Find the "O" in PORTFOLIOS

What's the first thing you notice when you open up the new Design Matters: Portfolios 01? Author Maura Keller decided to showcase The O Group's portfolio and stationery system as the very first case study (pg. 9 to  11) in a book packed with examples meant to educate and inspire creative professionals in today's competitive marketplace.

Our dynamic materials, described as "sleek enough to appeal to luxury-focused clients, while showing off a winning personality," serve the purpose of teasing The O Group's unique approach to branding and design in order to generate interest and conversation from like-minded clients and strategic partners.

According to the publisher, "The Design Matters series provides an in-depth approach to the most common design projects and provides designers with the resources to create work that is not only aesthetically appealing, but also strategy-driven and smart."

It's no surprise those qualities describe just about all the work The O Group does...

Click here to see the featured work.

At The Heart of it All

For the month of July, our Senior Art Director, Karin Satrom, and her mentee, Deanita Redwood, are thrilled that their billboard design in support of gay rights will be displayed on Clear Channel’s “Spectacolor HD” digital billboard in Times Square. The billboard was designed as part of Create! Don’t Hate., a Design Ignites Change mentoring initiative. Twenty-two students from the NYC High School of Art and Design participated, with six of the designs ultimately chosen for display in Times Square. Karin and Deanita have worked together through the AIGA mentoring program for the last two years and Deanita is a regular fixture here at our office. We are excited to support such a talented young woman and hope she'll want to come work for us when she's a design superstar!

2 Books. 2 Shows. 1 Magazine. 1 Week.

Did you catch The Daily Show or Law and Order last week? On Tuesday, June 8, two book jacket designs by the O Group’s Eric Baker appeared on two different shows! At 10pm, The Red Book by Carl Jung was on Law & Order: Criminal Intent on USA Network, and at 11pm, Christopher Hitchens book, HITCH 22 was featured on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Comedy Central. To add to the excitement, one of Eric’s typographical illustrations was featured in the On Language section of the Sunday, June 13 edition of New York Times Magazine!

Click here to see the featured work.

The Outstanding O

We’re proud to announce that the National Association of Women Business Owners New York Chapter (NAWBO-NYC) has selected Orit, our very own “O of The O Group,” as recipient of its 2010 Lifetime Achievement Signature Award!

NAWBO-NYC inspires and empowers women business owners and promotes the growth of women-owned businesses. As a unified voice for women of diverse industries and backgrounds, the organization seeks to effect social, political and economic change. The organization’s Signature Lifetime Achievement Award honors remarkable business women who have left their unique mark — their “signature” — on the business community.

Orit, who founded The O Group in 1986 and served as president of NAWBO-NYC from 2001 to 2002, has been a member for 18 years and remains passionate about raising the level of women’s roles in the business world. Patricia Ahaesy, current president of NAWBO-NYC, describes Orit as a member who “exemplifies the commitment, determination and endurance it takes to create a successful, long-term business.”

Orit joins a list of past winners that include fashion designers Diane von Furstenberg, Liz Lange and Betsey Johnson, Barbara Smith of B. Smith’s Restaurant, Caroline Hirsch of Caroline’s Comedy Club and others. The award was presented on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at the NAWBO-NYC 2010 Signature Awards Gala Reception hosted by the Louis K. Meisel Gallery.

Learn more about or support NAWBO-NYC at http://www.nawbonyc.org/

'People' Have Spoken

It's been a few years since The O Group worked with Ruby et Violette on overall Brand Development and Identity Design. So we're very pleased and proud to see them featured in a May issue of People Magazine where celebrities like Rachael Ray, Whoopi Goldberg and Kathy Griffin all said Ruby is their favorite. The article includes pictures of the popular bakery's amazingly delicious cookies and (of course) gift packaging designed by The O Group.

Click here to see the feature and some of our work then go to www.rubyetviolette.com. Yum!

5 Sweet Projects. 1 Big Book.

The O Group recently learned that five of our projects were selected to be featured in the soon-to-hit shelves The New Big Book of Layouts, published by Harper Collins. The second installment in Crescent Hill Books’ Big Books series highlights our work for Salvatore Ferragamo, Chad Allison, Number 20 Bayard, Senate Square and Diageo Reserve Brands Group.

The book serves not only as a showcase of compelling layouts, but also aims to encourage creativity and inspiration in the design world by covering a range of layout styles that were selected as a result of their effectiveness. “We’re proud to be a part of The New Big Book of Layouts. These projects are great examples how our expertise in brand identity and creative development for luxury brands lead to real results for our clients.” said Jason B. Cohen, Senior Vice President and Creative Director.

Click here to see which projects will be featured.

