mike ahren design sm

MIKE AHREN DESIGN

OVERVIEW

1 About Mike Ahren Design

5-32 Portfolio . . . Stages / Venues

34-47 Portfolio . . . Screen Graphics

49-47 Portfolio . . . Presentation Boards

53-55 Exploring the Process

56-66 Pricing Structure

67 Client Comments

68 Closing Remarks

Communication by Design . . . because sometimes words aren’t enough . . . Mike Ahren Design has been bridging the gap between concept and reality forover 30 years. We take the vision that can’t put into words and visually bring it tolife. Like a stage set worthy of a Broadway production – but with the functionalityto capture your meeting’s message . . . .or a corporate identity that silentlycaptures your brand essence . . . or print collateral/web development that cutsthrough the clutter and sears your product or service in the mind the consumer.Mike Ahren Design makes a visual statement because sometimes not only arewords not enough . . . sometimes they’re not even needed. Communication bydesign – and designed for results. . . Mike Ahren Design

STAGES / VENUES

SCREEN GRAPHICS

PRESENTATION BOARDS

PROCESS

PRICING

Our pricing for stage / venue illustrations is multi-tiered and depends primarilyon complexity, scale, scope and the overall difficulty of the project. Any one ofthese factors can affect the amount of resources and the number of hoursrequired to complete the job. We understand the importance of budget andbelieve you will find a suitable solution to your design needs within our multi-tiered system.

Tier 1 - $500-800

This is most affordable type of design and rendering. The client has providedthe basic design. It is a small, basic set utilizing standard risers, flats, simpleshapes or rental elements, and a minimum of lighting, special effects andgraphics.

Tier 2 - $800 - 1200

This design is bit more complex and sophisticated involving concept and designas well as a custom lectern and furniture.

Tier 3 - $1200 - 1800

This illustration is more complex still involving extensive 3D construction ofcustom elements. A tier 3 design would normally have much more lighting,gobos and special effects however; in this case, the client felt a more minimalistapproach better called attention to the strong design.

Tier 4 - $1800 - 2600

Venue illustrations are typically much more involved than stage designsalthough there is nothing to prevent a stage from achieving this level ofcomplexity and, consequently, tier 4 pricing. Here we have an extensiveenvironment with a plethora of elements reflecting a range of design andconstruction challenges. There are many people and the illustration is veryfurniture, prop and character specific.

Tier 5 - $2600 - 3600

At first glance it may appear that there is little difference between this venue andthe tier 4 example. But notice the cyborgs on stage in the distance, the“exchange” logo on the floor and the Telsa globe floating in the blue column tothe left. These were particulars conceived and designed by us that were used incollateral proposal materials adding to the cost.

Tier 6 - $3600 - 4500

Once again we have a very elaborate setting with all the intricacy and flare onewould expect. But here the client wanted to show how a number of the venueswould reflect the scope and spirit of the gala. The fact that the client won thecontract to stage the event with a price tag of over a half a million dollars ingreat part due to our efforts is a testimony to the value we can provide.

Let’s have a closer look

Screen graphic and presentation board design tends to be a bit morestraight forward.

From concept to finish a screen graphic will take between 5 hours to 2days to complete and will cost between $500 and $1500. If the design isto be re-purposed for web, print, power point, etc. then that work will bebilled separately on an hourly basis.

Presentation boards are much more involved. They carry much moreinformation and typically require a considerable research and often veryspecific imagery. We have even designed some with panel reveals andother interesting twists and turns to make for an even more intriguingpresentation. A presentation board can take as much as a week tocomplete. The cost will range from $1000 to $4000 depending.

“Mike Ahren’s set renderings, illustrations and corporate assignments utilizing mixed techniquesand creative ideation have allowed me to detail and visualized to my clients for the last 30 yearsthe fine distinction of our creative being proposed and produced for national and internationalcommunications initiatives with many of the most recognizable brands on earth.

Matt Cafiso - Producer, International Events

Mike Ahren is a fusion of a seasoned artisan in his knowledge of the basics of point ofperspective, color theory and illustration emulsifying those techniques in to the world of unendinggraphic computer software with an end deliverable that dazzles! My work as creative directorwith CrossMedia Event Productions was made much more productive and infinitely morepleasurable with Mike Ahren and ArtStar Creative on our team.

Judy Salzinger - Professor, Savanah College of Art & Design

As we present our concepts, the client’s eye always tracks back to Mike’s images as theyenvision what we are proposing. You always exceed your customer’s expectations with one ofMike’s interpretive visualizations!

Gavin Strumpman - VP Marketing, EventQuest

Thank you for viewing our work. We are ready and eager to partner with you to helpsolve your graphic design needs whatever they may be. With Artstar Creative youcan be assured of prompt professional service that will bring your project in . . .on target . . . on time . . . on budget

If you are interested in exploring with us how we can help you please contactMike Ahren at 330.746.8104 or by e-mail at mikeahrendesign@aol.com