IN THE BEGINNING

Pictures & Words Marketing Group began in 2019 as the vehicle for James Schay (Pictures) & Kevin Rex (Words) to bring powerful creative collaborations to life using their more than 25 years of combined professional experience in marketing, copywriting, graphic design, and more. Previously, both had worked as freelancers after having spent years working for traditionally-structured corporate organizations, but in late 2018 they both abandoned their solo work to go back to full-time employment at a natural products manufacturer in Southern Oregon. Kevin was hired to create and grow the marketing department while building and implementing the company’s first professionally-built digital marketing campaigns, social media strategies, and eCommerce website. Shortly thereafter, he worked to hire James Schay in the hopes of adding a talented graphic designer to his marketing team.

Over the course of the next year, James & Kevin discovered that not only was working together a total breeze, but that their uniquely acquired skillsets complimented each other in powerful ways. Kevin had spent more than 16 years working in digital marketing, content writing, data analysis, web development, SEO, and a myriad of related platforms, technologies, and systems. For 11 of those 16 years, he worked to build and eventually hold the highest C-Level Executive title for one of the largest Google Partners in the United States. James had spent nearly a decade working for Arthrex , a pioneer in medical equipment design & manufacturing in Southern Florida, working in graphic design, layout, print, and more.

One day, while working for the natural products manufacturer, the CEO ribbed Kevin about the proposed timetable for completing an image meant to advertise a limited-time sale. “Get to work, Pictures!” Kevin quipped, “I’m not Pictures, I’m Words. He’s Pictures,” gesturing to James’ workspace. We all thought this was much funnier than it probably is, and the nicknames stuck. James makes pictures, Kevin writes words, they are Pictures & Words.

As the natural products manufacturer continued to successfully grow, Pictures & Words found their time increasingly taxed while the organization needed more and more support from their respective roles. Eventually, the essential, mutually-beneficial work/life balance was no longer being maintained in a manner that felt fair to both parties, and both James and Kevin decided to return to self-employed life, but this time with the combined strength of their complimentary skillsets and decades of experience. Pictures & Words Marketing Group was formed, and offers a wide variety of marketing and consulting services at an incredibly affordable rate.

Pictures & Words work remotely in Southern Oregon. Working primarily from home provides an environment significantly more conducive to the creative process, and substantially decreases overhead, allowing for remarkably affordable rates and flexible timelines in which to complete projects. If necessary, arrangements may be made to meet in person with clients to better collaborate on projects or meet other applicable needs. Alternatively, if distance or time require that clients collaborate from afar, Pictures & Words is available by phone, email, or video conference.