by thesavageway | Mar 25, 2015 | clean graffiti
#thesavageway won an art grant sponsored by Project Art Aid’s Queen City Soup. The grant is to execute positive Clean Graffiti messages/art around high-risk Charlotte neighborhoods. Upon winning, #thesavageway partnered with Project LIFT & West Charlotte High School to make a larger, more direct community impact. As this project unfolds, #thesavageway will be documenting their experience working with the students.
Time for another Clean Graffiti Art Grant Progress Update! On March 24, 2015, we returned to the West Charlotte High School campus for the final presentations of the students’ Clean Graffiti design ideas. Since this Clean Graffiti project was incorporated into the curriculum, the two groups had to give us a formal presentation (public speaking, power point and all) to explain their idea.
West Charlotte High School IB Art Students with #thesavageway.
Once again we brought along videographer Jacob Teer but this time we also had Eric Halili of Rebrand Media join us for additional footage and interviews.
The crew! Left to right: Jacob Teer, Eric Halili, Paula Bartlett, Torrie Savage. #thesavageway
Group 1:
First up was the group that called themselves “The Brainy Bunch.” Team members Sinclair, Lobna, T’maizjah, Valery and Caleb presented their idea to “Choose Your Own Path.” The idea stemmed from the notion that determining who you are in life should be your decision and that you shouldn’t have to follow down someone else’s path. They talked about the right brain/left brain dichotomy and how it’s okay to be different. They design was both whimsical/creative and yet structured. The group member were great presenters, very professional and well spoken. They even thought through incorporating social media into the design and how that exposure would help inspire students beyond the school.
Group 1 presents their Clean Graffiti idea for #thesavageway at West Charlotte High School.
Group 2:
Then we had the pleasure of watching Group 2. While they didn’t have a creative name for their group like Group 1, it was clear in their intentions. Team members included Ketsana, Mathis, Amani, Miya and Makayla. Their idea was “We Rise By Lifting Others” and the design showcased powerful animals (an elephant, rhinoceros, lion and an eagle) all leaning on each other for support. The team boasted, “We can get to better places as a community by working together. It’s okay to ask for help!” They thought about how their message would impact not only West Charlotte High School but the Charlotte community as well!
Clean Graffiti idea for #thesavageway project from West Charlotte High School IB Art Students in Group 2.
Judging Criteria:
After the presentations, we had the difficult job of selecting a winner. When judging, we took into consideration the following:
- Overall concept
- Creativity
- Scalability to all 9 Project LIFT Schools
- “Stencilablity” of design
Winner:
While both teams did a wonderful job, we had to select a winner. And the winner is…. Drumroll…. Group 2!
Winning team members pose with Paula & Torrie of #thesavageway.
We are beyond grateful that all the students were open to this project and really took the idea to heart. We heard more positive feedback from the students than we could have ever imagined. The fact that they had the opportunity to put their stamp on this project and truly make it something that their fellow students and community members could be inspired by was everything to us!
Next Steps:
We will be transforming the students’ design into stencils and getting them cut. In the meantime, we will be finalizing the exact locations for each Project LIFT School and in about a month, we will return to West Charlotte High School to put down the completed project with the IB art students!
Stay tuned!!!
by thesavageway | Mar 19, 2015 | clean graffiti
Clean Graffiti is an innovative tool that has the potential to capture an audience’s attention and spark a conversation. Here, at #thesavageway, we see incredible potential to use it for citywide messaging. Needless-to-say, we jumped at the chance to be involved with Mecklenburg County. Clean Graffiti was recently incorporated into the Mecklenburg County tobacco-free initiative in parks.
Clean Graffiti initiative for Tobacco-Free Mecklenburg. #thesavageway
Smoke-Free Parks
As of March 18, 2015, Mecklenburg County owned parks, greenways and park property are now tobacco-free. The tobacco-free designation includes e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, hookah pipes etc. as well as cigarettes. (There are a few exceptions, see website for full details).
Tobacco-Free initiative in Mecklenburg County Parks. #thesavageway
The Tobacco-Free Mecklenburg launch kicked-off at an event held at Marshall Park (800 E. Third Street) on Wednesday morning. Several City officials and County Commissioners were in attendance to celebrate this wellness initiative.
Kick-Off Event at Marshall Park for the Tobacco-Free Mecklenburg initiative. #thesavageway
Torrie & Paula of #thesavageway showcasing Clean Graffiti for the Mecklenburg County tobacco-free initiative!
