The United Nations General Assembly declared 2011 the International Year of Forests.
In accordance with this, the U.S. Forest Service Alaska Region tasked Solstice Advertising with creating a brand identity and collectible poster series to commemorate two of the largest national forests – Alaska’s Tongass and Chugach National Forests.
We had to create a brand identity that not only had to stand up to Smokey the Bear, it also had to appeal to Alaskans.
We developed the theme, “Alaska’s Forests: More Than A Place to Visit – It’s Where We Live!”
The four posters are strikingly hip, vintage, eye-catching and collectible.
The State of Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game enforces, studies and regulates hunting and fishing throughout Alaska. Part of their mission is to involve and educate the public. In doing so, they take interested college students and introduce them to renewable resource management at the ground level.
ADF&G tasked Solstice Advertising with writing, designing and producing materials for a career display to be used at tradeshows with the end goal of recruiting interns.
After identifying the best practices for incorporating specific elements, Solstice developed the theme: “Chose your own adventure.”
The approach was to break through the clutter of other competing exhibit booths by drawing in prospective interns with striking images that reveal some of the surroundings they might experience.
Solstice developed tabletop and vertical hanging banners, and created an element within the display that would help engage the crowd in an activity: a spinning wheel! The spinning wheel contained job options students could be doing during the summer, as well as an ADF&G internship. This playfully illustrated the benefits of what an ADF&G internship could offer compared to a summer job washing dishes.
* These Fish and Game materials were recognized by the Public Relations Society of America – Alaska with a 2010 second place Excellence award for Exhibits and Displays
The Department of the Army Regulatory Program is one of the oldest programs in the federal government. Through the Regulatory Program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ensures environmental impacts on aquatic resources from their projects are avoided, minimized and mitigated.
Solstice Advertising was asked to position the Department of the Army Regulatory Program as the go-to agency for environmental inquires in Alaska. The agency first moved forward with a brand audit to determine internal and external customers’ perceptions of the Corps.
After establishing the client’s audience and determining their messaging in the discovery and audit phases, Solstice moved to brand development, crafting the Regulatory Program’s new look and feel.
Solstice created the following elements to be applied to the Corp’s brand identity:
Solstice made sure that the content was presented in an easy-to-read format, allowing clients, customers, staff and donors to fully understand the Corps’ programs. Photos were selected that communicated a customer-focused image and illustrated the Alaska landscape. In developing the video’s look and feel, Solstice incorporated elements from the various printed pieces thereby tying together the printed and broadcast pieces, reducing design costs and representing the client’s brand in a unified manner across both media.
The Regulatory Program now has tools to communicate effectively with their customers in an accessible and effective manner. Additionally, while these tools were originally designed to ensure compliance with environmental law, the Corps indicated they would also be used for their future recruitment efforts.
The Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) provides social, educational and employment services to Alaska Natives and Native Americans living in the Cook Inlet Region of Alaska. CITC administers 35 culturally appropriate programs designed to assist individuals and help families achieve their endless potential, but they needed brand identity and an online presence that was clear and easy for people to navigate and comprehend.
Solstice Advertising was asked to develop a new logo, internal Intranet and external website portals, customer outreach printed pieces and organizational signage.
We designed and produced 18 inserts (rack cards) for two CITC wallet-style folders (Tribal TANF and generic), and built them a website with an overall feel of being community focused, modular and contemporary.
CITC now has the tools to reach out to its multicultural clients with a unified identity that helps the organization fulfill its mission – providing services, building communities and honoring their proud Native traditions and cultures.
When Calista, the second largest Native Corporation in Alaska, came to Solstice Advertising, their newsletter, StoryKnife, was not very informative and conveyed no message to its shareholders.
Solstice Advertising redesigned the newsletter’s look and restructured the content, in essence assisting Calista with creating more transparency throughout the corporation and its subsidiaries.
We brainstormed with Calista’s senior management and met with subsidiary presidents on upcoming topics. A color theme of red and green was applied and anchor articles were established: a village profile, a graphic or photo rich center spread, news from other regions and a president’s message.
In villages all over the Calista region, StoryKnife is proudly posted on display. Staff members of the corporation regularly note the engaging content within each new issue and the discourse it has inspired among shareholders. Solstice has provided copy, design and print management for the StoryKnife newsletter on a monthly basis since September of 2009.
