Solstice Advertising Agency - Anchorage, Alaska

– Our Work –

Featured
commercial
consumer
government
health
native
nonprofit
resource

Federal Government Contracting

The Solstice Advertising Advantage

As 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.

Contract Holder
Contract GS-07F-0047X
Schedule: 541 Advertising and Integrated Marketing Solution

Health Care

As one of Alaska’s fastest growing industries, it’s important to have messaging that is adaptable, distinctive and reaches the desirable audience. From providing targeted health care communications for rural and Native audiences, to helping industry related businesses stand out among the competition, Solstice is ready.

Native

As a subsidiary of Calista Corporation, the second largest Alaska Regional Native Corporation, Solstice understands Alaska Native organizations and their mission to serve communities and preserve culture. When it comes to reaching this audience, how you say it is just as important as what you say. Solstice Advertising is Alaska’s leading agency for communicating with the Alaska Native audience.

Resource Development

Alaska is rich in resources, from the kind you have to dig out of the ground to its fish-filled streams and roaming wildlife. Alaskans value these resources in a variety of ways and Solstice Advertising has partnered with many organizations involved in the responsible development of our state.

Nonprofit

Nonprofits are the glue of our communities, bringing many causes and important values to light. From fundraising challenges to forming meaningful community engagement, it can be difficult for many nonprofits to communicate their value and expand their reach. Solstice is the best at helping nonprofits create a communications strategy with effective deliverables on a tight budget and schedule.

Consumer

Do you know how people feel about your brand? Are you using that knowledge to direct your communications strategy? Luckily, Solstice has a large and ever growing toolbox to help your brand stand out among the competition, providing results and a return on investment. From building a brand, to developing a communications plan and functional website, Solstice can help any business – new or expanding – achieve its marketing goals.

Commercial

As a developing state, Alaska is dependent on its commercial sector to provide the goods and services for our expanding economy and infrastructure. Commercial businesses can be very competitive in the Last Frontier, which is why it’s important your brand stands out.

Solstice is ready to provide strategic insight and help you see around the corner in the marketplace.

– About Us –

Betty Brownson Web Developer

The Basics

Drives autocross competitively
Was a chef at Crow’s Nest restaurant
Dreams in source code

Recipe for Success

Betty approaches her discipline with the goal of designing beauty and function. As a former business owner, she brings an entrepreneurial spirit to every project. A mother of two, this lifelong Alaskan leads an adventurous life outside of work as well. Betty can be found flying small planes, building log cabins, hunting, fishing and, on occasions, making dresses. She does admit to one shortcoming… never successfully keeping a potted plant alive. We’re certain she’ll master the horticulture thing eventually.

Robert Manley Copywriter

The Basics

Once partied with David Lee Roth of Van Halen
Is an aspiring oenophile without the pretense
Enjoys experimenting with the English language

Passionate Scribe

Robert loves advertising, when it’s done well. He still gets excited by the potential in every new project. He believes that every communication should be unexpected, relevant and compelling. Robert has practiced his craft at a range of international agencies (TBWA, Ogilvy & Mather, et al) in a variety of locations (Dallas, Detroit, Sofia, Bulgaria) for a distinguished list of clients (Cadillac, Nissan, Absolut Vodka). Robert’s favorite advertising quote is from Lee Clow: “Make it smart. Make it beautiful. Make it fun.”

Casey Ellison ARTIST

The Basics

Once made a pepperoni pizza in 36 seconds in a competition
Was a designated driver volunteer in college (bravery!)
Earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Mesa State College

Design Unlimited

Casey’s background is very diverse, having designed everything from Alaskan souvenirs to news magazines to stationary to catalogs to, yes, even ads. She loves the challenge of applying her talents in all media. In the pursuit of expanding her art knowledge, Casey immersed herself in the once-in-a-lifetime adventure of a two-week art-themed tour of Paris, Florence and Rome, which included the Louvre, the Galleria Borghese and the Pantheon. When not engaged in broadening her design horizons, Casey enjoys knitting and watching classic movies from the 30s, 40s and 50s.

Elizabeth O'Toole Media Relations & Accounting Tech.

