Tim Donnelly: February 2008 Archives

THIS WEEK'S POSITIONS:

1. Marketing Coordinator
2. AfterEffects/Final Cut Pro Guru
   
3. Web QA
   
4. Marketing Project Manager
   
5. Associate Brand Manager
   
6. Email Marketing Manager
   
7. Project Manager
   
8. Sr. Marketing Analyst
   
9. Account Supervisor
   
10. Information Architect
    
11. Creative Project Manager
    
12. Web Developer
    
13. Flash Developer

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Marketing Coordinator

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Experience coordinating print projects
  
• Background proofing and working with editorial requirements
  
• Experience within a corporate or marketing agency environment preferred
• Pay is $22 an hour
  

PERKS!:

• Leading non-profit

LOCATION:

• Pasadena

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: AfterEffects/Final Cut Pro Guru

TERMS: Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Hands-on experience with both Final Cut Pro AND AfterEffects
  
• Experience designing title treatments
• Prior work with corporate videos preferred
• Please respond with resume and samples
• Onsite, local candidates only - please no remote candidates
  

PERKS!:

• Great internal agency with great snacks!

LOCATION:

• Glendale

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Web QA

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Strong proofreading skills and QA for the Web
  
• 1+ years of experience
  

PERKS!:

• Hip agency with cool offices
• Great fast-paced environment
• Perfect for advancing your advertising career!
  

LOCATION:

• El Segundo
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Marketing Project Manager

TERMS: Six-Month Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 5 years of project management experience
  
• Strong production and traffic background
  
• Experience implementing marketing software
  

PERKS!:

• Well-known Fortune 100 company
• Central location
  

LOCATION:

• Downtown
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Associate Brand Manager

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 3 to 4 years of marketing experience with 1+ as a Brand Manager
  
• Experience with event management and media (including print, broadcast, and Internet) at a national level
  
• Strategic management experience
  

PERKS!:

• Well-known Fortune 100 company
  
• Central location
  

LOCATION:

• Downtown
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Email Marketing Manager

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 4 to 5 years of on-line marketing experience
• 2+ years of email marketing experience
• Must work with backend vendors

PERKS!:

• Great office
• Terrific company!
  

LOCATION:

• Westlake
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Project Manager

TERMS: Permanent (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Agency experience
  
• Excellent project management skills (including budgeting, timelines, and trafficking)
  
• Must have automotive experience!
  

PERKS!:

• Large growing agency
• An award-winning team
  

LOCATION:

• West LA
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Sr. Marketing Analyst

TERMS: Long-Term Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 4+ years of experience as an Sales Analyst
• Strong analytical background in trade marketing, entertainment, consumer, or CPG background
  
• Position is 50% marketing strategy/execution and 50% analysis

PERKS!:

• Home video department at a large entertainment studio
  

LOCATION:

• Burbank
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Account Supervisor

TERMS: Permanent (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Ability to manage a mid- to large-sized team
  
• Excellent client service skills
  
• Creative services experience at an agency desired
• Please note this position is execution only; no strategy is involved
  

PERKS!:

• Stable and growing company
• Amazing benefits!
• Working with major automotive company on-site
  

LOCATION:

• Torrance
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Information Architect

TERMS: Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 3 to 5 years of experience
  
• Prior work on large sites
• Able to produce wireframes
  
• Ability to translate client's needs to site architecture
  

PERKS!:

• Great pay
• Working on large, high profile client website
  

LOCATION:

• Santa Monica
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Creative Project Manager

TERMS: Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 2 to 5 years of experience as Print Project Manager
• Home entertainment experience
  
• Sports experience or strong interest in sports

PERKS!:

• Fun team at a growing entertainment company
  

LOCATION:

• Santa Monica
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Web Developer

TERMS: Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• HTML, DHTML, CSS, and AJAX
• Ability to integrate Flash components into a Web site
• Ability to work with wireframes, comps, and other high concept documents

PERKS!:

• Working with entertainment leader on their Internet sites

LOCATION:

• Burbank

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Flash Developer

TERMS: Permanent (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Light Flash ActionScript skills
• Hands-on skills in C++ and Java preferred
  
• Entertainment experience
• Samples required for consideration
  

PERKS!:

• Agency that works with some of the top entertainment companies in the world
  

LOCATION:

• North Hollywood
  

CONTACT AGENT

What's that feeling you get when someone tells you something like, "What are you guys doing for Leap Day?" And you say, "Nothing. Why, do people do things on Leap Day?" And they reply, "Are you kidding? Of course!"

Is it a feeling of stupidity? Ignorance?

I don't know, but I get this feeling a lot.

Maybe because my TV watching is down to 0.5 hours a week. ("Hillary Clinton is running for president?")

Regardless, Becky in our Northern Virginia office pointed out that there's a site for events around the world just for people born on Leap Day. And quite a few marketing campaigns aiming specials only to "leaplings". (Which is what those born on Leap Day are called, I guess.)

I just found out, Leap Year is the traditional time that women can propose marriage.

My grandmother was born on Leap Day, and I don't think she knew any of this stuff.

I mean, free dinner at Morton's Steakhouse. That's gotta be worth buying a fake ID down on Alvarado.

And of course, all this explains why the newsletter I got from the Los Angeles Zoo announced 2007 was the Year of the Frog.

I couldn't figure it out, since I knew the Chinese calendar said it was the Year of the Rat.

But, frog.

Leap Year.

Amphibian awareness and conservation.

Oh yeah, now I get it.

How's this for a quote of the day, from David Ogilvy, founder of Ogilvy and Mather, no less:

"I have a passion for landscape, and I have never seen one improved by a billboard. Where every prospect pleases, man is at his vilest when he erects a billboard. When I retire from Madison Avenue, I am going to start a secret society of masked vigilantes who will travel around the world on silent motor bikes, chopping down posters at the dark of the moon. How many juries will convict us when we are caught in these acts of beneficent citizenship?"

Saw this in TreeHugger.com, but The Design Observer takes the issue to a new level in this post by Rick Poyner.

Our film critic, D. Wayne Seybold is on vacation the next two weeks. Our restaurant critic, Eileen Verbena, will be penning this column is his absence.

The Cinema Review: No Country For Old Men

Upon entering OMC's Pacific West 12 Theatres for the first time, I thought I'd left the city gone straight past purgatory and right into heaven. Jasper Johns and Mark Rothko lithos under museum-grade lights were a welcome sight and helped accent a truly inspired lobby.

Housed in a brand new cinderblock building in Marina del Rey's East Side (MADRE, for those in the know), the multiplex's eclectic interior, dressed up with Asian accents and a soothing palate of neutrals, warms cinemagoers from the moment they enter.

The cashier was pleasant in a way that left us feeling we would be taken care of, even with the four inches of Plexiglas separating us. The ticket taker, however, was a little swift for my taste.

After entering the lobby, my companion and I queued up in different lines at the jammed refreshment stand.

Pacific West 12 is a cinema that takes their refreshments very seriously. They offer a wide array of indulgences ranging from buttered popcorn to hot, cinnamony churros. I found the scope of fare size offerings too confusing. What's the size difference between a "Large" and a "Jumbo" soft drink, anyway? Even the service person behind the counter was confused. We called for a sommelier, but once again, this just seemed to confound the polyester-clad girl behind the counter. Nevertheless, my companion and I ordered a la carte then quickly made our way to our seats.

Despite the pristine lobby, we found many of the seat selections to be entirely forgettable, having to change seats more than once to locate ones with working cup holders. This misstep many cinemagoers might find hard to forgive considering the price of entrance (we each paid $13.50 on a weekday).

Upon settling in, my companion and I compared notes on our food selections.

I found the Junior Mints a little soft for my palate, which is to be expected with the younger, less seasoned variety. I will let you know, however, that we both did come to appreciate the mints' understated smoky cocoa flavor, so there may be a lesson in here after all.

The giant tub of popcorn was flawless. Lightly dusted with Fleur de Sel and smothered in Echire butter (both of which I brought for the occasion), we had to stop ourselves from eating it entirely so we'd have room for the rest of our selections.

Conversely, the Gummi Bears were less than spectacular. Why the management chose to not carry Germany's celebrated Haribo Gold Bears and instead stock the cheaper (not to mention blander) Trolli brand is beyond me.

Sno Caps fanatics should find reason to celebrate, as this theatre offers the large 3.1-ounce size of Nestle's semi-sweet chocolate nonpareils for unrestrained munching in the balcony. Other nearly addictive items on the menu include sumptuously sweet Raisinets, soft yet cloyingly peppery Mike & Ikes, as well as fresh roasted peanuts tucked in rich and creamy milk chocolate (Goobers).

Unfortunately, the odd pairing of tackiness and tangy flavors found in the 6.5-ounce box of Jujubees left this columnist rushing for more of her gargantuan Diet Coke (I was glad I'd gone with the "Jumbo").

The hot pretzels also fell short of expectations. Though these old-fashioned "bretzels" looked delicious enough revolving around in their own brightly lit glass case, the first bite revealed that it was in fact a shoddy, rough-hewn version of a pretzel (as if the chef had walked away to get some coffee while the beaters overworked the dough). I expect my pretzels to be doughy marvels sated with soft pockets of butter and nothing less. My companion actually threw it on the floor and pushed it under the seats in front of us.

