by thesavageway | Nov 13, 2015 | community
We consider ourselves lucky that we are able to surround ourselves with some amazing interns throughout the year and this semester is no different. We have witnessed Maddy Rupert & Renee Gorman learn and grow at #thesavageway for some weeks now. Together they have been a powerhouse and tackled every task that we’ve given them. Individually, they’ve shown us what big hearts and creative brains they each have. We’ve gotten to know them, and now we want to introduce them to you! Meet #thesavageway Interns!

We love our interns!! #thesavageway
MEET MADELYN RUPERT (@bohohobo)

Meet Madelyn Rupert! #thesavageway
What’s your nickname? Maddy, Mads, Maddog
Where did you go to school? Wake Forest University
How did you hear about #thesavageway? After recently graduating from Wake and moving to Charlotte in August, I was applying to a lot of jobs in the hopes of finding something that would allow me to use my educational experiences, yet also stimulated me artistically. In my searches, I stumbled upon #thesavageway and was immediately intrigued. #thesavageway had something different about them, something that caught my eye. Then when I did more research, and found out about the work they’re doing in the community, and the aspects that make them unique, like the Clean Graffiti and Moss Art, I was sold.
Why did you want to work with #thesavageway? #thesavageway stuck out to me because of its non-traditional aspects. I’ve never been the type to sit at an office job all day, and #thesavageway immediately caught my eye in that it provided an internship experience different than anything else I would get in a more traditional marketing firm. I also liked how small it is, and that I would be able to work closely with Torrie and Paula. It gives you the feeling that the work you’re doing really matters, and I think that’s important when looking for a job.
You’re a few weeks into this internship, what are your thoughts thus far? What I like most about the position is that no day is the same. Each day holds its own infinite set of possibilities. One day we’ll be sitting in on meetings with clients, another we’ll be out taking pictures for social media, and the next we’ll be socializing and enjoying a beer at a client event. So far, I not only feel as if I am learning, but I am also enjoying myself. It is helping me familiarize myself with the Charlotte area, get to know the community while allowing me to grow my professional skills. So, I’d say I think it’s going really well so far!
Name 3 of your favorite songs. This is always a dreaded question for me because 1) I am a huge music lover and my favorites could change based on any number of variables, and 2) I am THE most indecisive person ever, one of the fatal traits of a Libra. So, to avoid giving you a list of a million songs and to avoid hours of painstaking decision making to narrow down my list, I will give you 3 of my current favorites (aka 3 currently on repeat):
- Jamie xx – Loud Places
- Tame Impala- The Less I Know the Better
- Leon Bridges- Coming Home
Dream job? Fashion buyer / Merchandiser
Favorite Food? Pizza (Also, my most used emoji)
MEET RENEE GORMAN (@reneemichaela)

Meet Renee Gorman! #thesavageway
What’s your nickname? People at my kickboxing gym call me Red because of my hair, but that hasn’t caught on outside of the gym, although, I don’t think I would mind at all.
Where did you go to school? Queens University of Charlotte
How did you hear about #thesavageway? Once I graduated, I did research for social media and marketing companies and I came across #thesavageway through #WeLoveCLT. I thought what #thesavageway did was crazy cool and innovative and I knew I had to be involved.
Why did you want to work with #thesavageway? In a previous internship I wrote an article on the social media of NoDa (the arts district in Charlotte). I was impressed with the community’s social media use and how they communicate. It wasn’t until I was at my interview with #thesavageway that I learned they do the social media for NoDa. Now I am helping run the social media so I’ve made a full circle and it is awesome to be on the other side.
I like how #thesavageway is a non-traditional company. I was immediately drawn to that. I like that #thesavageway is a small company and that I can work with every project. Additionally, the Clean Graffiti is such a brilliant idea I knew I had to be a part of this company
You’re a few weeks into this internship, what are your thoughts thus far? I LOVE working with the ladies of #thesavageway. I am learning so much about social media and marketing. But more importantly, I am getting to do a lot. This internship is very hands on and within the first two weeks I was helping run different social media accounts. I cannot wait to see what the next months have in store.
Name 3 of your favorite songs. I am totally going to cheat on this question. This is so hard. I have to put down Joan Jett. She is the reason I bought my first leather jacket. Her music and her generally badassery inspired me.
- “Pompeii” by Bastille is definitely up there. This song was played all the time at the Open Mic Night at the pub my friends and I frequented when I lived in England. So it holds a special place in my heart.
- OneRepublic’s “I Lived” is another song that is important to me. In fact, the whole Native album was important to me. I listened to these songs while I was backpacking by myself. These songs kept me company on my many adventures through Europe.
- This is me cheating… Currently, on my drive into #thesavageway I am rocking out to “Renegades” by the X Ambassadors and “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes.
Dream job? I definitely want to work with social media and video production. I see myself working with a nontraditional, creative company. I would like a job that is challenging and that no two days are the same.
Favorite Food? Tacos, I love a good taco. There is this hole-in-the wall Korean BBQ joint in Atlanta that serves amazing tacos. So yeah, any variations of a taco dish.
Keep up with our interns happenings by following Renee & Maddy on Instagram @thesavagewayinterns.
by thesavageway | May 27, 2015 | services
What do you get when you combine passion, truly talented people and great beer? A lunch break that’s a real game changer. Join NoDa Brewing Company and #thesavageway on Friday, May 29 at noon for the next Google+ Hangout.

