fig blog

In a November staff meeting, the fig team sat around and discussed new ideas for expanding projects and running holiday deals. Enter, the holiday video card. That evening, using twelve dollars and their studio at fig east- the team bought antlers and director Melissa Martens grabbed employees and asked them to sing Rodolph the Red Nosed Reindeer to the best of their ability. Using Go Green and Skip the Card. as the tag line- the holiday e-card became an instant hit.

“What we did not realize was just how sticky the idea would be. Once the video launched we saw a jump in views from 10 views to 350 in a matter of 24 hours. The idea was covered in BizBash as one of the top 10 best last minute holiday ideas and the requests started coming in,” Melissa said, “What started as a fun spontaneous morning meeting idea, has turned into an exciting new product that we have tons of fun filming.One of our corporate clients raved about the idea saying that it saved her so much time and money coordinating and signing over 5,000 holiday cards in a few weeks. She traded the hassle of blisters on her fingers and stamp licking for directing her staff in a rendition of “let is snow.” In one afternoon she got all she needed and we did the rest.Now they have a hilarious living video greeting to send to all their clients and friends.”

The newly engaged dynamic duo Andrew and Nicole posted their card on their social networks and watched the fun as it spread to family, friends, co-workers and even ended up in a corporations newsletter.

The requests and shoots keep pouring in for the idea, and as it gets closer to Christmas and new years we are finding people are eager to gobble up the opportunity to save some time and star in their own video. Fig plans on keeping the fun going, developing new ideas for custom video e-cards in the future, so keep an eye out.

For now you can book your holiday card shoot with fig, as a gift for someone, for yourself, for your company or even for next year by going here: BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY CARD! Time is running out, and next week is filling up with shoots-so get in early to lock in your shoot date.

“About a year ago, I sat down with DJ Dani Deahl to learn about her, her business, and her music. She is an awesome DJ and woman, and always has a plate full of projects. She recently connected me to the owners at the Dana Hotel’s Vertigo Sky Lounge. Vertigo is a sexy lounge, sitting on the 26th floor of the Dana, with an amazing unique view of the city. The lounge also has an outdoor terrace complete with fire-pit heaters. It is designed to feel like you are going over to a guy friend’s loft, with a chill atmosphere, friendly waitstaff, and a killer music collection.” ~ Megan Taylor.

Vertigo’s DJ line-up consists of all female DJs: Dani Deahl, Sadie Woods, Diskokitty,  Megan Taylor. The vibe is everything from classic rock to modern, with an electro edge.

“It is a great place for me to play some killer tunes and mix in some creative new hits as well. Check out Vertigo and check me out on Thursdays.” ~ Megan

In photo: Megan Taylor, photo by: Melissa Martens

365 Sketches

“Fig Senior Writer Writing 365 Comedy Sketches!”

Joe Janes, senior writer at Fig Media, has taken on the challenge of writing a comedy sketch a day for a year. A sketch is a short scene similar to what you might see in a staged sketch revue at Second City or SNL.  The scenes can be read on his blog, biteannsmile.blogpsot.com. He began the venture on Monday, January 19th.

Janes has taken on the project to test his creative abilities and bring to bear his writing skills and talent.  “I will post the first draft of one comedy sketch every evening before going to bed. A sketch is anything you might see in a sketch revue, so that includes scenes, blackouts, songs and the occasional odd “bit,” Six nights a week will be original material generated specifically for this project. On Sundays, I will post a written piece that has never been produced.” says Joe.

As an educational angle, Joe also encourages and invites feedback and questions in the comment section of his blog. Joe Janes is senior writer at Fig Media, Improv Program Coordinator at Columbia College, writing instructor at Second City, artistic director of Robot vs Dinosaur, founding member of WNEP Theater Foundation and a member of The Improvised Shakespeare Company. He also volunteers his time as a tutor at 826-CHI, an educational non-profit organization.

Main Page of Flowers By Color | www.flowersbycolorchicago.com

While the wait for April showers and May flowers is inevitable, one thing is certain: Fig’s web production is blooming. Aptly so, we recently launched the re-design of the website for Flowers By Color.

The company in question is a wedding and special event floral design firm located in Oak Lawn, IL. Its owner, Mary Cerceo, has a strong penchant for beautiful, one-of-a-kind arrangements that are vividly pleasing to the eye and quite friendly to all budgets. As her current site was lacking the aesthetics, ease-of-use and buzz that she visioned, Mary came to Fig to have her site “uprooted.” And uprooted it was.

The site’s design matches Mary’s floral designs: simple, elegant, clean, and no-nonsense. The bold photography of her various work does the “talking” while the floral accents and use of pink and black compliment the photos. Navigation buttons are arranged to satisfy anyone from the party planner on a time crunch to the finnickiest bride looking for some great ideas for her big day. Additionally, prospective clients can get in touch with Mary via a handy-dandy contact page. It’s a good way to send the message, “Yo, Mary! Love them flowers!”

Fig was proud to partner with Mary on this site and bring her vision to new ground. We planted the seed that will cultivate great returns for our client.

– Brent Rolland

Flowers by Color designer: Brent Rolland