Posts for May 13 2009

Portfolio Do's and Don't's - #1

Posted on 05/13/09 08:24 PM

Don't: A metal case weighing 40-50 lbs.

At the start of my career, I picked up an oversized extremely heavy metal portfolio case and carried it down the hallway to the office of my Creative Director.  The next day, I literally couldn't move.  I'd thrown my back out picking up a book.  Thanks Mr. Famous Photographer.

DO: A soft case

They come in all kinds of colors and sizes.

New York- Hudson River Art

Posted on 05/13/09 05:56 PM

Street Art is great, but what about River Art?  

Although part of me is curious, another part of me doesn't want to know who created the driftwood and rope sculptures on the Hudson River in Manhattan.  

I admit that this morning, I did stop and pose the question to the local fishermen perched on their rocks on the river. They just responded that it is a mystery and has been going on for the last 9 months.  Can't wait to see the next one!

One Show UnConference

Posted on 05/13/09 04:43 PM

Last week I headed down to my storage space...I mean to La Venue to attend the One Show Unconference.  I was curious for more than one reason.  

The space:  I'd always wondered what kind of businesses inhabited this old Chelsea storage warehouse.

The Unconference: what in the world is that?  

The take away:  What would I learn.     

The Space had an industrial open feel to it. Brick walls dark wood floors.   Opened up to a central hallway where other businesses had offices.  Imagine if you ripped out all the storage lockers, sanded the floors and painted the walls in Chelsea Mini Storage, that's the space...clean and industrial.

The Unconference was set up to address two topics: Independent Agency Forum and Digital Advertising. At the beginning of the day and throughout the day, participants could post breakout session topics that they would moderate.  There was plenty of dialogue and a wide cross section of Creatives from all over the country.  

Here's what I learned: 1) everyone is struggling to figure out new models of working.  2) Small agencies need to figure out how to effectively partner up with other small agencies.  3) social interactive media is turning traditional media buys on their heads.  4) Digital shops  need to decide if they are an agency or a vendor to agencies.  5)  The #2 spot of Print (after TV)  in media buys has slipped and may eventually become the least important of all media buys.

I ended the day feeling that It was nice to be in a room where everyone was positively contemplating the future of advertising and marketing, sharing relevant information and embracing change with new models of business.