Giving back, building up, and celebrating what matters.
Philanthropy and Awards.
Community is stitched into everything we do. Imaginary Friends design studios grew up in Yuma, and every step of our journey reflects the people, organizations, and partners who believed in us long before we had a full portfolio or a big reputation. That trust means something to us, and we honor it by showing up with creativity, collaboration, and real support.
Over the years, we have had the privilege of working alongside nonprofits, schools, local leaders, and community programs that make Yuma stronger. Sometimes that means designing materials that help a cause share its mission. Sometimes it means sponsoring an event that brings people together. Sometimes it is sitting with a student who is discovering their voice as a creative professional. Whatever the need, we use our skills to lift others up.
Yes, we have earned industry awards and local recognition along the way, and we are grateful for that. But the real win is seeing a fundraiser exceed its goals, a student gain confidence, a nonprofit reach new supporters, or a community event shine a little brighter because we were part of it.
That is the heart of our work. Creativity that serves. Strategy that supports. Partnerships that make an impact.
Strengthening Yuma through creativity, service, mentorship, and meaningful partnerships.
Philanthropy and Community Impact.
At Imaginary Friends design studios, we believe creative work carries responsibility. It should lift people, strengthen organizations, and create opportunities that help our community thrive. Yuma made us who we are, and giving back is not an extra for us. It is part of how we show gratitude and part of what keeps us grounded.
Below are the partnerships and programs that reflect our commitment to service, education, and community pride. Each one represents time, care, and collaboration that we are honored to share.
Helping local organizations grow their reach and deepen their impact.
Community Partnerships and Support.
Kids at Hope (2022–Present)
Kids at Hope believes all children are capable of success. Our job is to help make that message impossible to miss. We support their annual benefit concert, Por Los Niños Golf Tournament, and ongoing outreach through strategic design, unified branding, sponsorship books, posters, tickets, and more.
Quote from Kids at Hope:
“Since becoming a client of Imaginary Friends and Print Zoom, Jon has come through on every need. Whatever we have asked for has been met or exceeded. I do not have to look any further.”
— Tim Hardy, Chairman, Kids at Hope Yuma
4th Ave Gym Foundation (2018–Present)
Our support of the 4th Ave Gym Foundation is personal. Jon discovered discipline, confidence, and focus through fitness in high school. Supporting the foundation allows us to help others find the same strength and direction through mentorship and athletic development.
Diploma Donations for Yuma-Area High Schools (2020)
When two major high schools lost access to diplomas due to a pandemic-related vendor shutdown, we stepped in. Imaginary Friends and Print Zoom produced full diploma sets so seniors could walk the stage with everything they earned. It was a meaningful moment in a difficult year, and we were proud to protect that milestone.
YumaStrong with Arizona Community Foundation Yuma (2020)
During the early months of the pandemic, we partnered with ACF Yuma to launch the #YumaStrong campaign. We built the branding, messaging, and communication tools that connected residents to resources and helped strengthen community morale when people needed hope the most.
Yuma Community Food Bank, Board of Directors (2004–2007)
As a Board Member, Jon helped lead major initiatives that expanded the Food Bank’s ability to serve families in need. He directed the Food For Life Gala for two years, helping raise over one hundred thousand dollars annually. He also helped create the title sponsorship program that still brings in twenty five thousand dollars every year since 2006. That legacy continues to shape how we approach nonprofit partnerships today.
Empowering future creators and supporting the programs that build tomorrow’s talent.
Youth, Education, and Workforce Development.
STEDY Advisory Committee: Web Development and 3D Animation (2017–2025)
We provide guidance to STEDY programs to ensure students gain the skills that match real industry needs. Our feedback helps shape curriculum and prepares students for careers in design, technology, and digital storytelling.
SkillsUSA Judge, Regional Competitions (2023–2025)
SkillsUSA holds a special place for us. Jon served as a National Officer as a senior in high school and believes deeply in Career and Technical Education. Judging regional competitions allows us to mentor and encourage students as they strengthen their craft.
SkillsUSA Judge, State Competitions (2023 and 2024)
At the state level, we evaluate the best student work in Arizona and offer detailed feedback to help emerging creators prepare for college, careers, and future opportunities.
YUHSD Career and Technical Education Advisory Committees (Photography, Videography, Web Development, 2023–2024)
Our role across multiple advisory committees within the Yuma Union High School District includes photography, videography, and web development. This helps ensure students are learning both the technical and creative thinking needed to thrive in a modern digital world.
Visual Storyteller Contest (2020–Present)
We created the Visual Storyteller Contest to give young creators a platform to publish their work. Since launching the program, we have helped publish six books by eight different storytellers. We look forward to continuing this tradition and celebrating more voices each year.
Supporting the traditions and celebrations that bring Yuma together.
Cultural and Community Events.
Yuma Silver Spur Rodeo (Design: 2010–2021, Sponsorship: 2015–2021)
We partnered with the Silver Spur Rodeo for more than a decade, shaping their programs, posters, signage, and event promotions. From 2015 to 2021, we also served as financial sponsors. This long running partnership reinforced our commitment to the events that bring our community together.
Midnight at the Oasis Sponsorship (2023)
Imaginary Friends and Print Zoom designed and donated custom feather flags to improve navigation during the festival. It was a simple contribution that made the experience clearer and more welcoming for attendees.
