• About Us
• Experience
• Market Research
• Workshops & Presentations
• Awards

About Us

Sally Johns Design is a full service creative agency providing strategic marketing research, planning, graphic design, web design, and advertising for more than 30 years.

Recipient of numerous awards, the team offers a wealth of experience in brand building, logo design, web presence, and advanced digital skills for a diverse group of clients.

We have found that bringing capabilities in-house is a vital key to providing high standards of quality control for our clients. For that reason, and in order to establish direct control over production schedules and quality levels, we have brought as many of the processes involved as possible into our facilities and made available to our staff.

Our in-house resources enable us to more efficiently manage your project successfully. These resources are treated as tools to more effectively communicate an idea or image - the ultimate goal of our art and the foundation of our business!

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“Health Care Benefits Assets in the Workplace" Research discussion groups conducted on behalf of Partnership for Prevention, a Washington, D.C. based non-profit organization promoting and protecting health through policy research for government and private businesses. You can learn more about Partnership for Prevention by going to: http://www.prevent.org

Research Study Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of the study is to understand the factors that influence employer's decisions about health benefits, specifically preventive services and lifestyle modification services, and determine potential ways to increase coverage of those services.

• To listen to employers' responses and suggestions concerning health benefit decisions, preventive service and lifestyle modification service coverage, and worksite health promotion services.
• To discuss with employers the factors, needs, and barriers in providing health benefits, clinical preventive services, lifestyle modification services, and worksite health promotion services to employees.
• To determine potential ways for improving coverage levels of preventive services and lifestyle modification services in employer-sponsored health plans.

Results
A complete summary and report were developed and presented in DC with recommendations on how to utilize the conclusions in marketing Partnership for Prevention's agenda for improving health care in the United States through the workplace.

“Public Outreach and the Scientist" Focus groups conducted for Research!America, a Washington, DC-based non-profit organization dedicated to increasing public awareness about the value of medical research and the importance of putting research to work to achieve a better quality of life for all. Focus groups were held in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina. Participants were scientists from the area, randomly selected from the membership of Sigma Xi.

Stated goals were 1) to learn scientists' knowledge and attitudes concerning public outreach and 2) to listen to responses and suggestions concerning the most effective means, messages and messengers for a public outreach campaign.

Each group was introduced to the purposes and objectives of the focus group, as well as the "rules" and format of the focus group process. Both groups were audio taped and video taped and a final analysis and report was prepared.

Educational and Awareness Campaigns for Quality Child Care
Focus groups were conducted for Child Care Resource and Referral Networks (in English and Spanish), testing materials proposed for promoting quality child care and the services of their respective agencies to parents of children from birth to 14 in the following states:

Kansas and Missouri: “Good Beginnings Last a Lifetime: Make a Smart Child Care Choice”
Tennessee: “Jump Start Their Future by Choosing Quality Child Care”
strong>Florida: “See It Through Your Child's Eyes: Choose Quality Child Care”
North Carolina: “Good Beginnings Never End: Make a Smart Child Care Choice”
Virginia: “Find the Care that Fits Your Child!”

Focus groups, divided into subcategories such as Urban, Suburban, Rural, African-American and Hispanic, were conducted in major geographic areas of each state with representatives of the target audiences. The focus group findings provided an overview of the public's perception of messages and materials relating to the importance of seeking quality child care.

“The Saint Mary's Experience”
Focus groups were conducted for Saint Mary's School, a Raleigh college-preparatory high school for girls grades nine to twelve. Two simultaneous focus groups were held at the school, one with parents and one with middle school-aged students, the primary target audience of the student recruitment print media and direct mail campaign.

“Opportunity and Lifestyle: the Best of Both Worlds”
Focus groups were conducted for UNC Hospitals Nurse Employment, Chapel Hill, N.C. Focus groups were held in the Hospital Board Room. Participants were nurse managers from each of the actively recruiting units, for example, Neonatal Intensive Care, Pediatrics, Oncology, OR, Emergency Department and OB/GYN. Specific questions addressed such topics as, "What are nurses looking for in order to make a household move to another area of the country?" "Which trade journals do you read on a regular basis?" Collateral materials, incentive items, direct mail and national ad concepts were also tested.

“Pre- and Post-Campaign Surveys for the Tennessee Child Care Resource & Referral Service”
A random-digit dialing telephone survey of over 700 citizens of Tennessee was conducted to provide information on knowledge of the child care resource and referral services available, how to access the service and what other resources it offers. As is typical in public opinion reporting, survey data was weighted to accurately reflect demographic characteristics of Tennessee. The survey data established a benchmark for the grassroots public education and awareness campaign, "Jump Start Their Future by Choosing Quality Child Care." A second survey followed the campaign's first year and showed a 15% increase in awareness of the program, its toll free number and services.

“Check It Out — It's HealthCheck!”
Focus groups were conducted for an Educational and Awareness Campaign for the newly named program, HealthCheck — free healthcare from birth to 21 for those who qualify. Materials and broadcast ads proposed for promoting this new program were tested.

