Spring 2023 Fashion Trends We’re Loving at the Image Office

From sheer to sequins, detailed denim to balletcore, spring trends are here to elevate your everyday style. 

Now that longer days have finally arrived, we’re ready to shift our focus away from the winter blues and toward spring blooms. Although the snow in Connecticut has decided to make its appearance in March, cold weather can’t stop the Image team from lusting over new spring looks. As we prepare for a style remix, we’re happy to see some nostalgic favorites reemerge as uniquely new trends also find their main character moment. Highlights of the season are varied and can be rotated depending on your mood. With collections showcasing 90s grunge vibes to the sweetness of balletcore, minimalist lines versus touchable textures, there is a design for every personality. This spring, the Image team is sharing their favorites to help you find your way to that best dressed list and avoid the floral print cliché so that you’ll make even Miranda Priestly proud. 

Acid Green 

Green is already my favorite color, and I’m all about the softer springtime shades that usually accompany the season. This year’s acid green trend is set to be a wardrobe staple for me with the upgraded play on a traditional pastel look. I love that the color itself feels like a contradiction – subdued and edgy at the same time. 

-Erica

Crisp Tailoring 

From high-waisted trousers to vest tops and belted blazers, I’m loving all the tailored styles we’re seeing this spring. Tailored pieces are chic & effortless to look put together for the office, but I also love dressing them down by pairing with this season’s denim trends for a more casual “cool girl” street style look. 

-Katherine

Denim on Denim 

Who doesn’t love light denim to bring on the springtime temps! I am loving the denim trends this season, and the mixing and matching makes it even more effortless and chic. Also, the look of incorporating other seasonal trends, like floral or magenta, with denim pieces is great. I love that jeans are taking a turn this season toward the looser, more wide legged trend that we saw a bit of in spring 2022. 

-Elizabeth

Chore Coats 

Once a 19th century staple amongst the working class in France, the Chore Coat or bleu de travail, is now the must have staple in my closet this spring. The original blue multipocket canvas or moleskin layer is now available in many colors across all your favorite brands. I wear a

chore coat while I am outdoors on those early cool spring evenings getting my yard ready for the warmer days but also out and about to dinner parties, shopping trips or as an extra layer just in case all season long. A chore coat is the easiest way to have a sophisticated look with hardly any effort. 

-Ross

Bold Colors 

As much as I have loved the neutrals trend that has been dominating the fashion industry, I am very much loving the reintroduction of bold colors this spring! I have been specifically loving magenta, cobalt blue, and emerald green! Adding statement items like a bold colored top, or even a fun pair of pants, in one of these colors can elevate any look this spring and really make an outfit pop! 

-Marissa

The Classics 

When I think spring, I think comfort. Dark jeans and a comfy t-shirt is an easy go-to for a casual outing on a beautiful spring day! 

-Loring

Heavy Duty Leather 

From leather jackets, to leather pants, to leather boots, every style of leather is a trend this spring season. From daytime to night on the town, you can transform any outfit! Whether it is a basic tee or a blouse, leather pants will add the extra texture the outfit is looking for!

-Kayla

Converse Paired with a Dress 

One of my favorite go to spring looks is pairing an all-white Converse sneak with a fun and flirty dress! No matter how dressy or casual the dress, I promise your Converse won’t look out of place. Keep it stylish and comfortable all at the same time.

-Hannah

Dopamine Hits 

There is nothing better than leaving winter behind by hopping into a pair of brightly colored shorts or a tye-dye shirt or both. I love to pair them with a very colorful pair of sneakers or Crocs. Something about the color just makes you feel good and smile. 

-David

Now Hiring | Social Media Account Manager

About Us

Image Marketing Consultants is a Plantsville based full-service marketing agency. We work with a variety of clients located around the country, with a primary focus on the shopping center industry and lifestyle brands. The work we offer our clients includes strategic marketing planning, public relations, creative design, web design, social media management, digital marketing, media buying and more.

The ideal candidate will be looking to gain experience in the marketing industry from an agency perspective. This internship offers the benefit of gaining hands-on experience in a small agency environment – which means exposure to multiple client projects in a fast-paced (and fun!) environment. 

