Communication Visual provides graphic design and marketing communications services.
Since 2001, Communication Visual (ComVis) has helped nonprofit organizations, public-private entities, and government agencies design and implement advocacy and communications campaigns to better the world and our community. We focus on five Core Values:
Organizational Marketing services provided:
- branding & messaging
- materials (design and content development: collateral, publications, website, etc.)
- meetings/conferences (branding & materials)
- social media management
Campaign Direction services provided:
- branding & messaging
- materials (design and content development: handouts, toolkits, papers, websites, ads)
- social media management
- events
- coalition building
- advocacy (testimony, letters, direct lobbying)
CLIENTS: Some of Communication Visual's clients include the DC Department of Transportation/DC Surface Transit, Capitol Hill Business Improvement District, Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District, World Resources Institute, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, Corporate Voices for Working Families, The SEEP Network, American Red Cross, Surfrider Foundation, DC Environmental Network, Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest, Housing Assistance Council, and Capital Area Asset Builders.
JULIE LAWSON
Principal
Julie Lawson is a marketing consultant and environmental activist in Washington, DC.
With her husband Galen, in 2001 Julie founded Communication Visual, a marketing and campaign consulting firm for nonprofit organizations. Coming from a journalism and publications background, Julie provides editorial and strategic consulting while also managing the firm's day to day, including client relations and financial matters. She has crafted messaging and copy for Capital Area Asset Builders; written annual reports and outreach materials for the American Red Cross; and designed numerous publications for The SEEP Network, Taxpayers Against Fraud, and others.
As chair of the Washington, DC Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, she directed a public outreach campaign leading to passage of the Anacostia River Cleanup and Protection Act of 2009, the first program in the US to impose a fee on single-use plastic and paper bags. She has also organized and conducted numerous river and beach cleanups, fundraisers, volunteer training, recreational events, educational presentations, and other outreach and service programs. Under her leadership, the chapter has more than doubled its membership and elevated its profile to become a leader in regional environmental advocacy. The Surfrider Foundation recognized her accomplishments with a Wavemaker Award for chapter leadership in 2010.
Julie also co-chairs the Policy Working Group of the Alice Ferguson Foundation's Trash Free Potomac Initiative, and has participated in several local, regional, and national panels about trash policy and marine debris. She is currently directing the Trash Free Maryland and Trash Free Virginia Alliances, with an aim of passing plastic bag legislation in both states in 2011. Julie also serves on the Advisory Board of the DC Environmental Network.
In her spare time, she is a volunteer coach for Girls on the Run, and an avid outdoor enthusiast, enjoying running, surfing, and hiking.
GALEN LAWSON
Creative Director
Galen Lawson is partner and creative director of Communication Visual, a marketing and campaign consulting firm for nonprofit organizations. In this role he oversees all design activities and serves as a "brand steward" for clients. He often provides original photography and consults on creative development, including copy and information graphics. He has developed dozens of album package designs for Smithsonian Folkways Recordings and program logo, brand development, and publication design concepts for EMBARQ/World Resources Institute; among others.
He has provided pro bono design services to the Surfrider Foundation and Girls on the Run, among others. For Surfrider's DC Chapter, he serves as the marketing coordinator, managing the organization's website and creating all graphics for outreach materials and campaigns, including the Trash Free Anacostia coalition and the Save Herring Point regional campaign.
He has a special interest in typography, and designs and sells typefaces for both commercial licensing and use in client work.
Galen holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from Ringling School of Art & Design. He enjoys running, surfing, hiking, and playing baseball.