Five members of President Obama’s Cabinet visited Southwest Alaska during a widely publicized Whistle Stop Tour of rural America in August 2009. The two Alaska stops on the tour were both in the Calista Region of the state, giving Calista Corporation an unprecedented opportunity to acquaint the Secretaries with the issues unique to rural Alaska.
Calista Corporation tasked Solstice with the development of a fully integrated campaign targeting the Secretaries.
Solstice familiarized themselves with the Cabinet members taking part in the national tour. By identifying specific “hot button” topics for each of the Secretaries, Solstice was able to shape a strategy that spoke directly to this influential group of decision makers.
Our strategy was comprised of white papers addressing topics specific to each Secretary, a website, and a regional field guide – a pocket-sized booklet printed on waterproof paper personally handed to the group. Solstice utilized the company’s existing brand standards and implemented a unique look and feel that set this micro-campaign apart from everyday Calista materials.
The campaign was an enormous success. The field guides were used extensively, and upon their departure the Calista President signed a copy to be delivered to President Obama.
Sitnasuak Native Corporation (SNC) is an Alaska Native Corporation headquartered in Nome, Alaska. Prior to 2008, the corporation had produced its own annual reports in-house, but had decided to contract the project out to a professional firm. Since then, Solstice has worked with SNC to develop their annual reports.
With the 2010 annual report, we had a month to complete it while keeping it within a reasonable budget. We chose the theme: “Sharing Success.” The strategy was to share the successes of SNC shareholders via various shareholder profiles throughout the report. This angle came with a number of challenges. But that’s the stuff we love.
We created a warm and inviting palette with simple, organic patterns and earth tones. The layout and design conveyed elegance and class without seeming patronizing or overindulgent. It was a shared success!
Donlin Gold LLC, jointly owned and operated by Barrick Gold Corporation and Nova Gold Resources Inc., has been overseeing exploration of one of the world’s largest undeveloped gold deposits.
Donlin had to address numerous communication challenges from the onset. From daunting logistics, public misconceptions, workforce recruitment and community forums, the company’s challenges are exacerbated by the nature of all things rural and remote in Alaska.
Solstice Advertising is Donlin’s agency of record. For the past five years we’ve been assisting them with ironing out any unnecessary communications wrinkles by providing full communication support to the project including research, public relations, media monitoring, graphic design, copywriting, broadcast production, media placement and Web design and development.
The results are easily measurable:
Our most recent work with Donlin Gold includes providing hundreds of mailed invitations for their spring informational project meetings in more than a dozen villages, designing and implementing a new website, and creating a new logo for the company.
Next year is the 100th anniversary of the national Girl Scouts organization. In preparation, the Alaska branch wants to increase the state’s Girl Scout alumnae.
Solstice Advertising was tasked with creating a localized theme that encouraged formerly enrolled Girl Scouts of all ages to register as Alaska alumnae, regardless of how long or in what state they had participated.
Solstice had to adhere to corporate-approved brand standards for colors, fonts and patterns. We applied these to several outreach materials, including business-sized cards, stickers, postcard mailers, and a table tent poster board.
We delivered an attention grabbing, yet very succinct new campaign: “You Were Part of Something Amazing – You Were a Girl Scout,” with the slogan: “Proud Alaskan, Proud Girl Scout.”
The Alaska Energy Efficiency and Conservation Working Group (EECWG) is a partnership of over 20 entities. In early 2010 the Alaska EECWG approached Solstice Advertising to create a website that would provide an elegant solution for Alaskans, businesses and educators to find energy conservation information, programs and services.
Solstice conducted an information audit to identify the site’s most likely users. Content was then sorted and organized by user group with separate sections.
Since there is a tremendous amount of information available on energy conservation, one of the challenges was to include this valued data and still have a simple, organized and easily navigable site.
A map of Alaska was placed on the home page so a user could click on their region and be immediately linked to energy information that applied to them. Many of the visuals on the site are simple icons so the look-and-feel of the site relies on engaging fonts and an uncluttered color pallet. This straightforward visual approach improved download speeds in rural Alaska where dial up service is common.
The website has become the “go to” website for everything related to energy efficiency and conservation programs, projects, funding opportunities, success stories, benefits, costs and more.