#NoDaHangout is the perfect lunch break! #thesavageway
NoDa Brewing Company approached #thesavageway team a few months ago to assist them with the launch of an idea. An idea to keep them on the forefront of the craft beer industry. That idea became #NoDaHangout, a monthly series where passionate people discuss the ins and outs of making and consuming craft beer – all virtually.
Each month, NoDa’s Head Brewer, Chad Henderson, and a special guest gather on a Google+ Hangout On Air to talk about a particular topic. Topics vary based upon the guest of honor and what happens to be going on at the time. Past topics included the following:
NoDa has successfully sparked a conversation around all things craft beer. #thesavageway team assists with the social media side of things and fielding questions from the audience. Stay tuned to #NoDaHangout on Twitter & Instagram and ask your questions for Chad, NoDa Brewing & our guest speakers.

Paula & Torrie of #thesavageway working the social media for the #NoDaHangout.

A screenshot of Twitter following the #NoDaHangout. #thesavageway
The next #NoDaHangout is scheduled for this Friday, May 29 at noon and we are chatting all things Homebrewing! Special guests include Bethany Burr & Rob Adams (both homebrewing all stars). Click here for the event link to watch it live and join the conversation!
Spend your lunch break with us (and a cold, Hop Drop & Roll of course)!
Cheers!
Side Note: NoDa Brewing Company is hosting the American Homebrewers Association on May 30 for the AHA Rally. Reserve your tickets today!
by thesavageway | May 6, 2015 | clean graffiti
It is not often that we have the opportunity to work with a global organization on a Clean Graffiti campaign. However, about two months ago, we were approached by Greenpeace to discuss using our eco-friendly medium for one of their solar campaigns, #IStand4Solar (and we were beyond excited).
Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organization that acts to change attitudes and behavior, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace.
Our Clean Graffiti initiative was one piece of the #IStand4Solar story. You can read more about the complete campaign on the Greenpeace NC blog here. We were able to create a template that embodied the solar message, art and one that sparked engagement. Our interactive piece encouraged pedestrians to put their feet in the art and take a picture.

#IStand4Solar Clean Graffiti Campaign by #thesavageway for Greenpeace.

#IStand4Solar Clean Graffiti Campaign by #thesavageway for Greenpeace.
SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT
The social media interaction from the community has been awesome! Here are a few examples taken from Twitter & Instagram.

#IStand4Solar Clean Graffiti Social Media post from @WeLoveCLT – #thesavageway

#IStand4Solar Clean Graffiti Social Media post from @AndyGoh – #thesavageway

#IStand4Solar Clean Graffiti Social Media post from @ericjordanwoods – #thesavageway

#IStand4Solar Clean Graffiti Social Media post from @pilotcollective – #thesavageway

#IStand4Solar Clean Graffiti Social Media post from @kassierohrbach – #thesavageway
Working with Greenpeace on #IStand4Solar has been such an honor. We loved being part of this project and getting to see the reaction to this thought provoking Clean Graffiti message. Having the opportunity to collaborate with Greenpeace team members in DC, San Francisco and here in Charlotte was great experience! We hope to see this partnership grow across state lines and assist in spreading the solar message.
by thesavageway | Dec 17, 2014 | services
2014. A year that brought many Happy moments and many challenging ones. Here at #thesavageway, we are beyond grateful to have made it another year in business and still remain passionate about what we are doing in this world.
At the end of each year, we like to take time to reflect on the moments that defined us, inspired us and that simply made us happy. Here is a look at a year in the life of #thesavageway:
#thesavageway Team Expanded!
At the beginning of 2014, Paula came on as a full time partner! This was a huge moment for the company and one that we had been working on for some time.
Other areas of growth in Charlotte include our residential Clean Graffiti division, Clean Graffiti Kids. However, our biggest move has to be our expansion to New York. Our sales team in NYC is bringing our sustainable medium of Clean Graffiti to the dirty (and perfect) streets up north!
We Met the “Steve Jobs” of Our Industry!

Torrie & Paula on a Skype session with Jim and Mike of Green Graffiti.
Never in a million years did we think we would meet our European competitor let alone become friends and partners with him! We traveled to Nashville, TN in June of this year to meet Jim Bowes, founder of Green Graffiti and crusader for all things sustainable media. Talk about eye opening and inspiring! Our future with Jim and his team is developing as we write this and we cannot wait to see how together we can make change!
We Won an Art Grant!

Queen City Soup Proposal.