A strong finish to 2009

The past year was challenging for everyone, so we're especially proud of the new relationships we have developed over the course of 2009. Our expertise in restaurant/hospitality, beauty and publishing is evolving as we focus on new clients in these sectors. And we continue to build upon our extensive experience in the spirits and fashion worlds. All in all, we're entering 2010 stronger, smarter and even more focused as the premier strategy and design firm for all things luxury. Some significant clients and accounts we've added to our portfolio include:

APRA - fragrance developer and manufacturer

Aquatalia by Marvin K - fashionable, functional footwear brand

Garrard - luxury jeweler with nearly 3 centuries of history and 21st century appeal

Belvedere Vodka - the world's first super-premium vodka

Beyond Hospitality - hospitality consulting firm for luxury properties

Design Investors - the only investment firm dedicated to growing 
design-driven businesses

Grand Central Publishing - division of Hachette Book Group with 7 imprints

Made in Heaven - new, critically acclaimed off-Broadway comedy

Mount Gay - premium rum from Barbados

John P. & Anne Welsh McNulty Foundation - not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals through education

O'mai - the only in-salon curl relaxer using a proprietary Monoi oil formula

Pianos of Europe - marketing consortium of high-end piano manufacturers

Regal Literary - unconventional, top-tier literary agency

Union Square Hospitality Group - Danny Meyer's collection of 
celebrated restaurants

We know from sales kits

The O Group was just awarded First Place in the Sales Brochure/Sell Sheet category of the 25th annual Beverage Dynamics Advertising & Promotion Awards for its design and production of the Hennessy Black Sales Kit. The competition is meant to highlight the best of the broad array of merchandising and advertising programs created for the beverage alcohol industry. We already knew the design was a hit, because Hennessy asked for a reorder for use in additional markets after the initial success of the launch, but it's nice to be recognized by the industry, too!

Danny Meyer's little piggy

If you follow the food blogs, you've already heard great things about Danny Meyer's latest restaurant debut, which finds its home in the Gramercy Park Hotel. Inspired by traditional Roman trattorias, Maialino means “little pig” in Italian, and the menu certainly offers it up in all of its tasty forms. The O Group worked closely with Danny's Union Square Hospitality Group on developing the upscale yet charming Maialino brand, including the identity package, menus, signage and tableware. We're looking forward to many more meals at Maialino and many more collaborations with USHG.

The O Group means business, too

We win more than just design awards! The O Group received the 2009 Small Business of the Year Award from the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce at its Annual Business Awards Breakfast on November 5, at the Con Ed Conference Center. The awards have been a New York tradition since 1920, honoring entrepreneurs who have built outstanding businesses and contributed to the economy and the community. Orit accepted the award at the sold-out event, in very impressive company. Other award-winners included Matthew Goldstein, Chancellor of The City University of New York for New Yorker of the Year, El Museo del Barrio for the Cultural Achievement Award, Kang & Lee Advertising for Mid-SIze Business of the Year, Ogilvy & Mather for Large Business of the Year, Peninsula Hotels for Global Business of the Year, Daniel Boulud for Restaurateur of the Year, Eneslow Shoes for Retailer of the Year and Green Apple Cleaners for Green Business of the Year. Nancy Ploeger, President of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, said. “We are proud to celebrate Orit and the O Group for their achievements and unprecedented business growth over the past two decades in the demanding luxury brand market. Offering a truly strategic approach, she has built a successful boutique design firm, working with some of the top brands in the New York City and worldwide marketplaces. Over the years, Orit has evolved the company’s capabilities and offerings to meet the needs of an ever-changing marketplace. It is a great privilege for us to present Orit and the O Group with this honor.”

Jungian Collective

The O Group's Eric Baker was commissioned to develop the design and layout of The Red Book, the recently published, long suppressed and highly anticipated work of Carl Jung. The Red Book is a translated facsimile of the original work in German, executed in calligraphy with hand painted illustrations by Jung, capturing the exploration of his inner life over a 16-year period, recording his dreams and analysis. Eric collaborated with editor, Sonu Shamdasani, and art director, Larry Vigon on the painstaking process, ensuring that the overall design of the translation as well as the layout of each page was readable and appropriate to the original work. A very serious work with an enormous audience - since the announcement of its release date, interest and pre-orders for the 416 page tome have consistently placed The Red Book in the top 100 at amazon.com.

(Off) Broadway-bound

We are very pleased to announce our involvement with Made in Heaven, a new play running at SoHo Playhouse 10/22/09 - 01/03/10. A new comedy by Jay Bernzweig, Made in Heaven is "A Special Needs Love Story" about a set of conjoined twins and the complications that ensue when they each try to follow a separate romantic path. The O Group designed all marketing collateral and advertising for the show, and our take on the key art has been getting rave reviews. Go to http://sohoplayhouse.com/ or http://madeinheavenbackstage.blogspot.com/ for more information.

