About Graphic Granola

Who we are: 

Graphic Granola is an Austin-based, freelance, graphic design firm and we’ve been around for over 20 years. We partner with nonprofits and purpose-driven groups to connect with diverse audiences creating impact through visual design. Well-designed communications will break through, get noticed, build credibility, appeal to donors, and demonstrate impact.

We revel in making an impact while embracing the quadruple bottom line: people, planet, purpose, and only then, profit.

We offer over 20 years of experience specializing in logo design, cohesive visual branding, print & digital communications, and engaging social media campaigns.

Working with you to be a catalyst for positive change.

Who we do it for: 

We create Social Impact by Design. We define the clients we serve as nonprofits*, NGOs, charities, social entrepreneurs, social enterprise, profit for purpose, environmental + green-biz, municipalities, social change organizations, cause-related marketing, mission-driven products or services, social innovation, change-makers, cooperatives, collectives, schools/universities, advocacy groups, public health organizations, trade associations, peace/non-violent initiatives, sustainable local growth communities, and the arts. Groups that work on the frontline of social change.

We seek partners, not just clients. To truly make an impact takes a deep understanding of your core values and goals. This is why we like to develop long-term relationships with our clients and to really immerse ourselves in your mission.

*Nonprofits which promote positive benefits for our planet, its people, and its communities.

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If you need ideas on how you can promote your own pivot, please visit our Pandemic Pivot section here. We’re also offering a Pandemic Pivot Social Media Package which will help get the word out to your customers.

What we offer: 

Here are some of the ways good design can help your nonprofit or purpose-driven initiatives.

• Increasing your organization’s visibility and strengthening your brand can result in increased funding, higher program participation, and dedicated advocates and volunteers.

• Providing creative, affordable solutions specifically meeting the needs and challenges of nonprofits.

• Understanding the challenges nonprofits face and, more importantly, how to meet those challenges.

• We are committed to making our services affordable, and if necessary, can scale projects to fit within your budget.

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PANDEMIC PIVOT:
If you’re doing your own Pandemic Pivot, here are ways in which we can help your business:

• Check out our Pandemic Pivot Social Media Package

• Infographics (for your website or social media), visually explaining all the steps you’re taking to fight the virus.

• Social distancing posters, flyers, window clings, and floor clings, etc.

• Brand customized hand sanitizers, for that personal touch.

• Customized face masks. Think about it; you could have a lot of fun with this. Extend your brand message with humor and safety.

• Handwashing posters and flyers for your restrooms.

• Buttons to pass your message along AND cause a smile.

• Direct mail is making a comeback. Especially since email inboxes are flooded, direct mail will stand out. People will pay more attention to your well-designed, tangible message in their mailbox.

• We are committed to making our services affordable, and if necessary, we can scale projects to fit within your budget.

What we do:

gg partners

It takes a village. Whenever we need help in a certain area of expertise, we call in reinforcements. That way we oversee our specialization of branding + design, and we pull in individuals and teams who offer expertise in their areas: copywriters, graphic designers, web developers, SEO experts, video experts, advocacy marketing teams, and social impact professionals. Here are just a few of the talented folks we love working with.

David Bonner, Copywriter

David Bonner has written copy in almost every format, including print and broadcast ads, direct mail, websites, brochures, catalogs, product packaging, and other standard collateral. Whether you need to make a sale, persuade public opinion, or just convey information, he can write almost anything that’s not intended for a scientific audience.On the side, he drifted into writing an award-winning corporate and social history of the world’s first record club, Revolutionizing Children’s Records. That led to another book: an illustrated history of the commercialization of folk music, in collaboration with the dean of American folk music historians, Ronald D. Cohen. Dave’s marketing degree is from the University of North Texas, which he attended long after Pat Boone and Tex Watson went there.

Learn more: davidbonnersamples.blogspot.com

Missi Jay of Gigglebox, Illustrator

After working for several design firms, I struck out on my own and launched Gigglebox Design. Today, I also share my passion for lifting others up through Gigglebox Art by Missi Jay. The Austin Advertising Federation honored me with the Big Wig Award for best illustrator. My work has been nationally recognized by Print Magazine, Creative Quarterly Journal, 3x3 Magazine of Contemporary Illustration, and the Addy Awards. 