Focus groups, divided into subcategories such as Teens, Single Parents, Low Literacy, and Minority (in English and Spanish), were conducted in each AHEC region of the state with representatives of the target audiences. The focus group findings helped mold the campaign, including slogan, logo, color scheme, photo style, type of formats used in presenting information and types of media that are most effective.
“Medical Research Saves Lives”
Focus groups were conducted for Research!North Carolina, a non-profit, statewide awareness campaign spearheaded by Research!America, Washington, DC. Focus groups were held statewide by regions, based on the Area Health Education Centers (AHEC). The primary targeted publics were represented: Students and Educators, Seniors, Health Professionals, Legislators, and General Public. The purposes were threefold: 1) to solicit responses to the proposed campaign materials, including slogans, ads, TV and radio spots, posters, billboards, tent cards, buttons, bookmarks, political action kits, TV spots and brochures, 2) to find the most effective means of communicating the messages to the publics, and 3) to learn the audiences knowledge and attitudes concerning the need for more medical research and what they can do about it.

“Eastern North Carolina Maternity Home" An outreach and marketing plan was developed for the Eastern North Carolina Maternity Home to examine its accomplishments and plan for improvement and success. Informal interviews were conducted with current clients and staff, staff from similar programs regionally and nationally, and representatives from referral sources statewide. Critical issues were identified, as well as goals and objectives, target audiences, strategies to reach those audiences and recommendations on measures of success with which to evaluate the plan. A twelve-month budget and schedule of work was also included.

"Take the First Step for Your Baby”
Focus groups were conducted for an Educational and Awareness Campaign for the Reduction of Infant Mortality in North Carolina for the N.C. Division of Maternal and Child Health. Materials proposed for promoting prenatal care to women of childbearing age were tested, as were their perceptions and knowledge of prenatal issues.

Focus groups, divided into subcategories such as Teens, At-risk, Low Literacy, Substance Abuse, and Minority, were conducted in each AHEC region of the state with representatives of the target audiences. The focus group findings helped mold the campaign, including slogan, logo, color scheme, photo selection, type of formats used in presenting information and types of media that are most effective.
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“Graphic Guidelines & Resources for Smart Start” a two-hour workshop session, including PowerPoint presentation, developed and presented to Smart Start Partner representatives from across the state for the North Carolina Partnership for Children Awareness Network.

A companion presentation was modified for Smart Start administrative staff at the North Carolina Partnership for Children headquarters in Raleigh, N.C.

“Child Care Resource & Referral Grass Roots Workshops” for the following state social marketing, public awareness and educational campaigns promoting quality child care and their respective agencies: Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Marketing workshops in each state for representatives from the resource agencies. Hands-on training in the use of the awareness campaign materials using role playing, small group activities and PowerPoint presentations. Topics dealt with advocacy issues, media techniques and changing public attitudes.

“Which Tomorrow Will We Choose?”
Researched, designed, produced and presented this dual-screen, dual processor run PowerPoint presentation for two presenters, Smedes York and Jonathan Howes. It discussed the problems and possibilities of growth and was produced for the Triangle J Council of Governments.

“Innovative Approaches Across the Country: Florida Campaign for Quality Child Care”
Presented the Florida public awareness campaign at the "Innovations in Child Care Consumer Education Leadership Forum" in Washington DC. The conference was sponsored by the US Child Care Bureau and hosted by Joan Lombardi, Associate Commissioner.

“The Creative Web We Weave”
Focusing on designing and producing Web pages, this ”live” demonstration was developed and presented by Marvin and Sally Johns at the College News Association of the Carolinas Summer Conference.

2014 Summit Creative Award, Bronze Award, Annual Report: Non-Profit, 2013 Gratitude Report, Rex Healthcare Foundation, Raleigh, NC

2014 Communicator Award, Award of Excellence, Interactive Media: Recruitment, 2013 Nursing Annual Report, UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC

2014 Communicator Award, Award of Distinction, Annual Report: Non-Profit, 2013 Gratitude Report, Rex Healthcare Foundation, Raleigh, NC

2014 Communicator Award, Award of Distinction, Online video: Other, 2013 Nursing Annual Report, UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC

2014 Communicator Award, Award of Distinction, Online video: Interactive Video, 2013 Nursing Annual Report, UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC

2014 Communicator Award, Award of Distinction, Content Marketing via email, North Carolina Aquariums SEAmail newsletter. NC DENR, Aquariums at Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, and Fort Fisher

2013 Summit International Award, Emerging Media Award, Leader Award for Outstanding Work in Emerging Media, Terrazzo: A Performing Art, Design and Inspiration, David Allen Company, Raleigh, NC

PR Daily's 2013 Nonprofit PR Awards, Honorable Mention in Best Fundraising Campaign for the Rex Healthcare Foundation, Annual Fund Appeals and Acquisitions Campaign

PR Daily's 2013 Nonprofit PR Awards, Honorable Mention in Best Branding/Re-Branding and Best Email Newsletter for the North Carolina Aquariums and Aquarium Society, SEAmail and Membership Campaign Marketing

2012 National Silver Award, 8^th Annual International Davey Awards, Marketing Effectiveness category for North Carolina Aquariums, membership renewal email and postcard campaign.