Ooh, sparkly!

We've started a promising new relationship with Garrard, the venerable British jeweler. Known for outfitting the royal family with opulent masterpieces, Garrard is now positioning itself for outreach to a hipper, younger audience with its appointment of Stephen Webster as Creative Director, the unveiling of an in-store shop at Saks Fifth Avenue and a new retail location at the Dubai Mall. The O Group is working on the design, photography and production of a new look book that will bring Garrard into the 21st century, highlighting classic pieces as well as Webster's more contemporary lines like Fire of London and guest designer Georgina Chapman's bespoke collection. It's all hush-hush for now, but we'll let you know soon as the brochure has been released to the world and uploaded to our portfolio section.

The unveiling of UNRESERVED

The O Group has been working with UNRESERVED American Indian Fashion + Art Alliance since its inception over a year ago. We have developed the full brand identity, including name, logo, collateral and website, and also partner with Company Agenda www.companyagenda.com, supporting their PR efforts. We have been talking to everyone we know about this remarkable organization, dedicated to fostering and encouraging the talents of American Indians interested in exploring and pursuing careers in the worlds of fashion and art, so we are thrilled to announce its official launch.

On Saturday, August 22, UNRESERVED co-founders Gail Bruce and Michael Chapman hosted a cocktail party during Santa Fe Market Week.  The event took place at the renowned art gallery, NIMAN Fine Art www.namingha.com.  High profile guests included LaDonna Harris, Founder and President of Americans for Indian Opportunity, Nancy Jemison, Executive Director of the American Indian Lacrosse Association, Lucia Wyman, fashion designer Patricia Michaels, artist Dan Namignha, fashion designer and artist Virgil Ortiz, and Bill Voelker, Founder of SIA Eagle Sanctuary. 

We'll keep you posted on upcoming UNRESERVED fashion and art events, including the first art event in December 2009 and participation in New York Fashion Week in 2010; in the meantime check out their newly launched website at www.unreservedalliance.org.

Eric Baker Joins The O Group as Design Director

After 20 years of running his own business, Eric Baker, a well-known and highly respected design professional, has decided to focus on what he is most passionate about: creative development and design.

Eric joins us from Eric Baker Design Associates, Inc., a New York City design firm established in 1986. As principal of his design studio, Eric developed the branding and identity for many prestigious clients, and designed dozens of illustrated and photography books and exhibition catalogs. Eric teaches graphic design, branding and the history of design at both undergraduate and graduate levels at the SUNY Purchase and the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. In his spare time, Eric also mentors students and developing young talent. He is also a contributing editor of the award winning design blog, Design Observer.

Eric's client portfolio encompasses many leading and celebrated brands in the restaurant, hospitality and publishing fields. From Gordon Parks — the ground-breaking American photographer, filmmaker and writer — to the esteemed restaurateur Danny Meyer, who has been a client for over 9 years, to Borgo Finocchieto, a luxury villa in Tuscany, Italy, Eric has a wealth of experience but always brings an unexpected approach to his design.

We are thrilled to have Eric as part of our design team - he has so much creativity and perspective to share (he also makes us laugh a lot!)

This deserves a super premium toast...

As of August 1, we've been named the global design agency of record for Belvedere Vodka. Having worked with Belvedere's US Team for several years on special projects, we're looking forward to developing below-the-line strategy and creative as well as providing merchandising support for this amazing super premium vodka brand. Cocktails, anyone?

So many awards, so little time...

Usually we wait until December to announce all of the awards we've picked up over the course of the year, but we've already received so many in 2009 that it's time for a tally:

Creative Quarterly 15
Silver: Crown Royal Reserve Gatekeeper Kit
Merit: Crown Royal Reserve Launch Brochure
Runner-up: Chelsea Workroom Business Card
Brielle and Keith Wedding Invitation

VI System
Robert Marc, Senate Square and Valera Global

PRINT's International Business Graphics Review, Creativity + Commerce
The O Group Stationery

2009 ReBrand Showcase
The O Group (Merit)
http://www.rebrand.com/2009-merit-the-o-group

1000 Package Designs
Robert Marc Gift Box and Bag, Hennessy V.S Gift Box

Creative Quarterly 14
Best of Show: The O Group Stationery

Step Inside Design 100
Runner-up: The O Group Stationery

Cover Girl

We think Orit looks great on the cover of her alma mater Ohio University's Ohio Magazine. The article has some cool photos of the office and talks about how she got to where she is today. Click here to read it.

Luxury Expertise Required

Orit was interviewed for a recent article in the November 7 issue of the Rapaport Diamond Report. The article, entitled "Luxury Retailing Survival Guide: Top luxury marketing pros offer insight and ideas for riding out the recession." details three industry experts' thoughts and recommendations for luxury brands in an economy that is anything but predictable. To view the full article, click here.

