Archive for the ‘Business’ Category

Johnson College Billboard

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

One of the many ways in which Johnson College and BlackOut Design have been working together is to increase awareness of the wonderful opportunities available at Johnson College.  Our latest project has been to design and implement billboard advertising for their Open House campaign.

Johnson College offers education for various careers in technology, health services and business fields.  They have focused on 13 degree programs in order to provide personalized instruction so that their students will graduate with the skills needed for specialized employment, career advancement and life-long learning.

BlackOut Design has been thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to better spread the word about such a dynamic institution with strong competitive advantage and client satisfaction.

Internship, Month Two

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Another month has passed and I have gained much more knowledge of this web world.  Photoshop and I were not getting along for a while.  But, I believe we reached an understanding yesterday.  I may never be the web design prodigy that I had hoped for, but I am perfectly capable of learning.   I think this must be how my grandparents feel at the sight of computers in general.  The computer I get.  It’s these complicated applications that have been making me doubt my level of intelligence.  Not for long.  My motivation is up and that desire to learn is back in action!

The tasks and projects with which I am involved are great.  The office environment is pleasant.  I do feel I must briefly mention the entertaining differences between men and women.  I have worked for so long with only women.  It has been wonderful and full of conversation.  Now I am embarking on this new journey which, ironically, is predominately male.  Wonderful?  Yes.  Conversational?  Only when necessary.  It really amuses me.  One is certainly not better than the other.  It’s just a simple observation.

I really do have so much respect for these BlackOut men.  What a talented group of people.  What a magnificent opportunity.  I feel truly honored and blessed to be a part of it.

Happy Social Media Day

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

June 30th is now synonymous with the day to celebrate social media.  Yay!!  Media has certainly become social thanks to advancements in both technology and society.  Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn have all allowed us to connect and communicate with one another across the world.

BlackOut Design is grateful to have a day to celebrate and honor all social media which has enriched not only our company but also those with whom we work.

Rediscover Scranton has become a great source of pride when it comes to the advantages of social media usage.

Most recently, become a fan of the One Point Office Supplies Facebook page for an opportunity to win a $100 office supply gift certificate!

The possibilities have literally become endless.  So, thank you to all who participate in social media!  Happy day to all.  Now go and enjoy all the opportunities that social media has created for BlackOut and so many others.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our first seven years!

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

I recently looked at some documents here at the office and came across an interesting bit of information – we officially turned 7 as a company during the first week of June. Over those 7 years we have worked with over 100 clients on over 225 projects. Each of those projects was taken on with the hope that we were delivering a new level of customer service to those clients and working with them in a new and interesting way. At BlackOut our goal has been to work with technology and traditional marketing in an innovative manner. To do that we make a habit of trying new technologies and seeing how they tick. After all, if we aren’t working with technology every day, how can we be providing expertise to our clients?

We have made some great partnerships over the past 7 years and had an opportunity to try some really neat things with our clients’ brands. I am sure with the great staff that we have here and the support of our clients and partners we will have an opportunity to do a lot more in the future.

Thank you to everyone especially Phil who keeps everything looking sharp and Nate for keeping everything on track and everyone else around the office.

-Jack Reager

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our first seven years!

I recently looked at some documents here at the office and came across an interesting bit of informationwe officially turned 7 as a company during the first week of June. Over those 7 years we have worked with over 100 clients on over 225 projects. Each of those projects was taken on with the hope that we were delivering a new level of customer service to those clients and working with them in a new and interesting way. At BlackOut our goal has been to work with technology and traditional marketing in an innovative manner. To do that we make a habit of trying new technologies and seeing how they tick. After all, if we aren’t working with technology every day, how can we be providing expertise to our clients?

We have made some great partnerships over the past 7 years and had an opportunity to try some really neat things with our clients’ brands. I am sure with the great staff that we have here and the support of our clients and partners we will have an opportunity to do a lot more in the future.

Thank you to everyone especially Phil who keeps everything looking sharp and Nate for keeping everything on track and everyone else around the office.

Internship – One Month Later

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

A month into this new world is proving to be rather positive.   Complete confidence?  Not so much.  But I have performed technological tasks with which I am gradually gaining understanding.  Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and FileZilla are absolutely fascinating tools.   I had no clue as to the many elements involved to build a website.  Honestly, I do not possess much of a clue yet, but it will happen.  Most of my technological accomplishments have occurred with a watchful eye over my shoulder and my hand over my mouth in anticipation as I click some finalizing button.

