GERTRUDE & OZ MFG. COMPANY Soar
Keeping true to the agency’s mission “BUILDING STRONGER BRANDS FOR A BETTER TOMORROW” GERTRUDE rounded out 2014 by expanding and strengthening the agency’s expertise in advertising and marketing innovation. This focus came full fold with an updated website and series of brand films, new clients, and launch of a new division specializing in design, branding, and production services.
“INNOVATION DISTINGUISHES BETWEEN A LEADER AND A FOLLOWER”
Launched in January, GERTRUDE’s new website and brand films brought forward the agency’s core focus—showcasing iconic images of some of the world’s leading creative minds coinciding with shared philosophies that speak to GERTRUDE’s strong foundation in innovation. Among the famous faces, we see the likes of renowned creative innovators including Frank Lloyd Wright, Ray & Charles Eames, and George Harrison.
GERTRUDE OPENS OZ MANUFACTURING COMPANY
As global advertising and marketing services agency GERTRUDE, INC. turned 9 on Feb. 1, the agency celebrated the opening of its Design + Production division—OZ Manufacturing Co. (oz.agency). OZ MFG. COMPANY took flight with innovation assignments for several clients including AB InBev, Mead Johnson Nutrition, and Around the Bend Beer Co. OZ specializes in corporate identity, brand management, product development, packaging, structural design, retouching, CGI / 3D imaging, and photography.
GERTRUDE LEADERSHIP TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT
Just as the GERTRUDE & OZ MFG. COMPANY brands stepped up, so did the agency’s leadership. In a key management shift, former GERTRUDE, INC. Managing Director Heather Knapp was named President of both GERTRUDE and OZ Manufacturing Company. Founder Chief Creative Officer, Otis D. Gibson continued to expand his stand out role in the creative community throughout the year—with his appointment to the ADC Board of Directors, as well as selection for the global jury for the 93rd Annual ADC Awards, and as a judge for Lürzer’s ARCHIVE’s 200 Best Digital Artists Worldwide.
NEW CLIENT WINS
GERTRUDE and OZ MFG. COMPANY signed several new clients during the year seeking the agency’s expertise in Brand Innovation & Brand Renovation. OZ picked up branding, identity, and packaging design assignments for AB InBev, Mead Johnson Nutrition, and also led the brand launch for craft beer Around The Bend Beer Co., while GERTRUDE was called on by global spirits giant DIAGEO to modernize and relaunch a 142-year-old, classic whiskey brand.
GROWING THROUGH SHARED VISION FOR CREATIVE EXCELLENCE
Also instrumental to focusing GERTRUDE & OZ MFG. COMPANY’s forward looking vision in 2014 were the agency’s strengthened alignments with key partners—Luerzers ARCHIVE and the ART DIRECTORS CLUB. Renowned commercial arts publication Luerzer’s ARCHIVE marked an impressive three decades of global success with an anniversary tour and celebration, for which GERTRUDE was a key sponsor to their special “30/30/30” exhibition on Sept. 30th. GERTRUDE & OZ MFG. COMPANY will also be featuring an agency print campaign in ARCHIVE throughout 2015.
Following the success of GERTRUDE’s inaugural 2013 event with the Art Directors Club, in October 2014 GERTRUDE, OZ MFG. COMPANY, and the ADC stepped things up with the presentation of MAGIK MACARONI—an event focused on innovation in advertising & design, and curated for the Chicago creative community.
The event was a resounding success drawing a packed house of 400+—comprised of agencies, production companies, photographers, designers, artists, and students—who came together to partake in an evening dedicated to inspiring Chicago’s creative industry through a showcase of the best in global creative innovation,
Stay tuned for GERTRUDE & OZ Manufacturing Co. to climb higher in 2015, as GERTRUDE marks its milestone 10th anniversary on Feb. 1st, while OZ MFG. Co. simultaneously marks its 1st birthday.
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