by kthigpen | May 26, 2026 | News
At Ace Studios, we believe the best creative work does more than look good. It moves people. It builds community. It challenges industries to think bigger, act bolder, and show up with purpose.
That belief has shaped the way we work, the clients we serve, and the kind of agency we continue to build.
So we’re proud to share that our CEO and Co-Founder, Kurt Thigpen, has been named one of AAF Reno’s 2026 Ad People of the Year.
The annual Ad People of the Year event celebrates individuals and organizations making an impact across Reno’s advertising, marketing, and creative community. This year’s honorees include Laura Partridge, recipient of the Thomas C. Wilson Lifetime Achievement Award; Danni Winter and Kurt Thigpen as Ad People of the Year; Kristen Saibini and the Downtown Reno Partnership for Community Contribution of the Year; and Rowena Magbitang-Piñero as Young Professional of the Year.
For Kurt, this recognition is especially meaningful because his story in advertising has always been deeply connected to community.
Before Ace Studios became the agency it is today, Kurt’s career was shaped by a simple but stubborn belief: creative work should be accessible, strategic, and powerful enough to help organizations grow. That belief has carried through every chapter of his work, from building brands and websites to supporting nonprofits, small businesses, public agencies, political campaigns, and mission-driven organizations throughout Reno and beyond.
It has also shaped his long-standing involvement with the American Advertising Federation.
Kurt’s AAF journey began locally with AAF Reno, where he served as chapter president and became deeply involved in supporting the next generation of advertising professionals. Over the years, that commitment grew into regional and national leadership roles within AAF, including his work with the Council of Governors and the Western Region. Through that service, Kurt has helped advocate for stronger clubs, better resources, more inclusive leadership pipelines, and a healthier future for the advertising industry.
That same spirit is baked into Ace Studios.
As an agency, we’ve never been interested in simply making things “pretty.” We care about the strategy behind the work. The people behind the brands. The communities shaped by the messages we put into the world.
Kurt’s recognition as one of AAF Reno’s Ad People of the Year reflects not just his personal contributions, but the values that continue to guide Ace Studios: resilience, creativity, leadership, community investment, and a healthy refusal to do things the boring way.
We are incredibly proud of Kurt, grateful to AAF Reno, and honored to be part of a creative community that continues to elevate the people pushing this industry forward.
The 2026 Ad People of the Year celebration will take place on June 25, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Atlantis Casino Resort & Spa. Ticket sales end on June 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Get your tickets here.
Congratulations to Kurt and all of this year’s honorees. Here’s to the people doing the work, building the community, and making advertising a little more human.
by kthigpen | Sep 11, 2025 | News
We are beyond proud to share some exciting news: Chris Thigpen, Co-Founder and COO of Ace Studios, has been recognized as the 2025 Agency Professional of the Year by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Western Region’s Best of the West Media Awards!
Recognizing Leadership and Impact
The Agency Professional of the Year award highlights an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and dedication to their agency, clients, and community. Chris’s recognition is a reflection of the countless hours he has invested in building Ace Studios into what it is today—a place where creativity, strategy, and meaningful impact come together.
Chris’s influence extends far beyond operations. Whether he’s behind the camera, producing impactful video campaigns, mentoring team members, or helping bring big creative ideas to life, he embodies the spirit of Ace Studios: Creativity for Good.
A Regional Honor
The Best of the West Media Awards celebrate excellence across 20 categories, from Media Organization of the Year to Young Achiever of the Year. Winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges, including leaders from agencies and media organizations across the country.
Being honored alongside so many talented professionals is a testament not only to Chris’s hard work, but also to the incredible creativity happening throughout the Western region.
A Win for the Whole Ace Studios Team
At Ace Studios, we know that every recognition of our team members is also a recognition of the larger creative family we’ve built. Chris’s award is a reflection of the passion, collaboration, and vision that drives our agency forward every single day.
We couldn’t be prouder of Chris—and we’re excited to continue pushing boundaries, creating meaningful campaigns, and uplifting brands that do good.
Please join us in congratulating Chris on this well-deserved honor! Here’s to more creativity, more impact, and more recognition of the incredible people who make Ace Studios shine.
by kthigpen | Aug 13, 2025 | Business, News
We know many non-profits see their annual report as a once-a-year formality—something to share with donors, post online, and then move on from. But when it’s designed with intention, your annual report—whether printed, digital, or both—can become one of your most effective year-round revenue drivers.
When done right, it’s not just a recap. It’s a fundraising tool, a trust-builder, and a marketing piece that can open doors to new donors, grants, and partnerships.
