Studio Walks River North
Event Review By Kristin Schlottman
When I was asked to cover the River North Studio walk, I immediately accepted. Having gone on a few walks before, I was pretty sure I knew what to expect: professional work, free food and beer. But most importantly, I sought what every prospective designer needs: the opportunity to network.
This time, I would visit four studios, beginning with Upshot, followed by Alchemy, Zunpartners Inc., and Vervelife. Upon arrival, I knew Upshot was going to be big. Even
after entering the building, it took a few minutes to find. I expected to be greeted by some snobby designers, but this was not the case. Friendly faces and a spacious lobby made me feel right at home. This place was full of personality and impressive work, and they were more than accommodating, providing a full tour, along with some helpful tips. These
I will not share, but I will reassure you, it’s not about what you know, but whom you know.
I continued my networking journey, visiting Alchemy next. The contrast was a shock. I had just come from a place with 160 employees and its own private yoga studio (no joke) to a place about 1/10th the size and a total of six employees. With not much to look at, I found myself having to ask more questions than expected. But all were answered, and I soon found myself engaged in more than one meaningful conversation, as well as a bowl of some surprisingly good bean dip.
Zunpartners Inc. was next. It was small, and so clean that I wasn’t sure if I had stepped into a design studio or an Ikea. Clearly there were credentials here, but based off of what little there was to see, and a lack of any proper explanation, I could only guess what kind of work came out of this place.
So off to Vervelife it was, where they specialize in music promotions. A mini stage, guitar in every room, and vinyl-covered walls made this more than clear. They were especially personable, having no problem showing us around the music-driven studio. They were also courteous enough to come out for a beer afterwards down the street at English, a local bar, as well as the final the stop of the walk.
If you missed this one, don’t worry. There will be plenty more opportunities to network in the future. Just keep checking the AIGA Chicago events page, and make sure you come hungry and sober.
Event Overview
AIGA Chicago asked a variety of firms to open their doors and share their experience for our Studio Walks. River North takes you to the diverse companies listed below. Start where you like and follow a path of your choosing. All firms will keep their doors open from 6-8:30pm. Each studio tour will provide an intimate opportunity for attendees, hosts and sponsors to network and socialize.
Participating Studios:
Vervelife
625 N Michigan Ave #2575
VerveLife puts music in the center of our clients' strategic, creative and tactical business-building efforts. With offices in Chicago, New York and Dallas, VerveLife creates, builds and manages interactive music promotions for brands, including music stores, virtual worlds, online retailers and music apps.
Founded in 2003, VerveLife combines a music technology platform with in-depth music marketing, creative development, industry relationships and original content creation. Only VerveLife offers such a vast and flexible suite of technology-based products and services. From Fortune 500 marketers to local brewers, virtual worlds operating in 190 countries to music technology start-ups, VerveLife's clients use the power of music to drive consumer engagement and brand recognition.
Zunpartners, Inc
676 N La Salle Dr Suite 426
zünpartners is a design consultancy helping companies use strategy, identity and expression to improve their top and bottom line. Through the practice of smart design we translate ideas, images and words into powerful visuals that emotionally connect with people. Our embrace of technology, automation and outsourcing is the conduit for increased brand awareness, marketing impact and operational efficiency for our clients.
http://zunpartners.com/
Upshot
350 N Orleans #350
Upshot is a 165-person marketing agency founded in 1994. We strive to engage consumers through simple ideas brilliantly activated with a focus on brand, promotion, retail, regional and interactive marketing. Clients include P&G, Kraft Foods, Hilton Worldwide and Crown Imports to name a few.
http://www.upshot.net/
Alchemy
351 W Hubbard St, Suite 202
Alchemy Ltd is a 6-person internationally recognized design and marketing agency specializing in Visual Brand Identity for consumer brands. Centrally located in the River North district our Orleans Plaza studio serves as traffic central, think tank, and incubation chamber as well as home to the occasional office party. We are constantly transforming the brand experience by creating category defining work.
After the Event
Drinks and conversation will continue after the Studio Walks at English.
English
444 North LaSalle Drive
This is a FREE event but registration is required.
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