Capstone Studios, Inc.

Since our founding in 1985, Capstone Studios, Inc. has built a reputation as an award-winning graphic design studio. But that description doesn't even begin to cover the wide range of services we perform for our clients. So we prefer to call ourselves a marketing solutions company. From traditional print media, to interactive websites, high-definition video production, and immersive sales environments, Capstone Studios produces eye-catching, award-winning designs that affect the market each and every day. We employ tried-and-true design techniques and marketing methods, while also embracing new trends and emerging technologies to help our clients achieve their goals. It's a mixture of art and science that is different for every client.

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3D Gold renders and cover art for Robb Report, 25th anniversary edition. 

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La Palina Cigar Band, Capstone Studios, Inc. for Ron Taft. Creative: Peter Greco, John Dismukes, Dan Kitsmiller

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Gorgeous use of color

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Marketing as we knew it and learned it has changed significantly. "The golden rule for today’s hyper competitive and information-rich markets is this: The only way you can increase the value of your brand is by increasing the value of your offering. That value isn't defined solely by greater usability, though that's a part of it; value is to a greater and greater degree determined by the emotional connection a user has to a product. "

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Fab.com Flash Sale: Bombata Limited quantity. Fab.com Direct from Italy, these “Extreme Design” laptop bags are made by Bombata. Crafted to look like leather, Bombata bags are super durable and provide a chic way to protect your laptop. And the cruelty-free material is especially appreciated by our furry friends. 

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Simple, great tips for making the most from your press releases. With about five "to do" on my list, I haven't written any recently because they end up being overly complex. More isn't more. Clear is what counts. Fancy jargon doesn't belong in press releases. Lead and they will follow (if it's interesting enough) — First Impression: Optimize the first 250 words of your Press Release.

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by H. James Wilson, PJ Guinan, Salvatore Parise, and Bruce D. Weinberg "What Happens When Companies Lack a Social Media Strategy? It’s worth remembering that despite their ubiquity, Twitter and Facebook are only five and seven years old, respectively. Who knows what new technologies lie ahead? Understanding how company strategies are evolving to use existing social media not only will be of use today but also should guide managers as they adapt to platforms developed in the years to come." Read the 2nd part part of this really phenomenal article on HBR: http://hbr.org/2011/07/whats-your-social-media-strategy/ar/2 Take the quiz: http://hbr.org/2011/07/whats-your-social-media-strategy/sb1

[apaullo]

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According to director George Roy Hill, during the filming of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), a stuntman balked at some of the bicycle tricks he was asked to perform. Just then, Newman himself went rolling by, balanced on one foot on the bicycle’s seat. Hill turned to the stuntman and said, “You’re fired.”

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While it states that this is great for artists and photographers - professionals should really have their won site, but this is a great How To and allows for easy image loading and profile building — enjoy! Maybe for personal branding it's where you show your favorite work - work that isn't published on your regular site, or maybe of more personal nature --

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PR is typically difficult to pinpoint in terms of ROI (return on Investment) however it's a vital part of marketing, and has more credibility because of its written third person. You have more control than you think — and this article below offers some excellent tips and advice on carving those niches for a higher probability of being quoted —

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Writing is a form of personal freedom. It frees us from the mass identity we see all around us. In the end, writers will write not to be outlaw heroes of some underculture but mainly to save themselves, to survive as individuals. This is a wonderful and resourceful piece that should help you get started with terrific tips and tricks for beginners: > Do some short exercises to stretch your writing muscles. > If you’re stuck for ideas, carry a notebook everywhere. > Work out the time of day when you’re at your most creative. > Don’t agonize over getting it right. > HAVE FUN!

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YouTube is awesome, an invaluable marketing tool (even more so because it contains automatic Google Juice) - and this article is very informative. Just keep in mind that YouTube can be distracting so if you veer your crowd to YouTube - know that they may not be returning to your site anytime soon. Especially if they're younger! Jo-Anne Redwood Principal "Creative talent is the scarcest resource on the planet." —Rusty Rueff, VP, Electronic Arts Capstone Studios, Inc. Phone: [phone] Cell 213-716-6087 Skype: joanneredwood Twitter: www.twitter.com/joanneredwood & www.twitter.com/CapstoneStudios Blog: www.capstonestudios.com/blog Subscribe RSS: http://bit.ly/hNoh4l Facebook.com/CapstoneStudios www.capstonestudios.com www.dismukes.com www.capstonestudiosinternational.com Capstone is a full-service design agency that assists businesses to increase market share by creating and implementing strategically integrated marketing solutions. Smart Strategies. Brilliant Creativity. Flawless Execution. Delighted Clients.

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"More people now visit Apple's 326 stores in a single quarter than the 60 million who visited Walt Disney Co.'s four biggest theme parks last year, according to data from Apple and the Themed Entertainment Association. Apple's annual retail sales per square foot have soared to $4,406—excluding online sales, according to investment bank Needham & Co. Add in online sales, which include iTunes, and the number jumps to $5,914. That's far higher than the sales per square foot and online sales of jeweler Tiffany & Co. ($3,070), luxury retailer Coach Inc. ($1,776), and electronics retailer Best Buy Co. ($880), according to estimates."

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Sometimes it's nice that cookies allow for a narrowed search (like plugging in a movie title and having only theaters in your vicinity show up) but sometimes it's just creepy. For anyone a bit more that weary of the invasive technologies behind this, the article from Walls Street Journal on Saturday is excellent. Not Me Dot Com Want an Internet that doesn't know your pant size? A guide to regain your privacy. ~ WSJ

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We see a lot of of attrition in sales [employees], especially in the service based industries. It takes time (and money) to properly train your sales teams, but the returns are huge [and quantifiably different]. Case studies on Nordstroms, Zappos and others should be included in training — their success is not an accident - they didn't "hire the best" away from competitors. Their brand philosophy is shared, and their team() are given accountability - both good and bad. As a brand marketer, we always want to speak to the sales team first. They're the front line - they know what can make them better. A happy, connected sales team spills into the customer experience. 1. Train 2. Acknowledge & Reward 3. Empower

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In an Amp from yesterday, there was mention of David Brooks' article (below) "It's Not About You" — and because of the reference, I thought it would be helpful to have this reference reading — I see the relevance, but it discusses life choices, where the next gen is going, the plan and so on - Hindsight is 20-20 — right? What is wonderful though, and quotable is: "Fulfillment is a byproduct of how people engage their tasks, and can’t be pursued directly. Most of us are egotistical and most are self-concerned most of the time, but it’s nonetheless true that life comes to a point only in those moments when the self dissolves into some task. The purpose in life is not to find yourself. It’s to lose yourself." Enjoy!