It is almost time for FALL MINI SESSIONS!
Enjoy updating those family photos or just bring your puppy dog along. Anything goes for mini sessions!
We will hang out at the beautiful Henry Clay Estate for 30 minutes and all your photos will be delivered digitally with a print release.
Christmas tree farm minis coming soon!!
Snag your spot: https://calendly.com/franzett…/fall-mini-sessions/10-27-2018
We came. We ate. We conquered! Had a great visit to Crave Lexington in support of #ACAcakes sweet tooth booth at Masterson Station Park in Lexington, KY.
ACAcakes Owner Amanda Edwards had all the right style but needed help executing her plan on short notice of a food festival opportunity. Luckily she knew where to go to knock it quick and professionally!
Her laminated signage by Office Depot was grommeted for easy hanging and her banner printed by PrintLex offered quick turnaround. Design only business cards was a quick solution for her to print as needed before Octane quickly produced signature “sweet staff” t-shirts to complete the full branded concept.
Amanda wanted her signage to pop but also reflect the playful energy she has as a professional cake artist! Her food not only looked good it tasted amazing! Did you try them?
Of course we couldn’t NOT tour the grounds and explore ALL our tastebuds. Samantha Johnson of @SamanhattanPR didn’t skip a beat and was my grounds co-explorer as we ate all kinds of sweet treats and good eats! The grounds were full of activities for kids, families and adults.
At the end of the day the job was not only complete but filling inside and out!
Interested in having #ACAcakes create beautiful and tasty sweet treats? Visit her online at: www.acacakes.com
Octane was super excited to be a part of this years Wild Hearts Fun Run Superhero 5K benefiting Kerringtons Heart Inc at Keeneland this year, sponsored by UK Healthcare and Cincinnati’s Children’s Hospital.
With over 600+ 5K participants and over 75 Super Sprinters this event was filled with superhuman abilities! The biggest part was fundraising $12,000 for children with congenital heart defects in Kentucky.
From caped crusaders to legendary heart heroes, let’s recap!
Octane has designed this special event for Kerrington’s Heart since its conception in 2015. The organization chose a superhero theme because they believe that kids fighting and living with congenital heart defects are real life superheroes (and they are)!
For Octane this means pulling elements of comic book flair which was fun and challenging. Each year a different type of superhero was selected which means whole new color schemes and new artwork was created. The traditional logo for the event focuses on a traditional comic pop art with a beating heart in the center.
This year theme: The Incredible Hulk featured in the recent Marvel Infinity Wars Pt. 1!
Before we settled on the Hulk we were still playing around with the latest Marvel film Infinity War Pt. 1 and wanted to incorporate that feel in the initial teasers of the event. Phase 1 began with the FB cover and phase 2 with the theme and updated website followed. New this year was our first ever 5K Photo Filter created for participants Facebook stories!
Its first event held at the former commonwealth stadium brought a few hundred people together to support kids and families in Central Kentucky affected by Congenital Heart Defects. As the event grew we found that Keeneland was a better location logistically for both our families and our sponsors.
This year the crowd was OUT! We loved how the barns helped breakup the various activities and sections of the race (Registration, Kids Metropolis, Awards Stage). And the course is absolutely beautiful! THIS is Keeneland!
This years theme was all about “Hulk Smash!” With that in mind we wanted all the awards to reflect the epic heroism of the Incredible Hulk.
All the awards of Best Superhero Boy and Girl were given hulk mugs with the event decal.
Earlier in the design process of the event, the race committee liked the idea of the rips and cracks of the hulk coming from his center, similar in mark to the hundreds of CHD kids and adults that have the iconic heart surgery scar across their chest, many enduring heart surgery within days after being born. The medals and t-shirts followed this design pattern with the iconic silhouette of the mean green machine.
All event sponsors were given autographed event posters from the Kerrington’s Heart Board of Directors as special thanks for supporting CHD families in Kentucky.
T-shirts Printing: 10th Planet
Medals: Always Advancing Medals
Printing & Signage: PrintLex
Event Design: Race Director Britney Howard & Committee
Venue: Keeneland
Event Photography: Adam Padgett Photography
Event Branding, Graphics & Social Media: Octane Design Studios
Many moons ago I had this idea that we should start an event for entrepreneurs. Finally in 2018 it HAPPENED!
The concept of the event is to provide networking opportunities and resourceful information that any entrepreneur could use at value to start or grow their own business.
So I began asking my friends that were each really good at a specific thing within there own businesses, if they’d talk about these skillsets in a group of 5-10 growing entrepreneurs. One by one they said, yes! With each yes I asked “What advice do you hope entrepreneurs obtain by coming to this event?”
Here’s your recap!