The DMVA tasked Solstice Advertising with creating an educational video to help first responders better understand Alaska’s interoperable communications plan, and how to more effectively use their radio equipment during an event.
The DMVA hired Solstice to create a 20-minute-long educational video that could be widely disseminated within the state and acquaint first responders, executives, legislators and the public about Alaska’s interoperable communications plan.
To better understand state, federal and other emergency communication plans in Alaska, Solstice conducted secondary research before writing a script and creating a storyboard. Once the pre-production deliverables were approved, additional video footage and case study interviews were shot. In post-production, Solstice incorporated video footage of rural Alaska to create a more statewide feel as well as animated graphics to provide more interesting imagery. A single male narrator voice-over was used to deliver a direct and informative tone.
The video was produced and edited on time and on budget. Solstice also designed and constructed a DVD disc and case cover for the video.
Tikigaq Corporation is an Alaska Native village corporation representing the community of Point Hope, Alaska.
Solstice was tasked with creating a display booth for Tikigaq to raise more awareness of its professional capabilities, while representing the cultural values of the community and the corporation.
Combining the agency’s knowledge and experience in Native corporation marketing and government contracting, Solstice developed a five-panel display which included narrative descriptions of the corporation’s businesses, bold headers and imagery reflective of the their different types of affiliated work.
Images of the people of Point Hope were incorporated into the design to add a more personable feel to the display. The blue and white colors of Tikigaq’s brand were carried throughout the color pallet for stronger brand recognition, and spot colors of green and yellow were utilized to emphasize the horizon line often seen in the landscape of this far northern Alaska community.
The panels were designed to show together or stand-alone. The project was completed successfully on time and on budget.
Every year, Calista Corporation has to submit an annual report to its 13,000 shareholders providing information about its financial activity from the previous year. The report, which runs about 50 pages, typically includes a message from the president, information about new company acquisitions, the corporation’s finances and information about the annual shareholders’ meeting. The first 10 to 15 pages of the report are utilized to showcase a topic or theme about the corporation.
Since 2010 marks the run up to ANCSA’s 40 year anniversary, Solstice Advertising selected the theme of “Our History, Our Future: Honoring 40 Years of Growth.” Two-page sections were focused on the business achievements and lessons learned during a specific decade of the Calista Corporation starting in the 1970s to the present.
Not only was the report different than past reports, it acted as a historical guide for the corporation. Shareholders were able to use the report as a way to memorialize the events that many of them have participated in, that have helped build this Alaska Native regional corporation into what it is today.
The annual American Cancer Society (ACS) Wine and Food Festival is one of the premier fundraising events for the Alaska arm of this national organization.
Solstice has worked with ACS for the past five years to integrate their national brand standards into the event and collateral campaigns while maintaining a unique look and feel for the Alaska chapter.
This year Solstice created save-the-date cards, invitations, recipe cards and a program booklet. The 2010 program had a Mediterranean feel with a very rich red and yellow color pallet and contained biographies of all of the chefs, and information about the auction items and all of the donors and sponsors of the event.
This year, ACS exceeded their goal by raising more than $275,000 for cancer research at the gala – the highest amount this event has ever raised. Solstice has helped ACS reach or exceed their fundraising goal every year that it has worked with the organization.
La Bodega is a locally owned premier beverage shop that had a bit of a problem with its online presence: it was pretty skim. The business had strong social networking engagements through Twitter and Facebook, but needed a virtual hub for all of its information. Solstice Advertising was tasked with creating a website for La Bodega that presented all of its services and events in a classy, comfortable, homegrown way.
Solstice developed a Content Management System that would allow the business to easily upload photos of products and post information on events and other services. We also developed a system that would allow beer and wine members to join on their website and create auto-payments for their monthly-memberships, as well as allow users to subscribe to La Boedga’s newsletter/eBlasts online.
With the use of photos and descriptive copy, consumers are able to easily read up on their latest options.
Notably, the site is smartphone and iPad-compatible; it looks just as great on the little screen as it does the big one.
Cook Inlet Tribal Council
Tikigaq Corporation
Girl Scouts of Alaska
Alaska Energy Efficiency
La Bodega
Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game
Calista Corporation
Donlin Gold, LLC
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Calista Corporation
American Cancer Society
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Secretaries Tour
United States Forest Service
Sitnasuak Native CorporationAs an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) subsidiary, Solstice Advertising has been appointed the Small Business Administration's (SBA) 8(a) status.
