First of all, if you’ve never been to Fredericksburg, then you need to plan a trip….NOW. If you have been to Fredericksburg before, then you need to plan another trip….NOW…and be sure to stay at the Cotton Gin Village and eat at least one meal at the Cabernet Grill restaurant.

This place has got to be towards the top of my list of “clients whose product I would like to support on a daily basis.” In a nutshell, it’s a cool B&B complex of elegant rustic cabins and a first class restaurant. The cabins themselves are reminiscent of a time when cell phones and computers didn’t exist. (Hmmmm….maybe that’s why I’m drawn.) And although rustic, they are elegantly simple, clean, cozy and private.

We had the pleasure of photographing several of them and it made me want to just spend a whole week in one, even though I live only a couple of miles away.

The cabins are spaced out around a center courtyard. Although the footprint of the establishment is masked by a lush courtyard and ample space between each cabin. And to top it off, the whole place is surrounded by a cedar and stone wall. It really feels like you’re in a whole different world.

On the other side of “the wall” they have a great big house called “1Big House” that is great for girls weekends, family get-togethers. It’s a two story house that’s got all the modern conveniences with a huge kitchen, two story stone fireplace, big yard with fire pit area and more.

Tucked just inside the entrance of the Cotton Gin Village is the restaurant. And well, you’ll just need to check out the photos on the website to start making your mouth water. The Cabernet Grill has a great lunch buffet and the dinner menu is to-die-for. We spent some time shooting the incredible dishes and were “forced” to eat them. So, needless to say, I’ve been trying to think of reasons we need to shoot more!

If you like Texas wine, you’ll love this—they have the largest Texas Wine list just about anywhere serving wines from vineyards around the state of Texas. But not only do they serve it, their waitstaff is trained to know what wine will pair well with your menu selection. Seriously!

But rest assured. There are no wine snobs at this place. Just meet the Owner and Executive Chef, Ross Burtwell and you’ll understand why. As they say in the corporate world, the culture of a company is the “mirror” of the owner’s attitude, the is no different. A true gentleman and as humble as they come, Mr. Burtwell’s goal is to create a lasting impression and a wonderful experience for all of his guests —whether they’re in a cabin or in a seat in the restaurant.

So if you’re looking for a great place to stay or a great place to eat in Fredericksburg, Texas, take a gander – then pass it on to friends.

Oh – and by the way, we’ve heard through the grapevine that the Wildflowers are going to be GREAT this year!

Cabernet Grill —Texas Wine Country Restaurant
Cotton Gin Village — Rustic & Romantic Lodging
1 Big House — Great Lodging for groups

by Trish McCabe Rawls

When we first brought the idea of blogging to them, they weren’t 100% sure, but have since seen what a strong tool it can be to really connect with their market and create an incredible dialogue that can’t be attained with just a website. 

Like many of our clients to whom we recommend social media, they were worried about the idea that “someone might say something bad.”  We explained that, yes, someone might say something bad.  But that, if they’ll say something bad directly to you in social media, then they are most likely going to say something bad elsewhere anyway.  You might as well give them a platform to express their concerns so that you might address them.

They have since had a few occurrences of someone “saying something bad” and have always handled it with aplomb and turned the situation around so well that it, in turn, just continued to elevate the aura of their company.  Another such occurence just recently took place and I couldn’t help myself but want to applaud right here alone in my office.

I wanted to share it with you.  Please scroll down in the comments on this page and see the question in regards to the Cameron-Brooks length of time in business and the answer by co-owner Rene Brooks.  I think it is an example of social media at its best!

Our agency is a virtual advertising agency.  Basically, what that means is that everyone who works for us works from  home.  That translates into lower overhead for our clients and a lower hourly cost to our clients.  It also means a more focused utilization of our clients’ marketing dollars since we don’t have to pay for receptionists, building rent, fancy conference rooms, furniture, office equipment, etc.

Why virtual, you ask?  It’s funny, but after years of working at larger, full service advertising agencies and managing some of the agencies’ larger accounts, I realized that many of my longtime clients had never even set foot in the agency.  I even had a client with whom I worked overseas for years and the two of us had a fabulous working relationship–even though we never met! 