I knew initially that I wanted the word to be an action verb (as all conferences are typically) and I wanted it to still look similar to the branding of my company that was sponsoring the event. I started with “O” words that circle gaining new knowledge and then it hit me! Obtain, a lot like Octane. I ran the idea past my PR specialist, Samantha Johnson of SamanhattanPR. She liked the idea but couldn’t see the word used as a logo. I love bold typography and decided to go vertical with the word instead of the typical horizontal. The flame inside the block lettering of the O seemed to streamline the connection of Octane and Obtain so that it stands on its own.
It worked out so well on all the other branding across social media and the conference badges. I loved creating the DIY photo backdrop and with each answered “Entrepreneur Wisdom” response I was able to brand the speakers quotes not only across social media, but into a unique poster piece as well.
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I had thought about amazing places to host it but when it all came to it, I knew that my fave place Pivot Brewing was truly the sweet spot to start small. Pivot was PERFECT due to the multi-functioning of the facility but also because I could offer them a unique experience of trying craft ciders. I’m a HUGE cider fan and Pivot is the only cider brewery in Kentucky!
There modern mesh of industrial chic decor makes me feel right at home and I knew once the evening crept in that the Edison bulbs in the community room would just “sing” in the space.
I love working with Bevin and ALL the staff at Pivot! Truly humbling people to ensure your event goes without a single hitch! What was super awesome was the bottled baby’s breath centerpieces we got to incorporate on our welcome / registration table and on the food table & barrels for decor.
In the beginning I thought to go the catered route but I realized closer to the event it was way cheaper to use simple appetizers for guests that came early or on time.
After consulting with Shalon Thomas of Passionate Event Designs, I came up some simple solutions that I felt worked best and paired well with the free ciders each guest received with entry:
Shalon glammed out the appetizer table and I loved all the positive vibe details in the floral arrangements, she did a fantastic job making the space glamorous and inviting!
The event speakers were not only dear friends but honestly they all responded after how humbling this experience was to give back in a way that helped others be successful. In the famous words of our Keynote Speaker, Chris Hudson of Life’s Journey Clothing, everybody “planted seeds” that night.
I’m so grateful to each of them for their time and talent:
Instagram Marketing for Growth: led by Michelle Franzetti of Franzetti Photography with Samantha Johnson of Samanhattanpr
Balancing it All: Nakia Coffman of Warner Bros. Entertainment & The Mixx Magazine
Entrepreneur Stories: Joi Starks & Angel Brown of Dee’z Bowties
Keynote Speaker: Chris Hudson of Life’s Journey Clothing
Entrepreneur Panelists: Tiffany Williams of Quality Tax Services, & Albert Shumake, aka DJ Always of Domestic Thuggin LLC
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This event taught me a lot but it was so rewarding seeing those that came leave such positive remarks across social media. I definitely want to host another one next year with some funding for business pitches!
Event Photography: https://franzettiphotography.client-gallery.com/gallery/obtain-2018
T-shirts: Steven Coffman, SCprinting
Event Design: Shalon Thomas, Passionate Event Designs
Venue: Pivot Brewing
Event Photography: Franzetti Photography
Event Branding, Graphics & Social Media: Octane Design Studios & SamanhattanPR
Event Printing: Office Depot (Woodhill Drive Location)
What’s a 12 year old to do when she’s crazy talented and enjoys swinging a paint brush or two? If you’re anything like this birthday mom, this starving artist themed birthday should completely inspire you!
You may remember Nakia from our Fabulous Bell House Bridal Shower, married and mother of elementary age and college daughters, she’s infused all her own event planning into amazing personal showcases celebrating the milestones of her children.
I’m feeling a tear! Return customers for the win! Let’s review.
We loved that Nakia chose this theme based on her daughter Jasmin’s own whimsical creativity. After already doing research and discovery processes, she had nailed down a venue, strong concept and color palette for the event.
In working collaboratively we created an event logo that she could brand throughout the party including a custom birthday smock for each guest.
Pinot’s Palette was a great mutual location for this creative gathering! Located right next to Fayette Mall, the classes were simple and gave all the girls their own space to truly venture from the original design and do their own art. It felt so clean, professional and the staff was so friendly.
What could we not say about this simple, fun and creative table display?! I mean, WOW. From the fun primary colors to the creative idea of the party favors. Nakia wasn’t holding back on the birthday fun for her daughter!
Our “starving artist” and “creative juices” tags were just the right touch of cute to help guide the eye along to all the other amazing things displayed on the table.
The concept that the food was the art was an understatement. The talk of the event was cute cake pops on paintbrushes and the amazing colorful fondant cake. These event branded watercolor cookies were amazing!
