Dennis Jenders' Professional Blog » Milwaukee

My Thoughts on TRUE Skool

djenders — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:38:33 +0000

I applaud the blog entry by Mary Louise Schumacher of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel concerning the disagreement between Alderman Robert G. Donovan and community organization TRUE Skool.

I completely support self expression, and the genres of street and graffiti art. Just because you can not appreciate or understand a piece of art does not mean that it still is not art.

While I support the mission of TRUE Skool, I can also understand how a community could misunderstand the intentions of the mural in question. Are we encouraging more illegal graffiti? It seems like a logical question.

Personally, I believe the larger issue at hand is how Alderman Robert G. Donovan handled the situation. His coarse statements and childlike behavior does not fit the definition of a community leader. This man had the opportunity to use this controversy to promote the activities of TRUE Skool, bring a community together and help resolve differences in opinion. And if that was too lofty of a goal, he could at least informed everyone that self expression and art takes on many forms, whether we can all agree on its beauty or not.

The problem with street and graffiti art is that it has grown out of criminal and illegal activity. Namely, placing a mural or tag on property you do not own. And it is understandable that a neighborhood could come to the conclusion that the activities of TRUE Skool appear to be supporting illegal art and vandalism without taking time to understand the organization and their mission.

When you look at a neighborhood that is full of tagging you frown upon the people who did it, as well as the eye sore it becomes. But TRUE Skool actually works with kids that have committed vandalism by forcing them to clean it up and apologize to the community.

I can see how some people would see a legal mural contributing to the problem. I can understand how someone who can not appreciate the genre could call it crap. But in my years, I have seen many pieces of art in public and private museums that I do not understand and in my opinion, visually displeasing.

Art is not without controversy. What about The Holy Virgin Mary, a 1996 collage by Chris Ofili, an award-winning British artist, which incorporates elephant feces? That was an extreme form of art and it ended up in a public museum.

How about the famed street artist Banksy? He contributions to the art world are almost always illegal. But the visual message is pleasing, thought-provoking and often a surprise. All part of the equation of self expression and art.

Alderman Robert G. Donovan owes the organization and children an apology. It is never OK to diminish the hopes, dreams or talent of a child. If we do not agree with the way they are expressing themselves we should find a constructive way to achieving their goals and growth.

The fact is he had the opportunity to work with the organization to support legal graffiti art and condone illegal activity. He chose to throw that opportunity away. If he, and others in the community, believe art only exists on canvas – then work with TRUE Skool to support that formal education. Or at least support a forum for them to learn from more traditional artists.

And in return, I hope TRUE Skool can use the opportunity to educate their kids and the community on the prejudice they are faced with. Continue to encourage their skills and dreams – while doing so legally.

Social Media Strategy and Implementation Presentation

djenders — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:00:29 +0000

Social Media Strategy and Implementation Stickybits

I will be speaking to the Emerging and Social Media class at Marquette University this morning on the topic of Social Media Strategy. I am very excited to share my experience with the students as well as answer some of their questions.

I must thank Professor Gee Ekachai of the Department of Advertising & Public Relations for the invitation and I look forward to future opportunities.

I have created a Stickybit for the presentation. I was inspired by Edward Boches, we’ll see if my use of Stickybits is as successful as his was last week. You can scan the bar code now and attach comments, questions, thoughts and observations – photos and videos would be awesome too. Log onto stickybits.com for an account or download the iPhone / Android app so you can scan it.

If i didn’t get to your question today in class, please leave a comment here, use the Stickybits code, or you may also contact me on Twitter (@djenders).

Old Man Winter Rocks in Television Commerical

djenders — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:00:07 +0000

I am quite proud of the Winter campaign for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. I’ve been involved in the project since Fall and even starred as a member of the paparazzi in the print advertising execution.

Over the past week you may have seen the television commercial hit the airwaves. It stars Wisconsin native Gary Nagel, a 60-year-old hair products manufacturer from Greenfield who has a much better physique than I do. You can learn more about Nagel in an article by Patricia Simms of the Wisconsin State Journal.

The commercial features Old Man Winter stepping out on the town, riding a snow mobile with a Green Bay Packer and even his St. Bernard Colby gets some screen time. The spot features a catchy tune from Wayne “The Train” Hancock, Old Man Winter’s Gonna Rock ‘n’ Roll Tonight. When our creative director came across the tune we all agreed it fit perfectly.

As I have developed the Interactive, Social Media and Online Media strategies for the campaign, and Wisconsin Department of Tourism, I presented the idea of giving Old Man Winter his own voice. It turns out that his blog and interactions on the TravelWisconsin.com Facebook page has really helped to unify the campaign and messaging. I couldn’t be more happier with the team, our combined efforts and the final result.

Asian carp DNA found in Lake Michigan

djenders — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:43:16 +0000

It amazes me that the $7 billion dollar commercial and recreational industry of Lake Michigan could be permanently harmed because Chicago and the United States Supreme Court will not do more to stop the possibility of Asian carp invading the world’s largest fresh water system.

“The two species of Asian carp detected in the area are bighead and the leaping silver carp. The fish can grow to 50 pounds and consume up to 20% of their weight in plankton per day – food upon which every other species in a water system either directly or indirectly depends.”

Their presence could potentially devastate the ecology and potentially change the way we recreationally enjoy the lake(s). Silver carp can jump up to 10 feet out of the water when disturbed by boats. The carp have been known to injure boaters as they jumped out of the water.

Yet the Supreme Court announced today that they have rejected Michigan’s preliminary injunction. Michigan, backed by Wisconsin, New York, Ohio and Minnesota was seeking an emergency injunction force the gate locks shut on an emergency basis, but was also seeking a number of other measures.

