innovations

This early bird got her worm!

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:42:00 +0000

My schedule has been very busy, both work wise and socially, so I enjoy every moment I get to spend in my gardens. Last Saturday I carved out some time between rainfalls to plant my annuals. I was inspired by our garden club workshop on hanging baskets, and couldn't wait any longer to plant! So early Saturday morning my mom and I headed over to Graf Growers (not just a plug for our clients - it's seriously the best!). Though I didn't make it for their 7am opening, I still made it in time to take advantage of their early bird offer. Saturday mornings (7-10am) in May you receive a worm from the Early Bird for $10 OFF your $50+ purchase - great deal!

I'm usually very grateful for my ability to visualize pretty much anything, but standing in front of so many beautiful flowers can be overwhelming because i can think of things to do with all of them. If you know me, you know I'm not a fan of the color orange, well they had an orange coleus next to a purple plant and it was amazing! Though bringing in that much orange would through everything off so I held back, my mom helped me focus and with the help of the Graf's staff we loaded up two very full carts. Since we shopped so early, I still had the whole day to plant, which i did! Now I just have to remember to keep watering...

Time to start working on the vegetable gardens...

Email Makeovers!

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:38:00 +0000

So you’ve been sending out your own email blasts or newsletters and they’ve been doing okay for you, right? Each one gets a couple hits to your website or brings a few customers to the store but you feel like something just isn’t right or that your customers just aren’t getting the message that you are trying to communicate to them. It’s possible that it’s time for an email blast makeover!! Getting people interested and excited to see YOUR email blast in their inbox is the hardest part of email marketing.

I don’t know about you but I am a very visual learner, HOWEVER, the information behind the visual must be as strong as the visual itself. There’s nothing worse than receiving a really well designed email blast and clicking through to the website and finding the same old message and information as you read the last time you received the email. You have to keep your message current, I know this can be time consuming but you will be able to pat yourself on the back when your sales are increasing and the traffic on your website is doubling.

One really good example of how we implement this is Graf Growers Garden Center. We started designing and sending email blasts for them late in 2006. Every season, about 4-5 times a year, we reinvent or ‘makeover’ the look of their email blast. We keep the same style each season so that people will know where and how to find the information but the visual aspect will change to match the season. This keeps people interested and really looking forward to the changes each season. As for the information that Graf Growers provides, it changes weekly. Lisa Graf, who is the owner of Graf Growers, personally writes information each week to post on her online blog. This is the most clicked option on their email blast because people really like to see what’s new in the world of gardening and to read Lisa’s opinion on everything from fertilizer to upcoming gardening shows. As I said, we started this in late 2006 and it just so happens that every year since they have increased sales in the store! A good makeover can take your business a long way!

NiNA

Going to market...

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:46:00 +0000

Saturday morning I visited one of my favorite places in the area, Cleveland's West Side Market. In reading various magazines I have come across multiple articles on making jam. I swear I'm not a 60 year old country housewife! Anyhow, after visiting some of my favorite spots in the main hall, like the Pierogi Palace, I picked up some great veggies and finally some lovely blackberries. Yesterday my friend and I took to the stove to begin our jam creation. The recipe was really simple it just took a while to get the right consistency. It looks good, haven't tried it yet - but, I did make a couple of potato and horseradish pierogies for dinner, with a side of steamed asparagus, yum!

I always get excited by a trip to the market, you never know what new thing you may discover. It also reminds me of travelling in Europe, loving the fresh air markets, the different lifestyle of buying fresh, local food daily for dinner. Unfortunately the West Side Market is a ways away, but maybe something cool will go into Highland Square, at the very least we'll have the farmer's markets in the spring...

Mmmm, Galley Boys!

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:23:00 +0000

Our latest project has our tummies rumbling! We are currently working on a new Swensons website, with all the bells and whistles. As Swensons is an Akron staple, it does have me reminiscing about the good old days. What do you think of, when you think Swensons?

