project 3: resume and cover letter project

Here is a list of the Resume Action Verbs from a reliable source, Boston College.

identity project

It is still in progress, I have many problems yet to solve. The concept is heading in the right direction.

Branding link

An interactive tool with concise definitions of branding terms.elements of branding

Project 2 - identity design

I'm excited to have the opportunity to be able to design my logo, letterhead, and resume as a class assignment.
Here is a link to LogoLounge which is a visual resource for logo designs and it monitors and analyzes trends.

Video response to "Death to the 50"

As promised, a clever send up by some folks at Integer.

"Death to the Fifty" - Insight and Observations

This is solely my assessment based on my phone interview with NDAC board member Matt Ingwalson.

Purpose: Create an attention getting reminder for NDAC members and other Denver creatives to submit their ingenious ideas for consideration into the annual NDAC "The Denver 50" showcase. Generate "buzz" and alert the intended audience about the event.

Initial concept & approach: Matt(senior copywriter at Karsh\Hagan) and Norm Shearer (Creative Director at Cactus) came up with the original campy script and concept of "offing" the previous year's Denver 50 recipients to make way for the new "blood."
Other considered concepts were more straightforward in their method of presenting the annual show.

Dilemmas & decisions: A small budget and availability of time the team could devote to the project were concerns. Participation was on a volunteer basis and the contributors had to complete the project while dealing with their "normal" workload and deadlines.
Upon consideration of the original script which was set outdoors, the team members from Citizen Pictures suggested the animated cinematic visuals a la "Sin City."
This enabled the live video shooting to take place at Citizen Picture's green screen studio. The subsequent editing and creation of motion graphics remained at CP, an advantageous solution to time and budget constraints.

Distribution: The completed video was shared via web placement on YouTube, the NDAC site, and various design focused blogs including The Denver Egotist. Call for entry emails were sent to members and agencies.

Success: The project definitely fulfilled its mission. It drew attention to the upcoming Denver 50 show. It gained reponses via entries submitted for consideration. It spurred discussions on several blogs about the concept and quality of the video itself as well as additional debate regarding the purpose and value of advertising competitions and showcases. It generated a tongue-in-cheek video response from some creative folks at the Integer Group (under a separate post).

Opinion: Those who don't step up to the bar and contribute do not have the right to criticize, except perhaps in jest, the work done gratis in the service of a community which promotes professional excellence.

Death to the 50 video

Project One - Case Study of Pro Bono Work for New Denver Ad Club

The first class project requires some research and a bit of cold calling. The task is to post a case study of a pro bono design project. I have chosen a video promo entitled "Death to the 50" which was created for the New Denver Ad Club's annual Denver 50 show. The original concept was conceived by NDAC board member and Karsh\Hagan Senior Copywriter Matt Ingwalson and Cactus Creative Director Norm Shearer. The Frank Miller inspired animation and video production was the skillful work of Citizen Pictures. Their site features not one, but five reels of cream of the crop work in a variety of categories. Talent in the spot included 2007 Denver 50 notable Integer Creative EVP Alan Koenke and a cameo appearance by KWGN newscaster Tom Green. Check out the video and info about the NDAC and the Denver 50 on NDAC's site.
More to follow, but let me express thanks to Matt Ingwalson for taking time out to fill me in on the NDAC and the promo. Please visit Matt's blog as well as Integer Group's observations on shopping culture and branding.

Inspiring Motion Work

With anticipation and glee, I check out Motionographer
daily for fresh, high quality work. A current favorite of mine is work from the Austrian firm Eat My Dear Their 2008 reel is chock full of 3D wonders. But my favorite pieces are their spots for Swarovski. Lovely beyond description.