ECENTRICARTS

ECENTRICARTS

www.ecentricarts.com

engaging. enriching. enlightening.

EcentricArts is primarily a digital site creating interactive websites that engage the user.

They are a small shop compared to some of the big fish companies in the city, but have made a great name for themselves! Their work is outstanding.

Their work includes brand names such asL Kids Help Phone, OSLER, Bennett Jones, the National Ballet School of Canada, and munkdebate.com.

In House:

• 3 owners

• 4 project managers

• 3 designers

• 2 "oddies" - float between design and coding

• 5/6 front end development

• 6/7 back end development

They work in an open concept environment like most shops do in the industry.

The presentation and discussion is finished off with a few pointers for getting an interview and when you get it.

1. Personality! You're work will get you the interview, your personality will get you the job.

2. Oral Communication! When in an interview, use appropriate language and speak clearly. (You laugh, but they have had someone interview while being intoxicated).

3. Spelling! It's all in your attention to the details.

And, keep up with the ever-changing technology and industry ways, accessibility standards and website standards.

Triple Feature: Sapient, The Divinkey Group&Aeroplan, and Maclaren McCann

Since this is a triple feature, Let's make it short and sweet.

SAPIENT: http://www.sapient.com/en-ca/

A lovely trio to sit and have a chat with. An informal presentation with some demo reels and work shown. Great advice was given to all in the class. There seems to be a consensus when it come to words of wisdom from those who visit us in the depths of Sheridan College.

  I seemed to have misplaced my notes on this guest lecture, but I remember that I made good note of adding Sapient to my list of potential employers I would like to work for. The ambition is great.

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THE DIVINKSY GROUP & AEROPLAN

http://www.divinskygroup.com/

http://www2.aeroplan.com/home.do

 Alden Hadwen(left)

Manager of Corporate Social Responsibilty 

at Aeroplan and 

Pamela Divinsky

Founder of The Divinksy Group

Pamela did a wonderful lecture on the topic of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). She covered what it is and how it worked. Shr also provided us with some current examples. Without going into detail here, Pamela talked to us about who is doing it, why they are doing it, and how are they doing it. She was very thorough in her explanations and did a fantastic job and opening up our minds and thinking about how we, ourselves, could get involved.

"EVERY THOUGHTFUL MAN MUST CONCIEVE THAT THE PURPOSE OF INDUSTRY

is the quite as much the advancemets of social well being as the product of wealth." – John D. Rockefeller, 1923

Alden based her presentation on the CSR of Aeroplan and what they are doing to become more social with the community. She opened up with this inspiring video: http://vimeo.com/16492535

Based on this video, this action by Aeroplan, Alden went further into detail about how this idea came about and how it was made possible. This is only one of the amazing things that Aeroplan is doing, they just need to get the word out more so more and more people can get involved.

An inspiring duo, Pamela and Alden– I'm glad I got the chance to be a part of it.

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John Alabaszowski

Group Creative Director at MacLAREN McCann MRM

http://www.maclaren.com/ 

http://twitter.com/#!/johnala

John has been with MacLaren McCann for about 6 years now and has really enjoyed his time there. McLaren McCann is the biggest canadian ad agency in Canada, employing around 4-5 hundred people in Canada, 11 people in Vancouver and about 30-40 people in Calgary. It has begun to merge into one crazy department, John says. Meaning that all sections of the industry have been merging inside the building and creating a really nice and unique environment to both work and learn in. Some major clients of MM are: GM, Nestle, and RBC.

"DIGITAL IS A DELIVERY FORM, IT IS NO LONGER JUST THE DEVICE YOU VIEW SOMETHING ON– rather, it's about the experience you get from what you are viewing."

John began his presentation by telling us a little about him and the company and then showed us some "cool sh*t". Demo reels from client work for GM, Camp Oochigeas, and the alternate reality game marketing for Halo ODST Bootcamp. It really was, "some cool sh*t".

"THE TRICK IS ENGAGING PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE–

not where you want them to be."

 

Lastly, he let us in on some good advice when it comes to us having "some cool sh*t". He provided us with some tips on what to bring to the table when you are offered an interview.