1. It Builds Trust with Donors and Stakeholders
A beautifully designed printed annual report feels tangible and lasting—something your donors can hold in their hands, flip through, and display. Meanwhile, an interactive online annual report offers a shareable, trackable way to showcase your impact with embedded videos, animations, and clickable calls to action. Both formats, when executed well, inspire confidence by making your results and financial transparency crystal clear.
Pro Tip: Choose the format (or combination) that best fits your audience. Many organizations benefit from having a condensed, high-impact print piece alongside a fully featured digital version.
2. It Turns Numbers into Stories
Data is powerful, but stories make it unforgettable. Whether you’re printing it on premium paper or presenting it in a scrolling, mobile-friendly website, pairing your financials with human-centered stories brings them to life. Donors remember the faces, voices, and moments they’ve helped create—not just the charts and graphs.
Pro Tip: Use large visuals, pull quotes, and infographics in both formats so the impact is immediately visible.
3. It Works All Year Long
A printed annual report can live on desks, coffee tables, and conference tables—serving as a conversation starter. A digital version can be shared in grant applications, emails, and on social media, driving new audiences to your mission year-round. Both become a content goldmine when designed with repurposing in mind.
Pro Tip: Pull short quotes, stats, and photos from your report to fuel your marketing calendar for months after it’s released.
4. It Positions You for Bigger Funding Opportunities
Grantmakers and corporate sponsors want to see that your organization is credible, organized, and results-driven. A polished printed report demonstrates professionalism in face-to-face meetings, while a sleek online report shows your adaptability and tech-savviness—both key in winning major funding.
Pro Tip: Include a dedicated section for partnership opportunities, with clear contact info and a call to action.
5. It Inspires Action Immediately
Whether it’s a printed piece with a tear-off donation form or a digital report with clickable “Donate” buttons, your annual report should make it easy for supporters to act while they’re inspired.
Pro Tip: Don’t end with just “thank you”—end with “join us,” “give today,” or “become a monthly supporter.”
Need Help? Reach out.
We design print-ready annual reports that your donors will keep—and interactive web-based reports that your audience can explore anywhere, anytime. From concept to design to launch, we ensure your report doesn’t just inform—it inspires, engages, and drives support.
If you’re ready to transform your next annual report into your most impactful fundraising tool yet, we’re here to make it happen.
Contact us to start building an annual report that works harder for your mission.
by kthigpen | May 22, 2025 | News
We’re honored to have been named a Finalist for Best Marketing/Advertising Agency in the 2025 Best of Reno Community’s Choice Awards, hosted by the Reno Gazette-Journal. Each year, this community-driven program invites nominations from across the community.
Being a finalist alongside Reno’s most innovative agencies is a testament to our team’s dedication, creativity, and commitment to impact-driven work. Over the past year, we’ve partnered with clients on brand strategy, web design, social impact campaigns, and more—so having that effort recognized by our community means the world to us.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s winners and to all of the outstanding finalists whose excellence continues to elevate our local marketing landscape
Official Community’s Choice Awards.
Thank you to everyone who nominated and voted for Ace Studios. Your support fuels our passion and drives us to keep pushing creative boundaries.
by kthigpen | May 5, 2025 | News
We’re thrilled to announce that Sacramento-based Mercenary Creative Group (MCG) has officially joined Ace Studios, bringing with it not just an impressive client roster—but two powerhouse leaders: Joanna and Drew Newbold.
With decades of combined experience in marketing, advertising, and brand development, Joanna and Drew have built a reputation rooted in big ideas, bold storytelling, and authentic relationships. Now, they’re bringing that energy and expertise to Ace Studios—strengthening our services, expanding our reach into California, and deepening our commitment to creative work that makes a difference.
- Joanna Newbold joins as our Vice President of Client Services, with a human-first approach to strategy, communication, and results. Joanna is known for her ability to make people feel seen, understood, and energized. Her career journey includes everything from owning a coffee shop to attracting Man vs. Food to her family’s restaurant, all while helping brands grow from the ground up.
- Drew Newbold joins as our Creative/Brand Strategist, bringing decades of experience guiding brand voice and visual storytelling for clients across the country. He’s a pro at connecting dots between insight and execution, with a portfolio that spans tech, government, healthcare, and more.
This evolution allows Ace Studios to offer our clients even more in-house services, from content production and branding to SEO, SEM, social media marketing, and website design—with the same heart-forward mission we’re known for.
We’re growing our talent. We’re growing our services. We’re growing our impact.
And we’re just getting started.
Questions? Reach out to us.
