Chicago DNA: How Our Work Mirrors Our City’s Values

Being a Chicago-based agency is about much more than where our office is physically located. It’s an acknowledgment of our hard work, hospitality, and humility, values that are shared by Chicago as a community. Our work has always mirrored these traits we share with Chicago, and our recent projects are no exception. 

 

Kam Buckner for Mayor

 

Chicago is a city where everyone has a story. That’s why we fit right in, because we understand the importance of storytelling in digital marketing. Take the Kam Buckner for Mayor project for example. Prior to our work with Kam–which consisted of building a website, a launch video, social media marketing, and more–we had never worked on a political campaign as an agency. But we saw how committed Kam Buckner is to making a difference in the city we love as much as he does. So, we put that mutual passion to work and told the story of Kam’s Chicago roots and his track record of fighting for Chicagoans. Take a look at the launch video here:

 

 

 

EverThrive Illinois

 

Another recent campaign we worked on was for EverThrive Illinois. EverThrive is an organization dedicated to reducing maternal mortality in African-American communities in Chicago. African-American mothers in our city are at a dramatically increased risk of dying during or shortly after pregnancy. We are honored to be a part of raising awareness about this issue through a comprehensive digital marketing strategy. Our efforts included branding, web design, and video production. Here is a look at the video we produced for EverThrive that focuses on their “The Gathering” initiative, a support community for expecting mothers: 

 

 

 

Walner Law

 

Another example is our client Walner Law who has committed to serving the city in the legal space. A staple of Chicago personal injury law since 1973, this firm needed help building their online presence to match their real-life legacy. Walner has won hundreds of millions of dollars for their clients who have been injured unjustly, and we’ve assisted them on several fronts over the years. These projects have consisted of social media marketing, a brand-new website, podcast production more recently, and many more marketing, branding, and web development efforts in-between. Walner and Fortress are a true, mutually beneficial partnership of companies who are proud to represent Chicago. Check out an episode of the Words With Walner podcast. Filmed inside Fortress’ studio, this episode discusses how Chicagoans can get help if they are in a truck accident:

We’re also proud to say that like Chicago, we are not a monolith at Fortress. The diverse perspectives we bring to the table at each client kickoff meeting and at every stage of a project are what makes us unique. With this strong in-house diversity, we are at our best when we are together; in sync with our surroundings and aligned on the tasks at hand. That’s the reason we haven’t bought into the work-from-home revolution, because we see our office space as a home in itself. It’s a home for collaboration and honest conversation, both internally and with our clients. 

 

Chicagoans know our city isn’t perfect. It can be unforgiving, and it has a way of humbling you. Our industry is the same way. But it’s that humility that keeps us going. And rather than pretend everything is perfect, Chicagoans like us get up early, go to work, and hustle every day to see things through and deliver. In our case, that means changing our clients’ lives by transforming their brands.

In the world of branding, a slogan is akin to a thesis, establishing values and rearranging perceptions with every word. Think about the brands you love; chances are, they have connected with you through their written words. A great slogan is a condensed mission statement, reminding the consumer that they and the brand share the same attitude towards the world; that they and the brand are friends, willing to do right by one another. In this blog, we are going to discuss the significance of slogans, provide insight on what to do and what not to do when crafting a slogan, and reference case studies of brands that Fortress has helped discover slogans and taglines for through our Branding and Corporate Identity Services

 

The Best Slogans in the World

 

We all know these slogans, but do we know what makes them so memorable? Let’s start with Nike’s “Just Do It.” This slogan is brilliant for a few reasons; it is extremely brief at only three words and eight letters; it is motivational and fits with their brand philosophy of pushing one’s physical limits and being prepared for adventure; and lastly it is works as as a subliminal message that helps users make their decision to buy from Nike. Debating on getting that new pair of running shoes? “Just Do It.” Enough said.

 

Next up, Apple. Their iconic slogan, “Think Different,” encapsulates the very essence of their brand philosophy. It’s not just a call to buy their products; it’s an invitation to embrace innovation and individuality. In just two words, they’ve managed to capture the spirit of those who dare to challenge the status quo and break new ground. 

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SENIOR Designer

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      SENIOR designer

      Full Job Description

      Fortress is a fast-growing digital marketing and branding agency headquartered in Chicago that has worked with clients ranging from global corporations like Nike, Jordan, All-State, Acura, athletes, and celebrities like Kevin Hart, Steph Curry, prestigious universities, startups, and everyone in between. We believe in putting family first, being team players, staying humble, and being obsessed with our clients’ success. We provide a unique and energetic culture that fosters creativity and camaraderie.

      We’re currently seeking a full-time Senior Designer to join the team and work out of our Chicago, IL office. The right person for this position sees the bigger picture while remaining passionate about the details.

      You’re knowledgeable and skilled in Web, Branding, large-scale marketing campaigns, and more. You’re a jack of all trades in creative software, but you also have a passion for design beyond the screen. You understand that great design is in the nuance—that subtle cultural references should be woven into the things you create and every project should be approached with the end-user at the center of it. You love working on a team with diverse perspectives and you’re willing to learn from as well as build up those around you. At the core, you’re a problem solver with a knack for making things look good.

      WHAT YOU’LL DO

      • Contribute to various projects in web, brand identity, and print across multiple industries
      • Collaborate and ideate with the design and marketing teams, while also giving and receiving feedback on designs
      • Create presentations and asset kits to be delivered to team members, clients, and partners
      • Present your creatives to clients with the ability to back up your ideas, while also being open to new ideas and critiques

      WHAT YOU’LL BRING

      • 3-5 years of experience working in design and digital marketing
      • A strong portfolio with a diverse array of work and a strong foundation in basic design principles (typography, layout, color, UX/UI)
      • Problem-solving and storytelling abilities
      • Multi-tasking and prioritization skills
      • Experience working in Adobe CC and Figma
      • 3D, Animation, Video Editing, and Photography is a plus
      • A collaborative mindset
      • A good sense of your own design and visual style
      • Attention to detail
      • A passion for growth and a never-ending curiosity

      Job Type: Full-time

      Benefits:

      • 401(k)
      • 401(k) matching
      • Dental insurance
      • Flexible schedule
      • Health insurance
      • Paid time off
      • Professional development assistance
      • Vision insurance

      Schedule:

      • 8-hour shift
      • Monday to Friday
      • Weekend availability

      Supplemental Pay:

      • Bonus pay
      • Commission pay

      Ability to commute/relocate:

      • Chicago, IL 60642: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

      Experience:

      • Graphic design: 6 years (Required)
      • Web design: 4 years (Required)

      SENIOR DIGITAL STRATEGIST

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