The theatre's bite-sized milk chocolate-covered caramels (called Milk Duds) also barely passed muster.

Providentially, the caramel confection called Sugar Babies were bite-sized, pan-coated chewy pieces of bliss. Packing big, bold flavors into smallish morsels, we would have ordered seconds if we were not so staggeringly full from everything else. Complimented with a nice bottle of Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay ('99), you might as well skip the rest of the meal.

Speaking of which, Pacific West Theatres has no corkage fee as long as you are discreet when bringing in your bottle. Just remember to bring your own corkscrew and Lucite glasses.

Sadly, we were only halfway finished with our caramelized Sugar Babies when the lights suddenly went off, leaving everyone in the dark. It was then I realized I would have to sit through two hours of "strong, graphic violence", which I was not particularly in the mood to see.

We quickly gathered our belongings and made it to the exits while the THX trailer threatened to deafen us.

It was a heartbreaking end to an otherwise delightful outing. Luckily for us, Bergamots, a newish French bistro, was just around the corner and provided a nice respite for two weary cinemagoers.

Overall, OMC Pacific West 12 Theatres is a diamond in the rough, earning high marks with service but hitting and missing on much of their cuisine. At times it seems that they have more enthusiasm than good sense when it comes to their menu.

Where: OMC Pacific West 12 Theatres

Best Seat in the House: Middle row, center

Recommended: Sugar Babies, Sno Caps, Colossal Tub of Popcorn (be sure to bring your own Fleur de Sel, Echire butter, Chardonnay, and Lucite wine glasses)

Validated two hour parking

IN THIS ISSUE:

Hot Talent

Featured Talent This Week

That Bit at the End - "No Country for Restaurant Critics"

Subscribe | Unsubscribe Information

__________________________________________________

HOT TALENT

Is it illegal for adults to throw toy paratroopers from their office's 5th floor balcony?

Or just ill advised?

We've been asking ourselves that all day long.

If anybody reading is an attorney, please contact us before 5pm today (which is when Operation Teensy Weensy Paratrooper is set to deploy).

If you are not a lawyer, then perhaps you'd like to find out more about our excellent Aquent Talent in the newsletter that follows.

No strings attached (you knew that was coming, right?)

Follow the links for profiles, samples, and resumes!

Geronimo!

__________________________________________________

FEATURED TALENT THIS WEEK

Jeff S. - Web Design
Bhavani R. - Sr. Web Producer
Paul C. - Art Director | Graphic Designer
Judy B. - Production | Design
Rebekah G. - Senior Project Manager
John F. - On-Line Marketing Manager
__________________________________________________

Jeff S.
Web Design

A phenomenal Web Designer, Jeff comes to us after 6 years at CBS Interactive, where he handled concept to design of high-profile sites including Survivor, CSI (NY, Miami, Vegas), The Late Show with David Letterman, Top Model, and many more.

His far-reaching experience includes Web and Flash banner design, Information Architecture, and print design including identity/brand development, advertising, logos, banner, and typography for agencies including True Interactive, Pittard Sullivan, and Xceed.

Jeff's immediately available for both off-site work and on-site freelance work.

But for how long?

Well, that we just can't say.

See his on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.
__________________________________________________

Bhavani R.
Sr. Web Producer

And the winner is...!

YOU!

Well, after you bring Bhavani on board.

A truly awesome Sr. Web Producer, she was most recently responsible for ReelzChannel's Awards Watch micro site, which hosted bios, video clips, and anything else concerning the major movie award shows like the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild awards.

At ABC's SOAPnet, she produced on-line clips, content and original programming for SOAPnet, ABC Daytime, and SOAPnetic. She helped increase traffic and click thrus to the site by creating innovative interactive tools like a "Path to Divadom" on-line game and Soap-themed horoscopes.

Bhavani is an expert on securing content for sites; working with/managing creative teams and Programmers on UI and UX; developing and writing content; and working with clients to understand their business needs and help increase traffic to the sites.

There's only one catch:

Bhavani must to be present for you to win.

So call us now, before she disappears!

See her on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance & Permanent
__________________________________________________

Paul C.
Art Director | Graphic Designer

Paul's professional career spans over 9 years in the Toy and Gift industry creating and managing every step of brand identity including artwork, packaging, advertisements, catalogs, photography, Web site design, and design management.

As a Senior Graphic Designer at Imperial Toy, he redesigned all packaging & brand identity for over 100 different toy lines including Miracle Bubbles, Legends of the West, Fairy Wishes, and X!Pressions and art directed licensed properties for Disney, Nickelodeon, and Universal Studios brands.

As an Art Director at EJ Enterprises, he was responsible for designing, developing, and managing all packaging and collateral for a proprietary line of toys geared toward the Hispanic Market.

Able to work seamlessly with teams both locally and in Hong Kong and bilingual in English and Spanish, he's a worldly Aquent Talent bound to make your company's dreams come true!

See his on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance & Permanent
__________________________________________________

Judy B.
Production | Design

Top Gun!

Judy's production skills are, in a word, superb.

Earning top scores on both our rigorous Quark and InDesign assessments, she has over 15 years of hands-on experience and can thrive under any kind of deadlines, whether normal rush or "I needed it last week".

She's managed freelanced staff, designed and produced editorial layouts and information graphics, performed photo retouching and color correction for print and Web, and much more for the likes of Daily and Weekly Variety, Conde Nast Publications, and UCLA.

Did we say she's comfortable on Mac or PC?

Probably should.

Open to location, excellent attitude, and amazing skills.

What else could you wish for?

See her on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance & Permanent
__________________________________________________

Rebekah G.
Senior Project Manager

Master the chaos.

A seasoned pro, Rebekah has an acute understanding of how to manage time-sensitive materials speedily without compromising creativity.

Just ask Ogilvy & Mather, Cisco, Mattel, Kraft, ARCO, and Pharmavite.

Rebekah can handle direct project management of print advertising for all media, including newspaper, magazine, direct mail, on-line banners, and tradeshows. She's also able establish truly inspired production procedures to realize maximum scheduling efficiency and hit budget goals.

If your creative is out of control, stop the madness and call us about Rebekah!

See her on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance & Permanent
__________________________________________________

John F.
On-Line Marketing Manager

Most recently Associate Merchandising Manager at DisneyShopping.com, John has 5 years of Marketing experience in both print and Web, plus great project management skills.

At DisneyShopping John executed 15 to 30 product launches a month, working with licensees to acquire new products, executing creative briefs, and managing multi-million dollar budgets. He was instrumental in integrating the Baby Einstein Online businesses into the team, then helping the Einstein line exceed sales and profitability goals.

John has both B2B and B2C marketing experience, has an excellent understanding of the uniqueness of on-line customers (indeed, he helped exceed an on-line sales plan by over 15%), and absolutely loves what he does!

We're sure you'll love him, too!

See his on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Permanent

Not a huge fan of American Idol, but this kid looks like he's got a shot, right?

They're good when they're fresh.

They're better when they're stale.

And they're best when laid on in dioramas like the Assassination of Julius Caesar and the last scene from Reservoir Dogs.

Which is why the Washington Post held their first ever Peeps Diorama Contest.

(This is a Safe For Work Site.)

Who says there's no good soft news out there?

 

(Thanks to Ryan T. for the pass along!) 

    

Or recycling, rather.

In the mid 90's, when my brother came back to the States after having lived in England a few years, he commented, "What the heck happened? I go away and now everyone's separating everything. Aluminum over here. Glass over there. What's going on with you people?!"

Apparently the Recycling Revolution had happened while he was abroad.

Which is funny to me, because I have no idea, exactly, when we all started separating our recyclables. Maybe it's like that Woody Allen story where everyone in the world wakes up one morning to discover they work at a dry cleaner's.

Either way, I'll happily separate my glass from my paper from my aluminum if it means not contributing to  a Texas-sized plastic island floating somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. (My brother, by the way, did eventually come around.)

On the good news front, you can now dump more stuff than ever into your recycle bin in the City of Los Angeles. Like:

All Clean Styrofoam® (Cups, containers, and packaging such as Styrofoam egg shell cartons, Styrofoam block packaging, and Styrofoam clamshell packaging)

All Plastic Bags and All Film Bags (Grocery bags and dry cleaner bags, and all clean film plastic)

All Clean Plastics 1 Through 7 (The little number in the triangle on the cup, bag, etc.)

All Aluminum, Tin, Metal, and Bi-Metal Cans (Rinsed if possible, soda, juice, soup, vegetables, and pet food cans; pie tins; clean aluminum foils; empty paint and aerosol cans with plastic caps removed, and wire hangers)

All Clean Dry Paper (All unwanted mail, flyers, telephone books, note cards, newspaper, blueprints, magazines, file folders, paper bags, Post-it notes, catalogs; and all envelopes including those with windows)

All Cardboard Boxes and Chipboard  (Cereal, tissue, dry food, frozen food, shoe, and detergent boxes; paper and toilet rolls; and corrugated boxes)

The whole list is here on their site. 

See, aren't you excited too?

(Man, I need to start getting out on weekends...)

 

(Picture of unproofed sign courtesy of Steve Jenkins by way of Creative Commons.)