2012 National Bronze Award, 18^th Annual Summit Creative Awards from Summit International Awards (SIA) Redesign/Rebranding category for North Carolina Aquariums, SEAmail email marketing.

2012 Award of Distinction, 18^th Annual Communicator Awards from The International Academy of Visual Arts, Email Marketing category for North Carolina Aquariums, SEAmail email marketing.

2009 National Silver Award, 26^th Annual Healthcare Advertising Award from Healthcare Marketing Report for Professional Recruitment Advertising for UNC Health Care Nurse Recruitment.

2009 National Bronze Award, 26^th Annual Healthcare Advertising Award from Healthcare Marketing Report for an educational calendar used by North Carolina child care providers for the N.C. Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center, UNC Gillings School of Public Health.

2008 National Gold Award, 24^th Annual Admissions Advertising Award from Higher Education Marketing Report for "Our Mission," a series of magazine ads for student recruitment produced for Ravenscroft School, Raleigh, NC.

2008 National Gold Award, 24^th Annual Admissions Advertising Award from Higher Education Marketing Report for "Your Daughter, Your Pride and Joy," a national direct mail campaign produced for Saint Mary's School, Raleigh, NC.

2008 National Bronze Award, 24^th Annual Admissions Advertising Awards from Higher Education Marketing Report for "Summer Fun for All Ages," a recruitment direct mail campaign for a summer camp produced for Saint Mary's School, Raleigh, NC.

2007 National Award, National Health Education Association Award for an educational calendar used by North Carolina child care providers from the N.C. Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center, UNC Gillings School of Public Health.

Gold Medal 2005, Special Events Category, Circle of Excellence Awards, Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Awards, Saint Mary's School, Raleigh, NC: Election 2004: A Woman's Perspective Past and Present.

Special Merit Award 2003, Graphic Identity Programs, new University logo for Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), CASE AWARD, District III.

Crystal Award of Excellence 2002, The Communicator Awards, 2002 Print Media Association, Image brochure, Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau, Raleigh, North Carolina

First Place 2002, Four-color news magazines, North Carolina Press Association Award of Excellence, North Carolina Aquariums.

Gold Award 2002, Primary Marketing, North Carolina Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus Awards, Image brochure, Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Gold Award 2001, Niche Marketing, North Carolina Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus Awards, Sports Facility Guide, Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau.

National Federation of Press Women 2000 Award, North Carolina Aquariums Pfiesteria web site, "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly", Achievement Award for Public Service Campaigns.

PIVA Award, 2000, Image brochure promotion, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Creativity 29, 2000, Ideal Choice Home brochure and video packaging, CP&L and Advanced Energy Corporation.

American Graphic Design Awards 1999, Award of Excellence, Interstate Johnson Lane, Asset Management

Creativity 29, 2000 Award of Distinction, Advanced Energy/CP&L, Ideal Choice Home Packaging.

PIVA Award, 1999, Best of Category, Process Calendars, NC Child Care Calendar.

PIVA Award, 1999, Rhone Poulenc, Regent Pocket Folder.

American Graphic Design Awards 1998, Award of Excellence, ProMedex Brochure.

American Graphic Design Awards 1998, Award of Excellence, Interstate Johnson and Lane/IJL Asset Management Group Brochure.

American Graphic Design Awards 1998, Award of Excellence, Kenan-Flagler Business School "Building on Success" direct mail brochure.

Creativity 1997, Distinction of Merit, the Alliance Alumni Magazine for the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.

National Association of Airport Authority Communicators, 1997, Award of Excellence, Complete Campaign for Raleigh Durham Airport Authority.

CASE Award, 1996, Award of Excellence, School of Law program, Duke University, Durham, NC.

CASE Award, 1996, Award of Special Merit Viewbook, process category, Peace College, Raleigh, NC.

PICA Award, 1996, Best of Category, process color, Viewbook, Peace College, Raleigh, NC.

PICA Award, 1996, Special Judges Award, non-process multi-color NCSU Engineering Extension Service, Annual Report, Raleigh, NC.

1995 Merit Award, 2^nd Annual Beverage Packaging Global Design Awards, Greenshields Brewery complete packaging design.

North Carolina Council for Women, 1995 Grand Award for the NAWBO 1995 Economic Summit, Destination 21st Century Campaign, held in Raleigh, NC

PICA 1995, Special Sponsors Award — Most creative use of color, Burroughs Wellcome magazine, The Business of Change.

PICA 1995, Special Judges Award — MCNC Environmental Impact Conference poster and program.

PICA 1995, Special Judges Award — Poster series for North Carolina WIC program.

PICA 1995, Best of Category Award — Case statement for Center for Financial and Accounting Research.

Wally Award, 1994, Raleigh Public Relations Society, Peace College, Best of Category, educational piece.

Telly Award, 1994 Research!North Carolina, PSA Medical/Healthcare category, national finalist.

CASE Award, 1994, Award of Special Merit for Fundraising publications, North Carolina State University, Office of Development and Institutional Advancement.

CASE District III Advancement Award, 1995, Award of Excellence for internal publications, University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School

 

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