Ripe Inc

Sep. 2011 A Double Dose of Virtual Branding

Every business needs a decent website and there are a vast range of choices available in regards to cost, design and technical complexity. For the savvy business wanting to stand out and have an expandable, easy-to-manage website solution, our design team will create a virtual brand experience that truly mirrors the real thing. Highlighted here are two websites we recently completed for ACC Health and Pennine Instrument Services. These sites provide an authentic brand experience from anywhere in the world and both are built in a powerful CMS and make use of ongoing SEO strategies. Make yours a site to behold.
go to ACC Health website >
go to Pennine website >

Sep. 2011 Some Merely Fold Paper, Others Practice Origami

After pulling off an engineering feat of such incredible magnitude and outright genius we highly suggest you take a seat before reading on. OK, perhaps we’re exaggerating a little, but it’s still pretty cool. After scribbling on, and cutting up, about 2 million sheets of paper we figured out a way to design and die-cut this custom pocket folder to tuck, fold and stay together without a single drop of glue. What’s that? Impossible, you say? Well, when it comes to adding an extra dimension to expressing this brand’s meticulous calibration capabilities, everything has to be spot-on.

Sep. 2011 Finding a Brand’s Sol

For the past 3 years we've been helping local Montessori school, Escuela del Sol, nurture and build their branding system into a force to be reckoned with. We were recently tasked with creating a micro brand for a new after-school arts program for Escuela del Sol students. Starting with a name, we looked for a way to instantly connect it with the school and came up with Art & Sol. The logo communicates the creative nature of the classes and also fits in with the school’s overall visual identity. The system has been expanded to include posters, flyers, and digital templates. Branding systems often evolve into multiple dimensions and need to be designed with room to grow.
see more work for Escuela >

Aug. 2011 Ripe knows HOW

Ahem! We’re proud to announce that our work was chosen to be included in the HOW 2011 Self-Promotion Design Annual. The winning work was our own holiday promo piece entitled Back to Basics (B2B). We still have a few left over so give us a shout if you’d like to own one. See other awards we've collected over the years >

JUL. 2011 Ripe Across The Ocean

We are dedicated to supporting our local businesses, it’s a philosophy we live by. But when a valued client asked us to travel overseas to meet them, we felt a sense of dedication there also. After a year of Skype meetings and intensive brand building, we flew over to meet our friends at Pennine Instruments in Sheffield, England. This 30 year old company sets and demands the highest standards in their work and customer care, and they certainly took good care of us too!  The success of our long distance relationship proves that modern technology allows Ripe to be within arm’s reach from anywhere. Perfect for lighting fireworks.

Apr. 2011 Pennine Instrument Services: Sheffield, England

There are still industries and business sectors out there yet to implement a memorable and effective brand design. But in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace this is changing quickly, and resisting these changes is not an option. The competition is waking up to the powers of branding so it’s important to lead the way. Pennine Instrument Services, a UK based calibration company, recognized the importance of connecting on an emotional level, so they hired Ripe. With over 30 years of success under their belt, we knew Pennine’s brand was solid but underutilized. Strategy, collaboration, trust and creativity has turned an invisible brand into a stand-out brand. The core messaging system communicates their unique blend of small-business passion and big business expertise, and wraps it up with a punchy orange that’s instantly recognizable. This new look and messaging is being applied to all of their marketing and promotional materials, and has already created a new audience buzz.

"When you have been running a busy company for many years it is very difficult to see what is good and what is not so good. The first (of many) concepts that Ripe Inc introduced to us was the old cliché of ‘teamwork’. But the way that it was introduced made me aware that their idea of teamwork and the way that our team operated was not the same. I had allowed some individuals to put their requirements above that of the company. This problem needed sorting as the first job in our rebranding exercise. It was also the first time that we had truthfully asked ourselves why someone would use us rather than another company. Fifteen months later and the rebranding is almost complete. The new company image and ethos is unrecognizable from the old. The long awaited sales campaign began in October 2011 and both the interest raised and the sales generated are to date very positive.
Branding is a very common concept nowadays but companies must be aware that it does not just involve a superficial image change, but if necessary a ‘root and branch’ change throughout the company to ensure future success in a very competitive world. Ripe Inc can do this for you and exceed your expectations as they have for me".
          - Greg Bell
            Managing Director, Pennine Instrument Services

Apr. 2011 Damn Savvy Branding

Holy Cow is a proper burger restaurant scheduled to open June 2011 in EDo, near downtown Albuquerque. While working on the logo we quickly realized this was a name that just begged for more so we developed a series of heaven and hell messages and menu titles. And drawing inspiration from old Santos imagery we also created a set of sacred cows to display around the restaurant. We strive to inject long-term value to our work, and this system allows the brand design to be easily applied to any future marketing or promotional materials. UPDATE: Holy Cow opened on July 21, 2011 and, acclaimed actor, Mark Ruffalo was one of the first customers. Obviously the man has good taste! 

