Field Trips

I have to admit, I LOVE field trips! I get excited to go see how different business' design departments work and how their desks and work areas are done. It's just so interesting to see another creative persons' creative space.

This semester we went on four field trips (with a 5th one planned but not yet accomplished) to various design firms in the local area. Each one was really good in it's own way and each one had their forte.

The first place we went to was McKenzie Wagner.
"McKenzie Wagner, Inc. is a small advertising agency with big ideas. We mitigate our clients’ common marketing concerns by implementing strategic, and innovative creative solutions. We believe in the power of branded goods and services, and strive to build our clients’ strong names, and stronger reputations. We offer cutting-edge creative efforts and consumer-savvy marketing messages designed to stand out, make a statement, and leave an impression. Above all, we are dedicated to the growth of the businesses we represent."

The second place we went to was Adams Outdoor Advertising.
"From the University of Illinois to the stature of artists the galleries and theaters attract, Champaign is a town that thinks on a grand scale. With a restaurant landscape that surprises the most seasoned palate, events that attract a national following and being a main hub for the silicon prairie, we are reinventing the Midwest every minute of every day."


Then we went to Horizon Hobby.
"At Horizon Hobby, we believe that who we are is not defined by what we do, but by the values we live by. – So while the development, distribution and retailing of innovative hobby products is what we excel at, it is our vision and core values that give meaning to that work and provide the inspiration for outstanding product expertise and tremendous attention to the needs of our customers. Three central values drive the Horizon approach and serve as the company's foundation:

Golden Rule

Treat everyone with utmost respect as we would best like to be treated ourselves.

Consumer is Boss
A caring, can-do attitude in every situation.

Inverted Pyramid
A servant leadership model in which leaders serve those they lead."

Then lastly we went to Spinlight Studio.

"We make learning fun. — Kids are natural born explorers — and the best educational apps tap into their sense of wonder and curiosity to make learning fun. At Spinlight, we make more than apps. We create enriching play experiences that invite children to tap, touch and discover, turning the facts they need to know into the games they want to play.

Since 2011, that simple philosophy led to a long list of awards from some of the most prestigious names in childhood learning, including multiple Parents’ Choice Awards and ON for Learning Awards. Welcome to Spinlight and a growing collection of educational apps built to make learning fun."