Branded experiences aren’t necessarily something new, though we’ve seen them become a more significant part of successful client strategy in recent years. This is, in part, due to audiences’ need to connect with thought leaders – and each other – in authentic, value-driven ways. There is plenty of research that shows the impact these experiences have on near-term and long-term brand awareness and affinity – making it hard to argue the importance of thoughtful branded experiences. At Read more »
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You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello.

Here at shark&minnow we are starting the year with a great deal of gratitude. 2014 was a year of big change for Eric & I. shark&minnow saw amazing growth…as did our household with the addition of our precious little Max. We have been honored & humbled to work with our amazing clients. Our clients have trusted us & in the process opened themselves up to try new things,… Read more »
Talking #AudibleIdeas at Eaton Corporation

We have the distinct pleasure of working with many clients where the challenge is not creating a brand/product story, but helping them to find a brand-right way of telling that story to their various audiences. It’s no surprise to most of our clients that content, to use a cliche, is king. What often times is a bit of a culture shift is helping them to find their voice in a way that is entertaining, valuable… Read more »
Move to Cleveland

Recently we were approached by Joy Roller, President, Global Cleveland. Since meeting her upon returning to Cleveland 5 years ago, we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know her in different capacities (first while she worked at the Detroit Shoreway CDC when we were residents/began TEDxCLE in that area, then as she took the helm at emerging talent attraction organization Global Cleveland, next as she took the stage for TEDxCLE 2013… Read more »
Being a Clevelander is big part of the success story

CLEVELAND, Ohio–Whether you spend your life in Greater Cleveland, leave for good or–like many–leave and come back, that Clevelandness shapes the way you work and innovate. That’s the subtle theme behind this year’s Cleveland TEDx event, the speaker series designed to enlighten and inspire with ideas condensed down to 18-minutes. The fifth edition of TEDxCLE—an affiliate of the popular series of TED conferences–will unfold Friday afternoon at the Cleveland Museum of Art. It’s offering 14… Read more »
Urban Sounds

Sonictravlog is a mobile app that allows users to record and listen to sounds recorded by other people located in different places. Through geotagging, the sounds uploaded will appear in a soundmap. There are two recording modes: Timer mode: the app will record a short clip from time to time automatically. This acts as a sound diary. Navigate mode: the user can record sounds according to a route they’ve created or joined. Users can interact with… Read more »
Free Homes to Writers in Detroit

A new nonprofit organization called Write a House is refurbishing three two-bedroom houses in Detroit and accepting applications for writers to move in, rent free. Their mission is to “to enliven the literary arts of Detroit by renovating homes and giving them to authors, journalists, poets, aka writers. It’s like a writer-in-residence program, only in this case we’re actually giving the writer the residence, forever.” Poets, journalists, novelists, and anyone who falls somewhere in between… Read more »
Free Amtrak Rides to Writers

Amtrak is now offering residencies to writers that want to set-up shop aboard Amtrak trains for long roundtrip rides dedicated solely for the purpose of writing. Jessica Gross, a New York City-based writer, took the first residency, traveling from NYC to Chicago and back, and documented her journey here. This concept of residencies could translate nicely to other environments that innately provide experiences infused with self reflective time. Environments such as libraries and museums… Read more »
Gregory Porter – 1960 What?
“The next great male jazz singer”—NPR Music
“Liquid Spirit is shot through with gospel, blues and R&B influences… the title track pairs soulful horns with a deep, enveloping bassline that frames the California native’s supple tenor.”—Wall Street Journal
“Gregory Porter [is] a powerful baritone who writes his own songs… from a more ’70s or early ’80s-oriented place in the African-American jazz tradition, strong and sometimes experimental yet serenely unacademic,… Read more »
Red Bull House of Art: Detroit

