Being the geek that I am, I ordered one and then googled “ipod nano” everyday to see if anyone else had the same idea. While I saw many posts on an iPod Nano watch, I didn’t see any for a name tag.

Then people started getting their nanos and reporting that there was no more video and I got a little bummed out because a video name tag would have been sweet. I started thinking of other ways to make it happen. I thought that maybe I could make short songs and put the company logo as the album art to transition between a couple different screens. Turns out that apple made it even easier than that.

With the photo slideshow all I needed to do was create some 240 x 240 images and load them onto the nano and run the slideshow.  It works like a champ and the origami transition makes for a very nice animated name tag.

Here’s a video of the name tag in action (shot this with my iphone, of course):

August 21, 2006

Mary Beth Spence

Excerpt from article…

In addition to her Savannah office, which opened last January, Meurer also operates an Atlanta division of Smack Dab Studios, the original location for her Web design and development firm. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in liberal arts and achieved a graphic arts degree from the Art Institute of Atlanta.

Hannah Meurer

While in Atlanta, Meurer was employed on the technology side of the business as a CIO for several different firms – all before the advent of the Internet. She then worked as a partner for What’s Up Interactive with such clients as Snapper, FOX TV, Tropicana, UPS and Coca-Cola, before launching Smack Dab Studios.

Meurer’s full service agency is associated with numerous clients including the Southern Georgia Symphony, Hunter Maclean Exley & Dunn, The National Peanut Board, Verity Association, Blooming Cookies, Centivia, a software developer, and Palmetto Realty on St. Simons Island, Ga.

“The clients I work with have a minimum of three needs, such as a logo, brochure or Web site. We establish a brand and take it to the next level, but our association is long-term – at least 10 years or more,” she said.

Meurer’s staff of seven is enmeshed in every aspect of a client’s needs. “We learn the business, support them on all creative endeavors and even do sales presentations.”

As for the future of creative design? “It’s all technology-driven,” she noted, “and technology will dictate the next trend.”

Savannah Morning News

Atlanta business joins growing number of local design firms.

Atlanta is too busy and too crowded, according to 15-year resident Hannah Meurer. Meurer is the owner and chief creative officer of Smack Dab Studios, which specializes in a variety of print and Web design work such as logo creation, Web site development and direct mail campaigns.

Although business was good for the Atlanta-based graphic design company she started in 2003, she wanted more than just a steady income. “I want to be involved in a smaller community,” Meurer said. Meurer liked the idea of a more personable environment, where she gets to meet with her clients face-to-face rather than just communicate by phone or through e-mail. She said Savannah provides that type of environment.

In October she rented an apartment to confirm the viability of operating here. She thought there might not be enough work to sustain her, but Chris Miller, executive director of the Creative Coast Initiative, convinced her otherwise. Miller introduced her to many of the other designers in the area. Meeting with her cohorts dispelled any fears Meurer had of a cutthroat environment, or of the market becoming saturated with businesses such as hers.

“Everyone is very amenable to working together,” Meurer said. Cari Clark, the owner of 2-year-old graphic design firm Clark Creative, agreed. Clark said her company’s three employees currently serve about 150 regional, national and international clients, but wasn’t worried about any of those clients being siphoned off. The growing number of knowledge-based businesses in Savannah is a positive thing.

“We all compliment each other,” Clark said, adding that the increased talent pool adds to the company’s own creative options. “Plus, the more creative businesses, the more we retain students that are learning design,” Clark said. “It becomes a little more competitive, but in a healthy way.”

Smack Dab will initially operate out of Meurer’s house in Baldwin Park, but the company will soon occupy an office. Along with Meurer, Smack Dab’s illustrator, Joshua Hood, has relocated to Savannah and the company’s lead developer, Jeff Huelsbeck will be joining them in a couple of months. So far the move looks promising.

Smack Dab isn’t officially open until Monday and the company has already landed four Savannah clients. The firm’s first local contract was with the Farmer’s Almanac TV, designing direct mail, media kits and business cards for the series’ creators. Smack Dab continues to operate in Atlanta. Meurer plans to hire a manager for that location so she can focus most of her attention on Savannah. She also plans to hire additional Savannah employees to help with the 45 to 50 clients Smack Dab has between the two locations.

