PUNCH designer forum

What started as a series of impromptu and sometimes heated discussions, has evolved into a serious, creative force in the office. Each week, and sometimes more often, the “designer forum” meets at the paper cutting table to share what inspires, impresses, or otherwise speaks to them. Much like a graduate level symposium, the creatives here bring in items from a vast array of sources to examine what is unique, what resonates and what works for each of them. The results have been not only happy designers, but designers who are constantly evolving and growing. Good for the designers. Good for the customers. Good for PUNCH!

PUNCH HOLIDAY CARD COMPETITION

Little did you know, we enjoyed all those holiday cards you sent us. (Dirty little secret: Designers cannot help themselves from assessing others’ work, so we critiqued them.) In a rare, unanimous decision, the designer panel chose Uptown Color’s holiday card as the best of the best. They will receive an official certificate as a token of our appreciation. When asked what made Uptown Color’s card a clear winner, the team responded, “Because they designed and made it themselves!” Makes you feel bad about that Hallmark card, doesn’t it?

CREATE-A-THON

PUNCH is joining a nationwide movement to help out nonprofits. This September, for 24 hours straight, PUNCH will use its creative powers as a force for good. 501(c)3 entities can sign up for help on the www.createathon.com website. In September, firms across the country will donate their time and talent to help out nonprofits who deserve to have cutting-edge marketing materials but end up using their income for operating expenses.

PUNCH’s subsidiary, INK & PAPER, began its life this past holiday season with a unique holiday trimmings gift set. The set, which included gift tags, stickers, a snowflake paper punch, and two yards of grosgrain ribbon, was offered on the website and at the following participating stores: Ellwood Thompson’s, Tinker’s, Main Art, Crossroads, Gather, La DIFF, The Yarn Lounge, Mongrel, Fountain Bookstore, NYFO, Occasionally, V for the Home, and Pink. In keeping with the seasonal feeling of goodwill toward all, INK & PAPER donated all of its profits to ART 180, a company favorite. For spring we’re all ready with vibrant greens and pinks. Check out the website at www.inkandpaper.com.

In a frenzy of New Year’s resolutions, the management here at PUNCH has launched “Wellness University” for all employees. We earn credit for working out and eating right and fabulous prizes have been offered as incentive. Personally, we think that Heidi has taken it all too, too far, overachiever that she is. She probably earned a doctorate in Wellness while studying yoga in India in January. The rest of us must make do with the occasional jog around the ‘hood and whole grain bread. When you see us, we hope you’ll notice a healthy glow and looser pants.