“it is better to be making the news than taking it;
to be an actor rather than a critic.” —winston churchill

We're Moving!

posted January 27, 2012

We're excited to be moving to Blue Line Station on Neil this summer!

Click here to view more photos.

Stay tuned for more pics along the way.

They live where they loan. And so do we.

posted November 30, 2011
Busey's headquarters and the SURFACE 51 studio are about 350 yards apart, so when we say we're neighbors, we mean it. Literally. 
 
As neighbors, we have a lot in common—we know community and collaboration are absolutely critical. And when Busey wanted people to know exactly how committed they are to their communities, they took a walk down to S51. 
 
As a result, we lent our talents toward developing a national campaign across a number of Busey’s markets. Through a dynamic blend of outdoor, print, TV and radio, we're helping Busey powerfully convey their Promise: Whatever the financial dream, in any stage of life, career or business, Busey helps their clients achieve it.
 
Whether it's banking and investment expertise or design and creative strategies you seek, you don’t have to look further than Champaign-Urbana. Here, you'll find national talent in a place both Busey & SURFACE 51 call home.
 

Community Elements

posted June 29, 2011

SURFACE 51 recently had the privilege of working with a community organization that touches thousands of lives—the Mental Health Center of Champaign County. We met with Mental Health Center staff, board members and clients to get at the core principles behind its commitment to recovery and wellness: wholeness, strength, diversity and community. And out of those meetings an all-new name for the Center was developed—Community Elements.

SURFACE 51 also created an overall brand identity that communicates Community Elements’ central message—Wellness and Recovery for the Community.

Find out more about Community Elements at www.communityelements.org

SURFACE 51 and the College of Law. From associates to partners.

posted June 29, 2011
We recently joined forces with the University of Illinois College of Law to welcome nearly 2000 newly admitted students—electronically. Why should they wade  through  a big, clunky book? (Law students get enough of those.)

Instead, we designed and developed an interactive digital flipbook—packing it with animations, videos and web links. The digital booklet has everything students need to know: important deadlines, financial aid, faculty insight and real-life student experience. All delivered in a cool, brushed-aluminum flash drive. We’d like to think of that as raising the bar.