October 12, 2020

We spent an entire week (October 5-10, 2020) in Detroit—specifically in the Central High School area—to help, pro bono, the non-profit Life Remodeled with executing their planned “remodeling” of the surrounding neighborhood, and “repurpose” the previous Durfee Elementary-Middle School (now the “Durfee Innovation Society). We were responsible for the design and production of promotional brochures and flyers, signage, banners, t-shirt graphics, social media channel graphics, website updates, and capturing the project photographically. Most of the graphics work was done before the ‘build week’, and most of the photography and filming were done during the week-long ‘campaign’.

In response to COVID-19, we had to change the way we organized our 2020 Six Day Project.

Life Remodeled has been organizing Six-Day Projects for 10 straight years, and every single one has been unique and powerful—and even though, because of social distancing, this project week was ALSO exception: In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to mobilize 2,021 awesome volunteers to remove the blight on 71 blocks, make improvements to the Durfee Innovation Society, and revitalize a broken-down playscape.

Ninety-nine percent of their volunteers said that their pandemic safety measures helped them feel safe from COVID-19 while volunteering. During a time in our country’s history when we are experiencing extreme polarization, 99% of their volunteers also said they felt a greater sense of connectedness with others during the project.

Not only is blight psychologically damaging to children and families who have to look at it, but it plays a significant factor in crime rates. Because the City of Detroit had to make substantial budget cuts in 2020, the blight removal effort from Life Remodeled’s passionate and hard-working volunteers was ven MORE NEEDED and much appreciated by Mayor Duggan.

Thanks to Patronicity, the MEDC, and the 43 donors who helped crowdfund this campaign, they raised $21,558 in less than 24 hours to purchase much-needed equipment and supplies to bring a playscape back to life again. A crew of amazing volunteers from FCA completed the renovation in only four days, and the Life Remodeled Community Advisory Council and students from Durfee Elementary dedicated it as the “John R. Lewis Playscape.”

If you are interested, there are over 5,600 photos that we, and a team of photographers, took to capture all of the activities during the ‘build week’
(click here to view)

If you or your company are interested in more details about this project, visit the Life Remodeled website: http://liferemodeled.org/

To see how we have been associated with Life Remodeled (from their very beginning), click this link: Visual Impact’s Pro Bono Work
 

DESIGN SERVICES
The following are examples of the graphic design work we provided:

 

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY
Here are some ‘creative’ pics our photographers took during the week to capture the amazing work the volunteers did.

[ I was ‘caught’ out in the field capturing the fabulous volunteers ]

 

The following links are for more information about the Central/Durfee project in Detroit, Michigan:
PHOTOS
NEWS and MEDIA COVERAGE
FACEBOOK PAGE

Here is a video that FOX 2 News (Detroit) did about the 2020 project:

[ Note: There are also other videos of the 2020 project on Life Remodeled’s YouTube Channel ]

 
If you are also interested in more information or supporting this great non-profit, contact Mark Besh at Visual Impact Systems (248-548-7000), or click the link below to be taken to Life Remodeled’s website.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LIFE REMODELED

October 9, 2019

We spent an entire week (August 5-10, 2019) in Detroit—specifically in the Central High School area—to help, pro bono, the non-profit Life Remodeled with executing their planned “remodeling” of the surrounding neighborhood, and “repurpose” the previous Durfee Elementary-Middle School (now the “Durfee Innovation Society). We were responsible for the design and production of promotional brochures and flyers, signage, banners, t-shirt graphics, social media channel graphics, website updates, capturing the project photographically. Most of the graphics work was done before the ‘build week’, and most of the photography and filming was done during the week-long ‘campaign’.
Here’s a list of the project’s major accomplishments, that went beyond just blight removal:

– Cleared 257 blighted alleyways – Every one of them within a four-square-mile area surrounding the Durfee Innovation Society
– Many houses were boarded up to ensure the neighborhood’s safety
– Hosted a Youth Mentoring Summer Camp for 125 K-8 students
– Hosted a Basketball Camp for 37 middle and high school students led by the nationally renowned organization The Family
– Over 3,000 kids attended Family Fun Days with their families and enjoyed activities, entertainment (including a “Detroit Youth Choir” concert), carnival games, and the largest bounce house in the world
– Many projects were completed inside the Durfee Innovation Society – HVAC ducting; air conditioning unit ‘enclosures; lighting; painting; tiling; wood trimming; and general cleaning

This was an unbelievable effort performed by over 9,700 volunteers—in just 6 days—and has been valued at over $5M!

