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 Chris Thigpen | Aug 28, 2025 | Coffee Talks with Ace, News, Photo & Video, Social Media
Some stories are too good not to share — and this one is served with both style and spirit. Glam, grit, & good drinks — Tyler Colton tells all!
In the latest episode of Coffee Talks with Ace, we sat down with Tyler to discuss his journey of being a celebrity hairstylist who left behind the fast-paced glam of Hollywood to opening one of the hottest bars in Reno, Nevada, The Emerson, a community-driven bar in the heart of Midtown.
Reinvention in Reno
For years, Tyler styled the stars, making his mark in the beauty and fashion industries. But when the bright lights of Hollywood no longer sparked joy, he made a bold move: trading red carpets for Reno lights. At The Emerson, Tyler has created more than just a cocktail bar — it’s a gathering place where inclusivity, creativity, and connection shine as brightly as the neon outside its doors.
Why It Matters
At Ace Studios, our mission with Coffee Talks with Ace is to highlight voices and businesses that make our community stronger — from women-led and POC-owned companies to LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and veteran-owned businesses. Tyler’s journey is a perfect example of how passion and purpose can transform not only a career but also a community.
Watch the Full Episode
Tyler’s story is inspiring, funny, and full of those “wow” moments you won’t want to miss. Grab your coffee (or maybe a cocktail ) and join us for this conversation.
👉 The full episode is out now on our YouTube channel. Click on the photo to watch it now! 👇
Check it out, leave us a comment, and let us know what you think!
by Chris Thigpen | Aug 15, 2025 | News, Photo & Video, Social Media
What do Sarah McLachlan, Demi Lovato, and a cat named Emerson have in common?
Tyler Colton.
This month on Coffee Talks with Ace, we sat down with the legendary celebrity hairstylist-turned-hospitality powerhouse. We got the tea (and maybe a cocktail or two) on his creative journey—from high fashion photoshoots to opening one of Midtown Reno’s most favorite mid-century modern cocktail lounges with a twist — The Emerson.
In his interview, we talk about his 30+ years of experience perfecting his craft as a celebrity hairstylist to stars like Demi Lovato, Avril Lavigne, and Sarah McLachlan. (No big deal, right?) He’s been featured in Vogue, Elle, Rolling Stone, and probably your dream board from 2006. His resume is star-studded, but it’s his commitment to community that really steals the spotlight.
One of the many celebs that Tyler has worked with is Avril Lavigne.
As the owner of The Emerson (Also, in case you’re wondering — yes, the name Emerson comes from the philosopher and his cat. Iconic!), a Midtown staple since 2019, and the soon-to-open The Selden (literally just across the street), an LGBTQ+ bar designed as a safe, welcoming space for all. Tyler is shaking up more than cocktails; he’s building culture.
The Emerson isn’t just a bar. In three words (none of which are “cocktail” or “bar”): it’s mid-century, modern, fresh. It’s where curated playlists meet community drag brunches. It’s where raising a glass often means raising funds. The Emerson has raised over $45,000 and counting for local causes. It’s a place for everyone — especially if you’ve ever felt uncomfortable walking into a sports bar (same, Tyler. Same).
The Emerson Bar in Midtown Reno.
What’s something people always get wrong about running a bar? “That it’s always a party,” he says. And while it might not always be a party, it’s definitely always a vibe.
Whether you’re here for the fashion, the cocktails, the drag brunches, or the heart, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.
Tyler is at the location of his new upcoming bar, The Seldon.
Don’t miss our next episode of Coffee Talks with Ace, where Tyler Colton shares his bold leap from styling A-listers to serving up soul and spirits at The Emerson. It’s a story of reinvention, community, and the magic that happens when passion meets purpose.
Catch Tyler’s interview on our Instagram @acestudiosnv and YouTube (AceStudiosNV) so you don’t miss the drop.
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 Chris Thigpen | Jul 21, 2025 | Business, News
At Ace Studios, we believe in celebrating our people, and today, we’re raising a coffee cup (or three) to our CEO, co-founder, and resident wizard of wit, Kurt Thigpen!
If you know Kurt, you know he’s not your average CEO. He’s the kind of leader who can launch a campaign, optimize a website, champion LGBTQIA+ rights, and drive strategy like it’s a getaway car—fast, fearless, and full of flair (shoutout to the GTA fans)—all before noon and his second iced white mocha with vanilla (no whip, obviously).
Born to lead and built for impact, Kurt is more than just the brains behind Ace Studios. He’s a fierce advocate for mental health, student equity, and marginalized communities, serving on multiple boards including the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority, Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Nevada, and American Advertising Federation Council of Governors (to name a few). Basically, if there’s a seat at the table, he’s probably building the table and organizing a community event around it.
A nostalgic fan of Gilmore Girls and Harry Potter, Kurt brings that same sense of magic and fast-talking charm to everything he touches — from client relationships to creative brainstorms.
So today, we celebrate the man who leads with heart, thinks five steps ahead, and still makes time to ask if you’ve had enough coffee (he probably hasn’t).
Happy Birthday, Kurt!
Thanks for making business feel like an adventure — and for reminding us that marketing can be meaningful, magical, and a little bit caffeinated.
👉 Got a favorite Kurt moment? Reply to this email or tag us on IG @acestudiosnv — we’re sharing the love all week long.
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.
