ARCHITECTURE EXCHANGE PROJECT

We’ve always wanted to work with architects. So, when Paul McKean Architecture asked us to partner with them on a NAU Grant for Change proposal, we said “Yes!”

We came up with the Architecture Exchange Project. It is designed to support the educational efforts of the Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO). Via a physical installation and website, the project invites Oregonians to exchange knowledge and share design perspectives around architecture. We aim to spark dialogue and engagement on architecture in small communities; recognize and honor architectural treasures; and provide resources for planning, development, and revitalization.

Please help us make this project happen! Vote for us at the NAU G4C site.

UPSWELL AT AAM 2010 CONFERENCE

John Gordy from The National Gallery of Art asked Upswell to co-teach a primer on video geared towards museum professionals at the American Association of Museum Professionals Conference in Los Angeles—and we could not but accept the opportunity. The session will cover the fundamentals of video production and post-production in 90 minutes. Ambitious, yes. But, hopefully, fun and instructive for everyone.

Over the course of the workshop, we will ask participants to think about the ways video fits into the broader digital strategy of their respective institutions. After all, as content strategists, it doesn’t make sense to us to teach video without understanding why an organization should have recourse to video as a communications tactic in the first place!

Here is the description:

Technology Tutorial – A Basic Primer on Video Production

Learn the basic steps involved in producing a video, whether hiring a crew and an editor, or as a do-it-yourself project. Scripting, storyboards, lighting, locations, audio, cameras and editing systems will be discussed. Participants will get to shoot and edit footage and be eligible to win a new Flip Cam. In partnership with the AAM Public Relations and Marketing Committee (PRAM). Instructors: Robin White Owen, Web 2.0 Strategy & Implementation; Erica Dillon, Principal, www.hello-upswell.com

Even if you’re not participating in the workshop (and are interested in video), do try to catch Erica before or after the session. She’ll be more than happy to chat with you about your video project(s).

See you soon!

UPSWELL WINS WEBVISIONARY AWARD!

UPSWELL IS A WEBVISIONARY 2010 FINALIST

Yay! Great news! After months of strategizing, designing, and optimizing, we just heard that the community engagement site we built for Rural Development Initiatives, www.ripplenw.org, is a finalist for the Webvisionary 2010 Awards in the “Educational/Informational” category. Congrats to RIPPLE, whose daily work to bring together “views and voices from the rural northwest,” made the creation of this site possible.

A NICE TOUT FROM THE METATALK PODCAST

We were thrilled to hear Matt Haughy and Jessamyn West give Rural Development Initiatives a shout-out in the January MetaTalk podcast (at minute 11:15) for the new RIPPLE site, which they described as “beautiful” and compared it to Obama’s campaign website—not that we’re partisan designers, by any means, but thanks! Hats off to Erica Hassinger at Swimmingly for her elegant design work!

RIPPLE LAUNCHES!

Upswell’s “total strategic redesign” of Rural Development Initiatives’ (RDI) community engagement and outreach website, RIPPLE, is now live. Visit the site, explore the stories, join the conversation, and help rural Northwest communities get their due!

UPSWELL MOVES TO THE PLANT

After a lovely summer working in Design Department’s shared workspace in the CEID (that’s the Central Eastside Industrial District), we had the opportunity to take up residence in a tiny office at the plant. The Plant is a restored industrial warehouse that houses several independent, design-centric small businesses, including an industrial design studio, an architecture firm, a custom furniture workshop, and a letterpress studio. We love the activity in this space—we’re big fans of giant machines that could do you serious harm—and its nice to be in proximity to so many talented folks. Perhaps there will be collaborations in our futures? Thanks to Bill Dieter for welcoming us, and to Paul McKean and Ryan Lingard for the recommendation.

A BUSINESS CARD IS BORN

If you live in Portland you probably know Ian Lynam’s work—he’s the mastermind behind the identity design for Le Pigeon, the PDX Filmfest, and Field Office, to name a few. We were so taken with his clean designs, feel for typography, and astute editorial sense that we asked him to help us out with Upswell’s identity. And we couldn’t be more pleased. He also hooked us up with Pinball Publishing, who did a beautiful job printing out business cards, featured by the Pinball folks in their Coin Op blog in November 2009. Thanks to all!