If you are interested, there are over 6,250 photos that we, and a team of photographers, took to capture all of the activities during the ‘build week’
(click here to view)

If you or your company are interested in more details about this project, visit the Life Remodeled web site: http://liferemodeled.com/

To see how we have been associated with Life Remodeled (from their very beginning), click this link: Visual Impact’s Pro Bono Work
 

DURFEE SCHOOL REPURPOSING

 

VACANT HOUSE BOARD UPS

 

REMOVAL OF BLIGHT

 

ALLEYWAYS CLEARED

 

NEW ROOFS

 

YOUTH SUMMER CAMP

 

BASKETBALL CAMP

 

FAMILY FUN DAYS

 

DETROIT YOUTH CHOIR

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

DESIGN SERVICES
The following are examples of the graphic design work we provided:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
The following links are for more information about the Central/Durfee project in Detroit, Michigan:
PHOTOS
MEDIA COVERAGE
NEWS
FACEBOOK PAGE

Here are a few videos about the 2019 project:

 

If you are also interested in more information or supporting this great non-profit, contact Mark Besh at Visual Impact Systems (248-548-7000), or click the link below to be taken to Life Remodeled’s website.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LIFE REMODELED

November 9, 2018

In 2018, we spent an entire week (October 1-October 6, 2018) in Detroit again—specifically in the Central High School area—to help, pro bono, the non-profit Life Remodeled with executing their planned “remodeling” of the surrounding neighborhood. We were responsible for the design and production of promotional brochures and flyers, signage, banners, t-shirt graphics, social media channel graphics, website updates, capturing the project photographically. Most of the graphics work was done before the ‘build week’, and most of the photography and filming was done during the week-long ‘campaign’. Life Remodeled is continuing with this project, which they started in 2017—and also plan to work in the neighborhood for at least two more years.

Here’s a list of the project’s major accomplishments:
– Continued to renovate and repurpose the former Durfee Elementary-Middle School building (adjacent to Central High School) into a ‘community center’ they are calling the “Durfee Innovation Society”
– 396 Vacant Houses Boarded Up
– 316 Blocks of Blight Removal
– 102 Alleyways cleared
– Planted more than 700 trees, shrubs, and perennials
– Built 2 community gardens and upgraded 4 more
– Installed 20 “Little Free Libraries” along Safe Routes
– Designated the safest routes to Durfee and Central schools with artwork
– Installed 3 new bus shelters
– Installed 5 grills and picnic tables at neighborhood parks
– Installed 2 sets of bleachers for the Central High School softball field
– Added neighborhood signage
– Significantly improved Central High School’s football facilities and equipment (renovated the press box that had been vandalized, repaired the home bleachers and handicap ramps, installed a new scoreboard, and helped get new uniforms and equipment for the team and headsets for the coaches)
– Continuing to develop meaningful and sustainable partnerships to advance community investment after project completion

This was an unbelievable effort performed by over 10,000 volunteers—in just 6 days—and has been valued at over $5M!

The following are selected photos that represent the over 6,400 photos (click here to view) we, and a team of photographers, took to capture all of the activities during the ‘build week’:

DURFEE SCHOOL REPURPOSING

 

VACANT HOUSE BOARD UPS (396)

 

REMOVAL OF BLIGHT (316 CITY BLOCKS)

 

PLANTING VEGETATION

 

ALLEYWAYS CLEARED (102)

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

 

DESIGN SERVICES
The following are examples of the graphic design work we provided:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following links are for more information about the Central project in Detroit, Michigan:
PHOTOS
MEDIA COVERAGE
NEWS
FACEBOOK PAGE

Here’s a few videos about what was accomplished in the Central neighborhood in 2017:

 
If you are also interested in more information or supporting this great non-profit, contact Mark Besh at Visual Impact Systems (248-548-7000), or click the link below to be taken to Life Remodeled’s website.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LIFE REMODELED

September 14, 2017

In 2017, we spent an entire week (July 31-August 5, 2017) in Detroit—specifically in the Central High School area—to help, pro bono, the non-profit Life Remodeled with executing their planned “remodeling” of the surrounding neighborhood. We were responsible for the design and production of promotional brochures and flyers, signage, banners, t-shirt graphics, social media channel graphics, website updates, capturing the project photographically. Most of the graphics work was done before the ‘build week’, and most of the photography and filming was done during the week-long ‘campaign’.