I’m inspired by music, song lyrics, famous quotes, pop culture, fashion, and color, color, color. But my biggest inspiration is my daughter, Ruby, “a real-life, glitter-covered rainbow!” My husband Jeff, Ruby, and I enjoy being outside and playing with our guinea pig Peaches and pug Gigi.

Learn more: www.gigglebox.net

Angel Fire Media, Digital Storyteller

Kidus Solomon heads Angel Fire Media, a social-impact agency based in Austin and Dallas, Texas. Specializing in digital storytelling for campaigns, nonprofits, and small-businesses. Other services include brand photography, video ads for social media, and digital ad strategy and management.

Learn more: www.angelfire.media

Martha Chang of Chick Creative, Copywriter

I craft exceptional creative ideas and compelling content across a variety of industries and media — primarily web content and other long-form materials.

I help clients tell their stories more clearly by articulating the true value proposition and building an authentic message platform to grow their business.

I started out working on Pepsi for a major ad agency, and transitioned to a high-tech marketing firm when Austin’s technology boom was in its infancy. I struck out on my own while still in my 20s and I’ve been a successful freelancer for over two decades. Today, I work with agencies, design firms and organizations nationwide.

Martha is also a voice actor and an amazing singer in several bands.

Learn more: www.chickcreative.com

Kristin Bruno, Graphic Designer

Senior Graphic Designer with 10+ years of experience, I love helping clients build their brand from the ground up. I have expertise in 60+ page layout and extensive infographic design as well as creating and implementing branding, website, and social media design. I have a soft spot for green and socially responsible projects.

I've won several national design awards, including 2nd place for best small page advertisement and best green branding campaign.

Kristin: “I’m a designer, gymnastics coach, and nature enthusiast. My designwork is inspired by the world around me, having traveled to over 25 countries. I’m also a very passionate animal-lover, and volunteer on the side for a wildlife rescue organization.”

Learn more: www.kristinbruno.com

Rifeline, The Advocacy Team

Established in 2002, Rifeline is a public involvement and community relations firm serving organizations that rely on public support to achieve their goals. Specializing in engagement, Rifeline leverages our deep expertise in community outreach, informed consent, and local issues to develop and execute customized, strategic public involvement plans to fit the specific needs of every project and client we serve. Rifeline has an affinity for facilitating public buy-in using a dynamic combination of grassroots and grasstops outreach, and high-level public affairs. While we thrive in complex, controversial, and politically challenging situations, we welcome the opportunity to provide public involvement and community outreach services for all types of projects and initiatives.

Learn more: www.rifeline.com

Workhorse Marketing, Development Team

Graphic Granola partners with Workhorse Marketing for development. Which gives you the best of both worlds. Graphic Granola utilizes our expertise of visual design and Workhorse utilizes their expertise of web development, to give you a finely crafted website.

Capabilities Include: Digital Marketing Strategy, Performance Analysis & Tracking, Digital Marketing Audit, Social Media Programs, Website Design, Website Development, Website Maintenance Programs, Search Engine Optimization, Email Marketing Strategy HTML Email Design & Development, Pay Per Click Advertising Management, and Online Reputation Management.

Learn more: www.workhorsemkt.com

McCarthy Print, Printer Extraordinaire

McCarthy Print, Inc. is a certified Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) and a
City of Austin Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE).

The vision of McCarthy Print began in the summer of 1992 by Teri McCarthy, Owner and CEO. In the the fall of 1996 the company's production facility was located. The following spring, in 1997, operations officially began.

Every year growth and expansion have occurred, resulting in extremely strong roots in the Austin Graphic Arts Industry. The majority of our customers are built on relationships that are over a decade long. We take our relationships very seriously, because to us, our customers are our partners and we share the common goal of success for both parties.

Our Approach to Business

Here we believe that excellence is a point of view. It isn't brilliance or getting the breaks. It is consistent attention and respect for the customer. This company is built on the belief that there is more to business than the concept of "order in - order out"...

McCarthy Print is built on the solid foundation of trust and mutual respect for the team that makes it all happen, and the customer that honors us with their business.

Learn more: www.mccarthyprint.com

WHO WE SERVE