DC Lucchesi of Well-Run Media helped to coordinate this event campaign and brought Clean Graffiti to the table.
“We wanted to do something creative, lasting, clean and a bit unexpected – particularly for the parks,” said Lucchesi. “Clean Graffiti just makes sense,and it’s a non-intrusive vehicle to carry a message that’s going to have a positive impact on the health of the community!”
Seven Clean Graffiti messages were placed in Marshall Park, encouraging park-goers to, “Enjoy your tobacco-free park!” An additional eight other Mecklenburg County parks saw Clean Graffiti too – with hopes of doing many more.
DC Lucchesi (far left) of Well-Run Media showing off the Clean Graffiti in Marshall Park. #thesavageway
From left to right: Melissa Curlin from Well-Run Media, Erin Smith of the Health Department, Dr. Marcus Plescia, Health Director, Torrie Savage & Paula Bartlett of #thesavageway.
Having some Clean Graffiti fun with Jim Garges, Director of Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation (far left), Torrie Savage & Paula Bartlett (#thesavageway) and Melissa Curlin (Well0Run Media).
Here is a great flyer explaining the initiative further: TobaccoFreeParksFlyers2B
Click here for more information on Clean Graffiti and how your business can utilize this sustainable medium.
Follow the Tobacco-Free Mecklenburg journey on social media by following @TobaccoFreeMeck.
by thesavageway | Mar 2, 2015 | services
NoDa is home to many creative and community-driven events and the NoDa Food. Art. Music Rally is no exception. CLTure announced that the popular food truck rally returns to NoDa this month. This weekly free event brings the neighborhood together with local food trucks, bands, vendors all while raising awareness for local businesses and non-profits.
NoDa Food. Art. Music Rally line up for Spring. #thesavageway
The initial launch of March 5 has been postponed due to weather, so the Kick-Off Party at The Chop Shop will be March 12. Expect to see local musicians including The Business People, Brian & Megan and DJ Smitty. Local art vendors will be on hand in addition to a variety of food trucks including Taco Green-Go, Maryland Crab Co, Yummi Banh Mi, Plated Pallate, Roaming Fork and Sweet Cakes Bakery.
NoDa News covering the NoDa FAM Rally last Fall. #thesavageway
Pictures of the NoDa FAM Rally last fall via NoDa FAM Facebook page.
Vendors setting up at the NoDa FAM Rally last Fall.
Here at #thesavageway, we love supporting local efforts to grow the community and highlight amazing food and artistry. One of the new twists this year is a weekly art competition. Each week, artists can submit their art for a chance to win $400 sponsored by Goose Island, Shock Top, Blue Point Brewing, Stella Artois and Rolling Rock. Event attendees will select the winner and proceeds will benefit local non-profits Green Teacher Network and Behailu Academy.
Click here for official art completion rules.
More on Green Teacher Network.
More on Behailu Academy.
The event, which runs March 12, 19, 26 and April 2 (with possible rain date of April 9) is dog friendly and will feature a weekly dog costume competition and photo booth sponsored by Four Dogs Pet Supplies and NoDa Bark and Board.
NoDA F.A.M Rally takes place in the parking lot and patio area of The Chop Shop, located at 399 E. 35th Street in Charlotte, from 6-9 p.m.
by thesavageway | Feb 25, 2015 | blog, services
#thesavageway team is a preferred vendor of Carolinas HealthCare System and we were brought on for the entire month of February to act as the promotional and street team presence for the #MyHeartBeats4U campaign, geared towards heart health awareness.
The Issue:
Heart disease is a big issue in America. In fact it is the number one killer of women and the leading cause of death for most men. The Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute of Carolinas HeathCare System works diligently year-round to bring awareness to this disease. During the month of February (heart health month), the issue is brought to the forefront and risk factors are identified and prevention methods are broadcasted even more.
Some of the heart disease risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- High LDL cholesterol
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Excessive alcohol use
- Physical Inactivity
- Poor diet
- Obesity
#MyHeartBeats4U Campaign:
Since heart disease is such a large issue for Americans, Carolinas HealthCare System decided to institute a social media based campaign to gain exposure and communicate to the masses.
Using the hashtag #MyHeartBeats4U, community members are encouraged to answer the question, “Who does your heart beat for?” and then take a photograph and post to a favorite social media portal!
