the eggblog

Putting the "ICE" back in "OFFICE"

2009 has brought a few new changes to the team here at Hatch Creative. We have moved out of the offices of Sophisticated Living at Butchertown Market and into our very own digs with my new business partner - Frankie Steele of Olive Creative. We're really stepping up in the world, eh? Our new office is located the Ice House Lofts building on Main St. You know, the big green building near Floyd St. that says "Arctic Ice Building", across from Stevie Ray's and the big Batman mural (!?). We're located in Suite 103, which is the right-most door. C'mon by and say hello! We'll take you on in a game of Ping-Pong.

The new address is:
217 E. Main St.
Suite 103
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 479-0641 (the same number)

Photos to come soon, after we get the moving boxes emptied.

Eggsciting News! Hatch Creative has grown to 4x it's original size!

I've decided to grow Hatch a bit and add some members to the team. My workload has increased tremendously the past couple years, with the Art Direction of Sophisticated Living and of course, my own clients. I've finally realized that I can't do it all and need a little help from my friends, so I have recruited two Web Developers and a Sales Associate to help out. I'd like to introduce:

Chris Watson, Web Jockey
I met Chris through my brother-in-law about 5 years ago. He was going to school for Web Development at ITT, and was full of energy and the thirst for knowledge. He actually interned for me for a couple semesters, and has been my go-to-guy since he graduated. He's helped me work on quite a few large projects, and a lot of little ones. Some of you probably know Chris as "updates@hatchcreative.net", as he's been doing a lot of maintenance lately, now he's "chris@hatchcreative.net".

Duane Helton, Web Jockey
Duane (or "Big Tall Guy" as we used to call him) and I go back a bit longer, as I met him when I was at Win.Net back in 2001. He worked next door at another web development firm, and then moved over with me in our web development team. He is an excellent coder and all around great guy. He brings 11 years of experience in developing large-scale web applications, and will help bring Hatchie up with the big guys (as he really is 7'1" tall). We have been itching to work together again, and that day has finally arrived. When I asked Duane if he was up for this, he said that: "hairs are standing up already" (his words). That's excitement right there! You can reach Duane at duane@hatchcreative.net. Welcome aboard, Duane!

Craig Greenwell, Sales
I've known Craig for a WHOLE two weeks now, but his enthusiasm, charisma and high praise from mutual friends, makes it seem like we have been buddies for years. My wife, Betsy met Craig at a lunch date with some friends. They hit it off and started talking about Sophisticated Living magazine, and mentioned how impressed he was with the magazine. He thought that it was a national magazine (Thanks Craig!). So, he asked what else I did, and Betsy brought up Hatch Creative. He checked out my site, and wanted to bring the talents of me and my new web dudes to the masses. This is what I've always needed...an enthusiastic sales person that will go beat down doors and make the calls that I've been too reluctant to make. With Craig on my side, we can open lots of doors. Craig can be reached at craig@hatchcreative.net as well as 502-457-1493.

I'm still cranking every other month laying out 2 issues of Sophisticated Living, and now you have two other people to contact when you need anything done! Updates@hatchcreative.net will go to both Chris and Duane. If you would, please use that address to send your maintenance requests, you'll be sure to get an answer quickly. With any new projects, I will assign one (or both if needed) of these guys to your project. They will be the main point of contact for your job. I will continue to be the lead designer and will help manage projects and meet deadlines.

With these changes, I know that I can offer my clients more than I could when it was just a one man show. This is a big step for Hatch Creative, and it's a bit scary having to give up some control, but I know we're in good hands with these guys. Please don't hesitate to contact me directly, if you need any assistance or have questions about these changes:

John M. Wurth
The Egg, Man
O: 502-479-0641
C: 502-807-4871
john@hatchcreative.net

John Wurth wins 3 first place awards in the 28th Annual Greater Louisville Journalism Awards competition sponsored by the Louisville chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

In what I consider to be a wonderful decision by the judges, I've won 3 first place awards in design and even video production. Sophisticated Living, the magazine I work for, submitted and won the following awards:

Page Design

1st Place: John Wurth, Sophisticated Living

Gelato Gilberto, Contents, and Spyker Cars

Judges said: Clean Design--Great Photos add to the layout. Well thought out.

Cover Design

1st Place: Eric Williams and John Wurth, Sophisticated Living

3 Covers from 2007

Judges said: Like the simplicity--what a luxury to not have to clutter a great photo with text.

Best Video

1st Place: John Wurth, Eric Williams, Josh Merideth, Bridget Williams, Dave Bibelhauser, Carrie King, Jack Mathis and Claire Williams for Sophisticated Living

A Weekend in the Country

Judges said: A fun photo shoot within a photo shoot. Great feel, gorgeous setting and a nice complement to the actual magazine spread. Very cool.

Hatchie needs a tan...

Hatchie and I are taking a much needed vacation!

Hey beloved clients...John Wurth and Hatchie here. We're just letting you know that we'll be taking an extended vacation for the first time since Hatch Creative started. We are heading to Florida on June 15th and will return to Louisville on July 1st. I'll be checking email occasionally while sipping drinks on the beach, but if you need immediate assistance please email updates@hatchcreative.net and Chris (or Duane) will be able to help you out.

Hope everyone is able to take a vacation this year, and if you'd like to contribute to the Hatch Creative Gas Fund, please submit checks or money orders to the usual address. Thanks! I'll be thinking of you all while basking in the sun.

Some kind words about lil' old me at my favorite local blog, Consuming Louisville...

Thanks Michelle!

Coming Soon! One of the Derby City Rollergirls (Bam Bam) is making me a Hatchie costume! Stay tuned...

You might be wondering..."What is one thing that John Wurth loves about Louisville?".

Wonder no more...