05/20/09
Ann Arbor graphic design firms, interactive agencies, advertising agencies, unite.
Ann Arbor is a small, but extremely talented hotbed of interactive agencies, integrated marketing companies, graphic designers, strategic marketing firms, creative boutiques, SEO companies, and marketing consultants.
But we don’t do a good job of helping one another. Actually, we’re terrible at it.
It is a very competitive business, for certain. But those cities that have had national success have been able to accomplish a great deal through collaboration. Portland. Minneapolis. These are cities that have built creative Meccas around companies competing – but sharing along the way. When an entire region becomes known for something, it helps everyone – the big companies and the boutiques.
Several companies (ours included) have been fortunate enough to create great work for high-profile clientele. Put us all together, and Ann Arbor has one heckuva stellar national resume. But it would be difficult for any major brand to add Ann Arbor or even the Detroit area into the conversation.
First, I intend to look in the mirror. For too long, Phire has been fairly silent in the local advertising, design, and interactive communities. Frankly, we’ve been busy. But the only way for the entire area to rise up to national status of “must go” places for major pitches, we must all get along. Starting…now.
Phire Blog