Charlotteans participating in Carolinas HealthCare System’s #MyHeartBeats4U campaign – #thesavageway
These pictures are then uploaded to the Carolinas HealthCare System website and rotated throughout the month. A variety of photos are also selected at random to appear on the digital EpiCentre billboards located at the corner of College St. & Trade St.
More #MyHeartBeats4U participants for Carolinas HealthCare System – #thesavageway
Events Around Town:
#thesavageway, along with Pink Toast Ink, were brought in to concept and create the photo booths that are used in correlation with our street team. Each week we venture out to various locations around the Queen City including the Duke Energy Building, 7th Street Market and Bank of America Plaza, all in the name of spreading heart health awareness!
Last week, Larry Sprinkle and the WCNC crew joined us to on the streets to further bring awareness to the campaign.
Larry Sprinkle of WCNC joined #thesavageway promo team for the #MyHeartBeats4U campaign.
During the month, our team has been able to interact with citizens on the street, business owners, families and even the Carolinas HealthCare System executive staff. We were able to participate in the AIR – Aerial Fitness February Social event that featured healthy-food guru Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen. This was the perfect opportunity to educate about heart health awareness and showcase ways to combat the disease (exercise & healthy diet).
AIR Charlotte owner Kerri Flanigan (pictured on right) and regular Mandi Staley (on left) tell us who their heart beats for!
Asheton Brown (@Smasheton) tells us who her hearts beats for during the AIR Charlotte Social – #thesavageway
Three Hunters Vodka participates in the campaign at the AIR Charlotte Social – #thesavageway
Get Involved:
If you want to be involved and help spread the awareness – go to Carolinas HealthCare System website, print a sheet and tell us who your heart beats for! You can also follow #thesavageway on Twitter – @thesavageway – to find out our location on the remaining Thursday and Friday of the month and get your picture taken in the photo booth! #MyHeartBeats4U
#thesavageway Promo Team for the Carolinas HealthCare System month long campaign.
by thesavageway | Feb 23, 2015 | clean graffiti, services
We have worked with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte on two Clean Graffiti campaigns within the past 6 months. They are true supporters of sustainability when it comes to advertising.
Corporate Social Responsibility
We love when companies put their money where their mouth is and actually practice Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Defined as a “Corporate initiative to assess and take responsibility for the company’s effects on the environment and impact on social welfare,” CSR is very important for companies these days.
When the YMCA chose to spend some of their marketing budget on Clean Graffiti, they in turn practiced CSR. Clean Graffiti is the process of cleaning a message onto a dirty sidewalk (it’s just water). They saw the benefits of using reverse graffiti to stand out from other outdoor advertising methods while being sustainable.
YMCA of Greater Charlotte uses Clean Graffiti for marketing campaign.
The first campaign the YMCA executed was on several of their campuses touting their “Stay & Play” initiative. The goal was to get YMCA members and passersby to realize that the YMCA offers dance, swimming, sports, tumbling and other programs beyond just a gym atmosphere. The participating campuses of the Greater Charlotte YMCA were the Johnston, Lake Norman and Stratford Richardson locations.
Social Media post from #thesavageway about YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s Clean Graffiti campaign.
Recently, another opportunity arose for the YMCA to take on sustainable advertising, the BB&T Corporate Cup 5K & Half-Marathon.
“The Corporate Cup is in its 36th year and the Race Planning Committee saw an opportunity to spice up how we communicate with something truly innovative compared to our other marketing vehicles,” said Center City Marketing Director for the YMCA, Brittany Durkin. “We saw how Clean Graffiti created a buzz between everyone (in person and online) and we wanted to try it specifically with our race.”
YMCA of Greater Charlotte Clean Graffiti for the BB&T Corporate Cup. #thesavageway
Clean Graffiti messages were placed around the race route and popular running areas to help promote the upcoming March 7 race.
#thesavageway did some Clean Graffiti for the YMCA Corporate Cup.
More images of the Clean Graffiti the #thesavageway did for the YMCA Corporate Cup.
More images of the Clean Graffiti the #thesavageway did for the YMCA Corporate Cup.
The best part of it all is that the YMCA has chosen to expand their CSR by returning to the spots and cleaning them away after the race. That’s what we call full circle, sustainable marketing!
Click here for more information on Clean Graffiti.
Click here to sign up for the BB&T Corporate Cup.