Here’s a list of the project’s major accomplishments:
– Began renovating and repurposing the former Durfee Elementary-Middle School building (adjacent to Central High School) into a ‘community center’ they are calling the “Durfee Innovation Society”
– 534 Vacant Houses Boarded Up
– 367 Blocks of Blight Removal
– 53 Student Houses Repaired/Remodeled
– Continuing to develop meaningful and sustainable partnerships to advance community investment after project completion

This was an unbelievable effort performed by over 11,000 volunteers—in just 6 days—and has been valued at over $5M!

The following are selected photos that represent the over 7,500 photos (click here to view) we, and a team of photographers, took to capture all of the activities during the ‘build week’:

DURFEE SCHOOL REPURPOSING

 

VACANT HOUSE BOARD UPS (534)

 

REMOVAL OF BLIGHT (367 CITY BLOCKS)

 

HOMES REPAIRED (53)

 

DESIGN SERVICES
The following are examples of the graphic design work we provided:

 

The following links are for more information about the Denby project in Detroit, Michigan:
PHOTOS
MEDIA COVERAGE
NEWS
FACEBOOK PAGE

Here’s a few videos about what was accomplished in the Central neighborhood in 2017:

 

If you are also interested in more information or supporting this great non-profit, contact Mark Besh at Visual Impact Systems (248-548-7000), or click the link below to be taken to Life Remodeled’s website.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LIFE REMODELED

September 12, 2016

As we have done for the past few years, we spent an entire week (August 1-6, 2016) in Detroit—specifically in the Denby area—to help, pro bono, the non-profit Life Remodeled with executing their planned “remodeling” of the surrounding neighborhood. We were responsible for the design and production of promotional brochures and flyers, signage, banners, t-shirt graphics, social media channel graphics, web site updates, capturing the project photographically, and filming interviews of volunteers ( for the “Super Service Challenge” ). Most of the graphic work was done before the ‘build week’, and most of the the photography and filming was done during the week-long ‘campaign’.

Here’s a list of the project’s major accomplishments:
– Built a new park, adjacent to Denby High School
(Performance pavilion; Basketball courts; Volleyball courts; Pickleball court; Putting green; Horseshoes; Garden beds; Amenities; Landscaping)
– 362 Vacant Houses Boarded Up
– 303 Blocks of Blight Removal
– 80 Student Houses Repaired/Remodeled
– Art Mural on Community Recreation Center Building
– 125 Planter Boxes along “Safe Routes” to Schools

This was an unbelievable effort performed by over 10,700 volunteers—in just 6 days—and has been valued at over $5M!

The following are selected photos that represent the over 4,800 photos (click here to view) we, and a team of photographers, took to capture all of the activities during the ‘build week’:

SKINNER PARK (Before/After)

 

SKINNER PARK PAVILION

 

SKINNER PARK AMENITIES

 

VACANT HOUSE BOARD UPS (362 HOUSES)

 

REMOVAL OF ‘BLIGHT’ (303 CITY BLOCKS)

 

STUDENT HOUSES REMODELED (80)

 

ART MURAL AT RECREATION CENTER

 

“SAFE ROUTE” PLANTERS (125)

 

DESIGN SERVICES
The following are examples of the graphic design work we provided:

 

The following links are for more information about the Denby project in Detroit, Michigan:
PHOTOS
VOLUNTEER INTERVIEW VIDEOS
MEDIA COVERAGE
FACEBOOK PAGE

Here’s a few videos about what was accomplished in the Denby neighborhood in 2016:

 

If you are also interested in more information, or supporting, this great non-profit, contact Mark Besh at Visual Impact Systems (248-548-7000), or click the link below to be taken to Life Remodeled’s website.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LIFE REMODELED

August 25, 2015

As we did in last year, we spent an entire week (August 3-9, 2015) in Detroit—specifically in the Osborn area—to help, pro bono, the non-profit Life Remodeled with executing their planned “makeover” of Osborn High School and the surrounding neighborhood. We were responsible for the design and production of a promotional brochure and flyer, signage, banners, room plaques, appreciation certificates, t-shirt graphics, social media channel headers, the posting of TV and radio media coverage, capturing the project photographically, and filming interviews of volunteers ( for the “Super Service Challenge” ). Most of the graphic work was done before the ‘build week’, and most of the the photography and filming was done during the week-long ‘campaign’.

