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Conversation, copycat and community.

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Here at GMDS we’re always looking for new ways to provide great resources, inspire you and show off our skillset. In the case of We Are DeKalb Magazine, that opportunity arose while I was on a call with my trusted colleague and great friend of more than 10 years, Gerrian Hawes of Oliver Imprints.

During our conversation, Gerrian enthusiastically explained the details of We Are Clayton, her latest endeavor—a free community magazine she’d created from the ground up that had been disappearing from the stands as quickly as she delivered them. Having already sold her first few ads and garnered support from influential figures around town, Gerrian was excited about her next steps.

Inspired, I suggested putting together a similar publication (above) for DeKalb County, Georgia. Like Clayton, DeKalb encompasses several thriving cities including a portion of Atlanta. After giving me her blessing, Gerrian began to help me map out how I should proceed. And just like that, her “We Are” brand had grown from one publication to two.

I soon realized that I had my work cut out for me. I was now responsible for the content planning, graphic design, photography, copy writing, publishing, promotion and dissemination of my very own community magazine. Gerrian had already done a lot of the heavy lifting. Because We Are Clayton was nearly a year old, she had amassed a solid business model; credible resources like printers, writers and photographers; media kit content and a pricing scale for ad sales.

My first independent task was to define my target audience which was people who lived, worked and played in and around DeKalb County. Then my creative goals: I had to figure out how I wanted my audience to perceive the publication? I wanted a lifestyle magazine like Gerrian’s, but I wanted a heavy focus on the arts. My next step was to find worthy story ideas. I did so by getting the word out about my upcoming publication and requesting relative submissions from subject-matter experts from the community. I also hired an affordable writer/editor to help develop additional content. In regards to photography services, I was lucky enough to have my partner, Johnny Mapp (photographer, documentary filmmaker and painter extraordinaire) of Bike Paparazzi popularity, to manage that part of the process.

When it was all said and done, We Are DeKalb Magazine was well received by the community and became an award-winning publication. We partnered with DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau and developed a special travel issue that won the Al Burris Award for Creative Expression (a Georgia Governor’s tourism award that recognizes an individual or entity that develops a creative community public relations initiative). The publication also won an Apex Award for Emerging Business from the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce, and a Her Story award from County Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton.

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Filed Under: PUBLICATIONS

Roswieta Glass
Roswieta Glass
December 4, 2022.
Bulb Graphics is at the top of their game! After years of experience with the highest quality of service we applaud the never ending excellence of Bulb Graphics. This company has the ability to manifest thoughts in brillant ways, far above the ask. Everytime, we are amazed at the outcome of our projects, they are clean and always professionally trendy! Bulb Graphics, LLC is for sure, the best in the business! Rose M. Glass Business Woman
Audrey Galex
Audrey Galex
December 2, 2022.
Joey Johnson’s warmth and creativity shine through in every project she touches. She brings a sensibility of wonder and joy to all of her endeavors, from her eye-catching craft projects for kids to her up-cycled and recycled fabric projects. She is flexible and professional and a joy to work with. I look forward to seeing how she will next put her talents to use in the future!
Christina Evans
Christina Evans
November 30, 2022.
Joey at Bulb Graphics is a pleasure to work with! Her graphics are beautiful, her turnaround time is stellar, and her products are high quality. It is amazing how she brings our ideas to life through her graphics. We are very pleased with her work and she is our graphic designer of choice for the foreseeable future! I highly recommend! You will not be disappointed.
Adrienne Montgomery
Adrienne Montgomery
November 30, 2022.
Joey is so resourceful and creative. She listened to my ideas and created an impressive logo for my business. She's thoughtful and professional. Timely and innovative and such a pleasure to work with.
Foodlove with Anna
Foodlove with Anna
November 30, 2022.
I needed a design for my catering business logo and all I can say is wow! The design is more beautiful than I could ever imagine. The finished product was completed in less time than I anticipated and the price was more than reasonable for the work. The logo they created capture the essence of my brand perfectly. I will definitely use them again and I’d recommend their services to anyone needing designs.
Monica McGhie
Monica McGhie
November 29, 2022.
I found Joey online and have been working with her for over a year. She is creative, fast, and reliable. Her files are clean and technical, and she fully understands the needs of her customers. She takes feedback well and is an absolute pleasure to work with. I can't recommend her more highly.
Coleen Stanley
Coleen Stanley
November 29, 2022.
I met Joey in 2015 on a project for a government client. She was honestly the best graphic designer that I had ever worked with - extremely creative, professional, and manages to deliver before deadlines every time. Since then, I have commissioned her for every project that I have been in need of graphic design services - branding, logos, eBooks, etc. She always nails my vision and I am so grateful to have crossed paths with such a talented and creative mind!
M. Mitchell
M. Mitchell
November 29, 2022.
I have had the pleasure of doing business with this company for a couple of years. They are Talented, Professional & Efficient. Highly recommended.
Google rating score: 5 of 5,
based on 8 reviews

FAQ

What kind of graphic design services does Bulb Graphics offer? We specialize in publication designs like programs, reports, magazines, and brochures. We also create other marketing collateral—posters, ads, fact sheets, e-learning elements, logos, and graphics that are optimized for social media. In fact, if you bring us your idea, we’ll do our best to transform […]

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