Karass creates core story for nonprof College Access Now

The first degree changes everything

College Access Now helps students become the first in their families to attend and graduate from college. We help break down the process into manageable steps; the experience can be daunting when no one in your household has gone through it. Our coaches build relationships with students, offering practical and emotional support for these young trailblazers as they traverse the shifting terrain of applications, financial aid, and family obligations.

But getting into college isn’t enough—we make sure students graduate. We help them choose the right school, create sustainable habits, and prepare for the transition away from family. Our intrepid youth enter college with the tools they need to prosper, as well as the enthusiasm and resilience required to tackle challenges. Until they throw that cap in the air, degree in hand, we’re there to make sure they succeed.

After graduation, our students return as community leaders, living lives in which college becomes an expectation, not a dream. The impact of a college degree is transformative—for students, for their families, and for all of us who benefit from a more informed, empowered society.

All kidding aside—the perils of taking the safe path to storyville

We are compelled to comment on something we witnessed this week: while waiting through endless advertisements to see "Skyfall," two movie trailers in a row closed with the same cliché: You gotta be kidding me. Which we'd expect from "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters."

But how does something derived from the hallowed prose of Tolkein get whittled down to such tripe? We'd expect more from "The Hobbit," Mr. Jackson. (Though we can't wait for the movie.)

Consider this a call to arms, marmots: be bold, speak clearly, have something real to say.

Put your paws together for Dorothee Graham!

Karass is pleased to welcome Dorothee—account wrangler, logistics magician—to who we are.

New Karass client Rover.com gives dog lovers cause to rejoice

This banner campaign was doggone fun to concept, design, and animate—click to view each.

Share the Square—another glimpse of our beloved 'hood

This print ad, to appear in Alaska Airlines Magazine, is part of an ongoing campaign to celebrate the people and places that populate Pioneer Square, the heart and soul of Seattle. 

(How many Karassmates can you spot in the background?)

Behold: Ideas worth spinning!

For the third straight year, Karass is psyched to serve as creative consultant for TEDxRainier, helping share "ideas worth spreading." We'll see you at Meany Hall on 11.10.12…

Props to Karass Creative Conductor Randall Statler for dreaming up/building the sweet GoPro rig that made the video possible; to Olson Kundig for making the X; and to Anton Alferness for re-engineering the Death Cab track.

Fabulous feedback from YMCA GOLD Mountain School

October Karass Report

The Karass | Olson Kundig poetry machine is coming along swimmingly—it's a meaty challenge, creating a three-dimensional steampunk narrative engine! We're also collaborating with composer Steven Ricks on a piece to be performed by the New York ensemble Talujon, and helping KT with her ever-evolving Collision Theory.

In the nonprofit world, we've just engaged with College Access Now to better define their core story as they seek to help motivated kids be the first in their families to attend college. We continue to work with Pioneer Square to resuscitate the streetlife of our beloved 'hood. And we're pleased to report that our client New Course is now advising the Clinton Global Initiative.

And finally, on the corporate front, we're in the midst of a complete brand overhaul for Summit Law Group, and a print campaign for the justice-fighting stalwarts at SGB (for whom we created a new core story last month). We're creating a national campaign for Trysk Print Solutions, and a series of banner ads for burgeoning startup Rover.com.

Meanwhile, Autumn has arrived with her damp valise (which, we hope, means we'll soon witness the return of the thneeds, which everyone, everyone, everyone needs). 

Reinventing the relationship between artist & audience

Karass is collaborating with artist KT Niehoff to hone and focus the narrative behind Collision Theory, her immersive artistic journey. Designed to radically evolve the interaction between artist and audience, Collision Theory encompasses a series of dynamic, interactive performances—including films, fashion shows, musical releases, dinner gatherings, movement installations, and the quiet exchange of handwritten letters.

Collision Theory is an invitation, an inquiry, an open love letter to the Seattle community that implores, take part in making something new. It began at the 2012 NW New Works Festival, and will culminate in an April 2013 performance at On the Boards.

Dare to become entangled—invest in the creation of a collective culture committed to spawning creativity, connections, and sustainable conversation. 

Witness the conspiracy of accumulated collaboration…Collide.

A Sailing Story: Exploring Puget Sound aboard the Adventuress

Karass created this piece to capture the feeling of sailing with Sound Experience; by sharing adventures aboard the historic Adventuress, Sound Experience seeks to educate and inspire a community dedicated to safeguarding the future of our magnificent marine environment.

Welcome feedback from Seattle Startup Weekend

On Tue, Sep 18, Marion Desmazières wrote:

I can't tell you how invaluable your help was to the "Learn to chef" team which ran after you just before the final pitches. They were completely lost and stressed out. 

Perfect coaching!

A bientôt, 

Marion