http://www.version-x.com/blog/ Version-X Design en steve@version-x.com Copyright 2011 2011-11-08T18:08:47+00:00 http://www.version-x.com/site/version_x_proudly_announces_addition_to_marketing_team http://www.version-x.com/site/version_x_proudly_announces_addition_to_marketing_team#When:18:08:47Z VX welcomes our new Marketing Coordinator, Diane Le Diane Le is the newest addition to the Version-X team, joining as the Marketing Coordinator in the growing marketing division within the Agency. Diane specializes in driving consumer engagement and brand awareness through a variety of tools including traditional and online marketing especially driving social media, which is one of the fastest-growing segments of marketing today.   A recent Los Angeles transplant, Diane moved to L.A. after finishing her bachelor’s degree at UC Irvine, studying business management and theater. Prior to joining Version-X, Diane worked in the marketing departments for a variety of industries, ranging from higher education to real estate. “Diane’s smart as a whip and her professional focus combine with a youthful exuberance and bubbly personality that is a welcome tweak to our office dynamic and energy. I expect great things from her in the coming months as our Marketing division really takes off and I doubt she will disappoint.” comments Chris Fasan, VX Principal. In her spare time, she enjoys dance classes, Pilates, baking and watching America’s Next Top Model with her two bunnies. News, 2011-11-08T18:08:47+00:00 http://www.version-x.com/site/new_work_metropolis_brush_packaging http://www.version-x.com/site/new_work_metropolis_brush_packaging#When:18:45:09Z Hot on the heels of a complete redesign of the brand were commissioned to design new packaging for Metropolis’ new professional line of stylist hair brushes. Metropolis Technology creates high-end hair tools for contemporary professionals and consumers. Version-X recently performed a complete redesign of the brand and their main line of products. Hot on the heels of that we were commissioned to design packaging for their new professional line of stylist hair brushes. The magenta and blue colors were pulled from the main brand and product lineup and are balanced with varying values of rich black to help the products stand out. Rounded die-cut windows on the front of the packaging interplay with metropolitan imagery to evoke the feeling of movement in the city – the overall Metropolis brand story. Glossy spot UV coating contrasts with the overall satin finish of the pieces to add an extra touch of contemporary class and style. Version-X designer Jason Campbell was the team member tasked with designing the boxes, from initial sketches to final production: "We wanted the design of the packaging to make a connection and be in-line with the overall brand, but also have a little individuality and be strong enough to stand on it's own. The overall line of the Metropolis products were divided into two categories, Consumer and Prosumer, and were distinguished by the colors blue and magenta respectively. The brush series was unique in that it crossed the line between these categories so the typical branding application did not apply." Chris Fasan, CD on the project, comments: "Really love the way these turned out; Jason did a fantastic job embellishing on the look of the brand and adding some extra touches of style and detail. These new pieces really help to flesh out the overall aesthetic of the brand and will help further define them as a leader of the professional hair tool category." Agency: Version-X Design Location: Los Angeles, CA - United States Designer: Jason Campbell Creative Director: Chris Fasan Design, Branding, 2011-10-03T18:45:09+00:00 http://www.version-x.com/site/seeking_web_developer_designer http://www.version-x.com/site/seeking_web_developer_designer#When:19:08:47Z We’re looking to add a Front-End Developer/Designer rock star to our team. If that fits your skills, read on. JOB SYNOPSIS If you are a Los Angeles-based Front-End Developer/Designer available for full-time, on-site work who has strong skills and experience creating standards-compliant code and strong knowledge of CSS, HTML5, JQuery, E-comm and CMS integration (ExpressionEngine a major bonus) please read on! WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR On-site, full-time team member Passion for clean, usable pages and interfaces built on semantic, resusable code. Minimum 3 years of experience in professional website development. Strong hands on front-end coding in HTML5 and CSS3. A skilled interface designer with an intuitive sense of designing for usability is a ginormous plus. WHAT YOU GET OUT OF IT Work for a company that encourages you to learn and stay on top of the latest trends in the webosphere. Build websites and interactive experiences that you will be proud of and have a shot at winning design awards. Be part of a tight-knit talented creative team where your opinions will get heard and be valued. Lots of room for growth in a fairly small but quickly growing company. WHAT YOU’LL DO Partner with Creative Director and design team to create compelling user experiences. Work closely with design and marketing teams to conceptualize and plan projects. Suggest best solutions for client needs, leveraging pre-existing 3rd party options where appropriate to get desired results more efficiently and economically. Execute static page designs as standards-compliant, semantic, efficient code using best practices. Proactively explore new ways to improve user experience, reliability and performance. Proactively keep up to date on latest tools, trends, plugins, techniques and shortcuts. OUR CORE WEB PHILOSOPHIES (make sure you are either nodding your head in agreement or saying “no duh” as you are reading the items below before bothering to apply) A website should be easily navigable, frustration-free, and clearly communicate to the visitor. We have a standards-based approach to creating websites (ie. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript,) because it allows us to create websites that are fast, flexible, easily indexable by search engines, multi-device accessible and future-proof. We prefer to use the jQuery JavaScript library as it is compact, logical, and speeds development time while reducing cross-browser bugs. COMPENSATION Compensation offered depends on experience, talent and capabilities, but will include the following: Salary plus vacation time Gated garage parking Access to fitness facility APPLICATION PROTOCOL Recruiters, head-hunters or agencies DO NOT CALL regarding this position Absolutely must send us a link to your online portfolio or examples of your work to be given consideration. Please put “Web Developer” in the subject line of your correspondence. No phone calls or surprise office drop-bys. Interested applicants, please send an email to webjobs@version-x.com. News, 2011-09-28T19:08:47+00:00 http://www.version-x.com/site/international_recognition_for_version-x http://www.version-x.com/site/international_recognition_for_version-x#When:22:54:23Z VX designers awarded honors by the London International Creative Competition. The London International Creative Competition announced its winners this past Friday and Version-X was the proud recipient of two nods. VX design team member Adam Stoddard garnered us an honorable mention for his stylish high-concept Macadamia poster, while Steve Silvas was similarly honored for his stunning execution on the I.C.O.N. Magazine 2011 issue. Artwork for the LICC Awards is juried by a board of internationally-esteemed artists, writers, curators, gallery owners and other luminaries of the visual arts.   The LICC was started in 2006 by the Farmani Group, whose other endeavors include the founding of numerous charities, initiatives and arts organizations such as photograpy's Lucie Awards and the award-winning VUE magazine. "The LICC was formed to provide an open platform and even playing field for all artists and we are honored to have been recognized by such a reputable international creative organization." says Chris Fasan, Creative Director at Version-X. About The Projects The first graphic design work honored was a beautiful poster created to showcase the brand Version-X created for international professional hair care client Macadamia Natural Oil.  The poster was designed as an avant-garde promotional piece for Version-X to showcase the essence of the Macadamia brand itself without resorting to  the standard product or model imagery. It mixes several of the Macadamia brand elements with a unique design flair that gives it a little bit of a different edge and ties in with the focal macadamia and argan oil ingredients of the line. The second winning project was for client I.C.O.N.’s annual magazine. The book features stylish use of the glossy spot UV effect contrasting with an otherwise matte finish; the intent to give particular printed elements a “wet look” correlating with the "splattering color" photography theme so deftly captured by photographer Michael Pool. "The ICON magazine is a big challenge every year, but one that I look forward to. It's a great opportunity to stretch our creative muscles and do things that don't fit into our usual design routines. This year's book was really fun to put together, so it's nice to see others enjoying it as well," expressed VX Senior Designer Steve Silvas. News, Design, 2011-09-06T22:54:23+00:00 http://www.version-x.com/site/version_x_welcomes_two_new_team_members http://www.version-x.com/site/version_x_welcomes_two_new_team_members#When:17:05:37Z Version-X Appoints Senior Producer and Director of Marketing/Business Development. Brand and Marketing Agency Version-X Appoints Senior Producer and Director of Marketing/Business Development PRESS RELEASE Los Angeles, September 1, 2011 – For Immediate Release – Today, Version-X, an award-winning full service Brand and Marketing agency based in Los Angeles, is pleased to announce the appointment of Keith Knopf as its Senior Producer and Michael Newhouse as its Director of Marketing and Business Development.  Keith will spearhead the development of streamlined processes and client communication as well as assist in strategic engagement initiatives.  Michael will lead marketing activities for the agency as well as driving marketing strategy development for existing and future clients.  “We are thrilled to have landed not just one, but two marketing executives possessing a combined wealth of experience and knowledge that can make an instant impact with our current clients in addition to adding new marketing services,” said Chris Fasan, Principal / Creative Director of Version-X.  “During these uncertain economic times we have still managed to grow and now was the perfect time to add senior staff that possess the experience required to lead our client services and build upon our marketing offerings and capabilities”, Mr. Fasan added. Prior to his work at Version-X, Keith worked in senior management for both international and domestic companies, which haveincluded working and traveling extensively throughout the US and the world managing production and creative teams in print, online and interactive capacities.  Keith has worked as the Director of Media & Entertainment in his previous agency experience and has been both the Group Production Director & Managing Director of Creative Services/Marketing in his previous client experience. “I am elated to work for an award-winning Brand and Marketing Agency such as Version-X.  