That title might seem a wee bit heavy-handed, but bear with me.
Over the summer, I got to work with a new client. Slingshot Tools is an on-line retailer, carrying the safest and most precisely machined construction accessories on the market. I’m not talking jack hammers or drill presses; I’m talking about saw blades, drill bits, safety glasses and the like.
Didja know October is “Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month?” Did you also know I love animals?
… yeah, you probably knew that.
Well hey there, folks!
Nope – I didn’t drop off the planet and I didn’t take a crew position on the H.M.S Galactica. In reality the answer’s a bit more boring. Life’s been busy, projects have been in flux, and work’s been less visual and more consultation-based.
Over the last 6 months I’ve acquired some new clients, started fresh projects with previous clients, and been on a number of adventures. Why, I even started teaching at an accredited institution and have been presenting a growing series of motivational presentations directed at upcoming professional creatives. (So, I can safely say you should be expecting some content that’s excited to jab at your cerebral cortex.)
To kick things off, I’d like to showcase a recent project. It took about a month to put together and ended up producing one of the best outtake reels I’ve ever shot. (That’s coming a bit later).
Going on a year and a half ago, I put out this post for a recently finished project. Canine Resolution contracted me for a branding package, photo series, and promo packets. It’s now 18 months later and video’s the name of the game.
I’ll give you a quick rundown.
Canine Resolution is the Metro Area’s best dog training institution. No – really. They just won 1st place in the 2014 Detroit A-list Competition for “Best Dog Trainer.” They work in all programs from puppy and the A.K.C Canine Good Citizen Program, to agility, scent training, and schutzhund (attack training). Their program shuns shock collars or negative reinforcement and promotes simultaneous training of owner and dog. All things considered, it’s pretty awesome.
So, let your eyeballs be entertained and soak in the official Canine Resolution Commercial.
– Jon
A QUICK NOTE: THIS POST IS A BIT LENGTHY, SO I’VE CUT IT DOWN TO THE NITTY-GRITTY IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ THE WHOLE THING, THE STORY CONTINUES AFTER THE PICTURE. IT’S A FUN-FILLED BACK-STORY OF HOW I FOUND MYSELF WORKING MULTIMEDIA FOR INDEPENDENTLY OWNED BUSINESSES.
NOW ONTO THE POST!
I’ve decided to make an official upgrade in my business. Up until now, I have primarily offered photo services, with additional media upon request. JonKPhoto is now actively marketing a full selection of media services, from photo and video, to advertising and social media.
Basically, if you think your company could stand to have a classier look, market more effectively, and acquire more customers, give me a ring and we’ll chat.
In the meantime, I’ve been working on a brochure for the multimedia services. It’s a bit of a read, but there’s a pretty solid rundown of the primary forms of media that companies need and why they’re important.
– Jon
… and now a little bit of back story.
Hooray! I’ve been waiting quite a while to share this one with you guys, but I had to iron out the finer details first.
Way back in the spring, I began doing video work for The Michigan Animal Rescue League. The promo spot caught the attention of one of their 
sponsors, The Urban Dog, an all-natural dog food and supply store out of Rochester Michigan.
After a fairly lengthy amount of planning and conceptualizing, we settled on an advertising project that would include a promo video, a series of ad posters, and a collection of interviews about the store.
Then the fun started.
Probably a good 80% of the dog owners I know graciously allowed me access to their furry family members. After a couple months of video, photography, editing, audio selecting, and post processing – the project is locked, loaded, and ready for you, the loving audience.
Also, be sure to swing by TheUrbanDogStore.com to see what they’re all about. I learned a lot on this project I wish I had known years ago about maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle for your dog.
And I’d also like to mention how massively thankful I am to everyone who helped my out and let me borrow your dogs for the afternoon.
Check it!
Jon
On an occasional basis, I do some work with Third Estate Design, a graphic media company out of Tecumseh, Michigan.
In October, they forwarded me to a client who needed some imagery of their keynote speaker.
Vital Skills Intl. Is a unique and interesting company based in Rochester, Michigan. They essentially teach companies and employees how to achieve consistent results through an understanding of proper confrontation and conversation management. As an added bonus to the job, I’m picking up quite a few tips and tricks.
The job is 3 stages long and I’ve just finished up the first part – Candid Event Coverage.
Stay tuned for updates featuring portraits and video spots. And be sure to check out their site!
– Jon
My buddy, Carl Amyoni, has a particular set of skills… skills that make him a nightmare for people like IKEA.
Carl is one of those unique individuals that grew up not with The Rugrats or Inspector Gadget, but with the likes of Norm Abrams and Tolstoy – essentially the makings for a modern-day Renaissance Man. However, instead of a hoity-toity Palisade, Carl found enlightenment in things like raw steel, hand carved mallets, and sandpaper of varied grits.
He was well on the way to a life of hand-crafted stuff.
One day, Carl became interested in photography. (He still won’t tell me exactly what happened – it has something to do with Public Access Channels and a substantial quantity of artichoke and onion guacamole).
Anyway – after meeting him through a photography class, it became clear that Carl was more interested in building, himself, what could otherwise be purchased at any department store.
About 3 and a half years have passed and, as such, other friends and I discuss how it’s likely Carl, in the search of imagery-perfection, designed and forged his own camera.
I think it probably went something like this….
– Jon
A week can make quite a difference.
2 posts ago I mentioned some food photos that were getting printed for a company I’ve re-branded and helped relaunch.
Well, yesterday at 4pm our doors officially opened and The Mad Hatter Pub took its first step as an actual business. Let’s recap:
About 8 months ago, I began the re-branding and “marketing” overhaul of the Wonderland Lanes (the attached bowling center). since then, I’ve been gradually mixed in more and more into The Mad Hatter Pub as kind of a full service ad agent.
To date some of my tasks have been:
Then things got a bit more involved and…:
To say the least: It’s been quite a run.
BUT!
Yesterday was only our soft opening. The kinks get worked out this month in time for our grand opening Super Bash at the start of September.
If you’re in the Commerce, MI area or close by be sure to swing over to the Mad Hatter Pub and grab some food and drink. (A little side note: We handed out comment cards yesterday. Our food and menu got a 4.7 average out of 5).
I’d suggest a Roadhouse and be sure to tell ’em Jon Kopacz sent you.
Oh look! Promo stuff!
– Jon
As you may have noticed (or maybe not) I’ve been lacking a bit on getting up “the content.”
Well, sure, I’ve been busy with some jobs – BUT – more importantly…
Jon’s learning video.
Yes indeedy, folks – while I will always rock out the single shots, I’m starting to love me some 24FPS. So with no more rambling, please take a gander at my very own promo video!
Oh – be sure to watch it in HD – it’s just that much better.
– Jon
Hey y’all! Sorry it’s been a bit since the last post – Finals week sort of took up my time. But now I’m back and ready to rock out some new work!
Let’s start with a finish. Over the last few months there have been regular posts about a series of group adverting projects. We’ve seen hygene products, security systems, summer-y desserts… No we finish the series in the real estate industry.
Our task for this last project was to design a pair of single page ads, a 2-page spread, a billboard, and a commercial. The task was intended to focus on the service industry, so we chose the real estate sector (specifically residential real estate.
I’ll skip the long-drawn breakdown of why we did what we did – Enjoy!
Oh – and fair warning: the video is REALLY cheesy.
JonKPhoto 