Social Media Account Manager

Who You Are | Required Skills & Experience

ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT & TEAM EXPERIENCE

  • You’re a “people person” at heart, and have client management experience serving as a primary contact for day-to-day account needs
  • You’re a strong communicator and skilled at managing relationships artfully, able to build trust and confidence while positioning our agency as a strategic resource and partner for business growth
  • You have experience working collaboratively as a team, including acting as a mentor/leader to help supervise and develop the skills of support staff

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT CREATION & CURATION

  • You have 2+ years experience creating social media content, ideally growing and managing multiple social channels either as an independent influencer or for a brand.
  • You are a content creator at heart with stellar copywriting skills, a knack for storytelling, and a talent for producing stunning visual content.
  • You know how to create high-quality content in a variety of formats from photo imagery to graphics, GIFs, video and more. 
  • You are familiar with content curation, and are equally skilled at sourcing social media content to support a client’s own feeds, alongside original content creation

GENERAL SKILLS & INTERESTS

  • You live and breathe social media! You’re up to date the latest social trends and best practices, you’re the first to test out new platforms and features when they launch, and you follow best-in class brands to stay inspired
  • You have a passion for all thing trending in the retail and lifestyle space, and preferably with some experience working in the retail/shopping center industry
  • You understand how to connect with an audience, using data to help shape strategy and deliver more of what your audience wants.
  • You’re a highly organized, self-starter who can manage projects independently from end to end
  • You’re comfortable working at a very fast pace, have a collaborative attitude, and enjoy wearing many hats
  • You’re an excellent written and verbal communicator who presents ideas clearly, concisely and with context
  • You maintain high standards in every aspect of your work and continually raise the bar
  • You are highly creative and full of ideas, with a good balance of strategic thinking

Job Responsibilities

CLIENT MANAGEMENT

  • Under the direction of the Account Director, serve as a main point of contact for the agency’s largest client account in the social media space
  • Manage all client communications in a timely and professional manner, including leading bi-weekly check-in calls with client contacts
  • Maintain positive rapport and open communication to build trust and confidence with all client contacts

ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

  • Responsible for the creation of bi-weekly social media content calendars for the client, including” sourcing/creating all visual assets and written captions, researching/adding hashtags and links, suggesting paid boosting strategies, making on-going edits to content and updating as needed, and ensuring all content is approved/scheduled in Hootsuite (or posted natively) on time and without errors
  • Support the “locally managed” client accounts in executing bi-weekly content calendars as needed
  • Assist account team with monthly reporting & analysis of accounts’ performance 
  • Play an active role in developing and executing evolving social media strategies; suggest opportunities for growth
  • Support the execution of additional client projects and campaigns as needed (i.e. may include: coordinating influencer campaigns, photo shoots, creative projects)

TEAM MANAGEMENT & COLLABORATION

  • Be a true “team player” working closely with all members of the client account team, as well as with the agency’s larger social media management team, to communicate industry trends, learnings, and ensure overall efficiencies and best practices are in place at all times
  • Supervise Account Coordinators to direct and assign tasks as needed; monitor flow of all client account needs
  • Support Account Director with ad hoc projects and tasks to further support the client as needed

    Apply by sending a resume and cover letter to Info@imagemarketingconsultants.com

     

    Now Hiring | Social Media Account Coordinator

    About Us

    Image Marketing Consultants is a Plantsville based full-service marketing agency. We work with a variety of clients located around the country, with a primary focus on the shopping center industry and lifestyle brands. The work we offer our clients includes strategic marketing planning, public relations, creative design, web design, social media management, digital marketing, media buying and more.

    The ideal candidate will be looking to gain experience in the marketing industry from an agency perspective. This internship offers the benefit of gaining hands-on experience in a small agency environment – which means exposure to multiple client projects in a fast-paced (and fun!) environment. 

    Social Media Account Coordinator

    Who You Are | Required Skills & Experience

    ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT & TEAM EXPERIENCE

    • You have experience  working in a busy office environment, and know how to present yourself professionally at all times (interacting with team members and clients, via email, conference calls, etc.)
    • A bonus: you have experience being a part of a client-oriented team, ideally from a marketing agency perspective and undworking on a client-oriented team, ideally from a marketing agency perspective
    • You have social media account experience, ideally beyond just personal use, from a business or content creator perspective 

    SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT CREATION & CURATION

    • You have experience creating social media content, ideally beyond your own personal use
    • You understand both the visual and written aspects of social media strategy, with a great eye for aesthetics, and a knack for writing captions
    • You have experience using social media creation and scheduling tools, ideally Canva and Hootsuite

    GENERAL SKILLS & INTERESTS

    • You live and breathe social media! You’re up to date the latest social trends and best practices, you’re the first to test out new platforms and features when they launch, and you follow best-in class brands to stay inspired
    • You have a passion for all thing trending in the retail and lifestyle space, and preferably with some experience working in the retail/shopping center industry
    • You understand how to connect with an audience, using data to help shape strategy and deliver more of what your audience wants.
    • You’re a highly organized, self-starter who can manage projects independently from end to end
    • You’re comfortable working at a very fast pace, have a collaborative attitude, and enjoy wearing many hats
    • You’re an excellent written and verbal communicator who presents ideas clearly, concisely and with context
    • You maintain high standards in every aspect of your work and continually raise the bar
    • You are highly creative and full of ideas, with a good balance of strategic thinking