It is very telling that, during this difficult economy, they have not only avoided scaling down, but are actually growing due to its on-target creative vision, talent and strategy.  I have a lot of respect for this team and am really looking forward to helping manage their next successes”, said Mr. Knopf.  Michael joins Version-X with over 12 years experience, both agency and brand side, having worked with companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500. Michael’s vast, multi-industry experience provides invaluable insights and perspectives for clients. Whether it’s traditional advertising, experiential marketing or the latest Social Media developments, Michael is up to speed on the absolute latest and knows right where to find the critical information for client success.  As a developing thought leader in Brand and Marketing Strategy, Michael is frequently asked to speak and share his insights.     About Version-X Founded in 1998, Version-X is an award-winning brand and marketing agency that creates online and offline engagement strategies across multiple, integrated customer touch points.  From brand inception to implementation, Version-X offers a full range of services including brand strategy/identity, web design/development, packaging design, printed collateral, online marketing, social media strategy/development, print advertisement and live event marketing.  Clients served include Macadamia Natural Oil, Dolby, Metropolis Technology, Natural Yards, I.C.O.N. , GreenBytes, Debecca Natural Foods, Decipher Inc., Disney and others.  Version-X is a privately held agency with headquarters in the Los Angeles NoHo Art District in California.  For media or business inquiries, please contact Michael Newhouse at 818.308.6111 ext. 31 or michael@version-x.com.  For more information please visit www.version-x.com News, 2011-09-01T17:05:37+00:00 http://www.version-x.com/site/expanding_an_icon_part_2_of_2 http://www.version-x.com/site/expanding_an_icon_part_2_of_2#When:01:27:13Z Part 2 of our behind-the-scenes look at how we created a great new show experience for I.C.O.N. So here we are with the second half of our 2-part series about expanding the trade show experience for our client, I.C.O.N. In the first article, I talked about all of the planning and the planning and.. oh did I mention the planning?! Now comes the fun part where we see everything come together. --- Now that the major trade show booth structure was planned out and ordered, it was time to finish logistics and create the artwork for the booth. Creating large format graphics is always a challenge – it can be tricky trying to set scale of graphics and text when they’ll be blown up so large. We, again, used Google SketchUp as a 3D planning tool so that we could see how the large graphic panels would scale in relation to each other and to people on the show floor. With all of the graphics complete, we had to finish up several smaller projects for the space such as ordering flooring and furniture as well as setting up a vendor to do the I & D (installation and dismantle of the booth) for the show. Once all of the pieces were manufactured and completed, we were able to see a preveiw of the booth when it was setup with our show logistics partners over at Skyline West. Right away, the scale of the booth was massive and we knew it would make a big impact at the show. This was the time when we were able to fit all of the shelving and other items from different vendors to ensure that everything fit together correctly before shipping to the show floor. After that, it was go time! All of the structure, graphic panels, flooring, furniture, lights, decorations and more were shipped to Mandalay Bay for the trade show. The structure was assembled and then, with some finishing touches from our team at the show for lighting, decoration and product placement, the stage was set for a fantastic display of I.C.O.N.‘s rapidly growing brand and product line. Photographer Michael Pool shot the campaign for this season and the images made a huge “splash.” Bright colors contrasted with punchy blacks and crisp whites to create a series of visuals that you couldn’t miss if you tried! Finally, the shelves were loaded up with all of the products and the packaging that we’ve been designing for I.C.O.N. over the past 2 years and it was clear that this was a standout brand at the show. With all of the challenges that go into creating a show environment (or even expanding an existing one), it’s always a thrill to see our designs on such a large scale and an even bigger thrill to see people experiencing the brand in a different way. 2011-08-10T01:27:13+00:00 http://www.version-x.com/site/expanding_an_i.c.o.n._part_1_of_2 http://www.version-x.com/site/expanding_an_i.c.o.n._part_1_of_2#When:18:42:51Z Updating trade show booths for our clients can be quite an under-taking. See what went into making a major expansion to an existing booth for our client I.C.O.N. Anytime a client asks us to update their trade show booth, it's a big production. Aside from the actual design work there are a lot of logistics that need to be wrangled in order to make it all happen. It's a long process but one that can be really rewarding when you get to see first hand people at a show actualy experiencing a brand that we've helped develop and grow. I.C.O.N. wanted to make a major expansion to their existing booth structure that we created last year for CosmoProf. This year's version would be nearly double the square footage with additional structure, shelving and all-new graphics.  