Ocreations Designs Win National Advertising Awards

Online, November 22, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Promotion designed by ocreations for the Mon Valley Messenger, an independent community newspaper, won second place at the Independent Free Papers of America (IFPA) National Advertising Awards for the category Self Promotion, Run in Paper. Nearly 1000 entries are received from members of the IFPA each year and are judged on graphic design as well as marketing message in ten different categories.

The winning advertisement "Coming Soon-Mon Valley Messenger" was designed by partner Jesse Mader and Shawn O'Mara as an old time horror movie poster complete with quotes, reviews, and eye-catching graphics. "I wanted an 'attention grabbing' visual that stopped readers in their tracks and caused them to take notice of our new publication, the Mon Valley Messenger," said Doug Haniford, publisher. The team at ocreations collaborated with the client and used their expertise to develop the theme and design. "We didn't want this advertisement to look like other ads in the paper," said Shawn O'Mara, senior partner and founder of ocreations.

In addition to the second place win, ocreations also designed the "Be Wise" campaign that earned third place in the IFPA Award category Self Promotion, Printed Material. This campaign was used to promote the Union Finley Messenger and Mon Valley Messenger by presenting facts on the value of newspaper advertising.

In operation since 2007, ocreations is a full-service, cutting-edge design firm that provides high-end graphics and marketing solutions at affordable prices. Their capabilities range from business cards to billboards and they have successfully done branding and logo design, brochures, advertisements, web design, packaging, video, and event marketing. In 2010, ocreations was named Best Overall Agency sponsored by the Media Association of Pittsburgh, and their campaign for the Pittsburgh Irish Festival won the 2010 American Marketing Association Marketer of the Year Award in Minority and Women Owned Business Category. "Ocreations has the talent and expertise usually found at large ad agencies, but they provide the personal attention and customer service of a small boutique shop," said Haniford.

Founder Shawn O'Mara is a Bethel Park resident and has over 17 years experience in the design industry holding notable positions such as creative manager for Giant Eagle. He also is a full-time instructor at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and part-time instructor at Duquesne University. The ocreations team consists of his partner Jesse Mader, Art Director Jared Dieffenbach, and interactive contractor and Dustin Lawson. Their client list has grown to include UPMC, Giant Eagle, Home Depot, eyetique, Pittsburgh Irish Festival, In Wheeling magazine, PittsburghWeddings.com, and others. More information can be found at www.ocreations.com.

Contact: Shawn O'Mara
Cell: 412-759-3181
Email: [email protected]
www.ocreations.com

###