THIS WEEK'S POSITIONS:

1. Flash Developer
2. Market Research Coordinator
3. Promotions Marketing Associate
4. Flash Developer
5. Web Copy Editor
6. Copywriter
7. Data Analyst
8. Retail Marketing Manager
9. HTML Coder
10. Creative Services Manager
11. Flash Developer
12. Interactive Designer
    

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Flash Developer

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 2+ years as a Flash Developer working on major projects
• Expert knowledge of ActionScript 2.0 (3.0 a plus)
• Strong working knowledge HTML, JavaScript, and XML

PERKS!:

• One of the top design agencies in LA
• Lots of Entertainment clients

LOCATION:

• Hollywood
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Market Research Coordinator

TERMS: Long-Term Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Background in project management and coordination for market research
• 1 to 2 years of market research experience
• SPSS knowledge preferred

PERKS!:

• Leading non-profit
  

LOCATION:

• Pasadena
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Promotions Marketing Associate

TERMS: Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Associate Marketing Manager with promotions and tie-in experience
• Experience managing the execution of promotions materials
• Consumer packaged goods experience required 
  

PERKS!:

• Great team
• Global brand
  

LOCATION:

• Glendale
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Flash Developer

TERMS: Six-Week Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 1+ years of experience
  
• Hands-on ActionScripting experience
  
• Experience working with teams on large site(s)

PERKS!:

• Large, very visible entertainment site
• Great opportunity for your book!
  

LOCATION:

• Burbank
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Web Copy Editor

TERMS: Long-Term Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 3 to 5 years of copyediting experience
• 1 to 2 years of Web copyediting experience
• Experience editing for content, voice, and tone
• Financial experience a plus
  

PERKS!:

• Working with a great team on one of their major sites
  
• Voted one of the Best Places to Work in LA 
  

LOCATION:

• Downtown 
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Copywriter

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 6+ years of experience
• Prior work with both on-line and print marketing for B2B
  
• Ability to work from concept to final proof
• Must supply samples or URL of samples for consideration

PERKS!:

• Working for most successful branch of the company
• Dynamic, fun team

LOCATION:

• Westlake
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Data Analyst

TERMS: Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Experience with consumer transactional databases, email marketing and/or Website clickstream experience
• Thorough understanding of SQL, data modeling, and relational database concepts
• Hands-on experience with Oracle, SQL Server, and/or MySQL databases
  

PERKS!:

• Leading non-profit
  

LOCATION:

• Pasadena
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Retail Marketing Manager

TERMS: Permanent (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 5+ years of experience
  
• Previous mall marketing and promotions experience
• Retail marketing campaign experience a must!
• Ability to speak to Gen X and Gen Y audiences
  

PERKS!:

• Cool, fun global brand
• Work 2 seconds from the beach!
  

LOCATION:

• South Bay
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: HTML Coder

TERMS: Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Hands-on skills in DHTML and CSS
• Pure coding only (no WYSIWYG)
• Must supply your own laptop
  

PERKS!:

• Great large site experience
• Great for your book!
  

LOCATION:

• Glendale
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Creative Services Manager

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 5+ years of experience
• Must have Home Video/Theatrical experience
• Able to manage the creative design process
• Understanding of packaged goods and the print process

PERKS!:

• Huge entertainment studio
  

LOCATION:

• Hollywood
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Flash Developer

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 3+ years of experience in Flash development
• Knowledge of Flex a must!
• Hands-on knowledge of XML, CSS, HTML, and AS2
  
• Experience with Flash video and audio
  

PERKS!:

• Cutting-edge, consumer facing Web projects
• Fortune 100 client base
• Be a part of different teams simultaneously working on different projects

LOCATION:

•  Culver City
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Interactive Designer

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Hands-on Dreamweaver and knowledge of HTML and CSS
• 5 years designing Web sites (ecommerce sites ideal)
• Proficient in Photoshop

PERKS!:

• Great, dynamic team in a new office
• Working for most successful branch of the company

LOCATION:

• Westlake
  

CONTACT AGENT

With the sale of full-sized Sport-Utility Vehicles sharply slumping in recent years and fear of an upcoming recession, we've decided to help boost SUV sales nationwide and help give the American economy a shot in the arm.

The idea came to us after receiving a curious chain letter about a "Kitchen Towel Exchange".

The idea is amazingly simple, just send off a few towels to friends and receive a whole bunch more!

Wow, we thought, if we just wrote a similar letter, replacing a small ticket item like a kitchen towel with a bigger ticket item like a Brand New Full-Sized Sport-Utility Vehicle, then sent it to everyone we knew, we'd be doing the American public a huge favor!

Cool, huh?

Just take a look at the revised letter with our new text IN CAPS.

And then feel free to print out and play a part in helping out America!

---------------

Dear FELLOW INTERESTED AMERICAN

This is a BRAND NEW FULL-SIZED SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLE exchange!

Please send a BRAND NEW FULL-SIZED SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLE to the person whose name is listed in the #1 spot below. Then move my name to the #1 position and put your name in the #2 position. Only your name and my name should appear when you send your letters out. Send this to six friends.

This is not a chain letter! It's just for fun AND AN ECONOMIC BOOST. If you cannot do this within 5 days, please let me know so it will be fair to those participating.

A LARGE CRATE should enclose the BRAND NEW FULL-SIZED SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLE nicely.  As a result, you should receive 36 BRAND NEW FULL-SIZED SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES for the price of one!

It's honestly fun to see the different locations from which the BRAND NEW FULL-SIZED SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES arrive.

Seldom does anyone drop out because we can all use the BRAND NEW FULL-SIZED SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES, right?

The turnaround is extremely fast because there are only two names on the list. You should be receiving your BRAND NEW FULL-SIZED SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES within two weeks.

Don't be the one responsible for spoiling the fun OR OUR NATION'S ECONOMY and stopping the parade of BRAND NEW FULL-SIZED SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLES!

Remember to please contact me AND BEN S. BERNANKE, CURRENT CHAIRMAN OF THE FED if you don't want to join the good times AND THE FINANCIAL REVITALIZATION OF YOUR OWN COUNTRY'S ECONOMY.

Please make sure to send a new item and not YOUR CRAPPY OLD SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLE, as this will defeat the purpose OF THIS IMPORTANT FINANCIAL UNDERTAKING.

Thank you AND LET'S GET CRACKING, AMERICA!!!


Name #1

__________________________________


Name #2

__________________________________

IN THIS ISSUE:

Hot Talent

Featured Talent This Week

That Bit at the End - "SUV LUV"

Subscribe | Unsubscribe Information
__________________________________________________

HOT TALENT

It's true, some Designers haven't touched Quark since Version 5. Some Art Directors may give you the cold shoulder when ask them to change leading. And more than a few writers might call HR if you ask them to rasterize the cow on the brochure.

Not here at Aquent.

If you're looking for Art Directors who love getting their hands dirty, Flash Designers who can code in AS2 and AS3 and, yes, even Writers who can write and design your collateral, then you've come to the right place.

Whether you're looking for a "one-man band" or an overachiever with the technical skills to lead the team in style, they're right here at your fingertips.

No bull.

Follow the links for profiles, samples and resumes.

Enjoy!

(No animals have been harmed in the production of the Aquent Hot Talent Newsletter.)
__________________________________________________

FEATURED TALENT THIS WEEK

William W. - Front End Developer
Marissa C. - Web & Graphic Designer
Ivy K. - Graphic Designer
Mike D. - Brand Manager
Rick B. - Copy Editor | Proofreader | QA
Craig M. - Web Project Manager
__________________________________________________

William W.
Front End Developer

Habla Espanol?

Maybe not, but William speaks GUI, HTML, XHTML, XML, XSL, CSS, VSS, Microsoft .NET, and a myriad of other markup languages and platforms that you might find handy when trying to speak to your customers.

Over 7 years of professional Web development, he's built sites for such diverse clients as General Motors, Shopzilla, Toyota, Park Place Entertainment, Reebok, eMap Publishing, Dell, Paris Las Vegas, There.com, Denver Broncos, and Einstein Bagels.

Most recently he's been involved in advanced XHTML & CSS programming for Yahoo! with a special focus on advanced CSS and semantic markup.

Some may speak the language of love, William flourishes in the language of Web.

And when it comes to your on-line customers, isn't that the vernacular of choice?

See his on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance
__________________________________________________

Marissa C.
Web & Graphic Designer

Marissa is what we consider a rarity in the Web world: exceptional Web design and remarkable front-end development skills.

Recently at America Express Publishing in New York, she worked on both Travel + Leisure and Food & Wine magazine sites, not just designing the sites but hand-coding in HTML and CSS and adding in a little Flash for flare.

Marissa really understands luxury brands and how to position a product within a site (she also designed and coded sites for the luxury real estate market). Her educational background in both design and computer science allows her to understand not only how to market a product, but how to do so with great IA and UI.

If you're looking for the best of both worlds, designing and coding, you know where to call!

See her on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance
__________________________________________________

Ivy K.
Graphic Designer

Just recently returning to Aquent, Ivy is an awesome print Designer with a great track record of wowing clients!

On staff at Dermalogica skin care products, she concepted, designed, and handled hands-on production for packaging, print brochures, environmental signage, as well as creating Web site graphics/updates and E-Blasts for up to 40 projects at any given time.

