Sky Blue

“Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.” -Anonymous

As time passes, we experience numerous changes in our lives, both in our personal and public lives.  Sometimes they are changes for the better, and other times these changes bring difficulty and hardship.  In any case, these changes help us as people to grow and to experience the world we live in.

This fall, the leaves will begin to change colors, and the air will start to cool, but you can be sure that one thing will remain the same… the sky will still be blue.  Blue is a universal color known for its calming effect and ability to bring peace. It has also been long considered a corporate color, being associated with intelligence and unity and conveying importance.   In the midst of change, blue can also bring a sense of stability and confidence.  September brings with it lots of changes and is a great opportunity to bring some changes into the workplace as well.  New ideas are a great way to allow growth and to build a better company.  Ask around for ways to improve and offer up suggestions to others as well.

Do not be afraid of change this fall.  Rather, embrace it and utilize it to allow yourself and your business to grow.  When in doubt, look to the sky!

Macaroni and Cheese!

As August rolls in, we begin to feel the summertime slipping away.  Summer vacations come to an end and children everywhere prepare for the upcoming school year.  So what does Macaroni and Cheese have to do with the month of August? 

Well, Macaroni and Cheese is also the name of a familiar shade of orange often found in a box of Crayola crayons.   Coincidently, orange is said to increase the craving for food (perhaps Macaroni and Cheese), but there is much more to orange than that.

In the remaining summer days, orange can help to bring in the gentle warmth of the sun.  The month of August is the last month before the cool air of fall comes rolling in.  So, it is important to soak it all in.  Splashes of orange can help spice things up as you may feel these last days of summer seem to drag on.   Orange increases creativity allowing new and exciting ideas to take on the end of summer with a bang.  And when the time comes for children to head back to school at the end of the month, let orange bring out their curiosity as they explore new things in the classroom.

Here at Savvy, orange is in our name.  The color orange is great in the workplace as well, providing that same energy and creativity.  It’s a vivacious and refreshing color that can be uplifting.   This is a great way to keep a pleasant atmosphere in the office and to prevent the day-to-day office drag.  At Savvy, we thrive in a creative and energetic work environment, constantly bringing new ideas to the table.  This August, as the summer of 2010 comes to a close, enjoy some Macaroni and Cheese in all aspects of your life, including the workplace!

Pride in Red

With the Fourth of July upon us, it is only natural to see increasing splashes of red emerging into our summer scenery. The color of red is explosive and is in fact the hottest of all the warm colors. As we enter the heart of summer here in Pittsburgh, the color red is here to join us.

It may begin to appear to some in its slightest form in late June. We begin spending more time outdoors soaking up that lovable sunshine and there is always that first sunburn. Your skin gets bright red and you lotion up in the hopes it will turn into a golden tan and not begin to peel. As we enter the core of summer, we also see red in that famous checkered picnic blanket. Summer is a popular time for family reunions and picnics around the area. We often see red in its fullest in the stripes of American flags around the community as Pittsburghers convey their great American pride. When July 4th finally rolls around, it is a day to celebrate our freedom, achieved fully in red! The color is seen everywhere from fire trucks in parades to the ketchup on hamburgers and hot dogs at cookouts. As the sun goes down, the skies across America will light up with the brilliance of red fireworks filling the sky.

This July don’t be afraid to exhibit some red. The color red is known for its ability to grab people’s attention and get them to take action. It is also a great color to use to stand out and show confidence and pride. This summer, Savvy will be standing out and will definitely be sharing our American pride!

Hello & Yay for Yellow!

The sun is FINALLY shining, and summer is in our sights, with the month of June here, here, here at last! After such a long, cold winter and then a very rainy spring, we never thought this day would come. And with this crazy Pittsburgh weather, you can’t blame us. But it is here, and hopefully it stays for a while.

With the sun bright in the sky, what is a better color to symbolize summer than yellow, which conveys fun, happiness, and sunshine? Summertime is the combination of relaxation and excitement. People flee to the beach to enjoy the sand and ocean, while others lay by the pool to work on their tans (always remember to use sunscreen!). Filled with hot days and brief cool nights, summer is the time we all long for. We want to enjoy every minute of it with friends and family.

However, its not all fun and relaxation, and Savvy is still hard at work in the summer (we do make it fun, though…). Not to worry, yellow can shine inside the workplace, too. Yellow is associated with optimism and imagination. It also sparks creative thoughts and encourages communication, perfect for The Savvy Group.

So fill your life with a little yellow this summer. Have fun, relax, and be creative.

Generously Green

No color is more richly found in nature than the color green. Green is harmonious, both warming and cooling. It signifies growth and renewal and makes the perfect color for Earth Day (April 22). April is also organ donation month, symbolized by green ribbons. According to OrganDonor.gov, more than 98,000 people are in need of an organ transplant.

This month, why not generously give back to those in need by deciding to become an organ donor. Also, think about the Earth by being conscious of the way you impact nature. April is an excellent time to come full-circle and give back to the planet you use each day.

April is a month for (literally and figuratively) planting seeds which will impact the rest of the years to come. By helping those around you and being conscientious of nature, the world is sure to be a greener place.

Communication, creativity… seawater?