Here’s a list of the project’s major accomplishments:
– Major Renovations at Osborn High School
(Roof; Gym; Cafeteria; Special rooms; Landscaping)
– 472 Vacant Houses Boarded Up
– 302 Blocks of Blight Removal
– 21 Student Houses Remodeled
– Beautification, Mural, and New Playscapes at Pulaski Elementary-Middle School
– 230 Planter Boxes along “Safe Routes” to Schools

The following are selected photos that represent the over 6,000 photos (click here to view) we, and a team of photographers we brought together, took to capture all of the activities during the ‘build week’:

OSBORN HIGH SCHOOL – ENTRANCE (Before/After)

 
NEW ROOF ON OSBORN SCHOOL

 
EXPANDED MAIN OFFICE IN OSBORN

 
NEW “iLAB” IN OSBORN

 
NEW COLLEGE PREP ROOM IN OSBORN

 
EXPANSION OF CAFETERIA IN OSBORN

 
NEW PARENT RESOURCE ROOM IN OSBORN

 
COURTYARD RENOVATION AT OSBORN

 
NEW GYM FLOOR/BLEACHERS IN OSBORN

 
NEW WALL MURAL FOR OSBORN GYM

 
472 DANGEROUS VACANT HOUSES BOARDED UP

 
302 CITY BLOCKS OF ‘BLIGHT’ REMOVED

 
21 STUDENT HOMES REMODELED

 
NEW PLAYSCAPES AT PULASKI

 
NEW PLAYGROUND MURAL AT PULASKI

 
INTERIOR CLEANUP/PAINTING IN PULASKI SCHOOL

 
“SAFE ROUTE” PLANTERS

 

The following are examples of the work we provided:

 
The following links are for more information about the Osborn project in Detroit, Michigan:
PHOTOS
VIDEOS (Day Recaps)
MEDIA COVERAGE
FACEBOOK PAGE

 
If you are also interested in more information, or supporting, this great non-profit, contact Mark Besh at Visual Impact Systems (248-548-7000), or click the link below to be taken to Life Remodeled’s website.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LIFE REMODELED

May 27, 2015

Visual Impact Systems created a new web site for On Fertile Ground, a “plantscaping” company.

The site shows how they can beautify interiors and exteriors in corporate environments as well as homes with flowers and plants. They note that plants can make an interior healthier, since they convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.

 

We also created a flyer with more details about the types of plants and flowers they provide, a listing of their services, and some examples of their work.

 

 
To see other examples of visually stunning and search engine optimized web site designs we have done for our clients—with HTML, Flash, and WordPress ‘platforms’—click on the following link:
https://visualimpactsystems.com/web-site-design/

Visual Impact Systems does not only do web site development. We are a full-service advertising and marketing firm, with over 25 years of expertise in combining compelling design, a strong marketing strategy, and innovative technologies into a coordinated message—transforming communications with our proven ‘integrated multimedia’ approach, we call “Transformaction.”

Our web site shows our expertise in the following media ‘outlets’: Internet; Mobile; Video; Trade shows; Print; Television; Radio; Computers; Photography; Signage; Merchandising; and Multimedia, or you can just contact us directly to determine if we can help you with your marketing needs: 248-548-7000
https://visualimpactsystems.com/

June 18, 2014

Visual Impact Systems created a complete corporate image for Corporate Wellness Resources (Dr. Bob Levine) who provides new opportunities for self-funding institutions to reduce their healthcare utilization and costs through improving the health and performance of employees and other covered individuals. They are experts at helping people rapidly and sustainably reduce and eliminate chronic pain, stress, and symptoms of stress-related conditions through accelerated behavioral change technology offered in their cost-effective group programs.