There were not one but two party favors to this event. Guests not only got to paint with their new custom smock but they also received a goodie paint bucket filled with skittles, a creative paintbrush pen, inspirational watercolor notebooks and a custom mini painted canvas.
Venue: Pinot’s Palette
Branding, Signage & Paperie: Octane Design Studios
Cake Pops: ACAcakes
Cookies: Maddie’s Cookie Co.
Cake: Confused Confections
Favors: Mom (Nakia)
Event Photography: Octane Design Studios
I’m thrilled to finally share what I’ve been sitting on for what seems like forever. After months of praying, waiting with this team of independently amazing women business owners, I’m blessed to announce our newest addition, event designer Shalon Thomas to the Octane tribe!
Shalon comes with years of experience as an event designer building everything from floral walls to grand reception halls and intimate gala decor. I think what I love most about Shalon is that she’s so easy to talk to and versatile in style. She can go all out or keep it reeled in while staying within budget and within the desired look.
Be sure to follow Shalon across Instagram and Facebook and continue to follow Octane’s blog as we feature more works from each business.
Q: What inspired you to get started in event design?
A: I have always been a creative person. I believe my background in early childhood education played an important part in the beginning stages of being a creative. I found myself being very inventive and taking on DIY projects. When my children were young I would have parties that was full of DIY decor that actually turned out pretty well. I started to receive many compliments on my work, I also enjoyed the production of the actual event. From there I started creating and crafting small social gathers for family and friends.
Q: What’s your typical event day look like?
A: Depending on what type of event we are design and styling, an event day could be anywhere from 4 – 8 hrs long which includes set up and break down. The morning usually starts with event set up, event rental arrivals, following the production timeline, assign tasks and lastly returning to the event for the break down.
Q: Do you have a preferred clientele or are you open to working with anyone?
A: I do prefer to work with clients who do not enjoy decorating or just simply do not have the time nor desire to come up with themes and concepts for their event. When clients come to me for design services it helps if they have ideas but are unsure how to pull all the pieces together. We also specialize in creative direction… meaning if you have no ideas and don’t have a clue where to start we help you map out unique personalized themes from the very beginning. We love blank canvases, those are usually the events that wow our clients the most.
Q: What do you enjoy doing when not event designing?
A: I enjoy family time when I am not event designing. I have a husband Eugene, 2 boys Jay and Eugene and a dog named Eva! There is never a dull moment in the house. My children keep me current on the latest dance moves, they both are great dancers! We also love to watch horror movies together while making homemade smores in the microwave LOL.
Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: I love flatbread pizza!
Q: What’s your favorite Movie?
A: The Nutty Professor
Q: What’s one of you most memorable events you’ve done? (Or two, or three…)
A: The Kate Spade inspired bridal shower has been the most memorable event so far. When I first had the idea I wasn’t really sure how everything was going to turn out. The colors were bright pink, black and white stripes with gold accents. I didn’t want to get to carried away with the design elements. I was going for a clean and simple yet bold statement. On the event day, the production team totally rocked the vision. When you entered into the room you felt like you were at a New York Kate Spade show room. No detail went unnoticed. The metallic gold favor boxes matched the gold chargers from the place setting. The perfume of fresh pink roses filled the room leaving the guest with a long lasting impression.
Octane had the pleasure of providing design and coordination of the 24th annual Unity Breakfast in Lexington Kentucky. This event is hosted and produced by client, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. We enjoyed every minute of the event from the elegant staging, to the polished programming, to the distinguished speakers at the end. In our second year coordinating with the Alphas all the hard work paid off in a big way!
While the event in its entirety encompasses Unity each year the client chooses a fitting theme. This years theme was Unity: Peace Through Non-Violence. In conducting a improvised ‘kneel in support’ photoshoot with various diverse citizens from Lexington, we were able to capture our finalized concept art.
Each year the organization gives a commemorative bookmark with each printed program. This years quote was selected by Octane of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s 1963 letter from Birmingham, Alabama.
Talk about teamwork! The night before the event at rehearsal, members of the Alpha Phi Alpha and supporting staff placed each program, bookmark and table placards across the 175 tables.
This year we added some additional social media imagery prior to the event to highlight each speaker and create more awareness of the various topics of each speaker: Education, Spirituality, Civil Rights, & Humanitarianism.
On the day of event, a team of 4 covered live footage of speeches, performances and event atmosphere in real time, giving each online viewer the opportunity to interact in the live event as it was happening.
This year the stage colors and uplighting created a glowing juxtaposition effect that looked extremely high end. A team of 4 in coordination with the staff of the Lexington Convention Center made this event look flawless from transitions on the screen projectors to DVD duplication of the event.