At Louey/Rubino Design Group, she worked on both the Teleflora and POM Wonderful accounts creating and producing brochures, on-line surveys, and print ads. At Center Theatre Group (which includes the Ahmanson Theatre and Mark Taper Forum), she handled brochures, interior/exterior signage, Web updates, and production for shows such as Avenue Q, History Boys, and The Color Purple.

Art Center-educated with a focus on package design, Ivy has a great disposition and works well in fast paced team-oriented environments.

You'll be glad she's back, too!

See her on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance and Permanent
__________________________________________________

Mike D.
Brand Manager

The name is Frank. Paul Frank.

If you're looking for an amazing Marketer who has experience in establishing licenses AND managing a brand, you need to meet Mike.

As Licensing Brand Manager at uber-brand Paul Frank Industries, Mike was responsible for establishing their entire licensing department. He created style guides, educated licensees, and researched brand extension opportunities until the department grew to 8 licensees and over 450 SKUs. He also monitored schedules of royalty payables and receivables, participated in product development, and interpreted contracts to ensure projects were understood and expedited properly.

Mike also has a strong knowledge of the design/print process from his years overseeing a media and design department as a Project Manager.

If you like your customers stirred, and not shaken, then call us about Mike!

See his on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance & Permanent
__________________________________________________

Rick B.
Copy Editor | Proofreader | QA

Snagging top scores on our rigorous proofreading assessment is just the tip of the iceberg! Rick also has extensive project coordination experience and a background managing, editing, and proofing print for publications, catalogs, ads, and much more.

At the Los Angeles Times, Rick was responsible for correcting spelling and graphics mistakes directly in the layout and making corrections before tight daily deadlines. His extensive freelance work includes proofreading direct mail for DIRECTV and SAP; editing and rewriting physicians' bios and proofreading member collateral for Kaiser Permanente; proofreading signage and brochures for Verizon Wireless and Wal-Mart accounts; and designing and managing a 200-page catalog and 100-page industry directory for the IFP Film Market.

Great on deadline management, killer on proofing, when you needed it perfect yesterday, Rick's your Go To Guy!

See his on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance & Permanent
__________________________________________________

Craig M.
Web Project Manager

Most recently at Live Nation, Craig was responsible for managing their content management system (CMS), including bug-tracking and system maintenance, while drafting up an implementation plan for their next CMS to support the need of their new Web site.

But it doesn't stop at CMS, no siree. Craig is Project Manager with skills in information architecture and GUI design as well as hands-on skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Experienced in multiple full project lifecycles from business development to final delivery, he's led teams of 8+ on projects for NBC/Universal, Toyota Motor Sales - USA, PC/Mac Mall, and LA Shanti. Craig's background includes working in J2EE/portal & content-management environments, thriving in multi-tiered/ multilevel stakeholder settings, and reporting directly to senior management.

He's also trilingual, speaking and writing in English, Spanish, and French.

We say he's great in any language!

See his on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance & Permanent

We call them baby steps, but are they really?

In January our Marketing deparment sent out a direct mail piece, as they are wont to do, a fairly funny board game based on the current complexity of Marketing efforts, called "Complextra".

The thing that impressed me, though, was the appearance of the Forest Stewardship Council (or FSC) logo on the piece itself. FSC is a non-profit "devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world's forests with a commitment to environmentally sound business practices." It has blessings from Greenpeace, National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club and World Wildlife Fund.

Mary Anne, in our Marketing department, chose Mohawk's Chorus Art, 100# Silk Test which is 50% recycled and 15% post consumer waste for the run.

Just by this ONE choice in the production of the piece, according to Mohawk's environmental calculator:

• 37.56 trees were preserved for the future 
• 108.47 lbs water-borne waste was not created
• 15,957 gal wastewater flow was saved
• 1,766 lbs solid waste was not generated  
• 3,476 lbs net greenhouse gases prevented
• 26,608,400 BTUs energy was not consumed

(Values are calculated using the EPA's eGrid)  

They may be baby steps, but I think those numbers a danged compelling.

And these were environmental savings reaped by the choice of just one or two key people. 

See Mohawk's site (under envrionment) to see what the savings will be for any project by putting in pounds of paper used, recycled content, coated or not, and whether the product was made with windpower.

Congrats, Mary Anne! 

Next step? Biodegradable squeezy balls!

Kind of the end of an era, I say. The Boston Globe ran a story last week that Polaroid will be getting out of the film business.

Yes, that Polaroid.

Not to date myself (as I so often do), but I remember my father coming home with a Land Camera (named after Polaroid founder, Edwin Land) and spending careful moments lining up shots and yelling at us to stop wiggling so he could get a picture.

The film was really expensive as I recall, thus the yelling.

Which also explains why I was only allowed to handle the camera when everyone was out of the house and not expected back for hours.

I don't know, but there's still something charming about Polaroids, even if they are hopelessly out of date and take pictures only half as good as an iPhone.

But heck, even when video supplanted 8mm and Super 8 film as the family documentation media of choice, watching it later was never as good as watching those old homey, home movies.

Is it just me or does anyone else lament the passing of an era?

(Thanks to Rebecca for the pass along!)

 

Photo courtesy of http://search.creativecommons.org/ 

THIS WEEK'S POSITIONS:

1. Web Developer
2. Account Supervisor
3. Flash Developer
4. Web Art Director
5. Interactive Project Manager
6. Marketing Project Manager
7. Marketing Brand Manager
8. Jr. Web Producer
9. Sr. Executive Assistant
   
10. Executive Assistant
    
11. Interactive Creative Director
12. Merchandising/POP Sr. Designer
13. Hands-On Senior Web Designer
14. Web Designer
15. Copywriter
16. Sr. Copywriter 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Web Developer

TERMS: Six-Month Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Expert hands-on skills in DHTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• 3 or more years of Web development experience   

PERKS!:

• Large entertainment company
• Work on high-profile media sites

LOCATION:

• Burbank
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Account Supervisor

TERMS: Permanent (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Print and on-line experience
• 1+ year as an Account Supervisor
• Ad agency background
• Good project management skills 
  

PERKS!:

• Work on luxury brands
• Smaller, family-oriented agency

LOCATION:

• Santa Monica
  

CONTACT AGENT 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Flash Developer

TERMS: Permanent (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Flash ActionScript skills
• Hands-on skills in C++ and Java preferred
  
• Entertainment experience 
• Samples required for consideration
  

PERKS!:

• Agency that works with some of the top entertainment companies in the world
  

LOCATION:

• North Hollywood
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Web Art Director

TERMS: Permanent (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 5+ years of experience
• Big interactive agency experience
• Comfortable in a variety of verticals (automotive a plus)
• Ability to dream up and execute concepts
• Hands-on skills in Dreamweaver and Photoshop

PERKS!:

• Work with all-star Talent
• Nice people, great environment
• Share passion for design with like-minded folks!
  

LOCATION:

• Culver City
  

CONTACT AGENT 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Interactive Project Manager

TERMS: Permanent (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 2 to 5 years of interactive agency experience
• Media background preferred
  
• Project management experience (must be able to manage timelines) 
  

PERKS!:

• Work with all-star talent
• Great casual environment

LOCATION:

• Culver City
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Marketing Project Manager

TERMS: Six-Month Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Must have experience rolling out marketing software
• Experience with Marketing Central a "super plus"
  
• Solid project management skills
• Ability to interface with vendors and users

PERKS!:

• Stable company with a global brand
• Innovative project for the company

LOCATION:

• Downtown
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Marketing Brand Manager

TERMS: Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Solid brand management and marketing experience
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Understanding of online marketing
• Experience in insurance or financial service fields preferred

PERKS!:

• Stable company and a global brand   
  

LOCATION:

• Downtown
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Jr. Web Producer

TERMS: Long-Term Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Experience working on a WEb or interactive team
  
• Experience with content management systems
• Exposure to Web technologies
  
• Great attention to detail
  

PERKS!:

• Entertainment company
• Fun, fast-paced hands-on learning environment
• Chace to grow!
  

LOCATION:

• Burbank
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Sr. Executive Assistant

TERMS: Permanent (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Minimum of 7 to 10 years office experience required
• Experience supporting VP, SVP, or Director level executive
• Incredible skills in Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
  
• Extensive scheduling for international and national flights
• Heavy scheduling using Outlook
  

PERKS!:

• Entertainment-related company
• Great atmosphere and generous bonuses

LOCATION:

• Burbank
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Executive Assistant

TERMS: Long-Term Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 2 to 3 years of experience in an office setting
• Strong hands-on skills in Microsoft Office programs
• Heavy Outlook scheduling required
• Strong scheduling and travel arrangement experience

PERKS!:

• Creative, hands-on environment at an Entertainment company
  

LOCATION:

• Burbank
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Interactive Creative Director

TERMS: Freelance or Freelance-to-Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Minimum of 6 years of creative direction for large sites
• Ability to work on multiple sites simultaneously
• Samples required for consideration

PERKS!:

• Innovative interactive agency
• Great studio with large accounts
  

LOCATION:

• Century City
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Merchandising/POP Sr. Designer

TERMS: Long-Term Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 4 to 5 years of experience
• Experience designing merchandising / POP displays
• Food products experience preferred

PERKS!:

• Internal agency
• Great snacks!
  

