Key points about Cowart and Hays.

		Cowart and Hays is a graphic design firm based in Houston, Texas, with over 30 years of experience in marketing, advertising, illustration and design.
		We Identify that special spirit and personality inherent in your company or practice, and then present it to the public.
		Known for strong concepts, quality design and attention to details, Cowart and Hays brings a hands-on approach to your marketing and advertising needs.
		Our services include budgets, logo design, marketing materials, advertising and direct mail campaigns, media placement, video production and website design.
		We also create original illustrations for a variety of project requirements; we provide art direction for photoshoots and video productions; and we create designs for outdoor advertising, banners and signage, posters, t-shirts and other promotional items.
		Our client experience includes corporations and charity events, hospitals and medical professionals, fashion and retail stores, real estate developers and shopping centers.
		Among the first to bring a visual style to medical advertising, we work with various medical professionals, including plastic surgeons, fertility doctors, dentists, allergists, optometrists, dermatologists, spas and hospitals.
		For clients just starting out or opening a new facility, we can also work with your space and interior designers and art consultants to help create an environment that coordinates with – and complements – your image campaign.

The principals.

TED COWART began his design career in New York City after four years at Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles and two years of study in Europe. He accepted an offer as Art Director at Hockaday Associates, a very creative Madison Avenue agency. From his first day, he was creating design concepts, directing photoshoots and freelancing illustrations for accounts that included Karistan, Jantzen, Adler Sock, Dunbar, International Shoe, and Martex.

After a few years in New York, Ted accepted an offer from the Carson/Roberts Agency in Los Angeles to help change the image of Max Factor. In addition, he was assigned to other accounts, including Sea & Ski Sunglasses, Jantzen and Universal Pictures. He also freelanced his illustrations to I. Magnin.

Deciding to branch out on his own, Ted returned to New York and formed Ted Cowart Design. There, his clients included Seventeen and Vogue magazines, Estee Lauder, Wool Bureau, Priscilla of Boston, Francis Denney, I Miller and many others.

Many winters on the east coast convinced Ted to return to Texas and the warmth of the southwest. There, his business continued to grow and thrive. But wiith the advent of computer technology, Ted realized that his business would need to change in order to continue it’s growth. Needing someone with computer knowledge, he approached a long-time friend for advice.

GARY HAYS, a registered architect, had worked in architecture and interior design at such well-known and respected design firms as 3D/International, CRS and ISD. Educated at both Texas Tech and the University of Oklahoma, Gary had experienced every aspect of the design process. And, as Vice President of a multi-city firm, Gary was also responsible for incorporating computer technology and desktop publishing into the design environment in all four of their offices.

After some discussion, they decided to join forces. And, in 1990, Ted Cowart Design became Cowart and Hays.

The process.

Branding – We strive to discover the characteristics, personality, talents and strengths that make you unique – then pinpoint what will best serve your needs and showcase your products or services. We ask about your objectives, look at your location, staff and current operation in order to create a plan that meets your goals and reaches your target audience. By working with us, you will be tapping into many years of experience in creating unique identities for our clients.

Collateral – Creating your identity is only the first step. We need to reinforce your new image through the use of marketing or collateral materials such as stationery, signage, brochures, newsletters, etc. These materials need to address your needs, attract new business, and spread the word about you and your services. We regularly produce materials on a monthly, quarterly or yearly schedule in quantities and at costs that fit our client’s needs and budgets.

Website – We are now ready to create a website. A website should suit your exact needs, be search engine friendly, easy to use and convert visitors to clients. Even the most attractive site with a lot of “bells and whistles” only works if it meets the needs of potential users. We plan the site based on your goals, objectives and desired content and interactivity. We also offer suggested options for your consideration. We work with your existing materials to develop content or create new content where required and incorporate photographic images, graphic designs, videos and flash to enhance the site’s content and visual appeal.

Campaign – Having created your identity, marketing materials and website, we now need to nurture and promote your new image – and your website – through the use of advertising. An ad campaign is successful if it catches your eye, resonates with you and inspires you to action. One of the main reasons clients come to us is great image campaigns – stylish, classic and eye catching. Because in the beginning we worked by referral only, many people didn’t know our name, but they recognized the quality of our work. Potential clients often show us tear sheets of ads they like. Imagine their delight when we point out all the ones we created. Want to know more? Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.