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The Brighter Side

During these times of uncertainty, NMCO wanted to inspire others and help them focus on the brighter side of things. With this campaign, the team executed feel-good content based on what they or what everyone else may be experiencing during this time. With an artfully colorful and retro aesthetic, NMCO wants to show that even while socially distancing, we can celebrate collaboration, teamwork, and the simple things in life.

Each creative from NMCO was tasked to create three projects with no bounds in their creativity. Though the team was working independently, the campaign came together with a consistent look and presented in unity. Continue reading to check out this creative project and find out how you can get involved.

Carlos Arreola

Animation:

During the creation of the following animations, I took inspiration from the tools I had available to pass the time. Isolation can be a negatively powerful word if it’s not used correctly. Seeing this through a very optimistic perspective, we can perceive this unique time in our lives as an opportunity to self improve.

Dana Apodaca

Graphics:

When I think about looking on the brighter side of things, I think it’s all about perspective. Looking at what you have, and appreciating it for exactly what it is at that moment. During this quarantine period, we’ve all been thrown into a completely different lifestyle and have been required to adjust accordingly. I, for example, am regularly a very busy person who doesn’t spend a lot of time working on home projects. I have my schedule- I work, I come home, I cook, I exercise (if I feel like it), I go to sleep. But being forced to spend all of my time now inside of my home has made me look at my life from a different perspective.

Instead of stressing over the fact that my apartment doesn’t look how I want it to, I’m finding solutions that have been here the whole time. That old end table sitting in the spare room with clothes piled on top of it? I can move that into the living room, put some knick-knacks on it and use it as a little coffee table.

Instead of rushing through my everyday makeup routine, I’m spending extra time playing around with different looks and techniques because it doesn’t matter if it comes out bad- no one is going to see but me!

Instead of getting upset that my puppy is always biting me, I learned that she’s just losing all her baby teeth and she’s teething & needs something soft to pacify her. And it might seem strange or gross to some, but I’ve even found a couple of her baby teeth that had fallen out! Something I definitely would have missed in my normal rushed routine.

Tori Segura

Video: 

I saw an opportunity for us all to become a bit more creative; even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush in your life, this is the time to be expressive, explore your interests, and maybe try something you never thought you could before. Art has been my therapy through this time; do whatever you need to feel sane and happy and good inside, but remember that food is good for the belly, and art is good for the soul. Will my new knitting hobby change the world? No, definitely not; I’m making the ugliest scarf, I’ve skipped so many stitched and there’s no going back, but I couldn’t be more proud of myself. My point is that something spectacular can be made by your hands and what better time to do it than now? What is the chance that this new artistic skill you pick up could grow into something more than just a one-time activity? What if you discover something new about yourself in the process? I’m so excited to see what we will all create after coming out of this.

Ralph Diaz

Photography: 

There are plenty of opportunities to discover personal talents or even something you enjoy doing. Maybe you’re not so good at it, but if you enjoy doing it it doesn’t really matter.

There has been a lot of time for experimentation with no expectation. That may be the best kind of experimentation. Not having to conform to a single rule. Just create.

That is what I would like to be doing during this time of prolonged solace. To explore deeper understandings and also create new perspectives. Especially with photography. I think everybody’s perspective has changed in the last month or so, but I am betting they know something better about themselves they didn’t before all this. And for the better.

Christina Ballew

Illustration:

For me, I realized that I started to appreciate the simple things more. I think that this ended up being a nice pause to reevaluate things that have fallen on the back burner or to appreciate tasks that I quickly rushed through. I think this is reflective of what everyone is experiencing right now. I have been spending this time being more mindful of things, like watering my plants and spending quality time with the pets. As a workaholic, I typically rushed through these moments so I could move on to the more “important” things. Man! I’m realizing that my priorities were a little skewed. Every day is a gift and something as simple as watching your plant grow is precious. I’ve also been prioritizing self-care which means reading books and meditating.

Even though this pandemic is a terrible thing that’s happening, I hope we can all take something away from it.

NMCO would love the opportunity to bring your brighter side moments to life through illustration, photography or graphics. Please leave a comment on our social media and tell us what your happier moments are that are helping you get through social distancing. You may be featured on our social media!