LOCATION:

• Glendale
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Hands-On Senior Web Designer

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 4 to 6 years of hands-on experience with HTML, CSS, Photoshop, and Illustrator
• Social networking and/or community site experience preferred

PERKS!:

• Direct look and feel for a start-up environment
• Position will have lots of creative input

LOCATION:

• Hollywood
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Web Designer

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Minimum 2 years of Web graphic design experience
• Hands-on skills in HTML or Dreamweaver
• E-mail promo design and Flash banner experience

PERKS!:

• Global, hip fashion brand 
• Terrific company located right near the beach

LOCATION:

• South Bay
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Copywriter

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 4+ years of writing experience in fashion or entertainment industries
  
• Catalog copy and layout experience
• Samples must include tradeshow materials, promotions, and press releases for retail
  
• Able to write to both Gen X and Gen Y audiences
  

PERKS!:

• Global, hip fashion brand 
• Terrific company located right near the beach

LOCATION:

• South Bay
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Sr. Copywriter

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 7+ years of experience
  
• Advertising copy and large brand experience
• Samples must include great taglines!

PERKS!:

• Great creative team
  
• Excellent pay
• Working on a large, high profile consumer site

LOCATION:

• Westside
  

CONTACT AGENT

Right before Spring is another, fifth season: The Season of Creative Contests.

I'm not kidding (did you think I would?), AIGA and Communication Arts are opening the floodgates for contestants for their Illustration, Design, and Photography competitions.

Starting with AIGA's 365 Design competition:

Work in all media that has been designed, produced and used in the marketplace between January 1 and December 31, 2007. (The contest) represents the best work across all disciplines of communication design and strategy and "50 Books/50 Covers" represents the 50 best book covers and 50 best book designs for the given year, both chosen by a jury of industry peers.

The contest includes: Brand and identity systems, Corporate communications design, Package design, Editorial design and illustration, Typographic design, Promotional design and advertising, Experience design, Entertainment design, and Information design. 

Deadline is March 7th.  Entry fees are $35 for members, $55 for nonmembers, per individual entry. 

Details here at the AIGA site.

 
49th Annual Communication Arts Illustration Competition

Any Illustration first printed or produced between March 14, 2007 and March 11, 2008 is eligible. Selected by a nationally representative jury of distinguished designers, art directors and illustrators, the winning entries will be published in the July 2008 Illustration Annual. Over 70,000 copies of the Illustration Annual will be distributed worldwide, assuring important exposure to the creators of this outstanding work. As a service to art directors, designers and art buyers, a comprehensive index will carry addresses and telephone numbers of the illustrators represented.

Categories include: Advertising, Books, Editorial, For Sale, Institutional, Motion/Animation, Self-Promotion, and Unpublished.

Deadline is March 11th. Entry fees are $30 for a single entry, $60 for a series.

Details here at the Comm Arts site.

 

49th Annual Communication Arts Photography Competition

Any photograph first printed or produced between March 14, 2007 and March 11, 2008 is eligible. Selected by a nationally representative jury of distinguished designers, art directors and photographers, the winning entries will be published in the August 2008 Photography Annual. Over 70,000 copies of the Photography Annual will be distributed worldwide, assuring important exposure to the creators of this outstanding work. As a service to art directors, designers and art buyers, a comprehensive index will carry addresses and telephone numbers of the photographers represented.

Categories also include: Advertising, Books, Editorial, For Sale, Institutional, Motion/Animation, Self-Promotion, and Unpublished.

(For Sale? Like a picture of your 4x4 Ford F250?)

Deadline is March 11th. Entry fees are $30 for a single entry, $60 for a series.

Details here.

I'll post the details of the Aquent Chili Cook Off once everything's set.

 

Trying to purchase a gift for my brother at a department store, something unusual happened. Right after the cashier told me my purchase would be $25.98, and before I could get out my wallet, a balding, paunchy caped man jumped between us and yelled, "$25.98 for that wallet is outrageous!"

The cashier and I shared a look before I asked the man inquisitively, "Am I paying too much?"

He replied, "Too little! That wallet should cost $32.65!"

At which point he laughed maniacally then disappeared in a cloud of steam.

The cashier looked back down at the price tag, scanned the item again, and said, "That'll be $32.65, please."

This was my first encounter with Middle Man.

But not my last.

From then on everywhere I went, he was there, too. Buying bananas from the supermarket, getting gas for my truck, or even purchasing a large Big Grab of Flamin' Hot Cheetos from my very favorite convenience store. If something was $1.79 by the time I picked it up and got to the cash register it'd be $2.57.

It began to get ridiculous, every day something went up: property taxes, utility bills, cell phone bill. Everything, it turned out, except my paycheck.

The straw that broke the camel's back was the night I took my girlfriend out for a romantic meal, left the table for a moment, and came back to find Middle Man sitting in my chair, drinking my Pinot Noir and wooing her in his tight Lycra outfit. When I made a grab for him he disappeared in his now trademark puff of steam.

Naturally, the check on the table had been marked up 7.5%.

Here I was, just barely making it, and this caped interloper was ruining my personal economy. Who, in fact, was Middle Man? And, moreover, how could I stop him?

I decided my first tactic to elude him would be by shopping at the Farmers' Market. Sunday morning I tested the waters gingerly, by picking up a pound and a half of locally grown Pink Lady apples from the farmer himself.

"That'll be $3.50, please."

I looked around cautiously and handed him my cash. He handed me the apples.

No steam. No price increases. No Middle Man.

It was then and there I decided to become Middle Man's arch nemesis.

I shopped solely at Farmers' Markets and small boutiques. I got off The Grid by putting solar panels on my roof. I started washing my own car and learned to make lattes myself. I began creating an elaborate and complex plan to disassemble the Electoral College.

In my secret laboratory, far below the earth, I fashioned a Lycra costume of my own, emblazoned with a bold dollar sign with a red circle and slash across it on the front. After weeks my look finally came together: The Sovereign Shield of Independence, the Gloves of Self-Reliance, the Spear of Individualism, and the Cape of Good Hope (which was a hand-me-down from another arch nemesis I met on MySpace).

Wherever people gathered at a knitting circle to make their own clothes, I was there. Whenever a man brewed his own beer, I was there. Every time some sniveling child in this city picked themselves up from the ground, dusted themselves off, and fixed their own bike without taking it to an expensive high-end bicycle shop, I was there.

Though I realized I couldn't go on like this without coming face-to-face with my mortal enemy.

So it happened one foggy late evening by the docks. A shipment of Etch-A-Sketches had come into a seedy port and Middle Man was making sure every price had increased before they reached the toy stores. I came out of the shadows and called him out.

"Middle Man, I might have expected," I said with a chuckle. He was startled, but steeled his eyes at me.

"Who are you?" he questioned.

I puffed out my chest and told him, "I'm Pink Lady Man!" (I hadn't really been able to come up with any interesting names, so settle on using my first apple purchase at the Farmers' Market as an inspiration. But actually saying it to my enemy I realized it didn't sound as hot as I'd originally thought.)

It dawned on him exactly who I was. "So you're the one who has been fouling my work."

"Glad to be of service! Especially when there are children involved," came  my retort. "But I'm afraid it's been YOU who's been fouling things up. For me and the citizenry of Megopolis. I've come to stop you!"

He stopped, looked at me, and laughed. "Why, Pink Lady Man, I actually think you are the confused one. You're trying to cut me out, but without me, Metropolis wouldn't have any money to fund hospitals. Or schools."

Ack! He'd found my weakness, my Kryptonite! I fell to my knees.

"Or a Metropolis Police force." POW! "Or libraries." BLAM! "Or a Coast Guard, government, lifeguards, or street repair people!" BOOM! BASH! KA-BLAM!

I had been knocked on my back onto the edge of the dock, bloody and beaten. Middle Man leaned over me and stared me straight in the eye.

"And you, of all people, should be the last to complain. You're in middle management!" he intoned.

I thought I saw a slight smile on his face the moment before I blacked out.


Four months have come and gone, and I've since closed my secret lab, gone back on the grid, and only sometimes visit that famous Farmers' Market which first gave me my super name (they still have the best apples).

At my day job (no longer my secret identity) I often stop and wonder about that rotund masked man.

And as I busily work on spreadsheet after spreadsheet full of markups, margins, and gross profits, I realize, after all is said and done...

Aren't we all Middle Man?

IN THIS ISSUE:

Hot Talent

Featured Talent This Week

That Bit at the End - "Apple of My Eye"

Subscribe | Unsubscribe Information
__________________________________________________

HOT TALENT

Dark chocolate. Milk chocolate. White chocolate with macadamia nuts.

It's beginning to look suspiciously like Valentine's Day.

Although we do love and value our clients, we will not be sending over chocolate-covered goodies to your office today. Instead we thought this list of top Aquent Talent might make a better gift.

Because we still believe sending the right people to the right companies is the best way to tell our clients, "I love you."

Without getting HR involved.

Follow the links for profiles, samples, and resumes.

S.W.A.K.!
__________________________________________________

FEATURED TALENT THIS WEEK

Hank T. - Sr. Web | Print Designer
Mary Jane O. - Art Director | Senior Designer
Cathy N. - Project Manager | Editor
Sonya B. - Proofreader | Copy Editor
Steve P. - Copywriter
Peter B. - Production Artist
__________________________________________________

Hank T.
Sr. Web | Print Designer

A Senior Designer most recently at Flickerbox, an on-line marketing agency based in San Francisco, Hank was designing Web sites and collateral as well as handling motion and interaction design for biggies like Microsoft, Yahoo, and PayPal.