And the winner is...

...The O Group. (We’ve sure been racking them up this year!)

Our clients have always been champions of The O Group. Now we’re staking our claim in the design industry.

U B the Judge Exhibition
Beauté Du Siècle
Hennessy Six Marque Brochure
IntraOp Medical Corporation Brochure
Senate Square Brochure

2008 ReBrand 100
Valera Global (Merit), Chad Allison (Notable)

Rockport’s The Best of Brochure Design 10
No. Twenty Bayard Brochure

54th Annual Type Directors Club Exhibition
No. Twenty Bayard Brochure (Certificate of Typographic Excellence)

STEP inside design 100
No. Twenty Bayard Brochure

PRINT's International Business Graphics Review, Creativity + Commerce
No. Twenty Bayard Brochure

2008 Design Council Showcase
Beauté Du Siècle

2007 International Design Awards
No. Twenty Bayard Brochure, Salvatore Ferragamo Water Invitation, NYIBC Poster

Artful Pairings

The fine art of the dinner party was revived this week. The O Group and our strategic partner, Creative Edge Parties hosted a sumptuous dinner for 20 on July 16th. These two great creative forces toasted luxury influencers from fashion, real estate, the art world and the social whirl. The theme was Artful Pairings - of food, of wine, of people and a great time was had by all. Watch this space for details of the Fall Pairing dinner.

Orit Speaks Up

Our fearless leader was chosen by J.H. Cohn, the prestigious accounting and consulting firm, to speak to its Professional Women's Program, an organized network of women professionals from all levels and practices within the Firm's offices. The program aims to leverage women's unique skills and talents, build community in the working environment and provide opportunities for women to advance their careers. Orit was part of a panel of esteemed speakers including Gail Blanke, President and CEO of Lifedesigns. The discussion centered on how the panelists have embraced possibilities and taken bold risks, leading to success. Orit specifically spoke about the challenges she has faced, including making the costly switch to computer-generated graphic design, over the 22 years she has spent growing The O Group. We think it's safe to say Orit made a good call on that computer issue!

The O Group Version 2.O

The new online home of The O Group has launched.

The address is the same (www.ogroup.net), but the focus has changed. Graphic design for luxury brands. Samples, news, history — anything you could want to know about the evolution of O.

Growing our luxury know-how

We are happy to announce the first-quarter additions of Cîroc Vodka, Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the Guggenheim Museum, Odegard and Warburg Realty to our roster of clients.

Our expertise within the spirits community has continued to grow, particularly given our history with Hennessy Cognac and Moët & Chandon. Introduced through sister brands at LVMH, the Glenmorangie team has selected The O Group to design its marketing and merchandising materials. And Cîroc has chosen us to provide creative direction for their on-and off-premise materials through our exclusive Creative Concepting™ process.

Further developing our presence in the luxury space, we have also added the rare floor-coverings of Odegard and New York real estate giant Warburg Realty to our list of clients. Even the Guggenheim has taken note, engaging us to work on the branding and collateral for the popular “Works & Process” performance series.

Our bar is well-stocked, our apartment floors are tastefully covered and our tickets are waiting at the box office.

Orit is a Yalie!

Well, not exactly. But she was invited to speak at The Yale Club of New York City about how to effectively reach consumers of luxury brands. Hosted by Forbes.com and Guideline, this panel discussion focused on how the Internet has previously been overlooked as a viable communication channel within the luxury marketplace.

Orit echoed what The O Group has recommended to clients all along — that today’s consumer has a higher level of discernment for what is considered to be “luxury.” Brand positioning is critical on the web, making it clear that everyone instantaneously responds to visual cues no matter the forum. (And we obviously practice what we preach... How do you like our new site?!)

The Enterprise of O

When The New York Enterprise Report came knocking, Orit was ready to dish. Featured in the July column titled “The Company Next Door,” Orit spoke about the evolution of The O Group and her three secrets of success: true client partnership, treating employees as entrepreneurs and investing in the company.

And with more than a 20-year history, The O Group has adapted to changing markets, trends and a handful of name adjustments—all testaments to its founder and fearless leader, Orit.

To view the article in its entirety, click here.

Setting the industry standard…again!

The O Group has added another handful of awards to its growing list of honors. Out of more than 10,000 entries, we were among the top 15% recognized by Graphic Design USA with two American Graphic Design Awards. And we are proud to be one of the first professional studios hailed by Creative Quarterly—The Journal of Art & Design. From our logo and packaging ideas to our high-end print collateral, the O name is definitely getting noticed.

2008 American Graphic Design Awards
Salvatore Ferragamo Men’s Look Book
Senate Square Brochure

Creative Quarterly 13
Ruby et Violette Logo
Ruby et Violette Packaging