As far as I can tell, the buzz about Idea Market has been building for a few years now. When I originally relocated back to Red Deer in 2008, I remember seeing the Idea Market vehicle around town. Immediately I was intrigued by the unique logo and very simple yet eye-catching design. After doing a bit of research, I figured out why I was so intrigued. Idea Market is an Alberta-based design agency, focusing on both print and web design, as well as brand-building and content development for businesses.
Over a period of time, and through a few other friends we had made in town, Andrea and I have had the pleasure of getting to know the group at Idea Market. They are always inviting, hysterically entertaining, gushing with sarcastic undertones, and always a blast to be around.
Even better than this, is that they have found a way to balance professionalism with a level of casualness that is hard to find in Red Deer. When you visit their office down on Ross Street, you will understand upon entry what I mean. The office is open concept (no cubicles here!), the group can interact with one another as necessary. If anyone needs a bit of time to de-stress, they can rest and relax in the kitchen (Nicole makes a wicked pie!), or the living area complete with comfortable seating, reading material and tv.
Carson Pierce, as his business cards indicate, is the benevolent dictator at Idea Market. He has been involved in web design since before most of us even knew what it was. He is genuine yet sarcastic, laid back, and very knowledgeable when it comes to brand building concepts. But what we found the most interesting is that he, along with the rest of the group, really cares about their clients, their friends, and even their acquaintances. They go out of their way to help out, without even having to be asked. A great example is while we were over there chatting with them about their business, I managed to leave with some great recommendations for future signage needs, and web development concepts for a future brokerage website. Not bad.
Almost all of the work that they advertise to do can be done in-house, where many others need to out-source some of their work. If you are thinking about chatting with someone about web design, brand-building concepts, or maybe even a social media strategy (my opinion is that every business must have this in order to succeed long term), these guys need to be on your list. They know their stuff, and they can help make your business better. They are easy to talk to, and they make it easy to want to go and visit all the time, for business or otherwise.
(Not sure if everyone would get the t-shirt Mike, but I love it!)
MW
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