Solstice Advertising offers significant contracting advantages to federal agencies and companies who partner with us, saving our clients both time and money.
Download the Solstice Advertising capabilities one sheet here for additional information.
Elizabeth is the number juggling, problem solving, music loving account technician extraordinaire. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Charter College in Anchorage with a focus on accounting; it’s no wonder that she can answer the phone, emails and iChats while simultaneously crunching numbers on the 10-key.
Elizabeth’s role at Solstice is to ensure the financial aspect of our client relations is accurate and timely, and that the project has been financially accounted for.
With the ability to make even the most arduous task seamless and pristine, Laura takes the world and puts it in the oyster. Having worked on an interesting array of projects, from exhibits to product branding and design, and with her bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the College of Design at Iowa State University, she has the capacity to see into the future and pull from it exactly what the client needs. An avid cyclist, Laura steps up to the plate every day with a smile (sometimes it’s icy frozen) on her face.
Laura’s role at Solstice is to get thrown creative curve balls and hit them out of the park.
Alexis doesn’t just bring a decade of experience and a graphic design degree from the Art Institute of Seattle with her when she jumps on a project, she also applies award-winning dexterity to her design work. As a founding member of American Institute of Graphic Arts – Alaska chapter, she treats all campaigns, logos, brandings and layouts like she’s going for the gold.
Alexis’ role at Solstice is to design and create the look and feel for a project, and to make sure it conveys exactly what the client intends it to.
With incredible ease, Eric is able to generate style and design to a diverse range of clients, applying a sense of freshness and originality to each one. A founding member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts – Alaska chapter, his extensive background in graphic design and creative direction plays a big part in his highly successful brand recognition.
Eric’s role at Solstice is to design and create the look and feel for a project, and to make sure it conveys exactly what the client intends it to.
Jennifer knows media. Her degree in journalism from the University of Idaho and her media industry experience give her exactly what it takes to be a cutting-edge copywriter. As a former producer for KTUU, Channel 2 News in Anchorage, she knows how to flow with a fast-paced environment and apply an astute attention to detail with creativity and a constant eye on the deadline.
Jennifer’s role at Solstice is to generate themes, catch phrases and content, proofing and editing every word to perfection.
As a former newsie, Jackie knows how to find the leading message and make it pop. While reporting at KTUU Channel 2 News in Anchorage, Jackie was always armed for any story with her three essentials: lipgloss, Xtra Tufs and words that kept viewers watching. From fishing boats to mountaintops, Jackie can generate copy literally anywhere. As a polished communicator, she’s always in “standby” mode, ready to share ideas on how to capture an audience with words and visuals. She holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Montana and a fishing rod every weekend during the summer.
Jackie’s role at Solstice is to use her wit and creativity to generate concepts and themes, as well as catchy, error-free copy.
Collaborate on global accounts in Hong Kong, check. Deliver presentations in Pakistan, check. Manage websites and collaboration systems for a global agency network, check. On the list of industry accomplishments, it’s tough to find a type of project Paul hasn’t worked on and a country he hasn’t been to. Always wanting to push the boundaries of creative technology, Paul enjoys the challenge of creating the best website design for a client. He holds a bachelor’s in English from the University of Colorado and has 15 years of experience in the communications industry. With a wide-variety of skills to pull from, Paul generates innovative ideas throughout every step of the creative process.
Paul’s role at Solstice is to coordinate Web projects and bring them to life using the latest content management systems and interactive tactics.
If one didn’t know better, they would think Scott was born with a computer programming manual in his hand. With a decade of experience in the communications industry he has an impressive Rolodex of contacts from film and media, to some of the largest consumer electronics manufacturers in the world. His skills not only include creating Web design, but he also creates them with fresh artistic ability. To work the ethers out of his system, Scott spends his free time putting the pedal to the blacktop as a motorcycle enthusiast.
Scott’s role at Solstice is to take creative ideas and turn them into technological, media-based client solutions, inclusive of building Web applications and social networking.
Kathleen is living proof that multitasking is in fact possible. She has the tremendous ability to juggle not only a number of projects, but she also has the innate capacity to stay precisely on task while understanding and conveying clients’ needs to her team. With an MBA from Alaska Pacific University and more than five years of marketing experience, Kathleen is highly personable, at once disarming and professional. These traits lend themselves well to her other forte in life: doggie foster care.