Anyone that watched the Grammy Awards on Sunday saw a Red Bull commercial promoting the House of Art. “Red Bull House of Art is a program for up and coming artists to develop their skill and showcase their abilities in a collaborative and inspirational environment by exploring new themes and innovative ideas. From Baroque to Banksy, the art world is always rebuilding from the foundation up. It’s this principle that is the bedrock… Read more »
The Pulse of a City

Pulse of the City is an interactive public art installation installed in five locations in Boston that turns pedestrians’ heartbeats into music. It combines art, design and technology to promote the use and celebration of public space in an uplifting and imaginative way.
From the artist, George Zisiadis:
We designed music that would complement different heart rate levels. The unit detects your pulse and then an algorithm determines the best sounds to play for you…. Read more »
Smart Growth for Cities

Today, 3.6 billion people live in cities around the world. However, by 2030, 5 billion people, 60% of the world’s population will live in cities. In effort to better understand how we can improve cities, McKinsey & Company conducted an in-depth research study, interviewing 30 stakeholders, including mayors and other city government officials, in cities on four continents. Their efforts resulted in a report titled “How to Make a City… Read more »
Martha Stewart Loves Her Grey Cardigan

While we’re sure Ms. Stewart shares our fondness for the evergreen (or grey) wardrobe staple, we’re actually talking about the Brian Jasinski’s design outfit. Four years ago we began seeing his distinctive, often retro-inspired style popping up at galleries & boutiques throughout the Cleveland area. We loved the work so much that Eric commissioned a custom piece based on a photo of the two of us that we have hanging in our living… Read more »
Health, Not Healthcare

We were humbled to have been included in a small group of folks that were invited to The Sydell and Arnold Miller Pavillion at The Cleveland Clinic (or more specifically, its unbelievable roof terrace – I’m told there is lunchtime yoga up here and I want IN) last week for a state-of-the-Clinic event. After a few minutes of mingling, hors d’oeuvres eating & beverage enjoying, we gathered to hear from… Read more »
People for Smarter Cities

IBM is committed to creating solutions that help cities all over the world get smarter, in order to make life in those cities better. That’s why IBM and Ogilvy Paris worked together to spark positive change with the “People for Smarter Cities” project, and unite city leaders and forward-thinking citizens. To spread the word, Ogilvy created outdoor advertising with a purpose: a bench, a shelter and a ramp that are not only designed to be beautiful, but to be useful to city dwellers as well.
Time After Time

The heritage of Detroit is rooted in craftsmanship, quality and making the world move. Shinola, a watch factory, bicycle workshop and leather goods manufacturer has embraced this legacy, and redefined what manufacturing and Detroit mean to the world in the 21st century.
Detroit is a finalist for Summer X Games

ESPN announced the competing cities had been narrowed down to Detroit, Chicago, Austin, Texas and Charlotte, N.C. Organizers Kevin Krease and Garret Koehler, with the support of city administration, business leaders and other stakeholders, submitted their official bid for the project in early April.
American Noise

We stumbled upon “American Noise,” a documentary by Nokia Music and The Sundance Film Festival that reveals the emerging sounds of our nation. It’s a great series, and we’re looking forward to the future additions as the investigate the rest of the country. It features: NYC PORTLAND LA DETROIT NOLA ATL If you scroll to the bottom of the page you can also… Read more »
TEDxCLE 2013 to focus on collaboration as key to Cleveland’s future

Cleveland’s fourth official TEDx event, TEDxCLE will take place Thursday, March 21st, 2013 at the Cleveland Museum of Art, beginning at 1 p.m. At TEDxCLE, Cleveland’s innovators will speak on a variety of topics in order highlight areas in which Cleveland is excelling and reinventing itself. This year’s event highlights ways that the corporate & non-profit sector as well as those at the grassroots level can come together to create a bright, sustainable… Read more »
Cleveland Jewish News: Jews of Interest

We were recognized as “Jews of Interest” by the Cleveland Jewish News! Read the article “CJN Jews of Interest: Hallie Bram Kogelschatz and Eric Kogelschatz” here and watch the video below. Thank you Mike Butz for an outstanding article.
Full Cleveland