NMCO Studio member, Kahlo

Kahlo

Door Greeter & Cookie Eater

Kahlo is our gentle, friendly, office pup! He loves his belly rubbed, sniffing absolutely everything, and hasn’t found a treat he wouldn’t eat! Be sure to say hi, he loves the attention!

NMCO Studio member, Kelsey

Kelsey Gentile

Web Specialist

Once those websites are complete, Kelsey is our web maintenance manager. From regular updates, security checks, and content updates, Kelsey keeps our websites running smoothly, secure, and in tip-top shape.

NMCO Studio member, Annakat

Anna Kat Hollis

Senior Web Developer

Anna Kat is the driving force behind NMCO’s web development endeavors. With a sharp intellect, unwavering efficiency, and a keen eye for goals, she is the go-to expert for crafting everything from sleek landing pages to nationally acclaimed e-commerce sites. Anna Kat not only serves as your trusted web developer guide but also, if you look closely, you’ll notice she’s always impeccably color-coordinated with NMCO’s brand – a true testament to her attention to detail and commitment to the company’s image.

Zac Wittstruck

Animator

If you’re needing quality animation, Zac is your guy! Motion graphics, custom character rigging, and 2D animation are some of Zac’s specialties. Zac always wears a smile and is truly one of the nicest people you’ll meet. When Zac isn’t whipping out great animations, he plays bass guitar for a local jazz band! What a cool cat!

NMCO Studio member, Arron

Aaron Walterscheid

Video Specialist & Cinematographer

Meet Aaron, NMCO’s “Silent Assassin.” Despite his quiet demeanor, Aaron is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to videography, editing, color grading, drone operation, lighting, and crafting unforgettable cinematic experiences. His remarkable talent and expertise shine brightly, leaving an indelible mark on every project he touches.

NMCO Studio member, Sam

Sam Palm

Video Specialist & Photographer

Meet Sam, our resident photographer extraordinaire, who effortlessly transitions into the roles of Director of Photography, editor, color specialist, and an all-around Jack-of-all-trades. With an innate talent for capturing picture-perfect moments, Sam’s versatility knows no bounds. Beyond the camera, you’ll find him cruising the Southwest, embracing life to the fullest. Oh, and did we mention he boasts a head of truly great hair? 

NMCO Studio member, Ralph

Ralph Diaz

Senior Video Specialist

Don’t confuse Ralph with Academy Award-winning actor Johnny Depp. Although there’s a close resemblance, Ralph is much more talented behind the camera. He’s done it all from VFX to animation, to producing, directing, and editing some of our most memorable productions. It also should come as no surprise that he’s mastered the technical and practical aspects of videography, giving him the nickname, “The Doctor.”

NMCO Studio member, Dana

Dana Apodaca

Senior Graphic Designer & Art Director

Dana’s journey with NMCO has been nothing short of impressive, starting as a design intern and progressing to become a designer who now plays a pivotal role in assisting with art direction. Her dedication keeps our graphics department on track and ensures our processes are efficient and business-ready. Dana’s knack for creating identity systems has resulted in some of our most recognized work. And, if you’re fortunate enough to listen in, she’s consistently voted the best playlist in the studio.

NMCO Studio member

Dawn Franco

Studio Manager

With a background in journalism, file archival and organization, Dawn is our client onboarding extraordinaire. From contract preparation, to project management, account direction, and reporting, Dawn stirs the pot for most productions, making sure it’s served hot and on time.

NMCO Studio Co founder, Lucky

Lucky Gonzalez

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

When you have a wealth of creative content, you need someone like Lucky with 18 years of business experience to guide you on where to put it. He’s our media placement guru, with the expertise and know-how to maximize your impact. Whether it’s digital banner ads or broadcast TV, Lucky can take any budget and transform it into impressions and conversions. He’s dedicated to finding solutions for your unique challenges, making him an invaluable asset to our team.

NMCO Studio member, Tina

Christina Ballew

Founder & Chief Creative Officer

Tina, as a co-founder of NMCO, has been on a relentless mission to redefine creative services in the southwest. Building a creative studio from the ground up was a formidable challenge, but her vision and determination have transformed NMCO into a beacon of professionalism and innovation, known for its people-centric approach and out-of-the-box thinking. While she’s taken on nearly every role in the studio, Tina’s next ambition is nothing short of global. She’s poised to take on the world with her creative endeavors.