Venue: Lexington Convention Center
Programs, Tickets & Bookmarks: Octane Design Studios
Catering: Hyatt Regency
Social Media & PR: SamanhattanPR
Audio Visuals / Videography: Unsunghero Media + Audio Visual Techniques
Event Photography: Octane Design Studios
The 2017 Franzetti Photography wedding season has begun! It feels like a huge understatement to say I have a lot riding on this chapter in my life. In my mind, this wedding season seems like it will be the make or break moment for my photography business. I am pretty hell bent on making it! One reason I feel like I can even try making this wild dream come true is because of brides like Brandi. I have known Brandi since she was a kiddo because I went to high school with her older sister. She and her sister and different in a lot of ways, but they are both SO full of life, laughter, and are two of the most genuine gals you could hope to meet. It was so nice to walk in to my first wedding of the season and have several friendly faces around me.
READ THE FULL STORY: Marry the person who doesn’t keep score
More adorable babies, please! I have never really experienced baby fever, but I love getting to steal some time with other people’s babes. This little nugget and I have met three times and every time he is such a happy baby and he has the most beautiful blue eyes!! He is going to be the big O-N-E in just a few shorts days and his mama decided to celebrate with some photos and a cake smash.
Octane had the pleasure of ‘glammin’ out’ a perfectly pink and gold bridal shower in the ever beautiful and historic Bell House in Lexington Kentucky. We loved EVERY BIT of this event from the glasses of champagne, to the luxurious food, to the collection of “goodies” at the end! We’re still swooning! Let’s review!
From the moment you see the beautiful gold confetti welcome sign you know this event is something special! The lush gold painted wine bottle vases with soft pink florals accented simple white linen tables and the ‘crystal’ glassware. The pink foil “Mrs” napkins and simple itinerary made each seat welcoming and extra special.
The bridal table was complete with a simple and glamorous pink sequin table linens and accented gold wine bottles with fresh florals. The event was elevated further with the beauty of the venue itself with beautiful victorian fireplaces, grand ballroom chandeliers and moldings.
This was a specific ‘must have’ for this glamorous bride to be! She wanted everything gold, pink and white. From the ‘best day ever’ foil tags to the elegant champagne flutes filled with pink champagne; each detail showcased the brides love for detail and splashes of her own glamorous personality.
What’s a bridal shower without some entertaining games? Octane created all the fun paperie including the ‘how well do you know the bride’ multiple choice quiz, word search, welcome signage, table signage, itinerary and advice cards. Each game winner won a custom goodie box each themed by the bride to be!
A really unique feature provided by the party host was having instant polaroid cameras for people to “mix and mingle” with and leave a note inside the future brides bridal scrapbook. Octane applied matching custom vinyl to make the album covers extra special and to tie in all the details!
What made this event wasn’t just the glamorous paper and decor but the food! Privately catered by Casey Mader (Chef It Up Catering) each dish was made fresh and complimented the brides sense of style and luxury. From the shrimp cocktails to the strawberry cheesecake parfaits Chef Casey easily satisfied the serious munchies these ladies had!
Did we mention this beautiful cake yet? This cake was EVERYTHING and made by Confused Confections based in Lexington. The simple flowing of gold dripping down the cake with the elegant writing “The Mrs” placed so quaintly has us in total cake envy! Take notes y’all.
The ‘Future Mrs’ balloons (by Oh Shiny Paper Co ) made the backdrop to eat a pleasure to mingle around!
Another fantastic bridal personality stamp was truly in the bridesmaids ability to put together the bridal goodie bags, filled with all the things that resembled the bride and prepped you for their Floridian destination wedding! From simple chocolate kisses to the custom earbuds for the trip, this simple ‘thank you’ was well thought out! My personal fave though had to be the adorable wine bottle lip gloss AND the personal mini bottle of champagne to take home, #ftw!
Linens: Modern Affairs & Bryant’s Rent-All
Signage & Paperie: Octane Design Studios
Catering: Chef It Up
Cake: Confused Confections
Themed Game Boxes: The Bride
Goodie Bags: Maid of Honor & Bridesmaids
Event Photography: Octane Design Studios
We’re a graphic design firm firmly planted to provide fresh logo design, driven creative branding, precise print collateral, and dynamic web design.
Plain and simple: we love what we do. Contact us today!
We’re the real creative connoisseurs. We are planning thoroughbreds that take the lead. We are experts in graphics, project management, sweet treats, amazing cakes, rocking photography, the dougie and righteous hi-fives. We assist businesses and individuals in building powerful brands for today and tomorrow. We are women, mothers and dreamchasers. We ignite cultural influence and believe in it like a cold Ale-8-One. This is Octane.