It was always a thrill when I was little and my grandpa would take us to their drive in in his big black cadillac and then we'd go to Two Turtles to buy new Black Mollies for my grandma's pond. Many years later, it became one of our favorite "hang outs" (wow I felt old saying that) in high school, especially in my convertible -- you had to be sure to park on the cool side!

Well, back to work...keep dreaming about the deliciously sweet burgers, yum!

-Liz

A Laugh for While You're Away

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Well Nina has escaped the pseudo nice weather of Akron for the sunny beaches of Miami! In her absence, I decided to post a funny photo of us (more like ridiculous of me) at her Halloween party this year. She already had her costume off (an awesome robot), but Cruela was still cackling!

Enjoy,

-Liz

Tips for a Greener Workplace!

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:38:00 +0000

I received an email blast the other day and it provided some very interesting information about making your workplace 'green'. We all know the typical things...recycle your ink and toner cartriges, get a few plants for the office, and print on recycled paper BUT that's not all you could be doing to make your office a greener place! Here a few fun things that I found:

-By relaxing the dress code in the office to casual you will reduce the cost of dry cleaning for your employees and also allow for a higher temperature in the office during summer months by allowing a lighter clothing to be worn.

-Letting your employees work a more flexible schedule by either working 4- 10 hour days or simply working from home one day a week will reduce their gas consumption by 20% for their work week! "Telecommuting works for 44 million Americans"!

-If you work with a computer at work or even at home you might consider switching to a laptop next time you upgrade your computer. Laptops consume 80% LESS energy than your average desktop computer! But even if you do still rely on your trusty desktop, setting it to sleep mode when you aren't using it will reduce your computers energy use by 70%. That's a lot of energy saved by just being aware of what your computer is up to while you're away!

Here is a link for further reading: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/green-work/

Planet Green gives you tons of tips on a greener workplace!

Here is my contribution to the plants in the office - my beautiful orchid. I bought it from Ikea last year and really didn't think it was going to make it through the summer but it came back with twice as many blooms!

Hope this helps!

-Nina

Wednesday Wonders

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:45:00 +0000

The sun is shining, and I can think of is: "could this be it, is it melting for good, for spring?" I almost don't want to look at the weather report, for fear more snow might be coming. I love snow, especially with a winter birthday I was forced to like it as a child, no pool parties for me - but, I'm ready to start enjoying the outdoors again. I never had a chance to check out the extended towpath that runs by our office, that will be first on my list. Well, I guess I will be brave and check the weather channel...Hurray! 52 for tomorrow...but of course, back down to the 20s and snow for the weekend. Oh well, not a great forecast and not a great blog post, maybe better on both accounts next week?!
-Liz

First Night Show & Tell

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:56:00 +0000

As promised here are some shots of First Night Akron 2009...
The night went by so quickly, just like the crazy drummers above!

I was lead up to the Ice Rink stage for the unveiling of our banner, the last one, announcing 2009.

It was hard to get a good shot, but very cool to see all of the different as a cohesive countdown calendar.

Happy 2009!

A shot from outside our office overlooking Lock3, with the calendar on the right. Here's a closer view...

Hard to tell from the angle but we had a gathering of my weeble wobble people featured along with the party leader on the banner. Thanks to everyone at the Downtown Akron Partnership, this was such a fun experience and truly an honor. I look forward to seeing the new ideas for next year!

-Liz

Wii - It's a new year!!!

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:52:00 +0000

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season - mine was certainly full of family & fun! We will have a few photos to post of the fun at First Night very soon. But, in the meantime, I wanted to tell you about my latest hobby, Wii Fit!
I have had my Wii for a little over a year now, and for all the trouble I had finding it - I haven't used it enough., The best is when the little kids in my family come over at the holidays and a family tournament of Mario Kart begins.
Back to Wii Fit, my mom finally tracked one down and gave it to me as an early birthday present. I began using it on Monday and I love it! It really is crazy what a little balance can do for a person. I won't get into the nitty gritty of the game, you can listen to Nintendo for that: read more >>> but the bottom line is that they really do make stretching fun and in the privacy of your own home...plus I'm pretty competitive, so trying to beat your high score is always a challenge!
-Liz

Who's that goofball?