    Job Responsibilities

    CLIENT MANAGEMENT

    • Under the direction of the Account Director and Account Manager, help manage client communications in a timely and professional manner
    • Attend all bi-weekly client calls; assit Account Manager with note-taking and providing input as asked 
    • Maintain positive rapport and open communication to build trust and confidence with all client contacts

    ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

    • Assist the Account Manager with the creation of bi-weekly social media content calendars for the client, including” sourcing/creating visual assets and written captions, researching/adding hashtags and links, making on-going edits to content and updating as needed, and ensuring all content is approved/scheduled in Hootsuite (or posted natively) on time and without errors
    • Maintain additional daily client account tasks, including: posting stories, responding to comments, executing engagement tactics, creating Facebook events, conducting industry research, etc. as asked by the Account Director/Account Manager
    • Assist account team with monthly reporting & analysis of accounts’ performance 
    • Support the execution of additional client projects and campaigns as needed (i.e. may include: coordinating influencer campaigns, photo shoots, creating graphics in Canva, etc.)

    TEAM MANAGEMENT & COLLABORATION

    • Be a true “team player” working closely with all members of the client account team, as well as with the agency’s larger social media management team, to communicate industry trends, learnings, and ensure overall efficiencies and best practices are in place at all times
    • Support Account Director and Account Manager with ad hoc projects and tasks to further support the client as needed

    Apply by sending a resume and cover letter to Info@imagemarketingconsultants.com

     

    Internship Opportunity

    Marketing and Events Intern

    Image Marketing Consultants is currently seeking ambitious, creative, and detail-oriented interns to assist our team for Summer 2022 as a Marketing and Events Intern!

    This is a great opportunity to gain experience working with a dynamic, growing marketing agency. Image Marketing is a full-service marketing and PR agency based in Southington, working primarily with clients throughout the U.S. in the retail and lifestyle industries. This intern will have the opportunity to learn the ropes of social media marketing by supporting accounts for clients in the shopping center industry. You will work directly with both our Account Management and Creative teams, with a primary focus on social media copywriting – creating compelling captions/written content for Instagram and Facebook.

     

    We are looking for students who are studying marketing/communications, journalism, creative writing, or another related field and are eager to learn all about the world of social media marketing within an agency environment. You will draft the written copy for social media posts and learn to curate/create engaging visual content, all while learning about brand voice and overall social media strategy. Additionally, you’ll attend a variety of local events including concerts, influencer collaborations, grand openings, TV segments, and more. Our ideal candidate is creative, responsible, self-motivated, and a skilled writer with the proven ability to create compelling content!

     

    This is a semester-long, unpaid internship. Time commitment is flexible and is determined by candidates’ availability.

     

    What You’ll Do
    • Write compelling captions (and other content as assigned) for social media posts (under the direction of the Account Manager/Creative Director)
    • Attend a variety of local events assisting with planning and production, content creation, and other tasks as needed
    • Learn more about the strategy that goes into creating engaging social content, particularly crafting a brand’s tone of voice
    • Assist our Social Media Account Manager on additional duties as needed (may include research, sourcing visual content, reporting on data, posting content, engaging on social platforms, and administrative duties) 
    Our Ideal Candidate:
    • Has a passion for the retail/shopping industry
    • Lives & breaths social media! Is up-to-date with the latest social trends and best practices; likes to be the first to test out new platforms and features when they launch; follows best-in-class brands to stay inspired and loves to work trending content seamlessly into various campaigns and strategies.
    • Is a story-teller at heart with a passion for writing and content creation
    • Is a highly organized self-starter who can work independently
    • Also has a collaborative attitude and isn’t afraid to jump in to help 
    Requirements:
    • Solid understanding of social media platforms (specifically Instagram and Facebook) and best practices
    • Some knowledge/experience writing for social media platforms
    • A writing portfolio/sample of content including social media copywriting is a plus

    Apply by sending a resume and cover letter to Info@imagemarketingconsultants.com 

     

    INTERNSHIP
    Social Media Account Assistant

    Image Marketing Consultants is currently seeking ambitious, creative, and detail-oriented interns to assist our social media team for the fall 2021 semester as a Social Media Account Assistant!

    This is a great opportunity to gain experience working with a dynamic, growing marketing agency. Image Marketing Consultants is a full-service marketing and PR agency based in Plantsville, working primarily with clients throughout the U.S. in the retail and lifestyle industries. This intern will have the opportunity to learn the ropes of social media marketing by supporting accounts for clients in the shopping center industry. You will work directly with both our Account Management and Creative teams, with a primary focus on social media copywriting – creating compelling captions/written content for Instagram and Facebook.

