Down East is a one-stop shop for custom publishing solutions. We have top-tier storytellers, photographers, and designers on staff as our creative team, and with over 70 years of experience in publishing, we can lend you our expertise along with a printer on contract, established distribution channels, audience extensions, and warehouse storage space. Let us use our talents and resources to help tell your story.
Meet the Team
Lawrence Hollins
Associate Publisher
Lawrence has worked in sales and marketing for over 20 years, and believes that successful client relationships start with a foundation of trust. He started working at Down East in 2007, and assumed the role of associate publisher in 2018. Lawrence trusts the Brand Studio team to execute a product beyond client expectations, but remains involved and available throughout all projects, for any additional or unexpected needs.
Bridget M. Burns
Branded Content Editor
Bridget is a lifelong storyteller with over 15 years of professional experience writing and developing content for media. She holds a BFA in creative writing, and joined Down East in 2022 after freelancing with the magazine since 2018. Bridget’s favorite part of writing is learning new things. She enjoys working with clients across all industries, and prides herself on presenting their stories in a way that engages current customers and helps reach new audiences.
Dave Waddell
Brand Photographer
Dave’s passion for photography began in his 9th-grade photo class, and eventually inspired a 15-year freelance career. He joined Down East in 2022 and has since traveled the state capturing breathtaking wild landscapes, gorgeous restaurant plates, idyllic Main Street scenes, and environmental portraits of people at work and at play. Dave is talented at taking inspiration from Bridget’s stories and bringing them to life with high-quality, emotion-evoking images.
Chad Hughes
Multimedia Manager
Chad started working at Down East in the mid-’90s, and after spending a few years away, is back to calling the midcoast home. Chad holds a BFA in Studio Art and an MFA in Graphic Design, and has a unique talent for turning Bridget’s words and Dave’s photos into a cohesively designed piece. His eye for image selection, typography, and layouts guarantees clients a polished final product that accurately represents their brand.
Support Staff
Abby Solloway-Hilt
Digital Editor
Mike O’Leary
Art Director
Sally Cameron
Project Coordinator
We know how to capture readers’ attention. We’ve been doing it since 1954. Because more than half of Down East subscribers live out-of-state, we can give you the opportunity to reach well beyond the well-trodden, local marketing circles to reach potential clients who love Maine brands.
Custom Publication Solutions
The Down East Brand Studio will work with the client to create a custom publication to reflect their brand and help meet goals around exposure and engagement. From initial brainstorms to final designed proofs, our team will join the client for regular check-ins, allowing for input and approvals every step of the way. Down East’s contracted printer and warehouse storage space are also available to clients.
“The quality of the product is incredible. Customers and employees alike have given the magazine extremely positive reviews, and the team is an absolute pleasure to work with. For anyone considering creating a custom magazine, I highly recommend them.”
Lynn Campbell, Director of Marketing, Advertising & CRM at VIP Tires & Service
We write it. We design it. You approve it.
Paid Content
Our branded content editor will collaborate with the client to identify a story that will resonate with Down East readers. The Brand Studio team then writes and designs the story as it will appear in the magazine, with the client giving final approval on all text and visuals. The process includes up to three interviews, a 30-minute photo shoot in up to two settings, and two rounds of proofs. Down East follows the American Society of Magazine Editors guidelines for transparency in paid content, ensuring a credible and quality product.
How a Financial Planner Can Help You Meet Short-Term and Long-Time Goals
How to Care for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease — and Care For Yourself Too
Down East‘s 6th Annual Cutest Pets Photo Contest Winners
The Barn Yard Is Raising Customized Post and Beam Barns
Home Remedies Inspires Living Areas That Are Lasting and Loved
Mount Desert Island Is Home to Maine’s First Electric School Bus
“When we thought about how to share the story of Wyman’s nearly 150-year history in Maine, and the remarkable and unique story of wild blueberries, we wanted to do so through channels where we had the ability to reach an interested audience who would appreciate the richness of the content. Down East understood the assignment immediately and in quick turn delivered what we needed. We continue to hear from people who’ve read about us in their pages as a true testament to the value of this partnership.”
Colleen Craig, Senior Communications Manager at Wyman’s
Paid Social Posts
Share up to 9 photos with our 120,000 Facebook followers and/or 135,000 Instagram followers through posts and stories.
Photography
“Connecting with and relating to your subjects, whoever/whatever/wherever they may be, in a way that draws them out and communicates something to your viewer and makes them feel something and want to know more” is at the heart of Dave’s approach to photography.
More Options
Partner Emails
Abby will use your photos (up to 8), text, and links to create engaging emails sent to our partner email list.
Infographics
Engage your audience with visually compelling guides and infographics made by Chad for print and/or digital use.
Ask the Expert
Work with Bridget to showcase the strengths of your team members to readers in a question-and-answer style.
Get in Touch
