Account Manager: Matthew Cushing
Customer Service Heroes: Katie Edwards
Writer: Jon Davis
Photography: Courtesy of Braxton Black/ The BMP Film Co
Since their founding in 2006, United States Artists has awarded over than 500 artists with over $22 million of direct support in numerous disciplines. These include Architecture & Design, Crafts, Dance, Media, Music, Theater & Performance, Traditional Arts, Visual Art, and Writing. Annually, they highlight artists and their important work from around the country.
Not your typical affair, as many as fifty artists gather to meet, greet, and celebrate their contributions. Held offsite, the space had to be creative and make guests feel welcome.
Display graphics could fill the need – and the event team was considering banner stands, name tags, and displays.
“The banners, printed programs and nametags were really well-done, and made our event come to life.”
The Assembly is an annual gathering that convenes the current class of United States Artists Fellows, providing a platform to meet, discuss work, share ideas, and get to know the organization’s key funders and cultural collaborators. It includes artist presentations and informal conversations in an intimate setting, providing a window into the remarkable depth and breadth of artmaking across the country.
Where does Cushing fit in? Event graphics of course!
For every project, there are creative folks behind the scenes.
Meet Rebecca Beltran and the United Artists Team.
“I first learned about United States Artists when I was in graduate school, ever since it was founded in 2006, and always had a desire to work here!”
A decade later she joined as Program Manager and recently transitioned into the role of Communications Manager, last year.
Resident graphic designer at United States Artists, Nadine Nakanishi, had worked with Cushing on past projects (and just recently attended a lunch & learn at the River North shop). The internal referral was compelling. Rebecca chose Cushing based on positive feedback and response time.
United States Artists had printed samples from previous events and shared with Cushing sales & production. It made sense to match materials from previous years and Cushing “was willing to get it right to match our expectations,” says Beltran.
There were a few changes in terms of the paper and laminate weight, plus a last-minute addition to produce banner stand graphics. Initially, nametags were on a lighter stock and needed to be heavier.
“The production team did an amazing job of matching the paper to the card stock of what we needed,” says Beltran. “and it turned out better than what we had to begin with.”
Exceptional reception!
Positioned behind their registration table, sponsor signs (printed on foam core – a useful substrate for temporary signage) recognized contributors.
At the Assembly, banner stands were used as a backdrop for speakers and presenters. The stage was full of color and creativity.
As with most projects, deadlines loom. Turnaround was tight, and the Cushing team fulfilled print jobs in time without skipping any steps in the process. United States Artists reviewed a digital proof and had time for adjustments. The project was right on time, and United States Artists received quality materials at a reasonable price, just in time for their event.
“Big thanks to Cushing for working with us and making our projects look fantastic. Every person I've come across at Cushing has been incredibly kind and responsive, and we look forward to working with Cushing on future projects. ”
“Soon after our big event, we had to create additional materials on a rushed timeline for a Trustee presentation and knew we could count on Cushing.” says Beltran. “The project was pulled it off without a hitch.”
What about your next conference or event? Tell us about what’s on the agenda and we’ll develop the right display graphics solution. Connect with the Cushing team and let’s talk!
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