     We are looking for students who are studying marketing/communications, journalism, creative writing, or another related field and are eager to learn all about the world of social media marketing within an agency environment. You will draft the written copy for social media posts and learn to curate/create engaging visual content, all while learning about brand voice and overall social media strategy. Our ideal candidate is creative, self-motivated, and a skilled writer with the proven ability to create compelling content!

    This is a semester-long, unpaid internship. We are flexible on the time commitment/number of hours per week depending on the candidate’s availability.

    What You’ll Do 

    • Write compelling captions (and other content as assigned) for social media posts (under direction of the Account Manager/Creative Director)
    • Learn more about the strategy that goes into creating engaging social content, particularly crafting a brand’s tone of voice
    • Assist our Social Media Account Manager on additional duties as needed (may include research, sourcing visual content, reporting on data, posting content, engaging on social platforms, and administrative duties) 

    Our Ideal Candidate:

    • Has a passion for the retail/shopping industry
    • Lives & breaths social media! Is up-to-date with the latest social trends and best practices; likes to be the first to test out new platforms and features when they launch; follows best-in-class brands to stay inspired and loves to work trending content seamlessly into various campaigns and strategies.
    • Is a story-teller at heart with a passion for writing and content creation
    • Is a highly organized self-starter who can work independently
    • Also has a collaborative attitude and isn’t afraid to jump in to help 

    Requirements:

    • Solid understanding of social media platforms (specifically Instagram and Facebook) and best practices
    • Some knowledge/experience writing for social media platforms
    • A writing portfolio/samples of content including social media copywriting is a plus

    To Apply: Please send your resume, cover letter, and any examples of your work (i.e. social media content creation, writing samples) to: info@imagemarketingconsultants.com

     

    Internship Opportunities at Image Marketing

    Image Marketing Consultants is currently seeking ambitious, creative, and detail-oriented interns to assist our Social Media & Creative teams for the spring 2021 semester! We are looking to fill two internship roles: in Social Media Copywriting and Social Media Content Creation.

    This is a great opportunity to gain experience working with a dynamic, growing marketing agency. Image Marketing Consultants is a full-service marketing and PR agency based in Plantsville, working primarily with clients throughout the U.S. in the retail and lifestyle industries. This intern will have the opportunity to learn the ropes of social media marketing by supporting one of our largest accounts for a client in the shopping center industry. You will work directly with both our Account Management and Creative teams, with a primary focus on either social media copywriting – creating compelling captions/written content for Instagram and Facebook; or social media content creation – creating engaging visual content for Instagram and Facebook, including photos, videos and graphics.

    More details and qualifications about each role can be found below. 

    Interested candidates should send their resume and a sample of their work to info@imagemarketingconsultants.com

    SOCIAL MEDIA COPYWRITER INTERNSHIP:

    We are looking for students who are studying marketing/communications, journalism, creative writing, or another related field and are eager to learn all about the world of social media marketing within an agency environment. You’ll work directly with our Account Management and Creative teams on the development of bi-weekly social media content calendars for our client, with a focus on copywriting.  You will draft the written copy for social media posts while learning about brand voice and overall social media strategy. Our ideal candidate is creative, self-motivated, and a skilled writer with the proven ability to draft compelling content!

    This is a semester-long, unpaid internship. The expectation is approx.20 hours per week, with flexibility depending on the candidate’s availability.

    What You’ll Do

    • Write compelling captions (and other content as assigned) for social media posts (under direction of the Account Manager/Creative Director)
    • Learn more about the strategy that goes into creating engaging social content, particularly crafting a brand’s tone of voice
    • Assist our Social Media Account Manager on additional duties as needed (may include research, sourcing visual content, reporting on data, posting content, engaging on social platforms, and administrative duties) 

    Our Ideal Candidate:

    • Has a passion for the retail/shopping industry
    • Lives & breaths social media! Is up-to-date with the latest social trends and best practices; likes to be the first to test out new platforms and features when they launch; follows best-in-class brands to stay inspired and loves to work trending content seamlessly into various campaigns and strategies.
    • Is a story-teller at heart with a passion for writing and content creation
    • Is a highly-organized self-starter who can work independently
    • Also has a collaborative attitude and isn’t afraid to jump in to help 

    Requirements:

    • Solid understanding of social media platforms (specifically Instagram and Facebook) and best practices
    • Some knowledge/experience writing for social media platforms
    • A writing portfolio/samples of content including social media copywriting is a plus

    Interested candidates should send their resume and a sample of their work to info@imagemarketingconsultants.com

    SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT CREATOR INTERNSHIP:

    We are looking for students who are studying marketing/communications, digital media/visual arts, or another related field and are eager to learn all about the world of social media marketing within an agency environment. You’ll work directly with our Account Management and Creative teams on the development of bi-weekly social media content calendars for our client, with a focus on the  visuals. You will be responsible for sourcing and creating high-quality visual content for social media, including photography, graphics, and video assets. You will also learn about brand color palettes/guidelines, visual standards, and social media strategy. Our ideal candidate is creative, self-motivated, thinks outside the box, and has a great eye for engaging visuals!

