CLEVELAND (July 23, 2008) – University Circle Inc. (UCI) today announces, as part of its Find Yourself In the Circle campaign, exciting new opportunities for University Circle visitors. Visitors can now experience the Circle’s first Visitor and Living in the Circle Center presented by National City, a new interactive website, and a Find Yourself in the Circle Pass that gives patrons a variety of options for reduced prices on admissions and meals at the Circle’s world-class museums and restaurants.

Housed within the new Visitor Center are numerous brochures, magazines and pamphlets that Epstein Design Partners had a hand in creating.

Today the University Circle Visitor Center signage and brochure racks were brought into the new space on the corner of Euclid Avenue and Mayfield Road. The visitor center will be opening later this month and will be the authority on the events and institutions in the Greater University Circle area. Designer/Partner Anne Toomey and Designer David Roll were there to catch the hanging of the outdoor signage and were able to get these shots.

Rainbow roll, originally uploaded by epsteindesign.

With some of the recent restaurant related projects that we have been working on comes the need for food photography. It has been a lot of fun to work with the chef’s and get some nice shots for their projects. Taking the photos as the food comes up on the line can get a little hectic and getting the right shot before the food is whisked away to be served always adds some excitement to the shoots.

Shooting more and more, we are getting more seasoned in photography. The newer DSLR cameras make it easier than it used to be and with help from photographer friend Russell Lee who supplied a Nikon Speedlight and ttl cord to aid in our photographic adventures.

Recently launched the website for The Greenhouse Tavern. This is Chef Jonathon Sawyer’s next venture. We at Epstein Design Partners have worked with Chef Sawyer with the branding and visuals on this project as well as producing the website.

Located on the rejuvenated E. 4th Street in Downtown Cleveland, The Greenhouse Tavern will offer a gastropub type of menu with an emphasis on local and regional ingredients. The look and feel of the website is based upon the green movement with textures and elements that reflect the mission of the restaurant. The photo gallery and blog provide easy access for the client to keep the site updated with fresh content.

What is the Greenhouse Tavern?
The Greenhouse Tavern’s vision as a restaurant is guided by two principles: the idea that the proximity of the farm and soil to a restaurant correlates to the quality of its food and that environmentally conscious or green business practices are fundamental. Using these two complementary principles The Greenhouse Tavern will serve food inspired by classic recipes interpreted with local ingredients in a casual atmosphere at approachable prices.

Looks like this will be a great new spot for a birthday lunch, or holiday dinner.

Epstein had a good showing with four projects winning Addy Awards at the 2007 American Advertising Federation Cleveland Addy show. The event was held at Cleveland Gray’s Armory Museum in downtown Cleveland featuring many of Cleveland’s Advertising and Design Firms.

“American Advertising Federation-Cleveland sponsors or participates in a number of programs designed to recognize the work of its members and their organizations. Most notable is American Advertising Federation’s Addy Awards, which annually recognizes the best in print, broadcast and interactive advertising and sales promotion efforts. Each year, more than 500 entries are submitted for the competition.”

Taking home a Silver Addy was the 2006 Cleveland Clinic Annual Report. Three Bronze Addy’s went to Russell Lee Photography ID, Russell Lee Photography website and Table 45 website.

For more of our recent awards, click here.

Epstein Design Partners has recently launched the website for Yeager Jewelers, a premier jewelry store located in Westlake, Ohio. The site features a full Content Management System for the client to add products and categories, update diamond listings and keep their customers informed of the latest news and events at the store. Yeager Jewelers boasts an exquisite collection of fine diamonds and gemstones, custom design, and caring customer service. Valentine’s Day may have just passed, but anytime is a good time to give the gift of fine jewelry!

Recently winning many awards including a Gold Award in Graphis Letterhead 2007 and featured in the PRINT Regional Design Competition in Midwest/Ohio Section, the Russell Lee Photography Identity picked up more recognition this week as it was featured in Step 100.

“John Okal describes Russell Lee as a “no-nonsense, hardworking” photographer who makes stunning, sharp and starkly poignant portrait work. Lee turned to Okal and Epstein Design Partners when he needed an identity system that spoke to his dedication and vision as an image-maker.”

Read more in the STEP Inside Design March/April issue, The Design 100 Annual.

Due to growth in the interactive portion of our firm, we have created a new space to allow the web and interactive types to collaborate. Converting the second conference room/library into the interactive studio took longer than anticipated but the result is something that we are very happy with. Now the decision remains… what to put on the walls.

Birthday wheel, originally uploaded by epsteindesign.

Courtesy of Brian and Melissa.

At Epstein Design it is important to highlight another year of getting older by celebrating office birthday’s with what we call the Birthday Lunch. This year, Brian and Melissa came up with a fun game to relieve the stress of picking a restaurant which lives up to the Epstein Standards. Its called the Birthday Wheel. On your birthday each person picks 9 separate cards with their favorite restaurants on them and then… spins the wheel! Good luck Epstein.