So, who needs an office!?  Between the power of the Internet and just picking up the telephone now and again, there was really no need.  Unless it was just to keep tabs on everybody and make certain that they are doing their work.  But I realized that, if you work only with self starter-types who are experienced with managing their time and who feel accountable for themselves and making certain they produce the best possible work, you don’t need to manage someone in person.  They can manage themselves as long as they meet their deadlines. 

As much as I love having face time with the people I’m working with, you can just as easily pick up the phone and call someone to chat as to walk into their office to chew the fat.  And when face-to-face brainstormings are needed, there are plenty of coffee shops stocked with caffeine and sugar laden goodies that serve as awesome conference rooms for creative types. 

With much less water cooler gossiping and more concentrated, less interrupted computer time, I find that we are more productive and produce a better end product.  That also means a faster turn time and better strategy and creative for our clients, which they love.  Go figure!

The other nice thing, that I’m seeing is really helping us to win business, is our ability to piece together work teams to meet the needs of our clients rather than just staffing teams based upon who has the bandwidth that is already on-staff.  Since we don’t have any full-time employees, we can matchmake a powerhouse team based upon their experience.  For example, we just won the Fredericksburg CVB account partly because we were able to build a team to work on their account with an average of 15+ years of tourism expertise and experience.  They were truly impressed!

The current economic situation has also helped us tremendously.  Marketing and advertising dollars are often the first place that companies look to trim their spending when the going gets tough.  Needless to say, moving to an agency that is full service like a larger agency but has lower overhead, lower costs, straight-laced billing (no confusing line items and unexpected charges due to larger agency administrative and overhead expenses), more experienced teams with outstanding creative product is pretty much a no brainer!  Or at least many of our current clients find that it is! 

So that’s the scoop on a virtual advertising agency.  Not that other industries couldn’t operate as effectively on a virtual platform.  Do you know of another successful virtual company?  Do tell! 

For more information on virtual advertising agencies, I recommend this great article.

–Tracy Marlowe

Throughout the RFP process, we truly enjoyed meeting with the client and digging our teeth into doing some speculative creative work (sample ad designs, for you non-agency folks out there!)–a great chance for us to flex our creative muscles and show why we would be a great fit for them. 

After being short listed and then presenting against the other four finalists, Creative Noggin was notified that we were selected!  It is definitely one of Trish and I’s proudest wins so far.  And the best part is that we love the client and have enjoyed working with them over the past couple of months. 

We’re looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship…and helping them get as many visitor as possible to Fredericksburg, TX!

The Grand Opening on Monday, December 7th, will have an impressive list of dignitaries.  If you have a chance to attend, you shouldn’t miss it.  Details are below.  Please help us spread the word by becoming a fan on Facebook!

President George H.W. Bush, Governor Rick Perry, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, and General James T. Conway, USMC, Marine Corps Commandant, will be honored guests at the grand opening on Monday, December 7 (Pearl Harbor Day) of the expanded George H.W. Bush Gallery of the National Museum of the Pacific War, located at 311 East Austin Street in Fredericksburg, Texas.  Events begin at 9:30 a.m. with a precision parachute jump by the Golden Knights, the U.S. Army Parachute Team; immediately followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony. The conclusion of the ceremony will be marked by a flyover of World War II aircraft and with a performance of the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.

From noon to 9:00 p.m. the public will be invited to take free timed tours of the new $15.3 million, 33,000-square-foot gallery.  For a complete schedule of weekend activities in Fredericksburg relating to the grand opening of the gallery or to request times tour tickets for December 7, visit www.nationalmuseumpacificwar.org .

The National Museum of the Pacific War is a project of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation and the Texas Historical Commission.

This place is called The Cotton Gin Village and Cabernet Grill. It’s located in Fredericksburg, Texas and is one of the most unique places in this quaint town that is the jewel of the Hill Country. By pure definition, the Cotton Gin Village and Cabernet Grill is a complex of 7 rustic but elegant log framed cabins that sit around a circular courtyard with an equally atmospheric and delicious restaurant nestled right in there with it.

One of 7 Cabins at Cotton Gin Village in Fredericksburg

The property is surrounded by walls made of stone and and those cool vertical cedar branches. Covered in ivy, the walls practically melt into the lush surroundings of tall trees and beautiful flowers. In the middle of the courtyard is a large rock formation with several waterfalls spilling into a moat-like koi pond complete with picturesque lily pads and cattails.