    This is a semester-long, unpaid internship. The expectation is approx.20 hours per week, with flexibility depending on the candidate’s availability.

    What You’ll Do

    • Create visual content for social media (under the direction of the Account Manager/Creative Director)
    • Learn more about the strategy that goes into creating engaging visual content (including photos, video, and graphics)
    • Assist our Social Media Account Manager on additional duties as needed (may include research, writing content, reporting on data, posting content, engaging on social platforms, and administrative duties) 

    Our Ideal Candidate:

    • Has a passion for the retail/shopping industry
    • Lives & breaths social media! Is up-to-date with the latest social trends and best practices; likes to be the first to test out new platforms and features when they launch; follows best-in class brands to stay inspired.
    • Is creative with an appreciation for visual aesthetics
    • Is a highly-organized self-starter who can work independently
    • Also has a collaborative attitude and isn’t afraid to jump in to help 

    Requirements:

    • Solid understanding of social media platforms (specifically Instagram and Facebook) and best practices
    • Some knowledge/experience using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign and Canva.
    • Some experience creating a variety of visual content 
    • A portfolio of visual content including photography, videography, and/or graphic design is a plus

    Interested candidates should send their resume and a sample of their work to info@imagemarketingconsultants.com.

    Preparing for a Virtual TV Interview

    Image Marketing’s Director of Client Services Katherine Bolas appeared in a recent virtual tv interview on Better Connecticut! ule Advanced settings.

    Broadcast interviews are invaluable. They provide a direct platform to increase brand awareness and credibility, and allow consumers to see the ‘personal’ side of your business.

    Though the benefits of TV interviews haven’t changed since the start of the pandemic, the interviews themselves look different. Social distancing regulations have prompted most news stations to conduct interviews via Skype or Zoom, instead of inviting guests to their studios. 

    Virtual interviews expand coverage opportunities for businesses and media outlets, who can now host guests located anywhere, at any time. Given these benefits, virtual interviews are likely to outlive the pandemic. Knowing how to prepare for them will definitely give your business a competitive edge in our virtual world.

    Having secured 20+ virtual tv interviews for our clients in just the past few weeks alone, the Image Marketing PR team is no stranger to the spotlight (even if we’ve traded in professional studio lights for our own at home “studio” set-up and ring light for the time being!) Read on for our team’s best tips and tricks to best prepare for your next virtual interview.

     

    Here are the 3 key steps to preparing for your broadcast tv virtual interview: 

     

    TIP #1: SET THE STAGE

    Your “Zoom-Studio” should replicate the clarity and intimacy of an in-person interview. A clean backdrop, personable camera angle, and excellent lighting ensure that your viewers (and interviewer) engage with what matters most: you, your business, and your message. 

    Backdrop

    Keep your backdrop tidy and simple; avoid sitting in front of cluttered shelves, patterned walls, or posters. These items can distract your audience, or even steer conversation away from your business. 

    Camera Angle 

    Place your camera at eye-level, and sit about two feet away from your device. Keeping your face “center stage” will help you appear confident and professional.

    Lighting

    Be sure to avoid shadows or harsh lighting. Welcoming, natural light helps your audience form positive associations with your business. While natural light is preferable, it can be replicated with blue-tinted LED bulbs. 

    Facing your light source eliminates shadows created by back and side-light; but, be sure to sit several feet away to avoid appearing “washed out.” 

    Pro-tip: to take your lighting set-up to the next level, consider purchasing an inexpensive ring light.  They’re easy to use and will help eliminate any harsh shadows and make your set-up look professional and polished.

    Tip #2: DRESS THE PART

    Hoodies and sweats may be our “new normal,” but it’s important to dress your best!

    Dangling headphones and multi-colored or patterned clothing can be distracting. Instead, opt for wireless headphones (or none at all), simple jewelry, amd a solid, long sleeve top. This will prevent you from getting “lost” in your backdrop, and keep your audience focused on your responses. When it comes to color, wear what you feel most confident in, but keep in mind that most tv studios will tell you to avoid wearing white or black, as they can appear unflattering in harsh lighting. 

     

    TIP #3: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!

    Practicing for your interview (independently or with colleagues!)  will help eliminate technical challenges, and help you feel more confident. 

    Practicing also provides the opportunity to check that your headphones and microphone are working properly, and your lighting and backdrop are well suited for a television appearance. 

    Zoom’s recording feature enables you to record and watch your practice interviews. Observing how you look, sound, and interact with the “interviewer” will help you perfect your body language, and eliminate any vague, awkward, or unnecessary elements in your responses or pitch.