And today the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Asian carp DNA has been detected in Lake Michigan. This madness needs to stop immediately. Why are we willing to forgo the long-term ecology of our fresh water system?

Everyone should be concerned with this issue. Temporarily closing the two lakeside locks will disrupt business but it could preserve both our economy and natural resources. The locks represent the last ditch effort to save our lakes until we can implement additional safety measures and act on the real issue – the invasive carp.

Until then, we need to do whatever it takes to save the Great Lakes. And unfortunately our nations leaders are too short-sighted to make the right decision.

My Professional Modeling Debut

djenders — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:43:02 +0000

Old Man Winter is Hotter in Wisconsin

I made my professional modeling debut this Winter as a member of the paparazzi trying to capture a photo of Old Man Winter. Here he is seen stepping out of the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts with his entourage and I am on the left side of the screen capturing the shot.

Apparently I have more style than model ability! My shirt was the bigger star as it was actually used on a fellow member of the paparazzi, Chris Metcalf.

The print ad is part of the Winter campaign for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Old Man Winter is indeed hotter in Wisconsin. Here in the welcoming Midwest he is able to be himself, enjoy the wonderful indoor and outdoor activities within the state, and continue to keep the weather cool until Spring.

Old Man Winter has also caught up with the times. Now leveraging Social Media, he has his own blog and Facebook page. Maybe in time his St. Bernard, Colby, will as well!

Help for the Good Harvest Market in Third Ward

djenders — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:59:22 +0000

I recently read that the Good Harvest Market in the Third Ward needs help as the store is not meeting it’s sales goals. Since the organic store opened at the corner of Broadway and St. Paul in November of last year I have been interested in how they could take advantage of the prime real estate in Milwaukee’s Third Ward.

However, store owner Joe Nolan told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the Third Ward location was only seeing 35% of the sales a consultant had predicted.

While I can not comment on the sale figures, I do have some immediate thoughts for owners Joe and Jody Nolan. While none of these may actually increase sales immediately, I do think I have ideas that will help store awareness and education.

The signage for the Good Harvest Market is horrible. The red logo against the brick of the building almost makes it impossible to read. Perhaps addressing this issue would help foot and motor traffic better realize what the location is.
The close proximity to the Milwaukee Public Market provides an opportunity to introduce daily shoppers to the store’s location. Through sandwich boards outside the Market or a spokesperson on site, you could further spread the word about the store and it’s products.
1. Additionally, finding a partner to either share shelf space or sell your products at the Market could provide a unique opportunity. Involvement in the cooking classes could also present an interesting opportunity.
A store like the Good Harvest Market could also benefit from Social Media. Your current Facebook presence has resulted in two Pages for your two different stores. This should be consolidated into one page and should focus on your brand and your message. Utilize Facebook and your Twitter account to provide both educational information, organic recipes and of course store sales and specials.
Your Web site is not horrible by any means, but I do think there is room for improvement. If your Social Media and marketing efforts are designed to drive traffic to the Web site and your store you should think about making the destination as strong as possible.
1. It seems the site could benefit from some copy edits as well as search engine optimization.
2. Add your calendar of events to Facebook.
3. A blog focusing on organic and gluten-free content could support your SEO efforts and position you as an educational resource.
Without knowing your customer demographic (although I can guess) I would suggest a two-pronged approach.
1. Build awareness within the organic community, focusing on the 5-10 miles around the Third Ward
2. Then try to reach those on the fence, the person like myself that may not visit the store without a push. Everyone wants to eat healthier, but the locally grown produce may be an option. Involvement in a farmers market or a marketing push with that in mind might reach a new audience.

It’s quite possible that the location is just too far off the beaten path and that the area can not support the Good Harvest Market. However I’d like to believe that the work your consultant did is accurate. If so, maybe some of these ideas would result in increased traffic, sales, and growth.

Marquette Warriors Logo

djenders — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:00:02 +0000

The Marquette Warriors Indian Head Logo

I’m looking for a vector version of the iconic Marquette Warriors logo. Can you help me in my quest to secure one?

Just before my freshman year at Marquette University the school decided to change it’s mascot and logo from the Marquette Warriors to the Golden Eagles. I wasn’t devastated, but I was disappointed. The university, particularly then-president Father DiUlio, thought Marquette should be politically correct and proactively make a change.

Students and Alumni felt very strongly that the Warriors name should stay, but to completely break ties with the Indian mascot Father DiUlio branded us the Golden Eagles.

I never felt that the logo was derogatory. In fact, I felt that there was a strong tradition and respect for the Native American Warriors it represented.

If the school, alumni, and staff felt strongly enough about rebranding the school’s mascot they could have still kept the Warriors name – instead they chose to completely abandon it. The Warriors nickname could have been portrayed a variety of ways and even without a mascot.

In 2004 then-president Father Wild entertained the idea of renaming yet again. A survery was released and 10 years later the results proved that the school and community still had not forgotten the Warriors and did not feel strongly or exhibit the same pride for the Golden Eagles.

Instead the Board of Directors passed a resolution that “Marquette will prohibit the use of Native American references, symbolism or imagery in its athletics logo, nickname, or mascot”. The debate and possible return of the Warriors was over.

But would Marquette remain the Golden Eagles, or something entirely new? Board member Ann Zizzo, of the Zizzo Group, and her team landed on the “Gold”. The Marquette Gold. Really? But then again, the Zizzo Group also suggested we name the 27th Street Corridor “Boomgard”.

At the end of that controversy we stayed the Golden Eagles, but I still miss the days of nearly being a Warrior. And with that in mind I’ve been desperately seeking a vector or EPS version of the old Marquette Warriors logo. If you happen to have one, the means to find one, or know someone that might have it on file would you please leave a comment or contact me directly?

I would appreciate it and happily share the logo with anyone else.