Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Press release here, because I don’t think this local business, Creative Allies, is getting the attention it deserves. This is an innovative local business:
A new Asheville-based website gives everyone the chance to submit poster, t-shirt, and logo designs to famous musicians like Jack Johnson–as well as to nonprofits, small local events, festivals and businesses looking for new designs.
The site is open to everyone, and Asheville businesses are already using Creative Allies for designs. Current contests include not only designs for Jack Johnson and Lollapalooza, but the label design for a new beer from Asheville Brewing.
“We want to give everyone the opportunity to create designs for their favorite bands and organizations they wouldn’t normally have access to,” said Sean O’Connell, CEO of Creative Allies (creativealllies.com).
A local elementary school, an organic farm in South Carolina and a surf shop in Aruba have already used Creative Allies for logos, t-shirts and posters. There’s no cost to use the site, and it’s free to request art or upload a design.
Bands, businesses and non-profits can post design requests, offer a cash prize, and select from the entries submitted.
The contributing designers, called “Allies,” can receive cash as well as prizes including tickets, signed CDs and gift certificates. As well as $250 cash, Jack Johnson offers the winner of his poster contest a trip for two to see him anywhere on his world tour, including airfare and a night of hotel accommodations.
Creative Allies is the second business for O’Connell, who is also the owner of Music Allies, a marketing, consulting and promotional services company whose clients include the Bonnaroo Music Festival and Ani DiFranco.
