Santa Monica-based Standard Time, a full-service advertising and design agency, launches with a spate of recent work for CVS/pharmacy, Williams-Sonoma, DC Shoes, Monster Energy, and LA-based fashion label Seneca Rising, among others. The multidisciplinary venture, co-founded by Partner/CEO Michael Sharp and Partner/Chief Creative Officer Amy Demas, specializes in retail, drawing on the partners’ expertise in creating integrated brand experiences and design-cohesive retail. This skill set was honed, in part, during the partners’ previous tenure working on the Target account.
“The LA market lacked an agency that specializes in retail and design,” notes Demas. “By launching Standard Time in LA, we help advertisers bridge the gap between their brands and the entertainment/celebrity culture of LA,” adds Sharp. Premiering today is Standard Time‘s second installment in the ‘Extra Care’ value campaign for CVS/pharmacy. “Coupon Center”, which includes a broadcast :30, online video, and digital assets, features supersaver Lillian, a vivacious fan of CVS savings. The plucky octogenarian has been featured on a major New York drive-time radio show, and is rapidly gaining a national following of fans young and old. Super-saver Lillian first debuted in Standard Time‘s first campaign for CVS, “Double Bucks”, in January 2010. With 62 million members to date, CVS’ ‘Extra Care” program is one of the largest retail loyalty programs in the world.
Value Gurus
Sharp and Demas first worked together on the Target account at Peterson Milla Hooks, Minneapolis. Says Sharp, “We’re experts at helping brands deliver a value proposition as part of their retail message. We bring a media agnostic approach to solve our clients’ business problems.” Prior to branching out on his own, Sharp was an Account Director at Peterson Milla Hooks, Minneapolis, MN where he led the Target Value campaign and worked on the Anheuser-Busch account, among others. He managed nearly 100 broadcast productions and photo shoots for all sectors, and co-wrote five short films nominated by Creativity Magazine for Interactive Campaign of the Year. Sharp began his agency career at TBWAChiatDay, NY, helping to manage accounts for Nextel and Cadbury.
Demas began her career in publishing, as an Art Director and pop culture maven for Sassy, The New York Times, and YM magazines, winning multiple awards for both editorial and fashion stories. Moving to the agency side, she worked with top entertainment studios, including Disney, Warner Brothers Music and The History Channel, before launching Jane Magazine. Demas then joined Peterson Milla Hooks, Minneapolis, where she bonded with Sharp while working on the Target account. Prior to launching Standard Time, Demas returned to NYC as a senior creative at Limited Brands, working on brand image strategy for Victoria’s Secret.
ABOUT STANDARD TIME
Standard Time is a full-service consumer engagement agency recognized for crafting compelling retail brand experiences. We synchronize design, strategy, creativity, and digital expertise with existing and emerging media to create a seamless user experience that builds brands and meets business objectives.