The Basics

Makes sure all projects are accounted for financially
Drives a mustang (in the winter)
Will always win in a media-buying knife fight, FYI

Your Favorite Bill Collector

Not everyone is born with a phone voice, but Elizabeth is a natural when it comes to providing great customer service for all of Solstice’s clients. From managing billing to launching multi-tiered multi-channeled media buys, Elizabeth is always on top of it. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management with a focus on accounting and is truly a 10-key number crunching extraordinaire.

Laura Tauke Pribyl Art Director

The Basics

Her quirky personality should have its own brand
Designed a popular Alaska tourist knick-knack item: Outlaw Cards
Is a “Design Slam” Champion

The Thinker

Laura always has an idea for every client that she’s enthusiastic about and it’s usually an idea that goes outside of the lines. Laura knows how to throw creative curve balls and hit them out of the park with her design intuition. She’s worked on just about every kind of project from exhibits to branding, some more serious than others. She is also a “design ambassador” serving on the Alaska Chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA) board. She rises early with the chickens (that she raises), only to create the best design possible, all in a day’s work.

Alexis Roskelley Art Director

The Basics

Can make anything look better
Is a paper and pantone expert
Has shiny hair (you’ll remember it)

And the Award Goes to..

You can never wait to see Alexis’s design. It’s like watching a remodeling show on HGTV and all you want to do is fast forward to the end to see the final result. She’s contemporary but knows how to incorporate classic style into her work. Alexis is also professional and personable to work with, developing quality client and colleague relationships. She is well respected in her industry and has earned local and national recognition for her design work at Solstice. Alexis holds a degree in Applied Arts from the Art Institute of Seattle, School of Design and is a founding member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) – Alaska Chapter.

Eric Buhrman Art Director

The Basics

Designs everything to perfection
Is from Husker territory
Starts a major household project every summer (2012 was the Shed)

The “da Vinci” Graphic Designer

You can always anticipate a few things with Eric’s designs: 1) it will look sharp, 2) everything has a purpose, and 3) it’s even better than what you had imagined. From logos to laying out large documents, to designing with the latest program or software, Eric can create anything with anything. His extensive background in graphic design and creative direction plays a big part in his highly successful brand recognition and he does it all with incredible ease. Eric’s role at Solstice is to shape and create the look and feel for a project, and to inform, persuade and inspire.

Jennifer Castro Copywriter

The Basics

Started in the news business
Not a fan of the !
Cooks to relax

Can Write Your Wrong

Got an idea? Jennifer has five and they all come with a captivating tagline. This flair comes from her experience as a former news producer, writing teases to engage an audience and presenting content that appeals to them. As a prolific copywriter, Jennifer 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. Working with her team, she helps generate themes, catch phrases and content, while proofing and editing every word to brilliant perfection.

Jackie Bartz Copywriter

The Basics

A former newsie
Highly sought after scrabble player
A year-round fish slayer

Words with Jackie

Jackie takes what people are trying to say and turns it into a clear, effective, impactful message. Whether it’s telling the client’s story or cutting to the chase with headers and taglines, Jackie is great at gathering information and structuring it into the perfect copy combination. Jackie can also do this on deadline and under pressure; she spent several years in front of the camera as a TV news reporter, rounding up the facts and elegantly presenting them to the public.

Paul Davidson Web Developer

The Basics

Can write code in his sleep
Is Web Chic, not Geek
Frequently whistles

The Man With a Web Plan

A tablet is to Paul, as water is to fish. After all, this tool helps him foresee future adaption current brands must make in order to keep up with the technological times. Paul brings a deeper philosophy to digital development. Instead of taking a website and adapting it to the latest shiny thing, he lets the marketing objective decide the appropriate interactive channel. He considers the best option to achieve an engaging experience for the user whether it’s on social media, a website or a form of eMarketing. To sum it up, Paul develops by the motto, “practicality before pretty,” and with his 15 years of global communications experience, he knows how to deliver both. Paul holds a bachelor’s in English Writing from the University of Colorado and is a member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Alaska Chapter.

Kathleen Peck Client Insights Executive

The Basics

Is an expert on “Green Business Practices,” please inquire
Has practiced marketing internationally
Holds an MBA from Alaska Pacific University

Queen of the Agency Jungle

Kathleen can whip up a healthy, mouth-watering meal from scratch, cross-stitch a masterpiece and wrangle her two semi-obedient mutts, all in a day’s work. She’s is a professional juggler at home and in the office, managing the needs of her clients without ever dropping the ball. That’s probably because Kathleen comes to Solstice from a job where she couldn’t drop the ball, literally, or the clients would go nuts. Dogs, cats, birds and snakes are all former clients of Kathleen’s; she managed an animal hospital for four years. Today her clients smell better and behave nicer, while she continues to excel at managing multiple projects with a variety of tasks. This multi-tasking wiz always keeps her team on track, making sure deadlines are met and her client’s expectations are exceeded.

