Affina

09/15/2021

Curious about the "x" in the AddWomxn name? Read on!

Why X? Because we want to become Xtinct⁠
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Women are at the heart and soul of this new venture called AddWomxn. We are excellent communicators when we come together to nurture and empower each other. Our hope is that someday AddWomxn will be obsolete (or rather, Xtinct) because a mindset of abundance – in the workplace, in our communities – has affected change.⁠
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Find out what's behind the "X" in our brand, our intent to use language of inclusivity -- all while recognizing that language change frequently represents bigger social change. That makes some folks anxious. We're here for it!⁠
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Thank you, AddWomxn Ally, The Coven, Amanda Montell (linguist and author of Wordslut), and Feminist Book Club for bringing this conversation to light. ⁠
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https://addwomxn.co/why-x-because-we-want-to-become-xtinct/ by AddWomxn Advisory Board Member Jennifer Gilhoi, Sparktrack Consulting in collaboration with Renita Faye Affina Janice Ocampo Stanford Flygirl Creative + Aaron king Perceptiv

08/24/2021

So excited to be an AddWomxn member! Check out AddWomxn's first blog post.

Find out what's behind the name, how and why we collaborate, how we're disrupting in our welcome to AddWomxn blog post:
https://addwomxn.co/welcome-to-addwomxn/

A womxn-centric creative collaborative is popping up in the Twin Cities. Under its umbrella, creativity and diversity can flourish in the spirit of honoring humanity and nurturing entrepreneurship and creative talent. It’s called AddWomxn.

-- with founder Renita Faye Affina; advisory board members Janice Stanford Flygirl Creative Aaron King Perceptiv Jennifer Gilhoi Sparktrack Consulting

08/24/2021

Affina has been supporting and uplifting women creative entrepreneurs for over 18 years. We are proudly announcing a creative collaborative that our founder, Renita Faye, is launching called AddWomxn, leading creative work for our clients. Check out our addwomxn.co website and inquire for more info!

AddWomxn officially launches today!⁠
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We are a collaborative of creative entrepreneurs offering branding and marketing services. We have a vision: to advance racial and gender equity in the creative space. And after many one-on-one conversations over the past year with our community and network: we are ready to begin!⁠
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Thank you to all who provided insights, logged into virtual meetings, and expressed your support and interest in this venture!⁠
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AddWomxn is founded by Renita Faye of Affina, supported by an advisory board of creatives Janice Stanford, Flygirl Creative, Aaron King, Perceptiv and Jen Gilhoi Sparktrack Consulting, and founding members, Maria Reitan, Topsail Strategies; Betsy Treinen, Good People Branding, and ⁠Bre McGee, Uncommon Collaborative. ⁠
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Our amazing Allies include Lani Basa, The Business Women’s Circle; Patricia Jones, Jones Financial Group; Carole Burton, Radiance Resources; Leah Leyendecker, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP; and Julie Burton, ModernWell
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https://addwomxn.co/
Currently seeking members!⁠

06/08/2021

Fantastic and fascinating article today from Anti-Racism Daily. https://www.antiracismdaily.com/?source=IG

The article outlines the history of racial bias in photography and how companies are working to transform the industry to reflect people of color more accurately. https://www.antiracismdaily.com/archives

03/04/2021

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What's in a name? ...Well, it says everything about your brand and we can't underestimate the importance of a thorough review if you're considering a design refresh or name overhaul. ⁠⁠
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We help clients work through naming scenarios by helping them understand how their brand name is used in conversation and conveyed online -- especially important in an era of SO MANY acronyms! ⁠⁠
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For this client, Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, we sought clarity on the name given that an acronym, MNCCD, is often used by internal and external audiences. With the decision made to keep the full name, we explored friendly, approachable logos that would balance the six words well. Sometimes MORE is MORE! ⁠⁠
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Reach out to learn more about how we can help you navigate a name change or brand redesign that clarifies who you are to all of your audiences. ⁠⁠
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03/04/2021

What's in a name? ...Well, it says everything about your brand and we can't underestimate the importance of a thorough review if you're considering a design refresh or name overhaul.

We help clients work through naming scenarios by helping them understand how their brand name is used in conversation and conveyed online -- especially important in an era of SO MANY acronyms!

For this client, Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, we sought clarity on the name given that an acronym, MNCCD, is often used by internal and external audiences. With the decision made to keep the full name, we explored friendly, approachable logos that would balance the six words well. Sometimes MORE is MORE!

Reach out to learn more about how we can help you navigate a name change or brand redesign that clarifies who you are to all of your audiences.

02/24/2021

"There is always time to do what is right." –Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

02/19/2021

"Dreams are lovely but they are just dreams. Feeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change." – Shonda Rhimes

02/17/2021

Genoa Healthcare

Affina understands modern business brand challenges. With mergers, acquisitions, multiple audiences and new product line introductions requiring brand agility, designing for large brands has its complexities, but we love the challenge.

Affina redesigned Genoa Healthcare's brand identity system to create a new look for its quickly expanding locations and marketing communications needs. Designing their comprehensive Brand Guidelines we were able to account for brand needs in a continually-changing company, additional business units without sacrificing the recognition and feel of the larger brand.

Have a similar challenge that needs solving? Reach out! We're happy to share more in our series of case studies on design.

02/11/2021

HealthTech Solutions



An incredible amount of change is occurring in 2021. That’s undeniable. Businesses have shifted and are moving forward with more agility to respond to the unknowns of the pandemic. Sales and marketing teams need to communicate and collaborate more than ever. And if your company hasn’t revisited its brand positioning for clarity in the new marketplace, it could be time.

An Affina client we’re highlighting today is HealthTech Solutions. We conducted a series of working sessions with the company’s founders and employees to determine how the company has evolved and what key positioning made sense for current and potential clients.

Explore the full results on our WORK section of the website (follow the link in bio) to see how the design and content showcases the brand in bright, modern colors with more engaging copy tone, and as a trusted, approachable partner for state and federal agencies.

02/08/2021

"Never be limited by other people's imaginations." – Dr. Mae Jemison, First African-American female astronaut

02/04/2021

Jones Financial Group



Today’s case study highlights how Affina helped a seasoned financial advisor launch her own firm, Jones Financial Group. We landed on creating an engaging, comfortable yet professional vibe to reflect her personal style.

Affina’s work included developing the visual look and an entire identity system, including client binders and resources, marketing materials, client gifts, and other promotional items. Read up on it and see the full visuals on the WORK section of our website (follow the link in bio).