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:35:00 +0000

It's me! Nina took some ridiculous photos during the mini-parade the other day...I hope they are worth a laugh, or at least a chuckle.

Lisa Knapp of the Downtown Akron Partnership introducing my design (too bad the microphone is blocking her!) at the desitination for the parade - Cascade Plaza.

Goofy, for sure! Nina and I got to ride the Magical Train back to Lock 3. Yes, It's only a block or so away, but we could act like little kids for a few minutes. It was a fun afternoon, and now the design is out there - I hope you like it!

-Liz

First Night Akron

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:14:00 +0000

Liz was chosen this year to create the art for the First Night Akron button. It's a really great honor and she came up with an excellent design for this year. It looks amazing, everyone is super excited for the event. Liz and I helped with the parade today to kick off First Night Akron and introduce the button art to the community. We took some fun photos of the parade and press conference so check back tomorrow for photos and more information on the event!
-nina

One more thing...

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:32:00 +0000

Amidst all of the excitement I just mentioned, we want you! Or someone you know! I finally decided to bring on another design whiz.

So if you or someone you know is looking for an internship (that could develop into something more) beginning in '09 - send them our way. It would be awesome if they knew their way around web design, as well as print.
-Liz

Catching Up!

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:25:00 +0000

Lots has been going on iMMiX STUDiO this summer. I took my last vacation for the summer, to beautiful coastal Maine; Nina is planning a trip to the beach for next weekend; I am feeling slightly older as my 10 year high school reunion is approaching; and oh yeah...WE ARE OPENING ANOTHER PAT'S COMPUTER RESCUE!!!

It's really exciting news, and once we set our minds to something, we make it happen, fast! After two years of rescuing the good people of Hudson from their computer woes, we are opening a second PCR in Medina. Stay tuned for much more...

Rock Climbing

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:31:00 +0000

This is sort of off the topic BUT I thought I'd write about it anyway because it's something that everyone should try! I started rock climbing with my brothers at indoor gyms in the area about 8 months ago. We either go to Kendall Cliffs which is right in Peninsula or we go to the Cleveland Rock Gym in Euclid. It's great excerise and after doing it once, you'll be hooked! We go every Thursday if anyone is interested!!

So after 8 months of climbing indoors I finally got a chance to get outside and try out some real climbing!! A big group of us, including my three brothers, went down to West Virginia a couple of weeks ago and spent the weekend climbing. It was amazing! I wasn't to sure about it at first because real rocks just seemed a little bit more dangerous and scary than fake ones. Once I got started though, I really got the hang of it and it was actually a lot easier than climbing in the gym... I can't lie though... it is SO much scary than climbing in a gym. It's also just nice to get outside and spend some time with friends and family! Here are some photos from the trip...

You can't really see me but... I'm sitting at the top of that ledge all the way at the top to the right. My legs are dangling off. This was really high and I totally lost it when I got to the top!
If you look to the right of me, that is Summersville Lake. The view from the top made the climb worth it!

-nina

Randomness from Yesterday

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:53:00 +0000

1. Nina was still MIA (recovering from her jetsetting trip to San Francisco) - thank god she's back today!
2. I'm on the Summit ArtSpace Advisory Committee, and we met yesterday to figure out most of the lineup for 2009 - it should be pretty exciting. In fact if you're looking for something fun to do tomorrow night, check out the latest exhibit's opening: Yours, Mine & Theirs - High Stake Portraiture from 5-7 >
3. On a more personal note - I'm totally addicted to Lost (TV Show). Everyone had been talking about it, and loving it. So I decided to join Netflix and start from the beginning. I finished Season 1 yesterday and dove into Season 2. I sat on the couch peeking through my hand in front of my face because it was so intense, or I'm just a wuss.
4. Random for today: The Stan Hywet Farmer's Market opens today! I wish there was a daily farmer's market in town. It was so nice picking up various things from the markets in Europe and last weekend I went up to Clevelend's Westside Market prior to my cookoout, so it made me crave one for Akron even more. Hopefully Stan Hywet will satisfy that void, at least for tonight. Theirs runs this evening from 4-7. For more info >
-Liz

Yeah, Nina!