Meurer said she doesn’t miss Atlanta. She enjoys the perks of living in a smaller community. “I know my mailman,” Meurer said. “For a city girl, that’s awesome.”

Savannah Morning News

January 6, 2006

Eric Curl

912.652.0362 l eric.curl@savannahnow.com

ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 31 – The Webby Awards, the leading international honor for web sites, today recognized GeorgiaWatch.org as Webby Worthy, a distinction made for the first time this year to recognize sites exhibiting remarkable achievement.

Georgia Watch’s web site is produced by Smack Dab Studios, an Atlanta-based Web, print and multi-media design firm.

Hailed as the “online Oscars” by Time Magazine, The Webby Awards are determined by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, a global organization with a membership that includes musician David Bowie, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, The Body Shop president Anita Roddick, “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening, Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser, and fashion designer Max Azria.

“The Webby Awards honors the outstanding web sites that are setting the standards for the internet,” said Tiffany Shlain, creative director and founder of The Webby Awards. “GeorgiaWatch.org’s Webby Worthy selection is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators.”

“This site has done wonders for our ability to mobilize our members,” says Allison Wall, Executive Director of Georgia Watch. “We can now reach people across the state quickly and effectively—and rally their support for critical consumer protection legislation.”

The site employs CapWiz, a program that supports Georgia Watch’s cause by providing online and up-to-date information on legislation, viral marketing efforts and built-in letters to the editor.

The 9th Annual Webby Awards received a record number of entries from over 40 countries and all 50 states. Out of the over 4,000 entries submitted, fewer than 20% received this honor and were deemed Webby Worthy.

Winners were announced on May 3, 2005 and were honored at a gala event in New York’s landmark Gotham Hall on June 6, 2005.

Founded in 1996, The Webby Awards are known worldwide for its famous five-words-or-less acceptance speeches.

ABOUT GEORGIA WATCH:

Georgia Watch is the state’s leading non-partisan advocacy group working to improve consumer protections for Georgia families. The organization is dedicated to educating Georgia consumers on the health care, insurance and financial issues that impact them. Georgia Watch promotes consumer-friendly public policy and greater protections for victims of fraud, malpractice and misinformation. To accomplish this, Georgia Watch researches important consumer issues – predatory lending, insurance reform, patient safety – and provides accurate information that helps consumers get educated and get involved.

ABOUT SMACK DAB STUDIOS:

Smack Dab Studios is an Atlanta-based Web, print and multi-media design firm helping their clients leverage their web site and other marketing collateral in support of business objectives. Formed by a group of savvy, experienced marketing creatives, the company distinguishes itself by creating appealing, user-friendly sites that attract visitors and keep them. Their site designs are known for not only being attractive and easy to use, but also for providing a high level of functionality and helping companies generate ROI through their site.

ABOUT THE WEBBY AWARDS:

Called the “Oscars of the Internet” by the New York Times, the Webby is the leading international award honoring excellence in Web design, creativity, usability and functionality. Established in 1996, the 9th Annual Webby Awards received over 4,000 entries from all 50 states and over 40 countries worldwide. The Webby Awards are presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: The Creative Group; Adweek, Brandweek and Mediaweek magazines; IDG; Fortune and FSB; 2advanced Studius; The Online Publishing Association; PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Rackspace Managed Hosting. For more information visit www.webbyawards.com.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF DIGITAL ARTS AND SCIENCES (IADAS)

The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences is dedicated to the creative, technical, and professional progress of the internet and interactive media. The Academy is an intellectually diverse organization that includes over 500 members consisting of leading experts in a diverse range of fields, such as musician David Bowie, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, business guru and author Tom Peters, The Body Shop president Anita Roddick, fashion designer Max Azria, “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening and Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser. The Webby Awards and The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences are registered trademarks of International Data Group. For more information, visit www.iadas.net.