Mar. 2011 Your Brand May Need a Hand

The real key to branding success is finding a way to make your point as simply as possible. Here is an example of a Ripe solution that does just that. When video is utilized correctly your company gains the advantage of SEO prominence. Since Google owns YouTube it’s a no brainer. Start your own channel, make a few videos, and double your accessibility. Need help? Call us.

Mar. 2011 Betty’s Brand Makes a New Splash

For over a decade, the wonderful Betty’s Bath & Day Spa has been symbolized by their mermaid logo. Recently we helped them modernize her curvy lines and then began looking for other ways to support her new look. First on the list was to change the earth tone color palette to a more fitting water theme. Here are a few of the places the new look has surfaced. More to come....

Feb. 2011 Ripe Inc. Promo: Back 2 Basics

A gift package promoting the fundamental importance of important stuff was sent out to a select group of important people. This limited edition gift set was made with the help from our friends at Porridge Papers who produced the paper and letterpress-printed our designs to perfection. It included a desk calendar, two notepads, and a recycled paper pen. 

Dec. 2010 CNM; New Mexico’s Largest Community College

CNM is vital to New Mexico. They educate a large portion of our local workforce, retool their curriculum regularly to focus on developing local industries, and most of CNM’s grads stay here to work. We focused these great attributes into a simple but powerful outdoor billboard campaign which cuts to the chase with a single word; COMMUNITY. Although Community Colleges have traditionally shied away from that part of their name, we felt it couldn’t be more relevant. To further leverage the power of the message, we showed them how to adapt it for individual appeal by highlighting UNITY in t-shirts and buttons. The concept has been so well received that we are now expanding the campaign into multiple media.
SEE THE BOARDS BIGGER >

Nov. 2010 Overseas Clients Climb Onboard.

Ripe has picked up 3 international clients this year. With Skype, Fedex and some early-morning espresso shots we're able to service them seamlessly across the miles. Alive Communications are a UK based firm who work on a global scale for some of the best known commercial brands on the planet. We’re motivated and inspired by them, as well as hired by them. This new Search Engine Optimized, CMS website subtly showcases a small selection of their vast experience.
GO TO WEBSITE >

Nov. 2010 ACC Health - Brand Transformation

“Portable Care, Permanent Compassion”. This tagline was our first step in transforming brand ACC Health; portable dental and medical care providers extraordinaire. They travel all over the U.S. to provide care for soldiers and inmates in need of immediate attention. Both of these target audiences are pretty tough, typically, but like the rest of us, tend to quiver at the thought of going to the dentist. That's why this team of ultimate professionals always don the kid-gloves to immediately put their patients at ease. A positive difference in service we felt worthy of highlighting in the brand messaging, upbeat imagery, and throughout the currently developing brand design.
SEE THEM BIGGER >

"We had put off making the investment of our branding and I can honestly say I wish we had done it sooner. RIPE gave our management team clarity on who we are and what makes us different and superior to our competitors.  The profile we completed with the help and expertise of RIPE is spot on. Together we have developed and continue to develop marketing materials that I am proud of. The team at RIPE has fit right in with our staff and I see them as a critical piece of our ongoing success. The difference RIPE has provided, compared to other companies we talked with, is the genuine interest in what we do and how we do it. RIPE is an important part of our team and a true partner."
           - Ginny Berger R.D.H.
             CEO, ACC Health

Nov. 2010 KUNM Print Ad Campaign

KUNM 89.9 FM is true community radio--for the people, by the people--of northern and central New Mexico. Unfortunately their image wasn’t nearly as exciting as their programming. That’s where Ripe came into the picture, to help boost their image and message. We focused on the diversity of their programming where there is truly something for even the most discriminating tastes. Giggle, Wiggle, Groove. Indeed!
SEE THEM BIGGER >

"I hope all is well at Ripe. Good news! The ads must be working—our numbers are up to 114,000!"
– Mary Oishi
  Development Director, KUNM 

Oct. 2010 Entrepreneurs Gather. Ideas Born.

The New Mexico Economic Development Department chose Ripe to name, design, and micro-brand their 2010 Entrepreneurial Summit. The focus of the event was to provide resources to help businesses learn to thrive despite the economic downturn. To communicate the idea of moving forward, we named the event “Evolve”, with the tagline: How to Grow Up in a Down Economy. To capture attention we packaged the message and event topics in funky, energetic illustration. We also made a rare, on-stage presentation and managed to avoid being pelted with ripe fruit, as is often the case. It was a great honor and an immense pleasure to be included in this terrific event.
SEE THEM BIGGER >

Oct. 2010 New Clients

We’d like to welcome five new clients to the mix:
• ACC Health; mobile, on-site dental and healthcare providers.
• Albuquerque Open Space; conservation and protection of our local habitat.
• Pennine Instrument Services; instrument calibration experts based in Sheffield, England.
• CNM; New Mexico's largest community college. 
• And last but not least our very own New Mexico Economic Development Department. 

Thank you for picking Ripe!