Talking Dirt at Queen City Soup!
On a whim and some encouragement, we applied for Project Art Aid’s Queen City Soup micro grant. After a fairly hilarious skit in front of 200 people, we were awarded the grant for our Clean Graffiti project. The premise was to put down positive messages in high-risk areas of Charlotte in both English & in Spanish. Upon winning we decided to partner with Project LIFT as they were already established in West Charlotte and would allow a more direct impact in the community. Our project is ongoing with the West Charlotte High School IB Art students. Stay tuned for the finished project around March 2015.
We got to work with some pretty rad people…
As a small business, your clients are your bosses and we have to say that we have had some of the best. Huge shout out to this amazing bunch of clients, partners and friends that we’ve had the opportunity to work with this year!
28toLife, AIR – Aerial Fitness, Breathe, Bruks Bars, Carolina Textiles, Carolinas Healthcare System, Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology, CPCC The Curious Advertising & Graphic Design Club, CrossFit 704, Cruise Carts, Crunch Bistro, Custom, Epic Apparel, FaceMounts, Flex + Fit, Four Sisters Boutique, Green Graffiti, Green Teacher Network, Idolize, Justin Driscoll Photography, Libretto’s Pizzeria, LiveUptownNow.com, MADabolic, Midtown Search, NoDa Brewing Company, NoDa Neighborhood, NoDa Brewing Run Club, OrthoCarolina, Pink Toast Ink, Playing for Others, Progressive Urban Real Estate, Project Art Aid, Project LIFT, Queen City Church of Christ, Ready at 7, Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte, Second Helping Charlotte, Stache House, Tech Talent South, TRi Yon Performance, UNC Charlotte PRSSA, Wine & Design Charlotte, Yelp Charlotte, YMCA of Greater Charlotte
We Fell BACK in Love with Coffee.

Delectables from The Daily Press.
If we didn’t love this sweet nectar of the gods before, the coffee scene in NoDa sure made us obsessed. We’ve always had a soft spot in our hearts for Smelly Cat Coffeehouse & Amelie’s French Bakery, but we were blessed with the opening of not one but three coffee shops this year. Ozpresso and Boquette Mountain Coffee became a staple for our client meetings. However the introduction of The Daily Press has to be our favorite. Their hand crafted treats bring a smile to our faces every time we sample them (hello fall favorite Piccadilly Fog). Needless to say there is no excuse to be tired in this neighborhood!
Networking Became Enjoyable Again!

The lovely Corri & Amy, creators of #InstaBeerUpCLT. Photo courtesy of @corriasmith Instagram.
We’ve all been there… a stuffy networking event that is more uncomfortable than meaningful. Well two pretty rad ladies decided that the Charlotte networking scene needed a shake up. Enter #InstaBeerUpCLT. Corri Smith & Amy Herman created a fun monthly event where social media followers could meet in real life! These networking socials bring together the movers and shakers of the social media world at different hot spots around town. Bravo ladies! Looking forward to the next one!
We also look forward to the 2015 development of the new Charlotte group, #WeLoveCLT. Bringing together awesome people to talk about making our city an even better place. YES!!! Stay tuned for more details here.
This is simply a snapshot of the monumental moments in the #thesavageway world. To us, a successful year is one where we get to work with people that we believe in and collaborate on projects that make a difference in the world. 2014 was fantastic and we look forward to 2015 with excitement, passion and possibility.
Cheers!
Paula & Torrie

by thesavageway | Jul 24, 2014 | services
Photography. There truly is an art to taking a photograph. Your professionals have gone to school and studied the craft for years to master this art – and it shows. But, in this day in age, most people have a smartphone with a built-in powerful camera. The opportunity to take a beautiful photo is just a finger tap away.
Here at #thesavageway, we watch social media all day long and we notice photos. Some are high quality and creative while others are out of focus or have terrible lighting. We know that not everyone is a professional photographer, but there really is no reason to have a blurry photograph let alone post it to your Facebook page. Knowing how to use your phone’s camera is one of the first things that we teach our clients.
When we are not teaching how to focus on an iPhone, we watch the photo trends (yes, there are trends) as we are scrolling through our news feeds. The easiest portal to analyze is the visually driven Instagram. Past trends that we love include the personal point of view that traveller @MuradOsmann does so well.

We also adore the Where’s Waldo angle of @AndrewKnapp who finds a way to add his dog Momo in every picture.

One of the photo trends we love these days is the foodie “aerial view.” This bird’s-eye view allows the audience to appreciate the overall scene and gives a different angle of food.
A few of the Instagram accounts that do this overhead view very well are national accounts @SweetGreen and @ThugLifeForevs .

Left: SweetGreen Right: ThugLifeForevs
Locally we appreciate what the guys at @ThePlaidPenguin are doing and love how @KeiaIsHungry utilizes this angle.

Left: The Plaid Penguin Right: Keia Mastrianni
These images always get us to stop scrolling and look. They are clever and memorable. Exactly what a photo on Instagram is supposed to do. This bird’s-eye view is a great way to showcase food pictures. It shows the beauty of food that a close up doesn’t always capture. Photo trends come and go, as all trends do, but a quality picture lasts forever.