Author: Chris Talbert

Chris Cable
Recently, after signing up for a webinar with speaker and client service executive Robert Solomon, I found his book, The Art of Client Service. Client services is not just about winning business; it’s more about creating valuable relationships. In biology, we call it symbiosis—how we live together. Yes, the book talks about budgets, creative briefs and more, but I’ll simplify it and say his book is training me to be a “psychologist, orchestra conductor and lion tamer.”

Kristen Halverson
Recently, I read Living with Complexity. The book teaches that simplicity is not the solution to complexity. With consumers’ demand for more function in smartphones or more features in websites, simplicity seems like a pipe dream. The author, Donald A. Norman, dives into our complex world and discusses consumer psychology. He also points out the poorly designed products we see every day and walks the reader through the products’ human-centered redesign.

Brandon Rochelle
Even well-established companies need a constant commitment to innovation to thrive. To stay ahead of the game, I’m currently reading Zero to One and The Effective Executive. Balancing the best of start-up culture, its ongoing needs and incremental improvements of the day-to-day takes patience and practice. These books give me a look at other industries, helping me to hone my own craft while learning about the similar challenges and solutions of others.

We can legitimately say, “It’s a zoo around here,” as Designsensory has happily joined with Knoxville Zoo to develop fresh creative, advertising and marketing for its new capital campaign.

Of the partnership, Designsensory Creative Director Joseph Nother says, “The Knoxville Zoo is a much-loved local organization and strong community partner, and we are thrilled to help support their future growth efforts. Their vision for where to take Knoxville Zoo is compelling and transformative; we are excited to be working together to achieve great things.”

To illustrate the impact and outreach of Knoxville Zoo’s overall new initiatives, Director of Development Sharon Moore comments that, “Knoxville Zoo is implementing a new visionary master plan that will be transformational for the zoo and for the city of Knoxville. Through cutting-edge, immersive exhibits, dynamic animal interactions, expanded animal collections, and interactive, one-of-a-kind guest experiences, the zoo will establish itself as the most-loved destination in our region. This transformation will solidify Knoxville Zoo’s position as a key economic driver for Knoxville and Knox County and as the cornerstone in the redevelopment of Knoxville’s Magnolia Avenue Corridor.”

Tiny Wilson, Arkansas, has a big story to tell, and Designsensory is excited to spread the word. When the Lawrence Group bought this former “company town” in the Arkansas Delta, they saw a unique opportunity to preserve its history and, at the same time, make it a model for growth and community collaboration. With Wilson’s authenticity and its location near Memphis, along the Blues Highway, tourism is a natural fit—and Designsensory is the natural choice to get the news out.

We created an immersive website (already getting lots of media attention) that uses photography, video, personal stories and historic images to bring the town’s past, present and future to life. A beautiful book mirrors the look and feel of the website, drawing the user in to explore the rich landscape, the town’s charm and its changes. Both showcase the innovative and inclusive efforts that mark Wilson’s growth: the Delta School, Wilson Gardens, the Grange, the revitalized Wilson Café, a state-of-the-art museum to house a renowned Native American artifact collection, and various artistic and musical events and resources.

As our staff has visited the town over the last few months, we’ve become involved in planning events, like the Derby Party, designing collateral, and promoting the town’s changes through social media plans and public relations campaigns. We’re looking forward to our continued relationship with Wilson to share the town’s warmth and exciting ideas.

In 2001, Joseph Nother and Brandon Rochelle started this little design and website agency called Designsensory. Fifteen years (and many employees later) we are a full-service branding, advertising and digital agency with more specialties and capabilities than ever before. Big things are on the horizon, and we want to kick off the next 15 years with a celebration.

You make us feel like dancing.
Everything begins with you. You give a jolt to our creative impulses. Your projects become our passions. We’re here to listen, learn, share insights and help grow your business and your brand. The exchange of ideas is a heady endeavor, and we’ve enjoyed every encounter, from concept to fruition.

We couldn’t make magic without you. We love the fresh challenges and open-ended opportunities you bring us. We love rising to the occasion, so be on the lookout for news about anniversary festivities, celebrating our work together.

At our 2015 Christmas party, a smorgasbord of homemade goodness represented our DSer chefs. We indulged in a delicious variety of goodies–dips and chips, colorful veggies and salads, spicy south-of-the-border creations, smokin’ good entrees, liquid creativity and a parade of tooth-tingling sweets. 

Partygoers came decked out in a show of hilarious Christmas sweaters, gathering amid gleefully festive illuminations and assorted small talk of who was going where for the holidays. In the crush of seasonal merrymaking and snapshot-taking, the Secret Santa suspense built until it was time for all to be revealed. Super-imaginative gifts and givers were celebrated along with fresh, new memories and inspiration for 2016! The night was highlighted by homegrown music and a rousing game of Cards Against Humanity. 

Check out the photos.

The night was highlighted by homegrown music and a rousing game of Cards Against Humanity.