Michelle LeKites Client Insights Executive

The Basics

A client’s point of contact
Is a mom of four and has an MBA from the University of Alaska Anchorage
Can beat most guys in racquetball

Listening + Strategy = Michelle

Michelle is like a client communications therapist; she wants to know everything about your brand and all of its problems. She then becomes the messenger and shares the information with her team to bring back the client solid solutions. She consistently keeps track of the production schedule and makes sure everything is on time and on budget. Her years of volunteer experience for many nonprofits combined with running her own businesses give her the perfect balance between being human and understanding the bottom line. Michelle is the kind of tactical manager you’ll want to go to bat for your brand.

Ian Laing Account Supervisor

The Basics

Spent a summer getting slimed on a fishing boat
Can explain Alaska’s Oil and Gas Tax Policy (if you have time)
Has worked in big places on big documentaries (Seattle and New York)

Nothing But the Facts

After earning a degree in geology from Dartmouth, fast-forward several years: Ian gets appointed as a Special Assistant to the Alaska Department of Revenue. You might wonder what a science and math guy is doing working at a creative agency, but Solstice Advertising likes to direct its communications strategy with research and measure the progress of its clients’ campaigns (that’s where he comes in). Ian knows how to take information that is painful to read and sum it up in a nutshell so we can all get on the same page. Ian can just as easily channel his creative side, especially when it comes to video and media production. He knows how to tell the big story, working on many documentary films in both Seattle and New York.

Lincoln Garrick President

The Basics

Runs the joint
Was named Anchorage’s Top 40 Under 40 (once upon a time)
Holds an MBA from Alaska Pacific University

Why He’s the Boss

Lincoln is the kind of company leader who’s the first one in and the last one out. He also comes up with creative ideas and strategy that leave you saying, “Now why didn’t I think of that?” With his years of experience in advertising for a vast array of businesses and organizations, Lincoln knows how to help any client achieve their communication goals under any kind of timeline and budget. He is always able to get to the heart of what a client is trying to convey to their audience and supports the Solstice Advertising team in turning solid ideas into tangible results.

It doesn’t get any better than this: a group of creative, driven and happy professionals who all excel at their craft. With our decades of combined experience, we always show up ready to dive into design, generate new ideas and advance our clients into the best brand positioning possible. We’ve all had a significant amount of experience successfully representing a wide spectrum of clientele including business-to-consumer, business-to-business and government agencies as well as communicating with the Alaska audience.
Lincoln Garrick President
Ian Laing Account Supervisor
Michelle LeKites Client Insights Executive
Kathleen Peck Client Insights Executive
Paul Davidson Web Developer
Betty Brownson Web Developer
Jackie Bartz Copywriter
Robert Manley Copywriter
Jennifer Castro Copywriter
Eric Buhrman Art Director
Alexis Roskelley Art Director
Casey Ellison ARTIST
Laura Tauke Pribyl Art Director
Elizabeth O'Toole Media Relations & Accounting Tech.

– Our Services –

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.

Traditional & Social Marketing

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.
Branding & Brand Management

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.
Graphic Design

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.
Public Relations

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.
Media Strategy

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.
Web Development

Solstice is your electronic Media Expert. We ensure that your business is online, readily accessible and technologically relevant.
Video & Media Production

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.
Market Analysis & Research

Solstice can tell you what your stakeholders really think as well as how to reach them with messages and media that truly resonate.
Integrated Communications

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.
Mobile Development

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.

Traditional & Social Marketing
Branding & Brand Management
Graphic Design
Public Relations
Media Strategy
Web Development
Video & Media Production
Market Analysis & Research
Integrated Communications
Unicorn Wrangling
Mobile Development
Time Travel Portal

– This or That –

One of the most enjoyable parts of our job is to create multiple design options the client gets to choose from for their project. Not all of them can be picked, and our designers can make it really tough with their amazing skills. Take a brain break, enjoy some great design and choose the version you would pick if you were the client.