fig blog

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fig studios is churning out some amazing work this month.

The first to hit the web in our partnership with FACTIO Magazine is an online designer preview. In partnership with Frost Lighting (Dennis Remer), Factio Magazine (Melissa Maynard and Henrique Kerch), and five up and coming designers. The fig team, lead by photographer Billy Rood, created the films below in relationship with the designers.

Billy has been hard at work the past year developing his fashion photography. An effort that fig media owners James Gustin and Michele Gustin have supported, fostered and encouraged. Through Billy’s hard work/passion, the teams dedication and our amazing interns we are proud to show off this first round of work and have so many surprises a long the way- you will not want to miss what we have coming up next!

Check out the online edition here: http://www.factio-magazine.com/photos_shoot/index.cfm

These videos are all different designers, shot on the Canon 5d Markll , Enjoy.

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by megan taylor

Although I am not married, engaged, or really even close to my own wedding, I still can’t resist reading up on the latest styles and trends with weddings. I also like to stay on top of what is happening so I can better connect and consult with all of my brides and grooms. This year I really found the best way to do this, was to read and follow blogs. Here are a few blogs I found to be the best:

1. http://www.stylemepretty.com/
This blog is always staying fresh and talk about everything from beautiful reception shoes to do it yourself ideas to amazing vendors to hire. The photographs are beautiful and inspiring, and you can really find a range of weddings from all different styles.

2. http://weddingsunveiledblog.blogspot.com/
This online magazine reflects many styles from the Southern wedding. A great place to get inspiration for your photography.

3. http://offbeatbride.com/
Not always the most tasteful weddings in my opinion, but a fun read. Come on they have a link called wedding porn.

4. http://tenthousandonly.blogspot.com/
A great blog with cute ideas that don’t hurt the pocket.

5. http://bklynbrideonline.com/
Nope we aren’t in NYC, but we travel. Always inspired by the events and photos featured on this Brooklyn blog.

6. http://www.trendsettingwedding.com/
A fun blog that features Chicago weddings.

7. http://www.bride-buzz.com/
A soon to be awesome blog launching January 2010!!

Getting married in 2010? Check out fig weddings for all things deejay, film and photography.

www.figweddings.net

Our client, Billy Dec was on CNN tonight 6pm CST, talking about bringing the 2016 Olympics to Chicago! fig has done video for him, as well as designed his blog, http://www.achicagothing.com

Back in the spring, long standing client Billy Dec came to Fig to design the personal branding and personal blog- A Chicago Thing. With Dec’s style and vision, Fig put together a blog suited to keep Chicago up to date with the city and Dec’s latest happenings. The site not only launched online, but launched with a huge party thrown at the Underground and appearances by Busta Rhymes and Nick Cannon.

Fig is very excited about the huge success of the blog. After the design was finished, Fig has stayed onboard consulting on ways to reach new audiences and engage with friends and visitors. Billy Dec’s blog was recently selected to be a feature blogger on ChicagoNow.com. Fig was also asked to help out with campaigns to create buzz around new Chicago 2016 Video Blog’s Dec has been working on behind the scenes.

All in all – the Billy Dec and Fig partnership has turned out to be a fun successful experiment, and has given Fig the resources and experience to leverage into other client’s social media needs.

Check out the new video:

Coming Soon! The Blow out Event of the Summer.

Fig vs. Revel video battle.
In this video, fig ramps it up as the professionals who take out the Revel thugs. Saving the world from bad video everywhere.

The Event is taking place in Chicago soon.

Check out the fig vs. Revel fan page on facebook:

So, just what should you have your DJ play during your cocktail hour at your wedding… After all it is only an hour, which is 15-20 songs. Don’t frett because really you can play whatever the heck you would like. Here are some suggestions..

Start my considering your venue… If you are at a classic Chicago venue like Salvatore’s, Spiaggia, the Drake.. Looking over the Mag Mile then Frank just may be the way to go. Jazz can never do you no wrong in this city.

Or maybe you are at a more lounge modern loft or hotel space like Prairie Productions, Illuminating Company, or the W Hotel. I totally suggest more of a loungey feel, down tempo music, and maybe down tempo remixes. Also, some spaces totally have an artsy feel like the MCA, A New Leaf, and Catalyst Ranch… This is the perfect opportunity to kick in your Lolla fav’s and play some chill and upbeat Indie songs. Again the space of your party can totally set the backdrop for music you want to hear.

I also suggest thinking about the season that your event is in. Summer always makes me want to break out my reggae mixes if I am outside in the sun.. Perfect for an early outside wedding.. Winter events are often so romantic and cozy, and I think there are so many beautiful love songs that can work as a back drop.

These are just a few places to start… Bottom line you can do whatever ya like. I think as long as you are sensitive to people’s ears, songs are generally upbeat and fun, and have a good progression… Your mix will rock.

Here are some artist/albums I suggest:
Jazz- I love to play the Verve Remixed CD’s (Volume 1-3)
Downtempo/Lounge Music- Thievery Corporation, Hotel Costes, Bonobo, Flying Lotus, Zero 7, Morcheeba, Air
Indie Rock- Chromeo, Black Kids, MGMT, LCD System, Phoenix, Spoon, Shinjuku Zulu  

Feel free to email me to create your next playlist: megan@figgy.net 

“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

Click on Image Above to view full case study and Editorial.

Fig Media is battling it out with Revel, in this second installment of their Video Off.

Last Month Revel Challenged Fig to a “video off event.” Fig accepted and responded by kicking off the party early and rolling out an internet battle. Revel has responded with 2 videos, this is Fig’s Second.

To give some context. Brit and Clint, are friends/rivals of ours that work at Revel. We noticed that on thier facebook pages, they have lots of photos with them together. However they are not, which is why its so funny. Imagine taking two of your coworkers and making one of these and you will understand it more.  Megan Taylor put this together in a response to them smashing us with a sledgehammer.