At Change the Script, a Holland based agency, his responsibilities included user interface development and motion and interaction design for clients such as Compaq, Coca-Cola, Renault, and Hoya Vision Group.

Over 7 years of Web and print design experience, from wireframes to Flash, we can guarantee that this time one call truly does do it all!

See his on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Permanent
__________________________________________________

Mary Jane O.
Art Director | Senior Designer

A versatile and talented Designer and AD, Mary Jane's smart design style is as far reaching as her industry experience. Running the art department at a direct mail company, she was responsible for conception and design of pieces as well as client interaction, scheduling, and organizing the department.

Her client list includes Lance Armstrong Foundation, Disney, Xerox, American Red Cross, Greater Boston Food Banks, USC Norris Cancer Center, and her stellar work includes direct mail, advertising collateral, identity, and just about anything else you can dream up.

Able to design and execute her own work as well as manage teams and processes, we know you're going to love her!

See her on-line Aquent profile: by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance & Permanent
__________________________________________________

Cathy N.
Project Manager | Editor

An exceptional Project Manager and Editor, Cathy has over 12 years of project management experience (8 in the automotive industry) and an excellent understanding of Web, print, and fulfillment processes.

While at Sandy Corporation she was responsible for creating collateral and marketing communications for sales teams and staff members at Isuzu, Lexus, Toyota, Infinity, and Mazda. On- and off-line projects under her direction included brochures, monthly newsletters, sales guides, reward and recognition Web sites, internal communication letters, incentive programs, promotions and events.

Cathy is able to confer with clients to discuss business needs, work with Designers and Writers to create content and messaging, art direct photo shoots, then take the whole thing through the client approval process (including legal!) and to final production, press checks, and distribution.

And her customer service skills are second to none!

See her on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance & Permanent
__________________________________________________

Sonya B.
Proofreader | Copy Editor

A stellar Proofreader and Copy Editor, Sonya's resume reads like a Who's Who list of advertising in Southern California.

She's proofread and edited for Terry Hines Advertising, DDB, 30Sixty Advertising, Deutsch LA, Team One Advertising, and Rubin/Postaer Advertising. A few of the many companies she's freelanced with include Teleflora, Kaiser Permanente, GTS Graphics, Herbalife, Film Festival Channel, and Healthcare Communications Group.

Her expertise includes ads, brochures, POP, tear sheets, DVD box covers, magazines, textbooks, and much more.

Just now available after yet another long-term assignment for us (our clients love to keep her around), she comes very highly recommended!

See her on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance
__________________________________________________

Steve P.
Copywriter

We all think Steve's agency experience speaks for itself.

Grey Advertising
86 the Onions
TBWA/Tequila
Agent 16

But just in case it didn't get the point across, we thought we'd mention the accounts as well.

Captain Morgan
Mountain Dew
ESPN X Games
Fuel TV
Nissan
Playstation
Tanqueray

Able to acquire a voice that truly speaks the language of the customer, from Prague to LA and Gen Y to the Baby Boom...

Don't let your product try to speak for itself, call us about Steve!

See his on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance & Permanent
__________________________________________________

Peter B.
Production Artist

Peter's an amazing Production Artist who fits in any environment under the sun.

Not only did he ace our exceptionally challenging InDesign assessment, he has a great attitude and phenomenal Quark and Photoshop skills to boot.

Peter's extensive client list includes corporate (Ernst & Young and KB Home), entertainment (New Line Cinema and Disney), consumer (Laura Ashley, Nine West, and PetSmart), as well as agencies (Ad Marketing Group and Ambrosi).

His work includes direct mail, retail catalog, POPs, one sheets, brochures, signage, and much more.

Amazingly enough, he's available right now!

See his on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance

If you missed the Aquent sponsored “8 ‘Need to Know’ Technology Trends for Creative Managers,” with Aquent Graphic Institute's Chris and Jennifer Smith, it's now streaming on-line for your convenience.

Isn't that nice?

You still need to register to hear, but it's still very, very free.

Speaking of saving money, please email me if you'd like a 25% discount to AGI’s CRe8 Conference in Orlando in April.

Sorry, you'll still have to pay full fare for the airline.

But, hey, free peanuts!

 

 

 

Someone named Bama wants to be my friend!

Just look at the email I got today:

Bama R***** wants you to join Yaari!

Is Bama your friend? 

Please respond or Bama might think you said no :(

Thanks,
The Yaari Team 

 

No, I don't know Bama. And this is the second time I've told the folks at Yaari I don't have an interest in getting messages from their members.

Though I think there's some pretty tight controls on social networking from legitimate companies, I wonder how many of these young upstarts will start barraging us with messages from "friends"?

Since messages from Yaari come from Gmail and not the company itself, these may be harder to control than, say, messages from Friendster. 

On a personal note, I think the whole social networking scene has reached a critical mass for "protected categories" folk like myself (read: old). Suddenly, all my college friends are hitting me with LinkedIn requests. And the parents at my kids' school are contacting me through Friendster.

If I felt inundated with my To Do list at work, now I've got 26 Action Items on LinkedIn.

------------------------------------ 

Post Script:  One of my college friends called me to the floor on this post. For good reason. I was joking about my "lazy college friends who've gone on to lead semi-productive lives" hoping that you and they would understand I consider myself among them. Which, in retrospect, was not so funny.

I've since amended the post. 

My point was not railing against anyone using LinkedIn, Friendster, or the like, but rather finding out people that I never, ever expected to see on social networking sites were using them to reach out to me. Which is a phenomenon I still don't quite understand.

But which really didn't need to be the point of a post.

My apologies go out to all those who thought I wanted to LinkOut, hope you'll accept them.

T.

THIS WEEK'S POSITIONS:

1. Account Supervisor
2. Consumer Insights Manager
3. Copywriter
4. Print and Web Designer
5. Developer
6. Entertainment Journalist
7. Flash Developer
8. Interactive Designer
9. Jr. Data Analyst
10. Market Research Coordinator
11. Marketing Analyst
12. Production Artist
13. Sr. Web Designer
14. Traffic Coordinator 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Account Supervisor

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 1 year of Account Supervisor experience
• Agency background
• Print and on-line campaign and heavy collateral experience
  
• Able to manage one AE and execute projects
  

PERKS!:

• Great agency handling luxury accounts

LOCATION:

• Santa Monica
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Consumer Insights Manager

TERMS: Long-Term Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• MBA in Marketing or Market Research
• 3 years of consumer research experience on the manufacture/client side
• Experience in concept tests, product tests, positions, segmentation, etc.
• Knowledgeable in the use of syndicated marketing research databases
  

PERKS!:

• Newly created position to help bring company into the 21st century
• Good opportunity to make change in a company!

LOCATION:

• Northridge
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Copywriter

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Must be conceptual and able to write compelling B-2-B copy for email, print, and direct marketing campaigns
• 5+ years experience
• Must be willing to commute to Westlake Village

PERKS!:

• Great dynamic, fun team in a great office space
• Working for most successful branch of the company

LOCATION:

• Westlake
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Print and Web Designer

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 5 years professional experience
• Experience in print and Web design working within brand and style guides
• Ability to translate print to Web
• Great hands-on skills in InDesign and Photoshop and knowledge of Dreamweaver
• Must provide samples and portfolio that show clean, corporate look

PERKS!:

• One of the top companies to work for in LA
• Positive work environment with a high retention rate
  

LOCATION:

• Downtown
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Developer

TERMS: Permanent (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 3+ years of experience on large sites
  
• Heavy ActionScript experience
• Must provide Strong ActionScript (including code) samples for consideration and links to sites
• Please note that this is not a design or animation position

PERKS!:

• Large, growing agency
• Award-winning team
  

LOCATION:

• West LA
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Entertainment Journalist

TERMS: Long-Term Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Experience interviewing, writing reviews, and gossip content related to entertainment industry
• Recent samples of articles like those seen on sites such as Access Hollywood, E! Entertainment, etc.)
• Media contacts a plus
• 2 to 3 years of experience
  

PERKS!:

• Large entertainment company
• Great group of people

LOCATION:

• Burbank
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Flash Developer

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 2+ years as a Flash Developer working on major Flash projects
• Expert knowledge of ActionScript 2.0 (3.0 a plus)
• Strong working knowledge HTML, JavaScript, and XML
  

PERKS!:

• One of the top design agencies in LA
• Lots of Entertainment clients

LOCATION:

• Hollywood
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Interactive Designer

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Hands-on Dreamweaver and knowledge of HTML and CSS
• 5 years designing Web sites (ecommerce sites ideal)
• Proficient in Photoshop

PERKS!:

• Great dynamic, fun team in a new office
• Working for most successful branch of the company

LOCATION:

• Westlake
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Jr. Data Analyst

TERMS: Long-Term Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Experience with data reporting and SQL queries
• 2 to 3 years of experience as a Data Analyst in a lead management environment

PERKS!:

• Busy marketing team with interesting projects
  

LOCATION:

• Pasadena
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Market Research Coordinator

TERMS: Long-Term Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Background in project management and coordination for market research
• 1 to 2 years of market research experience
• SPSS knowledge preferred

PERKS!:

• Leading non-profit
  

LOCATION:

• Pasadena
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Marketing Analyst

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Bachelor's degree
• 2 to 5 years of experience performing marketing-related duties and complex analysis
• Advanced SQL and database skills
• Strong analytical skills

PERKS!:

• Work with a strong team that works hard and plays hard

LOCATION:

• Pasadena
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Production Artist

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 3 to 5 years of professional experience
• Strong hands-on InDesign and Photoshop skills
• Ability to flourish in team environment
• Please note that this is a Production Artist position with no design

PERKS!:

• One of the top companies to work for in LA
• Great, friendly team with a high retention rate
  

LOCATION:

• Downtown
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Sr. Web Designer

TERMS: Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 5+ years of experience
• Great hands-on skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver
• Experience working from wireframes and redlines
• Please send URLS which include branding experience and clean, "noise free" design

PERKS!:

• Creative team working on a large, high-profile consumer site

LOCATION:

• Westside
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Traffic Coordinator

TERMS: Long-Term Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Experience with project tracking databases
• Must be able to assist Traffic Manager to keep projects on schedule
• Understand the print production process via traffic
• Pay is $22 an hour and includes Aquent's benefits
  

PERKS!:

• Busy marketing team with interesting projects
  

LOCATION:

• Pasadena
  

CONTACT AGENT

Okay, maybe not the appropriate posting title for a Marketing Webcast, but I was trying to make it sound exciting.