Our process began with a big brainstorming session where our team threw out ideas on how we could expand the booth while keeping the client's needs in mind. Many different concepts were explored at this phase, but we finally narrowed it down to one.  Once we had the working concept locked down, we began to create scale drawings of the existing pieces to see how they would interact with the additional structure that we would have fabricated. From there, these drawings were brought into three dimensions using 3D drawing software. This step really helps to define the space and give a sense of scale, spacing and depth. When making trade show environments, it's really important to keep in mind how people will use the space - how much room is needed in doorways, aisles, seating, etc. Having a 3D model of the space really helps to plan for all of these things and adjust before anything is fabricated.  Once the initial structure and planning is approved and finalized, all of the dimensions are sent to one of our fabricating partners and the large structural elements are custom-created for us. From here there are still a whole slew of things to figure out - graphics, flooring, furniture, shelving and more. Learn about how we did all that in part 2 of this series next week.          Design, Branding, 2011-07-26T18:42:51+00:00 http://www.version-x.com/site/seeking_business_development_expert http://www.version-x.com/site/seeking_business_development_expert#When:19:23:08Z Version-X Design is looking for someone who can help keep our talented creative staff busy with cool, challenging branding and web projects. THE JOB Version-X Design is looking for someone who can help keep our talented creative staff busy with cool, challenging branding and web projects. 

You will work with us to formulate a plan of attack and then execute; attaining leads with desirable candidates and winning them over with your charm and unrivaled people-person skills (as well as the aid of our stellar portfolio.) You will need to have a solid understanding of design/creative services/web. 

We are open to considering various employment scenarios, though ones where you get compensated based on performance and results are more desirable and will receive the most consideration. This can be on-site or off-site, an individual or a firm. HOW TO APPLY If interested, please contact us at designjobs(at)version-x.com News, 2011-05-24T19:23:08+00:00 http://www.version-x.com/site/big_book_of_packaging_placement http://www.version-x.com/site/big_book_of_packaging_placement#When:02:51:19Z We’re thrilled to be featured in the new book “The Big Book of Packaging,” released last month from Harper Design Publishing. Version-X was selected as one of only 12 leading design firms to be specially featured as a case study We’re thrilled to be featured in the new book “The Big Book of Packaging,” released last month from Harper Design Publishing. Version-X was selected as one of only 12 leading design firms to be specially featured as a case study. The packaging we did for our client, Macadamia Natural Oil, was featured in a 4-page article in the new book, which focuses on great packaging and design from different industries. In addition to the Macadamia case study, one of the initial packaging design concepts we created for another client, DaBecca Natural Foods, was also featured in the book as an example of eco-friendly packaging. Here’s a quick look. News, 2011-03-03T02:51:19+00:00 http://www.version-x.com/site/new_year_new_office http://www.version-x.com/site/new_year_new_office#When:17:15:38Z We’d considered ourselves fortunate to be not only just busy, but rapidly growing over the past couple of years despite the recent economic downturn. With an ever expanding list of clientele and an office seemingly shrinking by the day with every new staff member hired, we decided at the end of last year that it was time for an upgrade. From what we’ve heard, the right work environment is essential to being productive and producing quality results. If that is indeed the case then look for us to be cranking out tons of award-winning work in 2011 and beyond because I think, after all these years, we’ve finally got this office thing figured out. It might have been the cramped office space, lack of privacy and meeting areas, absence of windows and natural sunlight, or loud jumbo jets constantly flying over head, but something about our previous office just wasn’t working anymore. We’d considered ourselves fortunate to be not only just busy, but rapidly growing over the past couple of years despite the recent economic downturn. With an ever expanding list of clientele and an office seemingly shrinking by the day with every new staff member hired, we decided at the end of last year that it was time for an upgrade. The new office wasn’t much to look at when we first discovered it, but we knew that with a little paint and demolition there was some major potential. The space was renovated to our specifications and, true to Version-X form, we definitely made the place our own. Red and shades of grey cover the walls and look mighty sharp against our new black polished concrete floors. We’d be lying if we said we weren’t pleased as punch with the way it all shook out. Our new space is located smack dab in the middle of the NoHo Art’s District; a new and thriving hub for music, theater, design, visual arts, restaurants, and much more. We’ve got ample room to spread our wings, areas for internal creative meetings, a conference room, and a dedicated photography room. We’ve got quite the interior design project on our hands now and we are really looking forward to adding new decor and fleshing out some of the creative spaces in the coming weeks. News, 2011-02-28T17:15:38+00:00