     

    Conclusion

    A successful interview will help develop your brand and bridge the gap between you and your customers. Practicing, setting the stage, and dressing the part, will ensure you get the most out of your virtual TV interview.

    Now that you know how to ace your interview, need some help getting your segment booked? Contact us for help developing media relationships, earning television exposure, and highlighting your business to the right audience!

     

    Sources:

     

    https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/what-to-wear-zoom-meeting/

    https://www.inc.com/jason-aten/5-ways-to-look-your-best-on-your-next-zoom-meeting.html

    http://www.metiscomm.com/guide/broadcast-interview-guide

     

     

     

    How to Use TikTok to Promote Your Business

    TikTok is trending! With a global mission of inspiring creativity and spreading joy, the app has accumulated over 800 million active users since it launched in September of 2016. While TikTok may be best known for its viral dance videos created by popular creators like Charli D’Amelio and Addison Rae, dance routines and lip synching are far from the only types of content you’ll find on the app. In fact, Tik Tok recently launched TikTok For Business to assist brands of all sizes “unleash their creative side.”

     When it comes to creative content and brand storytelling, TikTok is the top platform of the moment.  A simple 15-60 second video can be all it takes for your business to grow your audience and make real connections with both brand loyalists and potential new customers.  62% of TikTok users in the U.S. are under the age of 30, which also presents a unique opportunity to connect with young consumers. As the app continues to grow in popularity, it’s creators are increasingly diverse as well and include parents, teachers, politicians, high schools, universities, small businesses and major corporations. They all use the platform for the purpose of increasing engagement, sharing their ideas, products and opinions and creating content their target market can relate to and enjoy.

    The app also allows for you to interact with your audience in all new ways. You can “duet” videos, comment, direct message, run contests, challenges and promotions, and use influencer marketing to spread your message.

    Check out some success stories from large and small businesses that used TikTok to connect with audiences in unique and creative ways:

    Success Stories

    Universal PicturesThe film studio uses the platform as a way to promote upcoming movies and engage with American users. They launched a branded hashtag challenge themed #FindYourMagic,resulting in over 19K user-generated videos. The company also utilizes influencer marketing, working with 10 popular creators to post “magical stories” using magic tricks and illusions. To date this content has received over 1.3 million likes! Universal Pictures also grew more than 11K official account followers in just six days.

    Clean & ClearWhile launching their limited-edition face wash in India, Clean & Clear  took to TikTok to help increase brand and product awareness. Their target market was female teens across India, and they started a #UnbottleApnaSwag challenge that invited girls to engage with the brand and show off their diverse personalities. They featured five bottle packaging styles that correspond with five personality traits. They enlisted five of the top female influencers to help spearhead the challenge and inspire participation. As a result, the campaign received more than 1.96 billion video views, 2.62 million user-generated videos, and Clean & Clear gained more than 10.4K followers. 

    Popcorn Friday – In the midst of the pandemic, small businesses felt the blow to business more than most. Owned and run by the Scrubb family, Popcorn Friday is a small popcorn shop located in Spring Branch, Texas. Natalie Scrubb, seeing her family’s business struggling, seized the opportunity to help by creating a TikTok video showing off their business and their products. The video reached 1.5 million viewers! After that online orders started flooding in from all over the country. The business had an increase in sales in the thousand-percents.

    Conclusion

    Regardless of the size of your business and no matter what you sell, TikTok can help your brand get noticed. All it takes is a camera and a little creativity. Not sure where to start? Contact us today for help developing your own TikTok social media strategy. 

    Top 10 Fall Styles You Can Expect to See in 2020

    The crisp autumn air, pumpkin spice lattes, and apple cider donuts are starting to make their annual comeback. Summer may be coming to a close, but the good news is that with a new season comes new fashion trends to look forward to. 

    As anyone who was asked, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” back in 2015 can attest to, 2020 isn’t what anyone expected it to be!  While the coronavirus pandemic continues to play out, the uncertainty in what the fall will bring hasn’t stopped designers from putting a new spin on your favorite fall wardrobe essentials – and then some. Fashion designers put their best fall booties forward, and discussed upcoming fall fashion trends via Zoom.

    The Image Marketing team works with copious amounts of shopping centers around the United States, so it’s safe to say we have a solid idea as to what trends you can expect to see popping up on store shelves (and also appearing in your Instagram feed!) Our team came up with the 10 most trending styles to shop for this fall. Whether you are heading into the office, or just dressing up for your weekly Zoom meetings, there’s no reason why you can’t stay up-to-date on the latest fall fashion trends.