Sep. 2010 Ripe, Inc. relocates global HQ

After 10 years in the same building, we recently relocated our operation to a Mid-Century modern, downtown landmark known as the Insurance Building on Gold Ave. “After a lengthy period of research, and with our team’s strong penchant for espresso, shoe-shines, french cuisine, and flamenco... Gold Avenue was the only street suitable in North America for our relocation,” said owner, Len Romano, yesterday.

Jul. 2010 Out of this World Event Branding

Each year The Albuquerque Museum Foundation holds a big, posh fundraising gala to celebrate the life and achievements of a remarkable New Mexican. This year, local NASA astronaut Sid Gutierrez was chosen, and Ripe was picked to design the print collateral. Taking a big-picture branding approach enabled us to push it further by developing a theme that could be integrated into all facets of the event. We started with the print collateral and created a visual narrative of Sid’s life told through biographical imagery, and across multiple marketing pieces. Then we made the theme even more tangible with astronaut ice cream and a space travel Q&A at the dinner. The event was a huge success and provided the Museum Foundation with a significant financial boost.
SEE THEM BIGGER >

“The Albuquerque Museum Foundation knows that if impact is what you need, you need to hire Ripe. The Ripe team was able to form a concept that resonated on multiple levels. Not only did they bring beautifully designed and conceived graphic materials, they encouraged creative concept development for the entire event.”
           - Debra Romero, Executive Director 
             Albuquerque Museum Foundation

Jul. 2010 Power to the People

With all the channels of communication available to consumers, it’s now become imperative for companies to have the capability to create and implement branded communications independently, through multiple media, on-the-fly. Ripe’s Branding Toolkits are a custom set of visual and verbal elements that allow you to do just that. Get in touch to find out more.
see the Harwood branding Toolkit >

“The Branding Toolkit Ripe created for us is immensely helpful. We recently brought in an intern and handed him over the branding kit tools, templates, and instructions... by the end of the day he'd produced a perfect branded Harwood brochure. Excellent! The Kit continues to help focus our designs and add inspiration whenever we're at a loss. We’re now able to interject the brand in all print collateral as well as our electronic media.”
           - Jessie Rogers, Communications and Design Manager
             Harwood Art Center

Jul. 2010 Community Branding Bears Fruit

Becoming a visible part of the community landscape can be a powerful marketing opportunity. It creates a sense of accessibility, and familiarity that is very welcoming for potential new customers. Pictured above are some of our clients (Sweater Girls, USNM FCU, Clean Switch, Mojo Mama's) who are getting their businesses known more intimately by the hundreds of weekly visitors to the Downtown Growers’ Market... who are also a client.

May 2010 Ripe goes Techno

Ripe has worked with emerging technology companies for years. Unfortunately, many amazing ideas fizzle out before they have a chance to reach the marketplace. That's why we've developed a set of marketing tools geared specifically to keep that from happening to you. If you're an emerging technology company, our TM Kits (Tech Marketing) can help you get noticed by both investors and customers.
Email us for more info >
TM Kits pdf >

May 2010 U.S. New Mexico, AKA The Eagle, Has Landed

We are helping U.S. New Mexico Federal Credit Union encourage businesses to take advantage of their whopping $300 million in lending capabilities with this ongoing print campaign. The headline is followed by a subhead that highlights a specific lending product, which is supported by simple iconic imagery. And, of course, the presence of a feather reinforces the Eagle concept.
See them bigger >

Apr. 2010 Harwood Art Center spreads creative inspiration

The local Harwood Art Center is a grass-roots organization that strives to bring creativity to the hearts, minds, and neighborhoods of Albuquerque. As part of their rebranding efforts Ripe developed a series of billboards that peppered the city to promote creativity and brand awareness.
Check out other work we've done for Harwood Art Center > 

Apr. 2010 Mojo Mama’s at Downtown Growers’ Market

If you haven't tasted Mojo Mama's sassy little muffins you are missing out, big time! But don't worry they will soon be a weekly fixture at the Downtown Grower's Market starting summer 2010. We worked with them to develop a name and logo identity that communicates the essence of their spunky attitude and delicious, hand-made muffins.
Check them out on facebook >

Mar. 2010 Zuke’s Launches New Product Lines

The latest addition to the Zuke's line of dog treats is complete and on the shelves. These new, healthy, dry biscuits are a departure from the company's original, innovative soft treats. Expanding the Zuke's visual brand in the new packaging design gives them a powerful shelf presence. Not only do loyal followers instantly recognize the brand, but new customers are drawn to the products by the friendly and inviting design which tells their story.
See more packaging we've designed for Zuke's >
go to the branding case study >

Mar. 2010: Ripe Inc. New Website Launch

Two previous websites have recorded all the Ripe branding and design news between June 1998 and March 2010 but today is a new day and we’re putting on a new face. Thanks for visiting the new Ripe website. It’s been a long time coming but that’s because the work we do for ourselves often becomes well acquainted with the back burner. You know what they say about cobbler’s children going unshod, and all that? Well we’re now kitted out with brand-spanking new shoes and we’re eager to start using them. We hope to highlight you on this page soon. All we need is a reason.