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:20:00 +0000

She did it! Today we are celebrating Nina's 1 year anniversary with Immix. Most of you know what a great impact she has made on the company, but just in case you don't know - she's awesome! Nina, thanks for your hardwork and loyalty - I'm grateful everyday. (Even though you were late today) Here's to the future...

-Liz

Ahh, Europe!

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:24:00 +0000

Well, I made it back...it was quite an adventure. For those fellow Amazing Race (TV Show) fans, this "vacation" was suitable for broadcast. I need to tally the numbers of voyages by airplane, bus, train, horse drawn buggies, and car while sleeping in hotels, hostels, and on a couch in front of an airport McDonalds. I was bouncing between Spain and Ireland and truly saw some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. I've travelled a fair amount, though mainly throughout the US and Western Europe, but never have was there so much beauty as in one spot, the mountains, cliffs, beach and pastures at the Cliffs Slieve on the northwest corner of Ireland (see photo). Too many stories too tell here, back to work!
-Liz

Liz is coming back tomorrow!!

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Wed, 28 May 2008 19:04:00 +0000

Oh boy... you don't really appreciate what you have until it takes off for a week and a half to tour around Europe!! I just want to say a big 'Thanks' to everyone for bearing with me this past week while Liz was gone. It was crazy but we made it through! Liz will be back tomorrow!

On another note: We had a high school senior from Walsh Jesuit High School for the past three weeks completing her Senior Experience. With all of our tight deadlines and projects, we didn't even scare her away from pursuing a career in design! She said that she's more excited than ever to jump into her major at Edinboro University and this experience just reassured her that she was going into the right field!! She's going to do really great, she caught on really quickly and was excited to learn. I wish her the best of luck in the future!

-Nina

Random Monday Notes...

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:42:00 +0000

I hope everyone was nice to their moms yesterday! My mom enjoyed a "Mother's Weekend" - highlights including: dinner on Friday, brunch on Sunday, a chick flick and flower shopping. Nothing much to say, as it's quite gloomy out, but I guess it will prepare me for the damp weather of Ireland next week. I can't believe I will be in Barcelona, this time next week, then on to Ireland! Be nice to Nina as she will take charge of the office...
- Liz

I love my shuffle...

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:03:00 +0000

Eventhough Pat has made me switch to a Dell laptop, I will always be an Apple fan. Having one of the first iPods, and loving it, I have been amazed the past couple of years by their dramatically reduced size. While my black and white screen is still kicking, and holding so much music, I have been hesitant to leave it behind. Recently I found a compromise...keep the old and give it a baby brother. I bought the iPod shuffle - let me just say, it's awesome! The bulkiness of my ancient iPod is no more, as they "clip and go." I thought I would miss having the power of changing playlists, etc. but I have found the opposite to be true - it's exciting not to know what is coming next, makes the last 2 miles of a hike or weeding in the garden a little bit easier. Not intended as a plug for the product, just sharing my latest fascination. The price ($49) was so reasonable that even my mom bought one. Her friend is loading the music as I figured she wouldn't enjoy the entire Clash catalog.
Oh yeah, wondering what color I went with?! Nothing beats a classic:

-Liz

Interior office photos

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:08:00 +0000

Hi.

Here are some photos of the new office. We are looking for some nice wall graphics like on www.whatisblik.com but just haven't found the perfect ones yet. Everything else is coming along nicely though.

There will be more little tidbits from the office to come as well as plenty of actual useful information!

-Nina

We Moved!

noreply@blogger.com (iMMiX STUDiO) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:02:00 +0000

As many of you may know, we have made the move over to the Canal Square building which is the beautiful YMCA building. We have now realized that there are many other buildings in Akron that start or end with the word Canal SO for a visual, here is a photo of the building.

We are really enjoying our new space. I saw a baseball game from my desk last week, which I was totally excited about! We can also see right down into Lock 3 which is pretty entertaining. I'll post some photos of the new office on Monday!

-Nina