As most of you know, I live in Fredericksburg, so I have passed by this place many times, but since I live here, I’ve never had the need to be a GUEST at a B&B. But this past week, as I spent most of my days shooting some fresh photography for our Cotton Gin marketing projects, I found myself so enamored with the charm of the place, I had myself convinced that it made financial sense to pay a babysitter to spend the night with our kids only to be a couple miles from home. (Look at the money we’d save on gas not driving somewhere else!) Anyway, I digress.

Amazing cuisine at The Cabernet Grill

Monday’s shoot started with of a portrait of the owner and Executive Chef, Ross Burtwell. A humble and gentle man himself, he certainly sets the tone for the personality of the establishment. I can tell he and his wife work very hard and want to make every customer experience a memorable one.

Then we moved on to shooting some of the food. Let’s see, there was Sesame Fried Jumbo Shrimp, Texas Mixed Grill with Bandera Quail, Angus Beef Cap Steak and Smoked Pork Tenderloin. Then “Texas Tarragon” Shrimp Scampi Sauté. And a ribeye steak. All this followed by Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake, Grande “Cabernet Grill” Cheescake, “Chicken Fried” Pecan Pie and Warm German’s Chocolate Bread Pudding. Although I did wear my “stretchy pants” that day, we couldn’t eat it all. But what we did sample was simply amazing!

Beautiful interiors at the Cotton Gin Village Cabins

The next day we spent shooting interiors of the cabins — each one with its own wood burning fireplace I might add. Huge rustic log beds with hand-stitched quilts. Leather sofas, jacuzzi tubs, front porches with rockers. And CLEAN! Adorned throughout the cabins were empty wine bottles signed and dated by guests as permanent testimonies. And then, of course, we just HAD to photograph the breakfast goodies that get delivered to each B&B guest. Homemade granola, chocolate chip muffins, cinnamon scones, cinnamon rolls. As luck would have it, Ross told us to take all that home with us. After a polite (but totally insincere) refusal, I wrapped them in a towel and dashed them to the van quickly before my guilty conscience got the better of me. It seemed a shame to let something that good go to waste.

The next day we shot in the restaurant. The Cabernet Grill matches the cabins in its rustic charm and relaxing aura. It’s comfortable, yet elegant. There is an upstairs room that is divided into two parts. One area is quiet and romantic with a fireplace and low ceilings. Perfect for that romantic evening out or private party. The other area is more open; tall ceilings with a ginormous longhorn head made out of metal and overlooks the lower level.  If you’re into wine, The Cabernet Grill boasts the largest Texas Wine list and they pair it with their dishes—perfectly! The wait staff is educated on the numerous Texas wines and they even take “field trips” to the wineries to become more educated for the customers. (I wonder if they’re hiring.)

Our last shot was at the “1 Big House.” There is a big main house that they also rent out to large parties or groups. It’s perfect for girls weekends or family reunions. It’s got a massive wrap around porch, two story fireplace, large kitchen and dining room table, loft area, fire pit, horseshoes…and so much. I’m wondering if I could just move in.

So if you’re headed to Fredericksburg anytime soon, check out www.cottonginlodging.com (We have NOT redone his website yet, but we’ll repost when we have it done.) And tell them that Creative Noggin sent you. You won’t be disappointed.

By Trish McCabe Rawls

If there is one thing that I won’t let go of, it’s my work ethic and accountability. Almost to a fault, I don’t want to let anyone down. So I just have to share a story that happened to us recently. As a business owner—but more so as a person—the actions of this particular vendor just made my jaw hit the floor. I can’t imagine EVER, EVER, EVER doing this to a client of ours.

Through a client we worked with in the past, Tracy and I had met this charming golf-pro turned self-taught photographer who was doing some nice HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography. He was very nice to work with and although he was not a seasoned ad photographer, he recognized his shortcomings and truly wanted to learn about the ad industry. We knew he did nice exterior shots, such as landscapes, buildings. etc and wanted to see him make a go of it.

So when Tracy and I came across a client that needed an exterior shot of their building, we eagerly called him, excited to be working with this nice guy again. A reasonable fee was negotiated and the shoot was scheduled for a couple weeks later. The day of the shoot looked bleak, at best, so an hour from shoot time, she called him to postpone.

The next day, he bailed on the job. Literally, he sent an EMAIL saying he didn’t want to do the job. And that we should find someone else. WHAT???