By referencing a 20-year old work of music.

Regardless, Aquent and AMA National are sponsoring another of our wildly successful Webcasts: 7 Steps to a Stellar Online Reputation, hosted by Andy Beal, author of the award-winning Marketing Pilgrim blog.

(See, you knew the reference would come around, didn't you?) 

Here's the lowdown:

Companies spend millions of dollars building and promoting their brands online by creating engaging multimedia content, building and maintaining a blog, and improving rankings in search engines.  Yet despite these best efforts, it is possible for a single negative review – on a social networking site, a blog, or YouTube – to destroy a company’s reputation. 

Reputation management requires new skills in a world where the power to control a brand is shifting away from traditional media and corporate monologues on Web sites.  Marketers must now build strategies for managing, monitoring, and maintaining their online reputations.

(This Webcast) will outline a seven-step action plan that will give attendees the tools they need to maintain a stellar online reputation by:

• devising online media strategies and objectives that engage customers,

• developing a monitoring system will work best for their company, and

• implementing a crisis management plan when the company’s reputation faces attack.

Andy's worked with Motorola, GlaxoSmithKline, SAS, Lowes, Quicken Loans, and NBC and has been published in BusinessWeek, Search Engine Guide, and WebProNews.

And the Webcast is free...

It's like Thanksgiving all over again!

It all takes place February 28 10am (PST).

Registration information is right here.

Another one from the "I just like it, 'cause it's cool" files: Y Water.

Yes it's Organic with a capital "O".  And "nutrient rich" (which I'm on the fence about since it's got sugar in it.) And low calorie.. feh.

It's the bottle that's to love.

Y Water founder, Thomas Arndt, teamed with San Francisco-based design firm, fuseproject, to come up with the new product and brand concept. Each bottle can be linked with other bottles by way of YKnots, a connector attached to each Y Water bottle.

The product isn't even hitting Whole Foods shelves until mid year, but they're already making their rounds in Business Week Magazine and Eastman Innovation Lab's site (the bottle itself is made from Eastman's Eastar copolyester).

I think the hefty price tag of $1.69 each might be a bit of a deal breaker for many parents out there.

But maybe not our kids.

GenY indeed. 

(Bottom image courtesy of Eastman Innovation Lab.) 

Hi there!!

I'm the pamphlet that came with your brand new printer cartridge.

Pleased to make your acquaintance!

Take a look at all FOUR of my colorful pages and you'll see the plethora of marvelous products also offered by the company who manufactured both your printer and this remarkably expensive cartridge.

Aren't those pictures of kids diving into the pool just great? And that one of the squirrel?  What a hoot!

Just the sort of stuff you'd want to print out with your new printer cartridge.

Did we show you how you could order printer papers and other specialty inks, not to mention photo frames, albums, and scrapbooks from our company?

You sure can! It's all right there on page 3.

I bet you didn't know you could download templates for printing up recipes, family trees, calendars, and more right at our site. Page 2, my friend.

Aha! I can see you're wondering where the instructions are to insert the cartridge into your printer.

Wow, you're smart, looking here first.

Well, I hate to be the one to tell you, but they aren't in this beautifully printed, 4-color pamphlet.

But something you will find that's super helpful is a toll-free number to get TotalKare Support for your printer.

Isn't that cool?

With TotalKare Support you'll get personal 1-on-1 service any time you need it by the pros who really understand your printer (and your printer cartridges). Heck, they'll even stay on the line with you as long as it takes to solve your problem.

All for only for a monthly subscription fee of only $4.95 a month!

You can close your mouth now.

I mean, that's what you pay for one cup of "java" at one of those high-falutin' coffee places.

1-on-1 service!

Practically unheard of in this day and age of ATMs, self-checkout groceries, and the like.

It's starting to seem cheap now, huh?

But if you don't want to pony up the dough for this incredibly individual service, you can always feel free to install the cartridge yourself.

It's written in black ink on the side of the black cartridge. You may need a magnifying glass to make out the minuscule inscriptions.

I hope you're an expert on international symbols, because we tend to use a lot of them. Like triangles with those wavy lines around them and circles with two-digit numbers on either side.

How's your understanding of metric system, by the way?

I'd also like to take a moment to warn you that ink may be harmful if swallowed and to seek immediate medical attention if ingested.

While I'm on it, I might as well mention that any damage done to the printer or printer cartridge due to improper installation is not our responsibility. (Unless, of course, you opt for our very personalized service.)

Safety data sheets are available upon request at our Web site (www.nuprinterz.com/safety).

Installation data sheets, sadly, are not.

Don't try looking on the back of the box, either.

Hey, it's not just us being stingy with the instructions. Did you get any the last time you bought a kitchen gadget or tool for your workshop?

Heck no.

Those people fully expected you to know how to use the tools they sold you, even if you didn't.

Do you know how much damage you could inflict with an oxy-acetylene torch? Or a Ginsu knife for that matter?  These companies don't even offer personalized service. If you blow yourself up in the garage, that's your problem.

We, on the other hand, have figured out there's a heck of a good chance you could get your tie or blouse caught in the printer while trying to install it.

If you stop to think about it, the government should pay us for protecting you!

But they aren't.

Still, $4.95 a month - that's nothing for the safety of you and your loved ones.

It's money well spent.

Besides, how would we be able to afford to produce this beautiful, glossy 4-color publication without people like you?

So, thanks in advance for your support!

Hot Talent

Featured Talent This Week

That Bit at the End - "Gift With Purchase"

Subscribe | Unsubscribe Information

__________________________________________________

HOT TALENT

Happy belated Groundhog Day!

What does 6 more weeks of winter mean to those of us living in LA?

Surprise visits from East Coast relatives, most likely.

As always, it's all about location, location, location.

Lucky for us, while Punxsutawney Phil is freezing out in Pennsylvania, our warm, remarkable (and responsive) Marketing and Creative Talent are here and ready to help you out...

Shadow or no.

Just follow the links for profiles, samples, and resumes.

Enjoy!
__________________________________________________

FEATURED TALENT THIS WEEK

Christopher G. - Art Director
William S. - Coder + Web Content Administration
Christopher W. - Information Architect | Design
Fabienne V. - Production Artist
Jennifer G. - Writer | Copy Editor | QA Specialist
Angela H. - Marketing Coordinator | Asset Manager
__________________________________________________

Christopher G.
Art Director

A long time member of the Aquent team, Chris has over 10 years of experience in design and brand development working for a myriad of companies.
 
Most recently at music technology company M-Audio, he created and developed the brand as well as sub-brands, product lines, print and Web ads, packaging, and much more. He's worked freelance creating and producing brochures, catalogs, manuals, and ads for the likes of Mattel, Walt Disney, Grey Advertising, Belkin, and Boeing Rocketdyne. At plush toy producer Applause, he created design and packaging concepts for original toys, gifts, and cards for licensed properties such as Scooby-Doo, Nightmare Before Christmas, and Mickey Mouse and Friends.

A consummate professional, Chris hits high marks when it come to achieving exceptionally creative results in fast-paced, budget-conscious environments.

See his on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance & Permanent
__________________________________________________

William S.
Coder + Web Content Administration

William is a phenomenal Front-End Developer (HTML, CSS, and light JavaScript) who spent the last 7 years doing exceptional work for J. Paul Getty Trust.

While on staff, his 4-person team hand-coded a whopping 40,000 pages of content for 5 heavily trafficked sites, including the Getty Museum. He took the lead role in the user interface design and information architecture of the redesign of all sites. His work included building customized user interfaces in PERL, Java, and other applications; encoding, processing, and managing audio, video, and image assets; and creating standards, QA, and project planning documents.

Prior to that he was Senior Integrator at USWeb/CKS building enterprise-level Web sites for biggies like Sony, NBC, Kaiser Permanente, Hard Rock Cafe, and Jenny Craig.

Why wait until he's gone? Call us today about William!

See his on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance
__________________________________________________

Christopher W.
Information Architect | Design

Coming to us from chilly Pittsburgh, Chris is an experienced IA and User Experience Designer who also has over 6 years of Web design experience.