    Want a sneak peek at what styles will be taking over your Instagram feed in the coming months? Check out the top 10 fall fashion trends for 2020 below:

    1. Sheer Fabrics

    LULUS –

    Queen of Drama Black Organza Puff Sleeve Bodysuit

    REVOLVE – 

    Safari Sheer Wrap Top

    H&M –

    Puff-sleeved Mesh Dress

    Sheer, skin-fabrics have been huge this past spring and summer, and the trend isn’t going anywhere for fall. You’ll find lots of sheer blouses and dresses;  The key to making this trend work for the autumn is layering: use sheer as an overlay to add dimensional layers to your outfits.

    2. Faux Fur

    H&M –

    Teddy Bear Coat

    FREE PEOPLE –

    Tessa Teddy Coat

    Ditch your basic fall coat, because faux fur is in! The trick to making faux fur on-trend for 2020 is juxtaposing its luxuriousness with your casual basics. Thinking about just wearing jeans and a basic, solid-colored top? Throw on a funky coat to dress it up!

    3. Cropped Blazers

    ASOS –

    Weekday Dominique cropped blazer in khaki

    ZARA – 

    Short-Sleeve Blazer

    Step up your office (or Zoom) meeting apparel with cropped blazers! It is an easy way to look polished in an instant.

    4. Metallic / Sequins

    NORDSTROM –

     Ramy Brook Rumi Metallic Wrap Front Top

    ALO YOGA-

    High-Waisted Glitter Biker Short

    Looking to stand out from the crowd? Metallic and sequins will have you shining. Instead of waiting for the holidays to bring out your shimmery clothes, find metallic as your everyday wear. Check out Alo Yoga’s shimmery biker shorts!

    5. Animal Print

    FREE PEOPLE –

    Nala Jacquard Hoodie

    FRANCESCA’S –

    Qupid Animal Print Accent Bootie

    Animal prints have been a top trend for a few seasons now, and they don’t seem to be going away anytime soon! Expect anything from cheetah to snake prints, and even crocodile print for this fall. Make a statement in cute and comfy fall sweaters with your favorite animal print.

    6. Fringe

    URBAN OUTFITTERS –

    Schott Leather Fringe Moto Jacket

    As seen on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, Rihanna seems to be all on board with the fringe trend this season.  (Expect to see deep yellow fashions this fall too!)

    7. Prep

    URBAN OUTFITTERS –

    Cooperative Side-Pocket Mini Skirt

    URBAN OUTFITTERS –

    Daisy Street Plaid Pleated Mini Skirt

    Channel your inner Blair Waldorf and embrace all-things preppy this fall season! Look for lots of plaid skirts and polished outfits.

    8. Neutral Tones

    MADEWELL –

    Polo Sweater

    TOPSHOP –

    Ecru PU Shirt Dress

    Expect to see fifty shades of neutral colors coming your way. Tans, beiges, browns – all of the basic autumn colors to accompany any skin tone.

    9. Chunky Headbands

    LULUS –

    Crazy for You Pink and Pearl Braided Headband

    J.CREW – 

    Turban knot headband in plaid wool

    Chunky and padded headbands have seen a +14,100% increase in 2020 alone! Watch for unique headbands with sequins, patterns, braids and especially pearls. Wear your favorite bold headband this fall to accessorize any outfit with ease!

    10. Patterned Face Masks

    AMERICAN EAGLE –

     AEO Bandana Mask + Scrunchie

    NATALIE MILLS –

    Destiny Crystal Face Mask

    Let’s ‘face’ it, there’s still a pandemic circling in the air. However, this doesn’t mean we can’t turn health and safety standards into a fashion statement! Shop American Eagle Outfitters matching face mask and scrunchie set, or Natalie Mill’s crystal mask collection. 

    Interested in Becoming a Graphic Designer? Here’s What It Takes:

    Ever think about the creativity behind all of the billboards, signs in shopping malls, or even the copious amounts of digital advertisements you see daily? Next time you’re out, take a look around. While you may think about how simple they can seem from the outside, there’s a lot of in-depth creativity and development behind-the-scenes. Take our two amazing graphic designers for instance: Ross Culliton and Loring Casarotto. Both of them started loving creativity and art at a young age and have a HUGE passion for coffee. However, our graphic designers understand the importance of strategy, and switching up a design when creating it to make sure all of the pieces fit together.. as well as having an ecstatic and thrilled client!

    Keep reading to find out what it takes to be a graphic designer, and the best Spotify playlists to listen to to get in your creative zone!

    A simple, yet effective graphic design that Ross created for our client Centennial, a retail development and management company. Image Marketing builds the social media presence for ten shopping centers, and creates fun and vivid designs for them!

    A Day in the Life of Our Graphic Designers:

    How do you start your mornings?

    Ross:

    COFFEE, COFFEE, COFFEE. An iced almond milk latte to be specific and for those wondering what to bring to our next meeting or to win my heart 🙂 

    Loring:
    This will come as a total shock to most,  I’m sure, but I can’t start the day without a giant iced coffee.