Knowing there must be a really good reason, I called him. And nope, there was no really good reason waiting for me on the other end of the line. It wasn’t because we postponed. He just decided it’s not really the kind of job he wants to do. I said to him. “So you would rather burn the bridge with a client that could bring you future work than to suck it up and do a 2-hour photo shoot of ONE building that involves NO models, NO lighting and NO props?” His reply was simply. “I guess so.”

My veteran ad photographer husband was in the background practically doubled over on the floor he was laughing so hard at the stupidity of this guy I was on the phone with. Simply by hearing my end of the conversation, he got the whole thing because I was repeating everything he said to make absolutely sure that what I was hearing was right.

“So you know this is a highly irresponsible thing to do.”
“And you don’t care if you ever get a job with us again.”
“This is just not the kind of photography you want to do.”
“But you know, ethically, it’s the wrong thing to do.”

I felt like I was on some cruel advertising version of Candid Camera. Apparently, our little fledgling photographer had befriended an ad agency that was giving him advice to “only do the kind of photography you want to do.”(Great advice back in the 80′s and 90′s when there was an abundance of work and stock was still considered a financial term.)

“While that’s very noble and aspiring, the best time to do that is certainly BEFORE you commit to an assignment.” I bluntly told him. I had never truly experienced the expression “having the rug pulled out from under you” until that day.

Although I gave him some advice which I’m sure he promptly spit out as soon as he hung up, I feel better for having said it.

So for any newbie photographers out there, here is some wise industry advice — which actually could be applied to any business you’re in:

1. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Just as no fool would put all their money in one specific stock, photographers shouldn’t rely on one or two steady sources of work. If your direct contact (meaning the one who hires you, would fall on a sword for you and pops open a cold one with you after the shoot) leaves for higher ground, you may be left sinking. This industry is based on personal relationships just as much, if not more, than on portfolios, so if your personal contact is gone, guess what, the work might be, too.

2. Don’t consider yourself irreplaceable. If you’ve got a really unique style, be prepared to evolve yourself, because there will be other photographers that will adapt the same technique, style, photoshop tricks…whatever. There are those occasional projects that call for a unique style, but these days, and in this market, dependability and affordability can be more marketable than uniqueness of style.

3. Don’t expect every client to think every shot hung the moon. It’s time to put on your big boy underwear and not expect a lollipop after every shoot. There are agency clients out there that have high standards and they may not do cartwheels at your brilliance. It’s impossible to completely hit it out of the park every time you’re at bat. And for some people it may seem like you never do. But if they keep calling you then, HELLO??? you must be doing something right, so don’t burn the bridge.

4. Learn from mistakes and then try not to make them again. If its it’s an assignment you regret taking, just finish it like a professional and decline them in the future. If you forgot a critical piece of equipment, be creative and hobble along without it, but pack your equipment better so it won’t  happen again. If you accidentally erase all your images, reshoot it for free. But first and foremost, be professional. Clients will be more likely to remember how you handled the bad situations, than the good ones.

5. Its’s a small world. Treat every client like they are best friends with the other ones you would rather be working for. Word travels fast — good and bad.

So you might be wondering what we ended up doing with that shot of the building. Well, after my husband stopped crying from laughing so hard we both agreed he could easily do it. Even “that photographer” himself told me HDR was pretty easy. And in the 3 years since I met him, LOTS  of other photographers have picked up on it (see advice tip #2). Steve did about an hour’s worth of research and then created some beautiful shots, including this one. So thanks “other photographer dude,” you just made my husband more marketable! To see more of Steve’s work, check out www.greendogpictures.com

HDR Building Exterior

And if you’re wondering why I haven’t mentioned names. I can’t bring myself to go there. That’s petty.

by Trish McCabe Rawls

We can already tell that he sees things from a completely different perspective, so there’s bound to be many sleepless nights, unnecessary temper tantrums and perhaps some reverse psychology in the works when trying to sell ideas. But we’ll do such a great job he’ll be, pardon the expression, peeing in his pants with excitement.

Introducing Hudson Everett Marlowe. Born October 5th weighing in at 8lbs 1oz and stretching 20″. Congratulations Tracy,  Mike and Maya (big sister)!

MAKE MY LOGO BIGGER!

by Trish McCabe Rawls