We provided the following graphic design services: Created a brand new graphic image ‘look’ and color ‘palette’; Updated their logos; Created new business cards, letterhead, envelopes, and pocket folder;  Created the artwork for portable banner stands, outdoor banners, and car magnets; updated their web site; and managed all the output.

 

 

 

 

Visual Impact Systems does not only do corporate identity work. We are a full-service advertising and marketing firm, with over 24 years of expertise in combining compelling design, a strong marketing strategy, and innovative technologies into a coordinated message—transforming communications with our proven ‘integrated multimedia‘ approach, we call “Transformaction.”

Our web site shows our expertise in the following media ‘outlets’: Internet; Mobile; Video; Trade shows; Print; Television’ Radio; Computers; Photography; Signage; Merchandising; and Multimedia, or you can just contact us directly to determine if we can help you with your marketing needs: 248-548-7000

https://visualimpactsystems.com/

March 3, 2014

Visual Impact Systems helped Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union (MSGCU) with developing a few new web sites.

We created the graphics for an internal “portal” dedicated to information about MSGCU’s health plan selection options, evaluation tools, and health-related resources.

 

 

We also helped them with a public web site that ‘connects’ prospective employees to MSGCU, along with insights into the organization, what jobs are available, and what the hiring process entails. It was built with WordPress to make it a bit easier for non-technical people to add content.

 

To see other examples of visually stunning and search engine optimized web site development we have done for clients—with HTML, Flash, and WordPress ‘platforms’—click on the following link:
https://visualimpactsystems.com/web-site-design/

Visual Impact Systems does not only do web site development. We are a full-service advertising and marketing firm, with over 23 years of expertise in combining compelling design, a strong marketing strategy, and innovative technologies into a coordinated message—transforming communications with our proven ‘integrated multimedia‘ approach, we call “Transformaction.”

Our web site shows our expertise in the following media ‘outlets’: Internet; Mobile; Video; Trade shows; Print; Television; Radio; Computers; Photography; Signage; Merchandising; and Multimedia. You can also contact us directly to determine if we can help you with your marketing needs: 248-548-7000

https://visualimpactsystems.com/

June 18, 2013

Visual Impact Systems updated the graphic ‘panels’ of the trade show displays of a long-time client, Weld-Aid Products. Since they had originally purchased the “BigFabric” pop-up display from Expand International, the graphic ‘panel’ is removable (it is attached to the pop-up frame with Velcro), so they just had to have the new graphic produced for the new show they were going to attend.

The graphics were then coordinated with two “QuickScreen III” retractable banner stands, also from Expand International, that will be placed on either side of the BigFabric display, to advertise the Apple iPad giveaway Weld-Aid was going to do.

In addition to the many trade show displays produced for Weld-Aid, Visual Impact Systems also developed their web site. This is a great example of the proven  “Integrated Multimedia“ approach Visual Impact Systems uses to coordinate a company’s marketing message across different media ”outlets’.

Visual Impact Systems also represents many trade show manufacturers other than Expand International. To make it easy for you to browse the many products we offer, we have presented them on our web site in the following categories: Backwall; Banner stand; Exhibit systems; Lighting; Literature racks; Outdoor displays; Point of purchase; Pop-up portable displays; Shipping cases; Specialty items; Table covers; and Tabletop displays. Click on the following link to view:
https://visualimpactsystems.com/trade-show-displays/.

To see some examples of the trade show work we have done for clients, showing a variety of products and solutions, click on the following link:
https://visualimpactsystems.com/trade-show-graphics-examples/

For those interested in web site design, click on the following link for a variety of examples:
https://visualimpactsystems.com/web-site-design/

In addition to trade show displays and web sites, Visual Impact Systems has expertise in the following media ‘outlets’: Internet Marketing; Web site Design; Mobile; Video Production; Trade Shows; Print; Television’ Radio; Computers; Photography; Signage; Merchandising; and Multimedia. You can visit our web site ( https://visualimpactsystems.com/ ), or just contact us directly to determine if we can help you with your marketing needs: 248-548-7000

Visual Impact Systems is a full-service advertising and marketing firm, with over 23 years of expertise in combining compelling design, a strong marketing strategy, and innovative technologies into a coordinated message—transforming communications with our proven ‘integrated multimedia’ approach, we call “Transformaction.”