    Why did you choose graphic design as your career? Did something or someone inspire you?

    Ross:

    Ever since I was little I was always curious about what it was like to create all the ads we would see on TV, in magazines, and around town. Being part of that strategy and creative development is what drives my passion to create unique and inspiring projects.

    Loring:
    I’ve always been a creative person who liked to draw, and when I was growing up I wanted to be an artist. When I was in highschool, a family member suggested I take his Intro to  Adobe Illustrator class, which exposed me to the world of digital design.

    What’s your go-to song selection to listen to while you’re creating designs?

    Ross: 

    This is ever evolving for me. I usually have an ongoing playlist that evolves and grows as the weeks pass.. Usually at the beginning of a new season I start fresh and discover new music that will inspire my work. Currently I am between two playlists that I have made. Each have an eclectic mix of songs from all different genres. 

    Here are links to the playlists: 

    Social Iso Party: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0s9uo15LCJGlgbQmqgn1oj?si=ePsi227ISV62GW0Jb9gi_A

    Summer 2020

    https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1EtPbS51XV56OtGZdw9Kk4?si=WV06qdu7QF2kgPjArrn6Fg

    Loring:
    This is a tough one. Thanks to COVID my music streaming habits have increased about 10 fold and my favorites span almost every genre; but if I was to make a top 5 “on repeat” list, it’d probably look like this (in no particular order):
    1) Icarus (Automatic Mix) by Nigel Stanford
    2) Twilight of the Thunder God by Amon Amarth
    3) Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac
    4) Robot Stop by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
    5) Serenity (Andrew Rayel Aether Remix) by Armin Van Buuren
    (I couldn’t stop at 5)
    6) Lost in the Dream by The War on Drugs
    7) The Ageless Whisper by Soilwork

    How do you get through challenging times at work?

    Ross:

    The toughest times for me are when the creativity is not flowing as strongly as usual. To get back into that flow I keep myself extra observant of the things around me to create new inspirations. Whether that is watching creative films, discovering new trends in design or just absorbing everything that is around me, I can be sure to find myself with new sparks of creativity. 

    However, sometimes all it takes is taking a step back and watching something that will make me laugh like Schitt’s Creek. Guaranteed LOLs everytime. 

    Loring:
    Throw on some headphones, grab my coffee, focus up and hunker down. 

    Is there a specific ‘aesthetic’ you lean towards?

    Ross:

    My overall mantra in my work is discovering how to share as much information as possible in the most simplistic way. Lately I have been keeping my designs bold, colorful and minimal. 

    Loring:
    Recently I’ve been using a lot of  color in my designs, and pushing towards a cleaner overall look with more white space. 

    A billboard graphic created for our client, Connecticut Credit Union League, for Financial First Responders Day.

    What advice would you give to those pursuing a career in graphic design?

    Ross:

    Train yourself to be able to look at things at multiple angles/perspectives. Don’t allow yourself to get into a wormhole of just one idea. There are many directions to take for just one project but you won’t know which is the best until you try them all out. Be patient and allow yourself to discover that creative perfection. It is truly one of the best feelings in this line of work when your work  just clicked into place and all the pieces of the puzzle fit.

    Loring:
    Always be experimenting, especially when you’re in school. Challenge yourself to do different things on every project and don’t use the same things that worked previously. Play with texture, shapes, color, fonts, etc. Whenever you see cool designs out “in the wild” like magazines and websites, try to figure out how it was done, or pick something about it you really like and use it in a project of your own.

    Share one of your favorite designs:

    Ross:

    The favorite question for me on any topic is never an easy question for me to answer. It is forever changing depending on my mood, especially when it comes to food. Current projects I am working on often are my favorite since they are in the forefront of my mind and where I am channeling my creativity.  However I do have a type of work that is my favorite. 

    Large format print projects have always been a favorite of mine. From the larger than life  murals I have done at Wells Fargo across the country (Example) or the recent installation of  the CT Post Thank You to the Superheros banners (video: https://vimeo.com/441077378) is just a range of examples. Thinking  of how it will interact in the environment the work will be displayed in and the impact it will have on people viewing it creates an extra level of inspiration for me in my work that translates into the final product.

    Ross’s graphic design mural for Wells Fargo.

    Loring:
    I don’t have a specific design by someone else, but I wanted to mention the branding stuff that we’ve done for ASG Information Technologies. We did a complete branding overhaul for them and I’m very proud of how all of that came out. 

    A preview of the website design created by Loring and Ross. Check the full view out at ASG Information Technologies.

    Our graphic design team at Image Marketing Consultants are always fun to work with! They assist other team members, like our social media and public relations team, with any creative graphic design needs for clients.

    Want to learn more about our graphic designers? Visit us at ImageMarketingConsultants.com, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook!