Author : AMCP

Education for All Children: Why Patrina Marino Designs

Communitas Awards Individual: Patrina Marino with Davidoff Associates
Title: “ChangeALife Uganda: Annual Review 2013”
Location: New York, New York
Category: 1.5 Individual Participation

Patrina MorinoThe skills of marketing and communication professionals are needed across the world for a plethora of reasons. Patrina Marino, principal at New York-based design consulting firm Davidoff Associates, has chosen to donate her skills and expertise for the last seven years to ChangeALife Uganda (CALU). The nonprofit aims to change the lives of Ugandan children and their families through education, health care and income-generating programs.

CALU runs a lean operation, allocating less than 10% of its budget for administration and fundraising, which can present challenges in the creation of visual storytelling tools such as an annual report.

To learn about why Marino chooses to support ChangeALife Uganda and how she overcomes the challenges, we spent a few minutes with the graphic designer.

How did you hear about CALU and what inspired you to support the nonprofit?

In 2009, a friend invited me to a gathering in support of a nonprofit, ChangeALife Uganda. I met the two founders, Jean Semler and Dave Thelen, and the director, Father Lawrence Kimbowa, who spoke passionately about this educational organization. He told his personal story of childhood sponsorship and how he wanted to continue the gift of education to African children. Immediately upon watching the slide presentation, I decided to donate my design and communication expertise to help CALU establish a visual identity and expand its reach.

CALU-2013-Annual-Review

You’ve been involved for many years. What keeps you there?

The importance of education for all children, regardless of birthplace or economics, is something in which I firmly believe. The dedication, cooperation, energy and teamwork that our board and volunteers demonstrate keep me coming back for more!

You’ve created the annual review for the last three years. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in making the latest annual report and how did you overcome them?

In 2013 we did not have a donation for printing services as we did last year, so I chose a format that can be inkjet-printed locally by our staff as needed. Secondly, since there is no budget for photography, collateral must be built around supplied photos from the field.

Creation of theme and design is driven by this limited photography, which drives the scope of the message; visuals play a big part in the telling of our story.

How have the reports you’ve created helped CALU?

The annual reports give CALU the opportunity to tell stories of the children and their families, which are so instrumental in delivering our message of the “gift of education.”

Also, these reports allow CALU to outline donations and expenditures, showcasing that most of the monies go directly to Uganda. In order to expand the donor base, retain existing sponsors, acquire new partners (both U.S. and international), as well as secure grants, we are obligated to provide financial transparency.

Anything else you want us know?

Quality visual communications is a powerful tool in reaching audiences. When I am able to employ my design, communication, and marketing expertise in support of nonprofit causes, I am gratified to make the contribution and excited by the possibilities ahead.

3566

2014 MarCom Awards Entry Spotlight: Matrix Group International

While the winners for the 2014 MarCom Awards won’t be announced for a while, we’re showcasing select entries that stand out. Keep checking back to see if your work will be highlighted. Company: Matrix Group International, Inc. Location:  Arlington, Virginia Title of Entry: “NTI Education Tutorials” Category: 189. Microsite One of the most rewarding things communicators and marketers […]

4579

2014 MarCom Awards Entry Spotlight: 2e Creative

While the winners for the 2014 MarCom Awards won’t be announced for a while, we’re showcasing select entries that stand out. Keep checking back to see if your work will be highlighted. Company: 2e Creative Client: Siemens Healthcare Location: St. Louis, Missouri Title of Entry: “Siemens Healthcare ABVS Video” Category: 258. Informational Video 2e Creative is a mid-size full service […]

4562

2014 MarCom Awards Deadline TODAY

The 2014 MarCom Awards deadline is upon us, but there’s still time. Entering is a quick and easy process that only takes minutes. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown: Register Select category, add title of entry and fill in URL if applicable. Add additional entries. Proceed to check out and select either pay by Check or Credit Card. If […]

2660

2014 MarCom Awards Entry Spotlight: ProPoint Graphics

While the winners for the 2014 MarCom Awards won’t be announced for a while, we’re showcasing select entries that stand out. Keep checking back to see if your work will be highlighted. Company: ProPoint Graphics Location: New York, New York Title of Entry: “Daylight Saving Time — A Historical and Practical Guide” Category: 208. Infographic Ever wonder how […]

3234

Can Small Businesses and Freelancers Really Win a MarCom Award?

MarCom Awards - International Competition for Marketing and Communication Professionals

If you’ve checked out the list of past MarCom Award recipients, you’ve seen an impressive array of talented creative professionals. If you’re a smaller shop or freelancer, you might wonder if you have any shot of earning a MarCom Award when you see the names of the most prestigious firms and companies in the world.

Here’s the good news: If your work is creative, you have a chance.

2737

This Week’s Latest Tech Gadgets – Sept. 8, 2014

By Gregg Ellman
@greggellman@greggellman

Tech reviews of the iStabilizer Monopod and Shutter Remote Bundle, Moshi Digits gloves, Syncable-Duo cable and iLuv TimeShaker Micro.

iStabilizer Monopod & Shutter Remote Bundle

The iStabilizer Monopod and Shutter Remote Bundle are the perfect solution to make selfie photos much more appealing because it lets you include your subjects and more of the environment around you.

iStabilizer remote

The iStabilizer (one foot long when collapsed, 1/2 lb.) attaches to a camera at one end and extends more than 3 feet, giving your camera far more reach for that coveted selfie. It’s compatible with most every smart phone and other action cameras including iPhones, Androids, Blackberrys and GoPros.

But the key to the system is the hand-held wireless Shutter Remote (1.38 x 3.56 x 0.38-inches and weighing only an ounce).

The remote connects to your device with Bluetooth and fires with your camera app or “any other app that uses the volume button to trigger the shutter,” according to the company.

I fired it up with an iPhone 5s problem-free. Since it relies on Bluetooth, the remote can be about 35 feet from the camera if you’re using another device to keep it in place.

The remote also works with Apple computers (Macbook, iMac, Mac Mini) for snapping photos, music selections, volume and even to talk to Siri.

Cost: $59.95 for the bundle, includes the remote and monopod

Details: www.iStabilizer.com

3696

2014 Hermes Winners Posted

The results are in for the 2014 Hermes Creative Awards.  There were about 5500 entries from 15 countries.  Winners are posted on our website. All entrants today were mailed written notification of their results. Please allow a few days for the information to arrive. We will be posting more information on the blog in the coming […]

2788