The Monthly Mullet, October 2022

Look, we get it. Blogs from marketing agencies are usually about boring industry stuff and tons of jargon. “What’s the ROI on that KPI, my dude?” Snoo-zer.

Kicks wanted to put together a blog that’s equal parts informative and fun, so welcome to what we’re calling The Monthly Mullet. 

Like any good mullet, you’ll find business in the front (marketing tips, recent projects we’re proud of, etc.) and the party in the back (Kicks culture, fun stuff around town, that sort of thing). Without further ado, let’s get wet and wild.

BUSINESS IN THE FRONT

A Farewell to Vimme Learning

Way back in the day, Tammy Laughner came to Kicks with big dreams and a little online math program called Vimme Learning. Today Tammy has successfully launched Vimme in dozens of schools across Indiana, and their math scores have soared.

Throughout the years, Kicks helped Vimme with everything from their web build, design for brochures and email signatures, setting up Google Ads and helping them find their brand voice — but more than anything, our relationship was based on coming to the table with “Wouldn’t it be cool if…?”

After all these years of consulting and watching marketing efforts pay off, Tammy is confidently flying solo to start an exciting new chapter for the program. We’re super proud of the work we’ve done with Tammy, and are looking forward to where she takes Vimme Learning!

Wouldn’t it be cool if you had Kicks as your marketing consultant? We think so too. Give us a shout, we’d love to help.

Adobe buys Figma, Kicks cries a little

Figma is one of our favorite design tools here at Kicks. Turns out it’s one of Adobe’s, too, considering they dropped $20 billion to scoop it up into the ever-growing web of Adobe software. 

Our two cents? Figma is already a great little program packed with tons of useful features for design. We use it for mocking up websites, social posts and all sorts of ad hoc design needs — and you don’t need to wait for Adobe to slap their name on it to use it.

If you haven’t given Figma a shot yet, there’s a completely free plan that’s worth checking out. You don’t need to give your credit card deets, and you definitely don’t need to shell out $20B to see why we love Figma.

PARTY IN THE BACK

Goodbye Summer, Hello Summer

This autumn we’re swapping out sweaty pits for sweet design. Say hey to Summer Fisher, our new design lead! Summer comes to us with a ton of branding experience and overall design know-how, with a love for occasional movie breaks to snack on strawberries.

Summer is putting together a gaming PC and her setup looks fully sick. She swears she’s going to do billable work on her new machine, but we think it’ll be put to much better use exploring the post-apocalyptic desert town in My Time at Sandrock.

SUMMER FAQs

Got any pets? 
My cat Rothko! I thought she was a he when I got her 7 years ago, so her friends mostly call her Beanie.

Favorite spot in Indy?
Artsy answer: Newfields Garden. Realistic answer: Culver’s 😂 

Whatcha watching/reading/listening to?
I’ve rewatched The Sandman maybe three times already — highly recommended. I’m also reading Emily Nagoski’s Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle 💪

Any words of wisdom?
The degree to which a person can grow is in direct proportion to the amount of truth they can accept about themselves.

Kickin' it around Indy

Newfields Harvest Nights, Sep 30 – Oct 30 — Pumpkins, ghost trains, cocktails… What's not to like? Get your tickets before they’re gone.

First Friday at the Murphy Arts Center, Oct 7 — As always, Fountain Square is the place to be on the first Friday of the month. Come for the art, stay for the pinball arcade.

Weiner Dog Races at GermanFest, Oct 8 — If you want to see which dachshund will reach the weiner’s circle (and get your fill of beer, brats and pretzels while you’re at it), head to The Atheneum for their 14th annual GermanFest. 

’Sleepy Hollow’ Screening at Indianapolis Art Center, Oct 13 — Don’t lose your head. Pack a comfy lawn chair and head up to Broad Ripple for an outdoor screening of the Tim Burton classic ‘Sleepy Hollow’ presented by Kan-Kan Cinema. 

Mutt Strut at Victory Field, Oct 15 — Grab your favorite pooch and your walking shoes for IndyHumane’s largest fundraiser of the year. When else will your dog get a chance to pee on home plate at Victory Field?

Tonic Ball, Nov 18 — This one’s still a ways away, but tickets are nearly sold out for one of Fountain Square’s best music events. Hop around the neighborhood’s top venues and jam out to live covers of Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, Outkast and Taylor Swift.