Kathleen’s role at Solstice is to provide technical strategy and ensure the client’s voice is heard and their needs are met.
Michelle has a penchant for detail and a solid history of marketing research and project management. Her years of volunteer work in Alaska, along with her Master of Business Administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage lend themselves well to her in-depth understanding of Alaska organizations and their audiences.
Michelle’s role at Solstice is to provide technical strategy and ensure the client’s voice is heard and their needs are met.
Ian isn’t a movie star, but he does look like one and he did work in the film industry. In fact, he’s a pretty well rounded fellow. Born and raised in Homer, AK, Ian earned a degree in geology from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. After graduation, he worked on numerous documentary projects between Seattle and New York before returning to the homeland. He has since worked for the state legislature and administration, most recently as special assistant to the State of Alaska Commissioner of Revenue. He’s got a sharp eye for detail and a great vantage on the big story.
Ian’s role at Solstice is to facilitate efficient and effective strategic management for the client.
The most important thing to Lincoln is understanding the client’s needs and getting the message delivered on time and on budget. His experience with advertising for a vast array of businesses and organizations in all advertising and marketing mediums propels him to the heart of what a client is trying to convey to their audience. With a rich array of life experiences, Lincoln brings to the table in-the-trenches expertise and approachability. Combined with a master’s degree in business administration from Alaska Pacific University, he not only knows how to deliver the perfect end result, but he does so fully understanding and taking into consideration the client’s budgets and deadlines.
Lincoln’s role at Solstice is to facilitate efficient and effective strategic management for the client.
Solstice Advertising is a team of professionals committed to and excited about their work. Each team member has successfully represented a wide spectrum of clientele including business-to-consumer, business-to-business and government agencies, and we’ve all had a significant amount of experience communicating to Alaska audiences. Our skills shine with solid graphic design, error-proof copywriting, the latest Web development and sturdy account support.
After reviewing a client’s specific needs and challenges, we assemble a team with the most appropriate industry experience and the skills best suited for the particular project. This team is involved with the project from start to finish, ensuring that each member shares an intimate understanding of the client’s business objectives and challenges.
What does all that mean for you? You’ve got an awesome team focused on your marketing and advertising needs.
Solstice matches your message with the best distribution medium, be it print, broadcast, electronic or viral. We can do it all, from radio and TV, to Web and direct mail.
Solstice understands that people judge books by their covers – it’s important your brand is easily recognizable, highly distinguishable and properly defining of your business’ mission.
Solstice is staffed with award-winning graphic artists and contracted illustrators to come up with the exact look and feel that will express and define your business’ needs.
Solstice helps your business see around the next corner. We know your reputation is at the heart of your business; we are here to support and enhance your company, reputation and brand.
Solstice is your comprehensive media expert. We identify opportunities, leverage your buying power, and deploy strategies that garner the best return on your media dollars.
Solstice is your electronic Media Expert. We ensure that your business is online, readily accessible and technologically relevant.
Solstice has created award-winning productions for our clients. From radio and television slots to Webinars and videos we have a team of reliable and highly qualified contractors that we bring on board to help satisfy clients’ needs that cannot be done in-house.
Solstice can tell you what your stakeholders really think as well as how to reach them with messages and media that truly resonate.
Solstice understands that some clients need more than just one outlet to get their message relayed. We coordinate and integrate all marketing communication tools and functions into a seamless message that speaks to one or more audiences.
It’s a necessity that your brand is accessible by smartphones and tablets these days. From developing application software to making sure your online site looks good going from the big to the small screen, we’ve got you covered.
Solstice Advertising Art Director Laura Tauke took first place at this year’s AIGA Alaska Design Slam competition. What did her achievement entail? On-the-spot creativity –Competitors don’t even know what they are designing until the timer starts. Quick Action – Competitors only have 45 minutes to create a masterpiece. Over-the-shoulder pressure –Spectators circulate around designers, watching [...]
As a teenager I meticulously lined every square inch of my bedroom walls with different images, ads, celebrity photos and Rolling Stone covers, creating one large collage of inspiration, color and Gavin Rossdale. Through the years I have always had some sort of inspiration “wall” to cover and have collected everything from hot fashion styles [...]
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