• always. always. always. BRING SOMETHING TO LOOK AT.

Whether this be your laptop to view your work on, or a physical portfolio, always make sure you bring something to show the person interviewing you.

• we WILL google you– you are being watched.

• no drinking before the interview! (This actually happened before).

• be organized! Have your portfolio pieces in order.

• be able to answer the most random questions.

What's you favourite website? Your favourite ad campaign in the last 6 months?

• constantly be learning and looking wherever you are.

"TOGETHER WE ARE GENIUS"

NEW ART PIECE! & a logo!

just finished this portrait of my old college roomie - Ashly! (finally!)

However, I still think it needs some work. :/

reference photo:

medium
: graphite.

date completed : 25/11/10




AND a logo design for Beauty In Motion by Karen Smith
http://www.karensmithbeautyinmotion.com/

CREATIVE NICHE : resource workshop.

C R E A T I V E   N I C H E
http://www.creativeniche.ca/index.cfm

Presentation by : 

Stephen Hodges, President (left)

Adele Wootton, Account Director (right)

S T E P H E N :

• 20+ years industry experience

• Joining Creative Niche in 2006

• Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto

A D E L E :

• 20+ years industry experience 

• various job roles completed

• 10 year recruiter

C U R R E N T   S T A T S :

on the uprising :

• digital • interactive • web • rich media • mobile • social networking

wages :

• junior designer - 40 - 55/yr

• senior designer - 57 - 75/yr

some examples of available jobs :

(obvious)

• production • designer • art director

(less obvious)

• studio manager • production manager

(not so obvious)

• SEG / SEM • U/X • Online Community Management

W O R K :

environments :

• advertising agencies • design firms/studios • in house  • client side • independent • freelance • freelancing through recruitment agencies

finding it :

• general job search websites/publications • industry related publications • social networking • professional member associations • potential employer websites • recruitment agencies

R E S E A R C H :

• identify a list of employers • research market trends • consider your needs and goals • carefully read job descriptions of your desired positions

R E S U M E :

who are you?

• name, contact info(not your address), title

what job are you applying for?

• your objective

what can you do?

• highlight your skills and abilities

what have you accomplished?

• list your achievements

with whom have you worked?

• mention brands/clients/accounts/etc...

format and design :

• determine layout/structure/content

• visually pleasing and easy to read

• 8.5" x 11"

• two versions available - .doc and .pdf

• number of pages depends on your experience/relative content

• avoid blocks of colour

• skilled based vs. chronological resume

edit and proofread :

• review, proofread, spellcheck!

• ensure grammatical phrasing is consistent - same tense used

• check design and layout is appropriate for the role and company

• save various copies and track where you have sent them

A D V I C E :

• keep it up to date and ready

• stay informed and anticipate industry changes

• grow your personal network

• update technical skills and knowledge

• built a great personal brand

• continue to participate in portfolio reviews

• make sure your work is commercial!

Officially A Freelance Graphic Designer

Today's post is a very special post. Today was the completion of my first paid client job. AND DAMN DOES IT FEEL GOOD!

C L I E N T :

Adam Kerr of Adam Kerr Photography

website: www.adamkerrphoto.ca

J O B :

Create Adam a Logo design for his Photography Company.

( I also threw in a surprise Business Card redesign for him as well).

T H E   C O L L A B O R A T I O N :

• Lots of communication.

• Constant open minds.

• Honest reactions and opinions.

This was an excellent experience as my first paid freelance job and I am really happy that it went so well. Adam took my suggestions with heart and put the time and effort into thinking about what he was really going for. Although unsure of how to say it sometimes, everything worked out absolutely awesome. I am really glad to say that Adam was impressed with what I came up with and couldn't be happier with his new Logo. Personally, I can't wait to see it on some of his photos so I can feel like a shy schoolgirl, point, and say "I DID THAT!" with a huge smile on my face.

T H E   R E S U L T :

Let's be honest, this is really what you came to see.

All in all, I think it turned out really well.

The client got what he wanted. And I got to excercise my typography skills.

