AC N E Frequently Asked Questions
Book covers
Who? Alex Knowlton is the sole proprietor of ACNE Design LLC, a multidisciplinary graphic design firm. His innovative work has won over fifty industry awards and has appeared in several publications and exhibits. He’s held every creative leadership title throughout his 35-year professional career and taught Graphic Design Portfolio to undergraduate seniors at the School of Visual Arts. In recent years, he has created websites, campaigns, entire brands, products, publications, and museum exhibitions. Recent clients include the The Brooklyn Hospital Foundation, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Smith College, dancelog.nyc, Massachusetts General Hospital, and BravoTV. His primary client is Teach For All—As a consultant design director since 2012, he has been responsible for all of their public-facing graphic design, including branding, presentations, social media, and global conference packages.
Websites for the Russell Museum at MGH, Sam Martine, and Teach For All
What? Graphic design is many things. It incorporates elements of clear communication, layout, and visual aesthetics but that all should follow an initial idea. What distinguishes Alex’s design services is that they are unique to each client and conceptually driven. He’ll start each project with a thorough understanding of his client’s goals and identitybecause effective design begins with research and a creative strategy. The next step is to come up with intriguing ideas that are original and position the client ahead of the competition. After presenting these ideas, one will be chosen, content will be finalized, and the project will be expertly executed for digital and/or print production. Frankly, custom graphic design isn’t for everyone. Start-ups with limited budgets can get by with templated online services for something that looks presentable. Alex will only work directly with the top decision-makers of incorporated businesses. After a kick-off meeting to discuss client goals, creative work can only begin once the budget, contract, and Scope of Work have been established.
Clocks for Brooklyn Bastard
When? It depends on the Scope of Work and whether there’s a hard deadline to meet or not. Typically, three weeks is sufficient for each creative stage. Great ideas can be explored under tight deadlines but there are more production possibilities and lower costs associated with longer time frames. Consider the service industry maxim, “Fast, good, and cheap. Pick two.” This isn’t always a given. Alex is adept at building efficient processes that help agile companies accomplish excellent results quickly and affordably. However, Scope of Work and deliverables may have to be scaled back.
Brooklyn-based clients
Where? Williamsburg, Brooklyn, was once thought to be the hottest neighborhood in the best city on Earth. It’s still teeming with artists, musicians, and foodies but now they’re joined by tourists—Alex created brooklyntourist.com just for them. Copake, NY, is surrounded by gorgeous views, wildlife, farmland, culture, and excellent restaurants. It’s a short drive to Tanglewood and museums in the Berkshires, or Olana and art galleries in Hudson, NY. Miami Beach, FL, is an international petri dish of artists, celebrities and billionaires. The resulting cultural scene includes Art Basel, Art Wynwood, and countless theater and music venues. This office is in the heart of South Beach. Obviously, Alex can’t be in three locations at once but all of his offices are all located near major travel hubs. He can be anywhere on short notice to meet in person or just continue to meet remotely with Zoom.
Posters
Magazines
Social media
Further Together Teach For All and Teach First NZ present
NZ2015.teachforall.org #TFALLGC2015
Signage
Why? You need an accomplished professional. Your business and brand are defined visually and conceptually by design, which is not your area of expertise. You probably already value the training, experience, and reputation of a good dentist, architect, or lawyer. Alex is an expert design director. The way your business is perceived is crucial to its success. You need to present your company with a distinct voice. You need to consider besting your competitors with thoughtprovoking materials. You need to realize that partnering with a design professional is a necessary expense but one that will likely yield a measurable Return on Investment. Any more questions? Call Alex Knowlton at 917-886-2522 or send an email to alex@acnedesign.com
ACNE Design LLC acnedesign.com 917-886-2522
5 Twin Bridges Rd.
80 Metropolitan Ave., #5V
1605 Lenox Ave., #6
Copake, NY 12516
Brooklyn, NY 12516
Miami Beach, FL 33139
518-329-7990
212-675-4275
305-914-0490