Nonprofits are part of the fabric of Northeast Ohio. Did you know that there are… 4,700 public charities in Cuyahoga County $35 billion in total assets 1,400 private, corporate and community foundations $140 million foundation dollars to Cleveland nonprofits annually 12% nonprofit employment as a share of total private employment View the infographic as an image Learn more about nonprofits in Cleveland and visit the Foundation Center website
HeathCLE: 5 Innovations

Cleveland Medical Mart signs two healthcare giants: General Electric Healthcare Systems and the Cleveland Clinic Philips Healthcare and University Hospitals partner for Cuyahoga County Medical Mart venture IBM super-computer Watson partners with the Cleveland Clinic An interactive LED lighting installation in the Great Ormond Street children’s hospital in England turns it into a magical forest called The Nature Trail The AliceCor Heart Monitor is an iPhone… Read more »
Lottery League

Part rock n’ roll circus, part game show, part city-wide art project, The Lottery League returns to Cleveland’s music scene in 2013. This year’s Lottery League begins with Draft Night, which takes place at the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern on Friday, February 1st, 2013. The grand finale of the 2013 Lottery League — known as The Big Show — will take place at the world-famous Agora on Saturday April 6th, 2013, and it will be FREE for all!
Crain’s Cleveland Business Forty Under 40

We’re excited to announce that we were honored as two of Crain’s Cleveland Business Forty Under 40!
Urban Adventures: Buffalo Edition

As summer drew to a close we celebrated one year as husband and wife. We decided to treat ourselves to a much needed vacation to…romantic Buffalo, New York.
Retooling the Motor City

For decades Detroit has been a poster child of the misfiring American dream but amid block after block of post-industrial decline there are signs that Motor City is jump-starting its economy. Years of under investment have left a blank canvas for social entrepreneurs and small business owners keen to revitalise a broken metropolis. Monocle heads downtown to sample the green shoots of recovery.
Videos from TEDxCLE 2012: The Maker Class

All videos from TEDxCLE 2012: The Maker Class on Friday, April 20th at The Cleveland Museum of Art have been posted online! You can watch all of the videos here. Thanks again to everyone that supported the event, including speakers, sponsors and volunteers, we could not have done this without you. If you haven’t seen photos from the event, make sure you check them out here.
A Wonderful Designer and Dear Friend
Our friendship with Brian Jasinski started at Dinner with Strangers created by Danielle DeBoe of Room Service and Dredgers Union. Since then, we have become great friends. We love Brian as a dear friend and are always inspired by his amazing work.
Young Mensches

Project: Young Mensches Website Description: We recently launched a new website for Young Mensches on Friday, July 27, 2012. Young Mensches is a young professionals group for Jewish men and women, single or married, in their 20′s and 30′s from the Greater Cleveland area. Website: www.youngmensches.com
TechCentral

Then this year for TEDxCLE 2012: The Maker Class, we partnered with Cleveland Public Library (CPL) on #CLEBookHunt. It was exciting because we got to meet a lot of the staff members and learn more about the organization. This is when we heard about TechCentral. We were excited then, but seeing it in person surpassed all expectations!
Speakeasy Happy Hour

The Cleveland Museum of Art has done an amazing job with their signature Summer Solstice Party every summer. It is truly the best party in Cleveland, hands down. Most people don’t know that CMA continues this fun throughout the year. They do this through intimate exhibition openings. The first event since the Summer Solstice Party will be Youth and Beauty: Art of the American Twenties on Friday, July 20, 2012 from 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

As many of you know, Eric & I take time out from our lives as “civic avengers” to tend to our alter egos as advertising executives during the old 9-5 (if only those were the hours we worked – ha!). Since returning to Cleveland I’ve spent my days as the Director of Studio Services & Content Generation (longest. title. ever.) at Uppercut Motion & Sound. I post about my staff & our work from time… Read more »
TEDxCLE 2012 Speakers Announced!

We couldn’t be more pleased to share our 2012 speakers with you. What a fascinating crew of people – many suggested by the Cleveland community. Truly a collective effort has helped to shape this year’s event, dubbed TEDxCLE: The Maker Class.
Guardians of the Evolution: Dan Moulthrop of The Civic Commons

Guardians of the Evolution: Dan Moulthrop of The Civic Commons
Thinking Cities

“As we enter a new era of mobility, an emerging mindset is creating endless opportunities that are limited only by our imaginations. Technology has enabled us to interact, innovate and share knowledge in entirely new ways – creating a dynamic shift in mindset. People are empowered, business is liberated and society is more connected than ever. At Ericsson, we’re just beginning to explore the possibilities of a Networked Society.”
The Clevelander Report

A new Cleveland survey is being launched to capture the voice of the citizen. Will you be heard? Visit ClevelanderReport.com
Guardians of the Evolution: Mike Kubinski of CLE Clothing Co.

Guardians of the Evolution: Mike Kubinski of CLE Clothing Co.
Experience Cleveland Innovation at TEDxCLE 2012

TEDxCLE 2012 planning is in full swing and we have a number of exciting announcements to share with you!
Remix the CLE

Once again, mobile apps are redefining how artists compose music. I stumbled upon this app the other day and immediately saw the potential in utilizing this technology for the CLE.
Retail Therapy: Back in a Familiar Spot

Tim Logan, Mike Paukst and I (of Uppercut Motion + Sound) had a lot of fun creating this piece for Cleveland retailer Dredgers Union. Hope you enjoy!
Love Letter to the Motor City

I have a secret. Something that I’ve never told Eric, but I will divulge to you now. Growing up, I was pretty sure there was nothing good that came out of Michigan. Now, you have to understand that that particular sentiment was stemmed from the sports rivalries that spanned the generations. Ohio State/Michigan. Or, for someone who has been a basketball fanatic for as long as she can remember, the days of the Detroit Pistons’… Read more »
The Power of Two: Passion & Love

A trend in the fashion industry has emerged, passionate couples creating denim with an increased focus on designing, producing and manufacturing in the USA; with the intrinsic values of quality and craftsmanship – American Authenticity.
Honeymoon in Vegas

Just three weeks ago, Hallie and I got married! We’re still waiting for all of our wedding photos, but we wanted to share some photos from our Honeymoon in Vegas taken by our very good friends and very talented photographers, Paul Stocum and Matt Chichelli.
Summer Solstice Party at the Cleveland Museum of Art

Summer Solstice is a great place to meet likeminded Clevelanders that care about the city and the arts. There is something magical about being in the museum at night. It has everything to do with the authenticity of the museum that David Franklin spoke about at TEDxCLE this year. The art and people mingle, creating experiences unlike anything you can imagine.
MIT Media Lab

Actively promoting a unique, anti-disciplinary culture, the MIT Media Lab goes beyond known boundaries and disciplines, encouraging the most unconventional mixing and matching of seemingly disparate research areas. It creates disruptive technologies that happen at the edges, pioneering such areas as wearable computing, tangible interfaces, and affective computing. To honor 25 years of innovation, MIT Media Lab recently unveiled their brilliant new brand identity. The logo is built using an algorithm that creates 40,000 permutations… Read more »
Behind-the-Scenes of TED2011

On Monday, February 28th, we were lucky enough to be among 160 other TEDx curators and take a behind-the-scenes tour of TED2011 with Lara Stein, Director of Licensing at TED, and other TED organizers.
And now, in TED-related news…

Written 2.26.2011 (sorry for the delayed post – been a busy few days!): We’ve recently released information on this year’s TEDxCLE speakers and couldn’t be happier about the overall response. It seems that many of those in the TEDxCLE community agree that the topics being highlighted at this year’s event are at the epicenter of Cleveland’s revolution. Having heavied up on technology last year (which is obviously still a very important piece of… Read more »
Photo of the Week – 2/14/2011

This was almost too eerie to photograph – found this angel statue while exploring Lake View Cemetery this past weekend. Though it’s not the most romantic picture to post this week, we think it’s awfully intriguing.
Upcoming Cleveland Event – “100 Impossible Portraits”

If you liked the West Side Market video we linked to last week, make sure to mark your calendars for this event. Both multimedia artists involved with that project (Tim Logan and Mike Paukst – Twitter newbies, don’t hold that against them!) will be in attendance as Tim shoots portraits of the first 100 folks to walk through the door. All photographs will be shot using the second edition… Read more »
Photo(s) of the Week – 1/24/2011

West Side Market from Mike Paukst on Vimeo. This week we have a special treat for you – not one photo, but a whole lotta photos! Timelapse (and other beautiful moments captured on film) at the West Side Market – courtesy of Tim Logan + Mike Paukst of Uppercut Motion + Sound. Phillip Bloom, eat your heart out 😉
The Good News – According to Richard Florida

In a recent article for The Atlantic, famed Urbanist Richard Florida comments: “It’s abundantly clear that the economic crisis and Great Reset have caused mobility, which has long been a hallmark of the American economy, to stall, making it harder for both individual workers and local economies to adjust to new economic conditions. This has affected all types of Americans, including young, college-educated ones. And, according to Frey’s research, it is… Read more »
“What do you love about Cleveland?!”

Fantastic new videos from the Downtown Cleveland Alliance showcase a Cleveland worth promoting, worth celebrating, and worth building upon.
More Retail in Cleveland – Coming Soon – But Not Without Your Help

I’m a big fan of some of the city’s development projects – The Ohio City Market District (lord knows we need more retail in and around the city core), for one – and we all know that what will allow for projects like this one to be successful is the community’s participation and patronage. Not just in our city but all around the country retailers have been struggling in the last few years… Read more »
The Rock Hall Ball

Channel your inner rock star, don your finest stage costume or rock attire and get ready to rock the Hall during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s 15th Anniversary Celebration!
The departure of an athlete, the death of a true Cleveland original, and the new frontier…

If I didn’t address this at all, I think I would be disappointed in myself…so here goes. My slightly personal post about Lebron James, Cleveland, and the recent passing of Harvey Pekar (my heart strains as I type that).
Unconsumption

When we were kids it was pretty much beaten into us that planet earth was in danger + the only way to save the planet was to “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.” Perhaps because we learned this at a young age it’s second nature for us to want to limit the amount of “stuff” we contribute to landfills.
Dinner With Strangers

When friend and fellow Clevelandophile Danielle Deboe was drafting her speech for TEDxCLE she kept going back to the idea that one of the most powerful things that one can do to change a city is to bring lots of passionate creative types together. Not for any defined “cause,” but simply to meet + see what comes of it. Danielle is a great connector who, through her store Room Service in the Gordon Square Arts District and other avenues seems to meet some of Cleveland’s best and brightest creative thinkers.
TEDxCLE: Ideas worth spreading

TED has granted approval for Hallie Bram and me to host the TEDxCLE event. If you aren’t familiar with TED it is an annual event where some of the world’s leading “thinkers and doers” are invited to share what they are most passionate about. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design — three broad subject areas that are, collectively, shaping our future. Past speakers include Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Frank Gehry, Paul Simon, Sir Richard Branson, Philippe Starck and Bono.
Creativity: The Essence of Change

A look at creativity in advertising, an economic recession and its affect on urban revitalization. The great David Ogilvy once said, “It takes a big idea to attract the attention of consumers and get them to buy your product. Unless your advertising contains a big idea, it will pass like a ship in the night.” The essence of our industry is in big ideas and creativity. These elements help to communicate information in a persuasive manner by captivating the attention and interest of individuals. Big ideas and creativity can create brand awareness and in some cases even change brand perception, preference or image. The crucial point here, from a holistic perspective, is that big ideas and creativity are the answer to change – whether in advertising or other industries.