J H I Blog

What do you stand for?

Tara — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:41:23 +0000

What Do You Stand For? is a group of 8-foot-tall self-portraits that reveal the character and beliefs of young people in Richmond. The 25 portraits, completed by middle-school students over this past summer in an ART 180 program in collaboration with Higher Achievement, were unveiled at the First Fridays Artwalk in October 2011 and have been traveling the city ever since.

They are now being featured right outside the homes of local residents, including J H I. We are showing off a beautiful painting done by Brittani Minnicks, 12, who expresses herself through “color, jewelry, and the afro.”

If you haven’t taken the time to walk down Monument Avenue, I highly recommend it!

Richmond Takes The Civil War to DC

Jo — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:00:08 +0000

150 years ago, in 1862, the Union Army was on the outskirts of Richmond. They believed they would take the capital of the Confederacy within days, and that the Civil War would be over in less than a month. However, the now famous Seven Days Battles ended with the Union Army pushed back and the Confederacy victorious. The Civil War would continue for years to come, at great cost to both sides.

(click on image for larger size)

Click for Video 1

J H I has created a series of 12 posters telling the story of the Peninsula Campaign and the Seven Days Battles, which will be installed in the Washington DC Metro Center subway station for the entire month of April. Each poster has a QR code linked to a brief video featuring a National Park Service ranger talking about the battles.

Click for video 2

The posters are part of a larger installation J H I has produced promoting the Richmond Region as a travel destination, and part of a huge station-wide installation by the Virginia Tourism Corporation promoting the entire state of Virginia. J H I’s client, the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, leads these vigorous efforts to increase visitation to Richmond. They accomplish wonders with a budget that is far below what similar destinations spend to attract tourists.

Click for video 3

If you can’t make it to DC to see the installation, check out the Peninsula Campaign itinerary at OnToRichmond.com and walk the hallowed ground where brave men from both sides fought and died for their beliefs and their country. And be sure to watch for special events planned for May 2012 by the National Park Service and Chesterfield County, commemorating The Battle of Drewry’s Bluff: the first and last time the U.S. Navy attempted to take Richmond by water, and the battle for which John Mackie became the first U.S. Marine to receive the Medal of Honor.

Meet Mussee, the Gerbil!

Tara — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:21:01 +0000

This week, J H I had the pleasure of “gerbil-sitting” a furry little friend named Mussee. Mussee, which is short for Musketeer, is a black gerbil who spends most of his days sleeping, eating, running in his wheel, and checking out his surroundings. A tough life indeed!

We didn’t want Mussee to feel left out, so we made some Apple products for him to use [or nibble on] while he stayed with us!

As you can see from the picture below, Mussee has a pretty impressive home. 3 stories of pure gerbil bliss!

I can safely say we spoiled him, but I’m sure he’s happy to go home

Cheers!

Heidi — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:35:53 +0000

Friday Cheers Concert Series 2012: Lineup announced!

This announcement is always exciting and one of my favorite moments of the year…

It signals spring is near, daylight savings is right around the corner and what gets any better than live music outside?!

Tickets for individual performances and season passes are available online at TicketstoBuy.

See you there!

Canal Walk Banners

Zane — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:05:08 +0000

We were recently given the opportunity to help Venture Richmond liven up some of the lampposts around Richmond’s Canal Walk.

On each post is a different colored banner with an activity that can be done in and around Richmond. Visitors will be able to discover fun and interesting facts about our lovely city as they walk or ride along the historic Canal.

Come down and check it out! There is a lot more to do around Richmond than you might think!

On The Cutting…

John — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:18:46 +0000

We love to work with new ideas. We love it when our clients have new ideas and ask us to help them form strategies and communications to bring them to life.

Alternative Energy Solutions, a division of Dominion (one of the top power utilities in the country) has developed a highly sophisticated suite of products designed to make “The Smart Grid” even smarter and more efficient. The program is rolling out in conjunction with Lockheed Martin.

J H I named the product, created the strategic communications position, designed the visual identity, produced a suite of innovative communications tools and also created the trade show presence for both Dominion and Lockheed Martin.

More Good Ideas!

A 5 Year Old Talks Logos

Tara — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:37:24 +0000

Have you ever paid attention to how many brands you’re exposed to in a single day? Or how quick you can associate a logo with its product? When you see the Starbucks logo, you immediately think coffee. When you see the golden arches, you think McDonald’s. Now imagine being 5 years old and exposed to the same amount of brands. The room for imagination is endless….

Watch this video to see the world of famous logos through the eyes of a five year old.

5 Years Old and Talking Logos

Diocese of Virginia

Stephanie — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:18:16 +0000

Revised crest, simplified to one-color

Recently we completed an updated identity system for the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. This project was an opportunity to completely rethink the Diocese’ message as well as refresh the Diocese identity system. The project included strategic naming and messaging recommendations based on interviews and discussion groups. Working alongside our friends at the Diocese, we developed a new tagline that better expresses the church’s relevance in today’s world; redrew an historic crest and icons, and redesigned their business graphics. The Diocese’s new identity system shows a fresh modern face to the world, but is rooted in centuries of tradition. Continue reading for more images of the new Diocese of Virginia identity.

Happy Holideas!

Chris — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:58:33 +0000

Hello all and Happy Holidays from J H I! Here are some Good Ideas for the season.

Onyx
Purchase gifts from an animal shelter online store like theanimalrescuesite.com.

Zane
Bring a “Cookie Jar” when visiting friends. Fill a decorative jar with the ingredients of your favorite cookies and attach the recipe with a ribbon.

Stephanie
Make your friends and your town merry by shopping local!

Heidi
Make spiked eggnog floats (using spiced Rum and Vanilla ice cream) and gather in front of the fire for some board game fun! My choice: Monopoly.

Jo
Cuddle under a soft blanket and watch favorite old Christmas movies: “Miracle on 34th Street”, “White Christmas” and “It’s A Wonderful Life”.

John
Make a really small New Year’s resolution that you can actually keep.

Tara
Sweatpants.

Chris
Get snowed in with some friends and a box of Chinese food; the friends are optional.

A Note from the Velvet Hammer

Tara — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:15:26 +0000

One of my jobs here at J H I is to make sure time is being entered for the jobs we are currently working on. Here is a fun email I sent around the office as a “friendly reminder.”

Subject: A Must Read…no really, you have to.

Hey there, it’s me, I’m writing to nag,
About putting in hours, oh what a drag!
I’ve pulled all the folders, so stuff them with care,
Don’t forget the creative, and all specs to share.

So many folders, but where do they hide?
On the back table, with arms open wide.
So stop by those folders, fill them with glee,
And when you are finished you can bring them to me.

Just one more thing, then I’ll let you go,
Some jobs aren’t completed, but need time in to grow.
Pop in those hours, there’s nothing to fear,
Happy Holidays, Safe Travels, and Happy New Year.

Velvet Hammer Out,
Tara