C2 Graphics adds staff to meet growing demand for temporary graphic artists

Published May 28, 2004

The fluctuating and sporadic labor market for freelance graphic designers and production artists is creating plenty of demand for the services provided by C2 Graphics Productivity Solutions (C2 GPS).
Located at ,216 N. Water St., in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward, the company offers professionals and company executives a resource to meet their temporary employment needs. Since acquiring the assets of MacPros Inc. in January, C2 GPS has doubled in personnel, opened a second campus in Madison and expects to gross $1 million in sales by the end of the year.
"We achieved this level of growth due to increasing customer demand for local design talent and quality professionals," said Erica Conway, co-owner of C2 GPS. "At the same time, we've gained credibility as a viable resource for individuals that are in-between jobs or pursuing a new career in graphic design or production."
C2 GPS has a roster of approximately 35 temporary personnel, who routinely serve as copy writers, graphic designers, production artists and multimedia specialists for companies in the greater Milwaukee and Madison markets.
"For every placement opportunity, we match qualified graphic designers and production artists with companies in need of Adobe and Macromedia software-competent professionals," Conway said. "Whether the requested project is classified as creative or more technical in scope, we can guarantee our thoroughly tested candidates. We know they're the best after they complete a series of on-screen software assessments before we introduce them to a client."
Growth continues for C2 GPS, as it will roll out a new marketing campaign in the beginning of summer that features a series of clever rate cards and leave-behinds for potential customers.
"We've created a campaign that supports our mission to offer full-service support to the graphic design industry, but it reflects the personality of C2. It's fun, clever and cool," Conway said.
Formerly known as the Retso Group, C2 GPS is co-owned by Conway and her brother, Jim Conway. Erica is primarily responsible for the firm's marketing and sales efforts, while Jim is an Adobe Certified Photoshop and Illustrator expert and offers software training for graphic designers.
At each of its training facilities, C2 GPS conducts weekly courses ranging from QuarkXPress and Adobe Illustrator to Photoshop and InDesign.
C2's practicing professionals offer cross-platform, industry-driven training in Adobe and Macromedia software and Mac OS. The company also provides temporary and permanent placement of graphics designers and production artists.
The company's clients include Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance, Huffy Sports, Reiman Publications, U.S. Filter and Harley-Davidson Inc.
May 28, 2004 Small Business Times, Milwaukee, WI