Using strategic design to amplify nonprofit missions.
Pro Bono Branding for Community Organizations.
Addie Packs Logo Rebrand (2023)
As the inaugural winner of the New Year New Yuma nonprofit category, Addie Packs received a complete brand refresh. Their new identity enhanced their visibility and helped them communicate their mission with clarity and confidence.
YCAPS Logo Rebrand (2024)
We partnered with the Yuma County Agricultural Producers Scholarship program to create a visual identity that honors agriculture and supports local students pursuing careers in the field. The brand refresh helps YCAPS present a strong, modern, trustworthy public image.
Investing in emerging creators through hands-on mentorship and real industry experience.
Internships and Talent Development.
Internship Program and Success Spotlight
Investing in emerging creators through mentorship and real world experience.
We have welcomed seventeen interns across STEDY, Arizona at Work, and independent outreach. Every intern becomes part of the team from day one. They work on real projects, receive structured guidance, and learn how to think like a creative professional.
Success Spotlight: Isabel Patchen
Isabel secured her internship after hearing Jon speak in her STEDY class. During her time with us, she worked on design projects, received one on one mentorship, and strengthened her portfolio for a future career in medical illustration. She later earned a scholarship to the University of Arizona and continues to pursue her dream with confidence.
“It is a very encouraging environment at Imaginary Friends. When I ask for help, Jon and the team support me and guide me. It makes me want to ask questions and get better.”
— Isabel Patchen, Intern
Growing the Pathway Forward
We are expanding our internship program to include post secondary partners. Our goal is to help more students build professional level portfolios, gain hands-on experience, and connect their education to meaningful career opportunities. We believe strong local pathways help young creators stay rooted in Yuma and help strengthen the region’s creative economy.
The Heart of Our Impact.
Every partnership listed here reflects something we value deeply. Service. Mentorship. Community pride. Creative leadership that helps people move forward with confidence.
Yuma has trusted us for more than twenty years. Giving back is our way of honoring that trust.
And if you need help strengthening your own impact, you have an Imaginary Friend for that.
Awards and Recognition.
American Advertising Awards
National recognition for creative excellence
The American Advertising Awards, better known as the ADDYs, are one of the largest and most respected creative competitions in the country. Thousands of agencies, studios, and marketing teams compete at the local, district, and national levels. Only a fraction rise to the top.
For a rural studio, these wins meant something powerful. They proved that strong ideas and intentional design do not depend on geography. They depend on purpose. Imaginary Friends design studios is proud to be the only firm in our region to earn a Gold ADDY and advance to district judging.
These honors highlight the same values we still hold today: clarity, creativity, and storytelling that moves people.
Gold ADDY: Advertising Industry Self-Promotion (2008)
This award celebrated an early version of the Imaginary Friends website, a bold and clever showcase of who we were becoming. The layout, visuals, and experience were distinct for the time and helped position us as a creative force with something meaningful to say.
The project advanced to the District 15 finals and solidified our standing as the region’s only Gold ADDY award winner. It was a defining moment that confirmed we were on the right path.
Silver ADDY: Stationery Flat Packaging (2007)
This recognition honored a high energy stationery system created for a motorsport customization shop. The business card, letterhead, and envelope were designed with a bold, forward thinking style that ended up trending years later.
It was a reminder that every touchpoint, even the smallest one, deserves intention and excellence. The work still reflects our belief that design should work hard no matter the size of the canvas.
Bronze ADDY: Sales Kit (2007)
This sales piece was built from a simple idea: take a parable and turn it into a clear, accessible story that helps people make better decisions under stress. Created for a mortgage company, the material became a trusted companion for clients navigating homeownership.
The award confirmed something we have believed from the beginning. Story driven design can calm nerves, explain value, and move people toward smart choices.
These Awards Mark the Start, Not the Finish
They remind us that great design can come from anywhere, that purpose beats polish, and that showing up for your clients with clarity and consistency will always set you apart.
We are proud of where we started and even more excited about where we are going next.
Arizona Business Angel Award Nominee (October 2020) Collaboration of the Year
This nomination honored the partnership between Imaginary Friends design studios and the Arizona Community Foundation Yuma office during the #YumaStrong campaign.
The Arizona Business Angel Awards recognize collaborations that lift communities, and this nod highlighted how creativity and generosity can steady people during difficult times. It reflected our belief that design and strategy can help communities rebuild, reconnect, and regain momentum when they need it most.
Yuma County Chamber of Commerce: Member of the Month (July 2020)
During the uncertainty of the early pandemic, we partnered with the Arizona Community Foundation Yuma office to launch the #YumaStrong campaign. Together we supported local businesses, nonprofits, and families by creating resources, sharing information, and reinforcing the message that our community was not facing this alone.
The Chamber recognized that effort by naming us Member of the Month. It was a reminder that creativity is at its best when it serves people.
Heart of Yuma Nominee: Outstanding Leader
The Heart of Yuma Awards celebrate individuals who lift their community through dedication, compassion, and service. This nomination reflected both the work we contributed during the pandemic and our ongoing support of local organizations, small businesses, and community programs.
It remains one of the most meaningful recognitions we have received because it speaks not only to professional accomplishment but to showing up when people need steady leadership and real support.
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