compulsively searching out new applications, widgets, and workarounds in the name of productivity. This morning, Jen and I had to laugh at the sheer size of our digital army of assistants present on our desk. We're outnumbered! And I'm elated. Oh Macintosh, how I adore thee!

New team members!

We at Crazy Savvy, Inc. have some rather exciting news to share! As of 11:30 this fine Thursday morning in July, we have added two new team members to the fold... 

Their names? Bonnie & Clyde.

Their roles? Helping us conquer the business world one keystroke at a time. 

Their personae? Well ... they're brand spanking new MacBook Pros, of course! 15" screens, loads of memory, amazing programs, and a screen worthy of cinematic glory. 

Gentle readers, this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship. 

It’s time to make this thing official, baby!

Today is a big day for Crazy Savvy.

After weeks of careful research and discussion with our network of crazy savvy business professionals, Jen and I have waded through the alphabet soup of various acronyms involved in choosing the legal structure of our business. This was not a decision to be rushed. Naturally, we wanted to take our time and attempt to truly understand the distinctions between, say, an s-corp and an LLC or LLP. (Acronyms and abbreviations truly rule the world of business!)

Our selection made, paperwork dutifully filled out, envelope addressed and sealed—office of the Secretary of State, here we come! Watch out, world. It's on.

Independence ... is a Beautiful Thing

We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to wish our dear readers a wonderful Fourth of July weekend! My other half, so to speak, is enjoying a lovely (if probably cold) camping trip, while yours truly holds down the Crazy Savvy fort. Erin & Jen shall be reunited shortly, however, to prepare for a time-honored tradition ... the Independence Day Soiree. This year, as we at last turned thought into action quite literally and struck out on our own, we certainly have a lot to celebrate on this oh-so-apropos holiday!

Enjoy friends, family, food, fun, and fireworks ...