Adam and I have also been tossing around the idea of doing a shoot together— which I am really excited about adding to my portfolio and helping him out as well. This is the beginning of a wonderful professional relationship. Yay Networking!

Nails, Tarsier, Hand Dancing, P!XY, and a little something to sooth the soul.

These are some of my interesting discoveries this week.

P ! X Y :

Dare I say it? The most inspirational shoes I have seen to date! These shoes are all HAND DRAWN on and therefore are one of a kind! As soon as I seen these creative heels they were an instant MUST HAVE in my closet! My favourites are Paparazzi (left), Bachi (bottom right), and Tula (bottom left). They are a little pricy, but given what you are getting in return, they're well worth the buck!

Please visit http://www.pixyshoes.ca/ for a more inside look!


N A I L S :

While browsing facebook, I found this image. I continued to go through this girls' album on nail design, I noticed the logo on some of the photos, which lead me to Yukiumi— a nail design site where all the nails are hand crafted with different little objects. I must say, they are very creative and if I actually thought I could wear them and get away with it... I would definitely buy them. However, they are not practical for what I do in my day-to-day life. They would be perfect for modeling shots though.


T A R S I E R :
Also during facebook surfing, one of my friends posted this link:
http://purpleslinky.com/humor/animal/3-weird-looking-animals

I found the Tarsier quite the interesting little creature. The site states that "each eyeball is approximately 16mm in diameter and is as large as their entire brain.".

I found this especially interesting because I have gauged—stretched— ears that are 5/8" (16mm). Which is the same size as little guys' eyeball diameter and his brain.

H A N D   D A N C I N G :
Now on a more entertaining note, something fun you can do with your hands!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iANRO3I30nM
and if you liked that one, check this one out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC3Iwiwy88g

A   L I T T L E   S O M E T H I N G   T O   S O O T H   T H E   S O U L :
yann tiersen - comptine d'un autre été
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyCRJmerW1Q&a=GxdCwVVULXd5B4KQKreW9zbZNQa8hZut&list=ML&playnext=2

Clinical Assistance Please.

On Friday October 22/ 2010, a lady by the name of Nichole came for a visit to the Web Design program of Sheridan College. Her visit was to inform us about some of the most common injuries that people in our career field deal with. She also showed us how we can stretch these problem areas in order to help us decrease our chances of developing them.

M O S T   C O M M O N   I N J U R I E S :

• eye strain - a result of sitting too close or too far from the computer screen or bad lighting.

• carpel tunnel - a result of constant wrist and finger use at an un-ergonomic level.

• thoratic outlet - a result of bad posture; hunched back.

• sciatic nerve irritation - also a result of bad posture and sitting for long periods of time.

E R G O N O M I C S   C A N A D A :

http://www.ergonomicscanada.com/

These are some helpful tips on how to set up an ergonomically correct workspace.

• your neck should comfortably rest 18 inches away from the computer screen.

• the arm rests of your computer chair should let your arm rest at a complete ninety degree (90º) angle and your arms should not extend out anymore than ten (10) inches.

• your keyboard should be the same height as your elbows.

• your hands should be inline with your forearm and comfortably rest straight.

• when sitting, your thighs should be at a complete ninety degree (90º) angle in connection with your hips and your feet should rest comfortably flat on the floor with your knees slightly apart from eachother.

• when using the mouse or keyboard, your wrists should not exceed more or less than ten degrees (10º) in an upward or downward angle.

• when buying a computer chair, it is very important to purchase one that has everything adjustable; back, height, arm rests, tilt, etc...

• if you have an adjustable document holder for your computer, make sure that it is four to eight (4-8) inches lower than your eye level when looking straight in front of you.

This information and more can me found on the Ergonomics Canada website.

S T R E T C H I N G :

 

• stretch for five to ten (5-10) minutes every hour.

• get a massage once a month.

• for eye strain : look away from the screen; focus on something far away rather than close up.

• for carpel tunnel : see photo 1 below.

• for thoratic outlet : see photo 2 below.

• for sciatic nerve irritation : see photo 3 below.

You can find helpful stretches online, through books, or at local shops where you can personally inquire.