Recently consulting for the strategic redesign of the Pittsburgh Tribune site, he was responsible for information architecture, new content development, and redesign based on user-testing, marketing research, and Web metrics. His work included implementation of Web 2.0 functionality and connection to social media sites; implementation of content management systems; content strategy and development; and integration of rich media and video.

At mortgage document services company Online Documents he was responsible for the design and production of on-line content and interactive media. He also worked on research and strategy of interactive and rich media for on-line environments for Carnegie Mellon University.

Open to all opportunities, please contact us now before another opportunity comes his way!

See his on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance & Permanent
__________________________________________________

Fabienne V.
Production Artist

Fabienne's niche?

PRODUCTION DESIGN.

A Mac-based professional with impressive dexterity in both InDesign and Quark (scoring a whopping 5 out of 5 points on our punishing hands-on InDesign assessment), she can transform any vague layout to a polished comp.

She's a real team player with expertise in producing a wide variety of high-end print materials including marketing collateral, direct mail, custom media kits, and PowerPoint presentations.

Her freelance and staff experience includes Transamerica, Grey Advertising, Mars Publishing, and pharmaceutical event management firm, Insyght (handling accounts such as Pfizer and Lilly ICOS).

We always get amazing feedback whenever Fabienne's on the job.

And of course we'd just love to hear it from you!

See her on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance & Permanent
__________________________________________________

Jennifer G.
Writer | Copy Editor | QA Specialist

What do Sony Pictures, NBC, Disney, ING Financial Services, Churchill Mortgage, and SHM Publishing/Tenet Hospitals have in common?

Why Jennifer, of course!

Working in both San Francisco and LA, Jennifer has written, copyedited, and proofread for a variety of media, including Web copy, newsletters, marketing/promotional collateral, and ads. She also handled Web site QA and content management and her extensive background includes managing multiple e-commerce sites.

Former Marketing Director for a rapidly growing Bay Area telecom and computer firm, she has a keen understanding of strategy and budgeting as well as the creation and production of print materials.

Just off assignment and joining the Aquent team again, we know you're going to love her!

See her on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance
__________________________________________________

Angela H.
Marketing Coordinator | Asset Manager

Are your digital assets on so many computers that it takes half the day just to find them?

Then you should meet Angela!

Armed with amazing coordination and project management skills, she's set up and managed digital asset management systems for countless companies. At Fox Family, she created their digital archiving system and researched and coordinated the company brand asset management project. She also was Associate Photo Editor, responsible for managing their photo collection, producing photo shoots, hiring photographers and selecting photos for numerous Fox publications.

Before you file this email away (and you can't find it a week from now), call us about Angela!

See her on-line Aquent profile by clicking here.

Desired Work: Freelance & Permanent Work

In this digital age, it's nice to see someone freehand drawing for a change.

Sketch Theatre was founded on just such a desire. From their site:

"Here, aspiring artists are exposed to contemporary artists and the various career paths taken by these like-minded individuals who all began their careers with the primary process of putting ideas and expressions down with a pencil & paper. The brilliant myriad of artists featured on Sketch Theatre strip down and expose raw sketches on camera, never failing to captivate and inspire. Enjoy the show."

If you don't like a lot of Metal, then I suggest you turn down your speakers when you watch some of these,  btw.

 

Here's the question of the day:

"Who can trust the organic brand image if they all sell out?"

It's the one posed by Canada's Financial Post regarding Canada's own Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics' refusal to sell to bigger corporations or hedge fund managers.

They quote Mark Constantine, the brand's chief executive, commenting on the recent sale of Burt's Bees to Clorox: "You couldn't have a more dramatic difference in image from a chemical bleach company and a natural cosmetics company based on honey and bees."

They also point out other "natural" brands who have sold out in recent years, among them, Bare Escentuals and UK's Body Shop (to L'Oreal).

Of course, I'm just hitting the tip of the iceberg here, but I think that's the point: Now that you know Clorox owns Burt's Bees, will it affect whether you buy the product or not?

There are, I'm sure, myriad reasons that sale happened (outlined in the NY Times article), but does that change your perception when you actually choose which brand to buy? What if Clorox told you they'd stick by the original mission of the Burt's Bees company? (Their site states: "It's a great opportunity to help us better deliver against our mission of making truly natural personal products available to everyone, everywhere.") 

Yes, it takes a lots and lots of money to expand a brand globally, but I'm not sure consumers who consider themselves "ethical" buyers really care how big their shampoo company gets.

But, then again, does a company like Estee Lauder really need them when they can turn a brand like Aveda into a global powerhouse?

I mean, does anyone remember when Ben & Jerry's ceased to be a little Vermont ice cream company? 

THIS WEEK'S POSITIONS:

1. After Effects/Motion Graphics Designer
2. Graphic Designer
3. Copywriter - Proposals/Marketing Copy
4. Marketing Research Coordinator
5. ActionScriptor
6. Sr. Account Manager
7. Sr. HTML Coder
8. Brand Marketing Analyst
9. Sales Analyst
10. Marketing Analyst

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: After Effects/Motion Graphics Designer

TERMS: Three-Month Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Hands-on skills in Adobe After Effects
• Able to create title treatments for corporate videos
• Personable and able to work with a variety of people

PERKS!:

• Nice team
• Internal agency of a huge consumer products company
  

LOCATION:

• Glendale
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Graphic Designer

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 5+ years of experience
• Must have youth-oriented samples (skate, surf, snow, gaming, etc.)
• Great hands-on skills in InDesign and Photoshop

PERKS!:

• Small, hip boutique agency
• Lots of room for growth
  

LOCATION:

• Culver City
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Copywriter - Proposals/Marketing Copy

TERMS: Long-Term Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Experience writing proposals, publications, and/or white papers
• Long-term on-site temporary position
• Pay is $30 an hour

PERKS!:

• Work with great, supportive team and equally wonderful manager
  

LOCATION:

• Glendale
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Marketing Research Coordinator

TERMS: Long-Term Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 1 to 2 years of market research experience
• Project management and coordination experience
• SPSS knowledge preferred

PERKS!:

• Leading non-profit   
  

LOCATION:

• Pasadena
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: ActionScriptor

TERMS: Month-Long Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 1 year of professional Flash ActionScript experience
• Prior work on large sites
• Streaming media a plus
• On-site position

PERKS!:

• Global entertainment company
• High visibility projects
  

LOCATION:

• Burbank
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Sr. Account Manager

TERMS: Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 10 years of account management experience managing internal clients
• 7 years of project management experience
• Knowledge of print process
• Ability to manage budgets and forecast
  

PERKS!:

• Amazing benefits
• Fun team-building outings
• Desk decorated on birthday
  

LOCATION:

• South Bay
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Sr. HTML Coder

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Strong coding experience with DHTML and Tableless CSS
• Large site development experience

PERKS!:

• Cool, fun agency
• Work on exciting entertainment projects   
  

LOCATION:

• Hollywood
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Brand Marketing Analyst

TERMS: Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Experience with SAP or SPSS
• Able to collect and analyze data and valuate customer trends and competitive activities
• Familiarity with data warehouses and large database structures
• Experience working with analysis and reporting tools

PERKS!:

• Leading interactive company
  

LOCATION:

• Burbank
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Sales Analyst

TERMS: 2 to 3 Month Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Experience pulling data, compiling reports, and forecasting for major CPG or Entertainment company
• Nielson/Microstrategy, IRI, or comparable database experience
• Minimum 2 years brand or trade marketing experience

PERKS!:

• Great big entertainment company
  

LOCATION:

• Burbank
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION: Marketing Analyst

TERMS: Freelance-to-Permanent  (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• Advanced SQL skills
• Email marketing experience
• 3 to 5 years of experience

PERKS!:

• Dynamic and evolving company with lots of energy
• Cool boss
• Great opportunity to learn a lot
  

LOCATION:

• Pasadena   
  

CONTACT AGENT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We've been hosting (with the AMA) quite a few Webcasts for Marketing folks.

And while they've been extremely popular, we've yet to have one exclusively for Creatives.

Until today, my friend.

Well, until February 7th.

That's when Aquent and Aquent Graphics Institute will present 8 "Need to Know" Technology Trends for Creative Managers.

AGI co-founders, Christopher and Jennifer Smith, who have collectively authored more than 20 best-selling Adobe-related books:

"will make sure that you know the eight technology trends impacting creative departments for 2008--and why they're important to your team's success. New technologies designed to help creative departments keep consistent messages across multiple mediums, create more engaging interactive content, upgrade their Web design, improve the approval process, build effective workflows, manage assets, and free up resources. "

(Weird, because I was guessing the 8 tech trends helping creatives would be: better coffeemakers, stress-relieving squeezy balls, sharper pencils, Mighty Mice, moisture wicking socks, GPS-enabled job jackets, better anti-depressants, and the new Sia CD. Which is probably why I'm not hosting the Webcast myself.)

Did I mention it's free, Free, FREE?

Consider it our incredibly creative Valentine's Day gift to you.

Awwww.

Details here.

(Don't be fooled by those East Coast-centric times, for us this will all take place Thursday, February 07, 2008 10:00 am - 11:00 am.)

Happy Groundhog Day, btw.

(Photo by Messiaen)