Were you born in March? If you were, then you probably know aquamarine is the birthstone of March. Aquamarine can range in color from light blue to greenish-blue. The origin of its name (aqua = water, marine = sea) means seawater, and is reminiscent of the calming ocean and beautiful seascapes.

Aquamarine is not just a soothing color – it is also related to communication skills and creativity. Shades of aquamarine can stimulate creative thinking or aid in communicating a message. In advertising, these skills are the bread and butter of the industry. We understand the need to communicate messages effectively and turn creative thoughts into strategic integrated marketing communications.

This March, allow inventive thoughts to flow freely, inspired by the tinges of aquamarine spotted in the sky or water. March also brings spring, which rebirths colorful flowers and plants from the year before. Like spring, we continually examine and renew our best practices and creative approaches. How will you welcome creativity into your life this month?

Motivate with Red

January can drag, with the holidays behind you and a year of work ahead. The snow, dreary sky and cold wind are enough to leave even the most energetic people feeling tired and unfocused. Luckily, February is here and the color red takes the spotlight.

Valentine’s Day is synonymous with the color red. Traditionally, red has been used during the holiday because it is the color of the human heart. Red is representative of much more than an organ though. It is the most emotionally intense color, invoking feelings of excitement and passion. People give and receive red roses to symbolize their love and warmth for the recipient. Red is a great color to play up in February, adding bold accents to the white winter days.

Red is not only for Valentine’s Day – this February, paint the town red! Red is powerful– little touches here and there can inspire passion and excitement in your life. Warm up your winter slump by incorporating red into your day. Have a glass of red wine or some cherry tomatoes in your salad. Use a red coffee mug or wear a red shirt to work. Red can suggest confidence and efficiency. Invest in a red pen to record important tasks and goals – it may help motivate you to accomplish more.

The Savvy Group rolls out the red carpet with inspired ideas and efficient execution. How will you incorporate red in your life this month?

Restful yet Radiant… Ivory

Between the chaos of the holidays and end of the year deadlines, it was time to weave some relaxation into the mix. We hope that by the end of this entry, you will also feel at least a tinge of calm. What color best encapsulates rest than the soft glow of ivory?

Like the never-forgetful elephant that boldly carries ivory wherever it goes, we too surround ourselves with the color as we make our annual retrospect. Surrounding us is shimmering snow (at least we hope), glowing lights, and radiant smiles – all of which share attributes of ivory.

We consider the relationships that we’ve built with our clients, partners, and each other. We look to the future, a glowing white canvas, and prepare to spread the color of success onto it. We look towards the bright glowing tunnel of fortune and friendship and stay forever thankful for the friends and family around us.

This holiday season, enjoy the color surrounding you and bring this peaceful shade with you through the New Year. Happy Holidays from The Savvy Group! May you have a happy, restful and relaxing New Year!

Pittsburgh’s Color Scheme

Believe it or not, we at Savvy blog about the importance of color for a reason. Color persists in every facet of our lives and even has a strange Feng Shui effect on our mood. But did you know that Pittsburgh is a bastion of color? We never realized such a thing until Beth Evans, over at Pop City Media, wrote a colorful article about the role Pittsburgh plays in the color industry.

Once you take a few steps back and avert your gaze from the marvelous, yet slightly ancient, steel buildings in the city you’ll behold a sight that may overwhelm your retina. The days of steel are long gone and in its place Pittsburgh has built some structures that look like they erupted from an episode of Looney Tunes.  Evans points out the eye-catching attributes of Pittsburgh in her article as well as the reason behind Pittsburgh’s bold color scheme. “Picture our yellow bridges, the red incline, the black and gold of Heinz Field, and the blue seats at the baseball diamond, a custom color designed specifically for PNC Park,” she writes.  But this should come as no surprise if you knew that Pittsburgh was home to PPG Pittsburgh Paints; known nationally as a brand trusted by contractors, designers and consumers for over 100 years.

Pittsburgh is an odd city, one that sometimes struggles to find an identity that competes with the larger, more famous cities of the United States, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with its plucky color selection. For more of an in-depth analysis, why not read Evan’s expert analysis of color in Pittsburgh here.

Notable Neon.

This excerpt comes from Savvy intern Katie Tokarski, who is a senior at Point Park University.

While for some neon green might signify Mr. Yuck, for me it’s a rather welcoming color.  New, fresh, futuristic.  Perhaps I feel this way because my college, Point Park University, has chosen to embark on their new Academic Village adventure (transformation of school in Downtown area as well as Playhouse in Oakland) utilizing the shade in their core themes and back splashes.

Upon logging onto the updated website, you’ll notice lots of neon.  One of my professors not only noted that it is the color of money, (…thanks for pointing that out, Professor O’Gara) but it also represents a “green” Pittsburgh, and that’s something everyone can relate with.

From Green Up Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh’s new program instituted to clean up the city with various trash cans placed all over town; to the PAT buses splashed with banners stressing how livable, green, and beautiful Pittsburgh is for the G20; to Point Park’s convenient downtown renovations… Pittsburgh has gone green and wants the rest of the world to know about it.

We at Savvy enjoy being green, too.  All shades of green, from the deep forest shades of fall to the bright neons we’ve seen all over Pittsburgh lately.  The color is hopeful and unexpected, modern, and show stopping.  All the more reason why neon green is Savvy’s color of the month.