It is all so exciting to me.  As I had mentioned in the previous blog post, I have taken so much for granted.   That applies in reference to the many aspects of this world as well as to the daily usage of the internet.  I guess I never thought much about the fact that someone put all those images and texts into a functional web page.  Well, now I am achieving much more of an understanding.

The office setting is something to be noted as well because it brings much amusement to me.  We all sit at our designated computers.  The sounds of mouse clicks and typing are quite soothing considering that is the majority of the noise that occurs.  But I love it!  I have never been much of a talker.  So the communication through email may just be my preferred mode.  I believe that BlackOut would agree.

I am definitely enjoying this experience.  The knowledge that I am gaining is wonderful and the opportunities are amazing.  I look forward to anything that may come my way.

BlackOut Design Internship – Week 1

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

Monday, May 10th was day one for me.  The five-minute drive from West Side was the perfect distance as to not get myself too nervous for this new journey.  A few deep breathes was all the time I had before entering this new world of technology and other unknowns.  I was quickly welcomed and lead to my own computer area.  That desk area was enough to provide personal joy for quite some time. I later joked with friends about bringing a box of personal belongings with which to decorate my area.  I have not yet done that because the most I would want to display is a framed picture of my dog and that is just embarrassing.

Then began the emails of log-ins and passwords to set up for the various programs with which I would be involved.  That was even exciting to me.  The orientation of information was interesting and overwhelming all at once.  But I was prepared for such things.  Lunch at the Steamtown Mall was rather sad in viewing all the closed stores and emptiness, but that is for an entirely different blog.  I finished the day with a new respect for all the inner workings of any small business.  I am constantly guilty of taking many things for granted.  The daily activities of this impressive web design company is the newest on my list.

The rest of the week was great.  The staff is friendly and quite.  A perfect atmosphere for me.  I was given different tasks to complete like building analytic reports for the various companies that BlackOut assists.  It was all new to me and I enjoyed each moment of learning.  The week ended on a high note because I was able to attend a meeting to iron out details for the up-coming art auction for First Friday Scranton.  What wonderful events BlackOut is involved with.  I look forward to being a part of this company which is active in bettering my native Scranton.

For now, I want to end by saying that being the new kid on the block is proving to be a very special and humbling experience.  I have held my current full-time position for the past three years and I now know what needs to be done at any given moment.  I hope to eventually gain that kind of confidence at BlackOut.

Adriana is interning with BlackOut over the summer and, from time to time, she’ll be sharing her thoughts on her experiences here to provide a different perspective on the work we do.

Keystone Automation Business Cards

Friday, May 14th, 2010

Following our successful engagement with Keystone Automation on a logo design, BlackOut helped Keystone Automation staff extend the impact of their recharged brand with new business cards.

Your business card leaves a lasting impression with clients and potential customers. The staff of Keystone Automation can now feel confident that, each time they hand one out, their cards will communicate the professional reputation that the company has built over more than a decade in the industry.

Johnson College Center for Sustainability Logo

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

We take green practices seriously at BlackOut Design so we were proud to assist Johnson College’s newly formed Center for Sustainability in designing a logo that demonstrated the forward-thinking work being done at the Center.

The Center for Sustainability at Johnson College is dedicated to fostering a regional understanding and application of green and sustainable concepts. Its efforts are sure to make a positive impact on Northeastern Pennsylvania for years to come.

We developed a logo that reflects the Center’s focus on teaching sustainable building practices to its students who will, in turn, apply those concepts as members of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s workforce.

BlackOut Supports Fiber City Initiative

Friday, March 26th, 2010

When Google recently announced its Google Fiber plan, offering to build a free ultra-high speed fiber optic infrastructure in select cities around the nation, BlackOut President Jack Reager, along with Tim Moran, Director of Interactive Media at WNEP-TV, and Rob Watts of the Great Valley Technology Alliance, began organizing an official pitch on behalf of the city of Scranton.

Playing on Scranton’s “Electric City” title, the initiative redubbed the city “The Fiber City” and started a campaign to grow support for Scranton as a Google Fiber host city. The Fiber City group sought out support from local business leaders and government officials while developing a website, Facebook and Twitter pages to encourage community interest and interaction. BlackOut donated the website and logo design for the Fiber City initiative.

To support Scranton in its bid to become a Google Fiber host city, become a fan on Facebook or submit a public nomination to Google.

BlackOut Design’s Latest Newsletter is Ready

Monday, December 14th, 2009

You can check out some selected highlights from the past few months: