Tim Donnelly: February 2009 Archives

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or an aspiring newcomer, most creative professionals spend way too much time writing proposals. Neglecting to ask the right questions before writing a proposal can create hours of unpaid work. What's more, if you forget to address important issues (like your client's budget) you can waste a lot of time writing proposals for prospects that can't afford you to begin with.Yet, even when you think you've asked all the right questions, it's natural to wonder:

1. Are my proposals being read at all or simply skimmed?
   

2. Do my proposals have enough (or too much) information?
   

3. Do my prospects understand the work that is involved in the project?
   

We can answer these questions and help you save all that time and money using real world examples to teach you how to craft more effective proposals that get you working!

Details here!

Powerful. Persuasive. Problem-solving. That's creative energy -- that's you -- and that's Y14.

Listen, learn, and spark ideas with nationally recognized leaders -- the lightning rods of design and business -- all converging at one conference. The most important natural resource the world needs right now is creative energy; the force that develops ideas, discovers solutions and pushes business forward. During times of dramatic change, creative thinkers have always seized the opportunity to design the future; and now it's your moment to shine. Inject a shot of adrenaline to your life and your work at Y14. Be inspired! Feel empowered! Get energized! Don't miss out on this chance to recharge your creative energy!

Details here.

(From guest blogger, Jenn Tran)

I'm not much of a fast food junkie (not since Super Size Me came out in theaters). However, I do enjoy the occasional burger and fries every now and then. Jack in the Box has always been a particular favorite of mine...mostly due to the nostalgia of all the little Jack toy heads that we'd rip off our parents' car antennas when we were kids.

I just came across an article on underconsideration.com unveiling the new Jack in the Box logo which has already been unveiled at several of their San Diego branches near Jack in the Box HQ.

I'm no Designer, but it makes me think of Matt Frewer's Max Headroom mashed up with a late night social networking chat room. But hey, that's just me.

As long as they keep the recipe the same for their Jalapeno Poppers, I'll be good. Although, I wonder if they are going to update Jack's hat for some Devo-looking head attire instead?

To: Adriana Doherty, CEO
From: Jerome Tanaka

RE: Our Department Manager

Over the last several years, before Paul transferred to our group, I heard from people in his previous departments just how difficult it is working with him. Things like, "He's a real nightmare" or "You're better off talking to a wall".

Shortly after Paul became our manager, I realized to my horror not only were all the rumors about him true, but he's even worse than I had imagined. He comes into work earlier than everyone else, stays well after everyone has gone home, and never leaves his office.

You can imagine what this has done for our floor's morale. Since he started, my department has busted their tushes coming in early and staying late to match his workaholic personality.

But to no avail.

No matter how early anyone shows up, he is always here first. He is still here when they leave, even if it's after the cleaning crew has departed.

On top of that, he has been incredibly uncommunicative and refuses to attend any meeting to which he's been invited.

E-mails to him go unanswered. The Inbox on his desk is always overflowing. He never, ever cracks a smile, even out of social kindness.

The slave driver didn't even leave his office during our last fire drill.

This is not why I am writing to you, however.

I wanted to tell you about the curious turn of events that unfolded in my last review.

During our meeting, when he failed to even acknowledge my comments about his miserable behavior, I reached over and tapped him angrily on his chest.

He then toppled over backwards and one of his hands broke off.

At this point I discovered Paul Graham is, in fact, a store mannequin.

Quite a surprise.

I have to compliment your ingenuity for creating a relentless work ethic in our company simply by shifting Paul from department to department.

Which is why I am sure you will equally appreciate how I sent him packing.

Literally.

Several weeks ago I dressed him in a Giorgio Armani suit, put him and a nice rollaway suitcase by a freeway entrance, then put a paper sign in his hands that said "Florida".

I've taken care to load Paul down with postcards, a cheapie digital camera, and a company e-mail list. I've also packed along instructions to anyone who picks him up to put him in the most compromising positions they can, then send everything our way.

Julia in Compliance has already received pictures from someplace called the Chicken Ranch in La Grange, TX. Ned keeps talking about what Paul did in a photo booth in Vegas, but refuses to let the pictures out of his office.

We'll be keeping these items for safekeeping and awaiting his return later this summer.

Which is when you will begin receiving e-mails and memos from him concerning the new work hours and better parking spaces for our department.

I imagine you will find it easier to approve these than explain to your Board of Directors why our intranet has a picture of your handpicked VP stripped to the waist and holding a keg tap on a Mardi Gras float.

Expect excellent reviews during the Upward Feedback process in the fall.

We've decided this is one manager we want to keep forever. And from the information I've gathered about the Rudy M/1 Male E series, it looks like we can!

Thank you in advance for all your continued support.

Sincerely,

Charlie McCarthy and the whole crew

IN THIS ISSUE:

Hot Talent

Featured Talent This Week

That Bit at the End - "I Can See Your Lips Moving"

Subscribe | Unsubscribe Information

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HOT TALENT

Today we're throwing beads off our balcony to prove Mardi Gras isn't just for the folks down in the French Quarter.

Hey, we hit someone! He's shouting something... is he speaking in Cajun? French?

Wow, with all that wild gesturing and shouting, it looks like he's really getting into the Mardi Gras spirit. People really go gonzo for these necklaces.

Crazy, because they're so cheap two days after the event.

While we liberate ourselves of this box of 2,000, you can catch up on these great Aquent Talent who really know how to Laissez Les Bon Temps Roule!

In the Marketing and Creative sense, that is.

As always, enjoy in moderation.
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And we're still blogging!

Today: A Guide to Unemployment Insurance, just click here!
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FEATURED TALENT THIS WEEK

Eric B. - Online Community Manager / Web Producer
David W. - Flash Animator
Karen P. - Senior Print Designer
Syuzi P. - UEX Designer
Austin C. - UI and Interaction Designer / Developer
Nicole Z. - Online Project Manager
Olika J. - Traffic & Project Manager
Evan S. - Interactive Designer and Developer
Morley S. - Creative Services Manager
Robin W. - Print Designer
Blanca A. - Proposal & Marketing Manager
Ronit M. - Retail Brand Manager
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Eric B.
Online Community Manager / Web Producer

Eric is an Online Community Manager who has been "in the game" for over a decade!

His career highlights in social networking include work at Blogcritics.org where he built an online community of over 2,000 bloggers from the ground up! His successes with Blogcritics included launching online promotional campaigns and the sourcing/management of over 12,000 contacts!

Eric entered the interactive agency environment working as a Senior Producer for 3jane IndieClick, an interactive media agency whose clients included several high profile entertainment companies. There he produced the quarterlife.com social networking site for NBC, an online application for Snickers, and microsites, online advertisements, and full sites for clients.

Eric has experience managing anywhere from 15 to 20 projects at any given time; works well in fast-paced cross-functional team environments; manages budgets, develops content; is technically savvy with several social networking platforms like Facebook and Twitter; and if you can believe it, much, much more!

He's a great person to meet who can show you how to grow your online community! He's available NOW!
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David W.
Flash Animator

David is a Flash Animator/AS3 Developer with some serious chops!

He most recently worked at the Cartoon Network as Flash Animator for such popular animated series as Powerpuff Girls and Out of Jimmy's Head. Before his tenure at Cartoon Network, he was an Animator and Flash Developer for Animax, where he worked on full Web sites, banner campaigns, and developed plug-in tools for Flash Developers. There, he worked on projects for clients like Sesame Street and Disney.

We might as well add that he ACED our rigorous hands-on AS3 assessment.

He has a perfectly balanced mix of animation and development that would be a serious asset to almost any company!
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Karen P.
Senior Print Designer

Karen is a tried and true Aquent Talent who is available after a successful 1 1/2 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers.  She really knows how to shine with a style guide, fonts, color pallets, and branding. She has a very clean, corporate look that fits well across many industries.

Prior to PricewaterhouseCoopers, Karen was Lead Designer at a 1,600-person professional engineering firm in DC designing corporate and marketing communications, multimedia presentations, trade show booths, logos, signage, and everything else you can imagine from concept to completion. Working with both internal and external clients, she translated her customers' communication and advertising needs into clean and very effective designs.

Her hands on InDesign and Photoshop skills are AMAZING!!

Karen has a great attitude, is a team player, brings a lot of great conceptual ideas to the table and has an unrivaled work ethic!
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Syuzi P.
UEX Designer

Syuzi (pronounced like 'Suzy") is an amazing User Experience Designer with cutting edge social networking and social media experience in her book of work.

Her most recent clients include Buzznet, ThisNext, Spike.com, and Loud3r.com (a large aggregate site). She has done simply everything: site analysis; architecture, mapping, schematics, and wireframing; and aesthetic design work like logos and art direction.

Before beginning freelance work on her own, Syuzi was a Senior User Experience Designer at MTV's iFilm where she was responsible for concepting and designing streaming media application players for the site and its affiliates.

Did I mention she was also an Art Center AND Cal grad? Oh, and she also recently got her book on wearable technology published by O'Reilly Media!

Why keep reading about how amazing she is when you can meet her about your next project?!
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Austin C.
UI and Interaction Designer / Developer

Austin is an award winning, Interactive Designer/UI and Flash Developer fresh from NYC!

He was most recently at BusinessWeek.com as Senior Interactive Designer and responsible for the design, development, and implementation of special Flash projects that included data-driven micro sites, interactive graphics, and RIAs that run along with stories. He is also very experienced in creating XML-driven applications and pulling data from databases using PHP!

Prior to Businessweek.com, he was at TBWA/Chiat Day where he created Flash designs for both Nivea and Sprint that included banner and online advertising. His awesome technical skills include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Flash AS2 and AS3, XML, PHP, application design, and more. 

Austin is superb at designing and organizing heavy content sites as well creating interactive applications for the front end!

He's relocating as we write this and will be available, in LA, on March 15th!
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Nicole Z.
Online Project Manager

Also new to LA, Nicole is a SUPER SHARP Aquent Talent with 3 years of professional experience with Nike at their headquarters in Oregon.

While onboard, Nicole developed online content for email blasts, blogs, Website content, and managed the schedule/launch of Nike's 6.0 action sports Web site. She also managed vendors and in-house production schedules for online ads, banners, seasonal print schedules, advertising budgets, photo shoots, and additional design projects. 

We know you'll find her as amazing and super sharp as we do, so just give us a call and we'll arrange a meeting!
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Olika J.
Traffic & Project Manager

Olika is a results-oriented Creative Services/Marketing Services management pro with more than 16 years of experience at in-house ad agencies!

She has extensive experience with all types of print materials including collateral, packaging, merchandising displays, POP, and ads. She has excellent project management and client relationship skills, ensuring that projects are produced to client expectations, on time, and well within budget.

Olika is a creative thinker with the strength to independently manage projects from preliminary concept through final production in fast-paced environments, able to meet the tightest of deadlines with exceptional attention to detail.

We know you'll find she's a resourceful problem solver that possesses excellent communication, organization, leadership, negotiation and time management skills.
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Evan S.
Interactive Designer and Developer

Evan is a talented Interactive Designer and Developer with a portfolio guaranteed to wow you! 

He excels in Web Design and Flash animation, plus develops in AS3. His most recent work has been on interactive games and animated banners. At Nemo Design, Evan worked with a team of Designers and Developers on Nike 6.0, Smith Optics, and HP Blackbird. He was their go-to man when it came to designing and developing interactive Flash features.  

Evan's skills are a rare mix of developing and delivering outstanding design. 

Let us know if you're interested in seeing some of his sites!
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Morley S.
Creative Services Manager

Morley is an amazing Creative Services Manager with years of experience in Entertainment!

Most recently contracting at Disney in their Home Entertainment Division, she was responsible for the entire ABC TV series releases to the International Market. She handled all of the creative and print production for DVD packaging and POP displays. As a Client Services Manager at AGI she worked with large clients like 20th Century Fox, Paramount, Disney, and others on all their DVD and POP needs.

Needless to say, she is very familiar with a large volume of simultaneous releases, quick turnarounds and a fast pace! She can easily interface with the Branding, Marketing, Legal and Sales Teams to ensure projects are on time, on budget, and meet all the necessary requirements, specs, and approvals.

Morley is very detail-oriented and is able to multi-task with various stages of the creative and production process. She is an expert at meeting a client's needs (whether internal or external) and is able to manage outside vendors.

She is a great addition to any Creative Services team!
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Robin W.
Print Designer

Robin is a Print Designer with a clean, elegant, modern style and really beautiful work.

She has worked on books, brochures, marketing materials, promotional materials and identities. From concept development of major advertising campaigns to designing signage for award-winning museums to writing nationally broadcasted radio spots, her communication, management and design skills have served her clients superbly!

Currently a freelance Art Director for design firms around LA, as well as for several studios around the city, her most recent work includes designs for Smart Papers, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Just ask to see her incredible book!
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Blanca A.
Proposal & Marketing Manager

If you are currently looking for a passionate, on the ball, highly talented marketing solutions professional, than you'll want to know Blanca!

In her most recent position as Proposal Development Manager at Maritz in their Interactions division, she was tasked with overseeing cross-functional teams comprised of senior management, Producers, Creatives, Writers and Designers. The RFP stops here! While project managing anywhere from 10 to 20 proposals at a time throughout different stages of development, she also had to cull and manage the different resources needed to stay on track to strict deadlines and demands.

You'll find Blanca's background filled with strong project management, account management, and event marketing background with agencies such as Team One Advertising, George P. Johnson, and TMP Worldwide.

Relationship building and team organizing is no small feat to master, and with Blanca by your side, your life will become that much easier!
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Ronit M.
Retail Brand Manager

Ronit is a HOT SHOT Retail Brand Manager making her mark in the world of Marketing.

As Retail Brand Manager for Nike, she was responsible for leading the development and implementation of retail marketing programs for Women's Training and Nike Sportswear. Her most successful project was a result of her strong analytical skills and eye for detail. A new Nike product had everything aligned perfectly. Everything, that is, except for the retail portion! Ronit took immediate action by monitoring stores and identifying best practices, then rolled an Extreme Retail Makeover, promoted ideas at all stores, and implemented quantitative data into Nike's strategies. The end result was a lift of 133%! Talk about a HOT SHOT!!

Ronit has an MBA from USC, is a strategic thinker, and possesses remarkable analytical skills. She can hit the ground running and either be a part of a cohesive team or lead the troops!

You know when the Deputy Director of California's Unemployment Insurance Branch admits to the LA Times that the state's booklet on unemployment benefits doesn't help applicants much, you're in trouble, right?

"We know they don't read it," (Deborah) Bronow said. "It's big, and we're the government."

The LA Times reports, "Even the table of contents is confusing."

(Please note, I am not a Certified Tax Planner, nor do I play one on TV. And, as far as I can figure, neither is Thursday Bram, who wrote the article I'm linking. Please research any of these ideas before putting them into action on your tax form.)

Good golly, The Snuggie Pub Crawl.

In my 10+ years of working at Aquent, I've seen a number of goodbye missives from colleagues around the world. If you stay with a company that long, you're bound to see a number people come and go, right? (Unless you're working on an Amish farm, I'm thinking.) Most of them say how much they enjoyed their time, what they've learned, and what they'll miss. Sometimes it's odd because, say, it may be a person in one of our German offices, who I've never spoken to.

I imagine, in the state of this economy, a lot of people are seeing more goodbye emails floating around, and the fact is, if it's due to cutbacks, they might not be so cheery. It does beg the question, what exactly does someone expect to accomplish by sending a nasty missive to 1,500 of their coworkers?

When I read this article in the LA Times about goodbye emails, it made me think of the recent goodbyes from all the radio personalities at KLSX 97.1 (aka Free FM) who recently said their farewells on the air. I'd heard that they'd made a deal to have a day or two to wrap up before the format changed. This would be instead of the usual case where a radio station format changes and the audience has no idea what happened. (I don't know if you've ever woken up to your station playing country instead of classical music, but it's pretty jarring. "Why the hell is that man singing about his truck?") Leaving on good terms left the door open for all those radio personalities to work with their former employer, CBS, in the future. Heck, the terms were so good that the old Website is still live and has links to all their podcasts and Websites.

The LA Times article makes a lot of good points: losing your jog is a very emotional time, especially if you think your management has made some really boneheaded decisions. But it begs the question, do you really want to sent that kind of messaging to a couple hundred or thousand people? Folks who may be your Manager, CEO, or the HR Director somewhere down the line?

Consider this scenario: you're up for a job and it's between you and another candidate. Your resume has been passed up to a few more managers. One of those folks was a recipient on your Parting Shot Email (maybe the subject line was "So long, suckers!") What do you think their reaction is going to be? Do you really think you'll get the interview with them? Turn the situation around, would you interview someone who sent an email like that around? Both candidates look good, but one of them sent this angry, vitriolic email to everyone at their former company. Do you really want to take the time and energy to bring them into your office and spend an hour or two to interview them?

I like the advice from Alison Doyle, a job search expert on About.com, "You can have all these feelings but you shouldn't necessarily share them.

If you don't have something nice to say to 1,500 people, I'd caution you to not say anything at all.

I mean, what would Mr. Rogers do?

We're taking a break from our previously scheduled programming (wondering who would buy a home defibrillator from Costco) to pass along some pretty valuable information we got in an email from our Aquent Employee Assistance Program about coping with layoffs.

Even though, "Eat more chocolate" didn't make the list, we all still think it's worthwhile.

If you're an Aquent Talent or Client, please do remember that we're here for you, regardless of the economy.


Managing Change During Downsizing

Employees who remain at a company after downsizing can experience low morale with shaken confidence. You may remain in an existing job or move into a new job with added responsibilities. It's normal to experience a wide range of feelings:

* Relief that your job remained intact.
* Grief at losing long-time friends and colleagues.
* Guilt that you stayed when others have lost their jobs.
* Anger over the few people remaining, having to tackle the same workload, without added compensation.
* Questioning yourself as you try to understand why the layoff occurred in the first place.
* Concern that those who were asked to stay received little guidance or recognition for making it through a tough time.

Actions You Can Take

Check your attitude: Be aware that your expressions, tone of voice, and attitude speak volumes. Spend extra time considering what and how you talk with your co-workers and managers.

Maintain a routine: Chance is, layoffs have disrupted your workflow. You can be overwhelmed by an increased workload or feel like you're floundering in uncertainty. Either maintain your old routine as much as possible (schedule, break time, meals) or create a new one as soon as possible to help you feel like there is a predictable framework to your day.

Use this as an opportunity for career growth and development: Whenever possible, ask for new challenges to expand your value to the company.

Be flexible and tolerant of "management decisions": Be prepared to be assigned to new tasks, new teams, and/or a new boss.

Maintain your sense of humor: Besides having a therapeutic effect, being upbeat and in good humor can ease the stress and strain of those around you.

Steer clear of office gossip: While it's great to be informed about the changes, find a better source than office gossip. Use your down time at work to focus on something productive and rejuvenating instead of listening to hearsay.

Expect continual change: Once you've adjusted to a major organizational change, there is a tendency to breathe a sigh of relief and "be glad that's over." In today's market, however, organizational change is the rule rather than the exception. Be prepared for more change down the road, but don't dwell on it.


If you're interested in seeing the worksheets our EAP passed along, email me and I'll send them to you.

Chocolate provided on a case-by-case basis.

Yup, Cut&Paste is coming back to LA this weekend (locally known as "Cut Y Paste").

Even if you didn't go through the pre-competitions, there's still time to pick up tickets online for $15, head over to the Avalon, and watch some masters o' digital design have it out on the main stage.

A few of us will be there, but will be in disguise.

Look for anyone in a fedora and dark glasses.

Details here.

Dear Aquent,

I have over 20 years experience in the Cosmetics and Beauty Packaged Goods Industry in marketing, product development and merchandising. However, a lot of the "NEW" jobs I see available list skills I do not have including the following: Photoshop, Illustrator, SAS, SQL, Omniture, Google Analytics, DoubleClick/DART, SES...

1. Which of these are actually adding value at this point in my career?
2. Where can I take them while I'm working?
3. Are there any companies that would be excited about the experience I have and teach these on the job training?

Thanks so much for any advice you may have.

Looking for Mad Skills

Hi Mad Skills,

Your questions are some that pop up quite often with a lot of our marketing Talent within the CPG industry.

As far as specific "hands-on" skills are concerned, things like Photoshop and Illustrator knowledge wouldn't really be relevant to your experience at this point in your career (given that you are on the product marketing and development). What would be helpful, however, are the online marketing skills you listed towards the end (being familiar with Google Analytics, Omniture, etc). Because online marketing is a growing trend among companies (to which CPG companies are just now coming up to speed), any online experience or knowledge that you could lend to a company would be a great value-add.

Because your experience is so market specific, I would recommend offering your expertise to an "indie" cosmetics/beauty company that would allow you to venture into the online merchandising and online marketing field. I am sure many small shops would gain value from your years of experience and are more likely to let you "experiment" on them! Also, the local Aquent LA office also offers Lynda.com training in SEO for you to get some great training in the SEO/SEM arena as well. Feel free to call the office and ask for Gavin, he'd be glad to help you out!

Do also bear in mind that many companies throw in everything plus the kitchen sink into their job descriptions. So certain "must haves" that they list, especially if they seem irrelevant to the position you are interested in, may just be that.

But above all else, in this job market it is most important that you "stay focused" keep to your strengths and what you are good at because your true expertise is the best marketing tool you have!

Aquent

It's not often the Associated Press sends out their own press release, is it? Well, one that's worth reading, anyhow. But here it is:

AP alleges copyright infringement of Obama image.

Shepard Fairey, the LA-based artist, designed his now famous image of Obama based uponthis Associated Press photograph, taken in April 2006 by Mannie Garcia (who was on assignment for the AP).

Because the image has led to "sales of hundreds of thousands of posters and stickers, and has become so much in demand that copies signed by Fairey have been purchased for thousands of dollars on eBay", the AP wants a piece of the sales pie. They say they own the copyright for the image Fairey based his artwork on and wants "credit and compensation", a viewpoint with which the artist disagrees.

It's become a hot topic for Designers and copyright experts alike.

CreativePro has an interesting discussion going on over at their site and the AP release itself contains quite a few viewpoints, which I found extremely fair, since they're trying to win this case against Fairey.

Any thoughts to add?

(Images by CreativePro, Shepard Fairey, Associated Press, and Mannie Garcia) 

Hi, Flippy the Trademark-Evading Dolphin here, back just in time for your last minute Valentine's Day shoppers!

Even though the Big Day is Saturday, there's still time to pick up our items at swap meets, discount warehouses, illegal street vendors, and your local gas station (right by the register). Wherever you can find items strikingly similar to today's most popular toys, clothing, lingerie, and assortment of fine luggage.

Our budget items won't cost you an arm and a leg. Heck, they may not even cost you a five spot. How's that for the Budget Romantic?

Our employees have been working 24/7 to bring you the (generally) heartfelt and affordable gifts for your loved ones during this Season of Love.

Best of all, many of our budget-minded products look and feel so much like those more expensive brands of jewelry, handbags, toys, and luggage, you'll find it hard to believe we sell them at only a fraction of the cost!

We believe only the sharpest of Fashionistas could tell the difference between a real COACH bag and our very own POACH brand bag.

And customs officials, as we recently discovered.

Love the DKNY line? Our DKNJ line is just as good!

Diamonds may be forever, but not only is plastic more affordable, it can last up to 200 years before beginning to degrade! It was this fact that led us to create our very own line of Plasti-Jewls. Our patented process turns used 2-liter bottles into beautiful faux freshwater pearls, diamonds, and other precious gems. You'd need at least 20/40 or better eyesight to tell these gems apart from the real thing. Perfect for that elderly relative or farsighted girl/boyfriend you're sure won't last out the season.

We also are privileged to offer a limited number of Shareable Heart Pendants that you and your sweetie both can wear as a symbol of your love and devotion. (Only right side of heart available.)

Men, ladies just love candles and we've got them by the truckload. White, red, or green, the color choice is up to you as long as you leave the shape up to us! (Candles will be monkey-shaped.)

Our Gigantic Chocolate Covered Fortune Cookie was almost a hit last Valentine's Day, which is why they're available this year to you for a song! If your beloved is new to the English language, they may not even notice the sentiment inside reveals fortunes like "Dry Clean Only", "Your Shirt Tag is Out", or "Do Not Consume After 1/1/06".

Are you making your Valentine dinner? Cooking and cleaning up is a snap with our line of Gormet foods from Organix. Choose from family favorites like Lasagna with Spicy Jalapeno Sauce and Chile con Tuna. Yum!! (Please note: Organix food products are not certified organic by the USDA, nor intended for consumption by infants or the elderly.)

If you've decided to go "whole hog" and make your sweetie dinner from scratch, our line of cookbooks from "master" chefs Femeril Labaste, Marla Stalward, and Wolfbrang Pock will take your taste buds to culinary heights and set your love's heart afire.

Speaking of fire, rekindle your romance with our Straight-to-DVD collection, produced exclusively for merchants carrying the Flippy Line. After watching these, you'll wonder why they never showed up at the local theater complex!

Southwest Side Story
When Barry Met Sally
The Way We Are
Ghosties
Casa Pranko
My Breakfast with Tiffany
Doctor Lumbago
Really Sleepy in Seattle
Titanical! (the Musical)

Each DVD is chock full of special features like Screen Credits and Title Sequence and can be played in "WidishScreen" format.

If your loved one has always wanted a Snuggie but didn't have the $19.95 (plus shipping), why not buy them our $5 Smuggly? Just like the more expensive Snuggie but without the oversized sleeves, annoying length, or mind-boggling variety of colors, our Smuggly fits anyone's budget! (Though these items look amazingly like the $4 fleece blankets we were selling last year, before the Snuggie boom, we assure you they're not. These are green.)

Don't forget the kids this Valentine's Day! Children love chocolate, but they're usually not smart enough to suspect candy bars have been melted, cooled, melted, and then reformed again. That's why our line of Flippy's Rehabilitated Candy Bars are the perfect gift for kids who'd eat chocolate off the sidewalk, if it came to it. Part of a lost 1974 truck shipment recently discovered in the Mojave Desert, many of these chocolate bars are true antiques and unavailable anywhere else!

We also offer for the wee ones sleeping bags, backpacks, sheets, and more, with these very popular-sounding characters:

Dorie the Explorie
Booze Cluze
Bratty Girlz
You-Guy-Oh!
Spongie Boy Square Top
Farewell Kitty
Polly Mockup
G.I. JoeBob

The perfect gift for any kid who doesn't have cable or isn't allowed to watch TV.

With products and prices like these, it's crazy to shop anywhere else!

(Except, of course, if you wanted a warranty or guarantee of flame retardance.)

Flippy says, "Don't pay those big name prices if you're not such a picky shopper!"

Make all your loved ones' Valentine's Day special and still have enough money left over to enjoy a bottle of our 2009 San Pedro Valley White Merlot. You'll never believe it just finished aging on Tuesday!

It's the Flippy way to end your perfect day!

HOT TALENT

We'd like to present you with our newly certified "100% Animal Labor Free" newsletter!

From this issue onward we will no longer allow the Aquent Spider Monkey to make us delicious lattes and microwave-fresh popcorn while we're writing this. Nor will he be allowed to proofread and copyedit our work.

In fact, we've bid him farewell and sent him back to his native home of Valley Village with a beautiful set of ersatz Louis Vuitton luggage.

We do expect a few bumps in the road (for one, what to do with 800 pounds of Purina Monkey Chow), but we think you'll find our new venture absolutely Monkeylesscious! (Which is undoubtedly an expression that he would have crossed out with his little red pen.)

So, go ahead and enjoy these top Aquent Talent, available now and guaranteed to make your Marketing and Creative world swing!

Oooo oooo eeeee ahhh!

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FEATURED TALENT THIS WEEK

Kevin M. - AS3 Developer
Peter W. - Creative Director | Art Director
Eva C. - Print Designer
Jui D. - User Experience, User Interface Designer, Information Architect
Jon N. - Director, Online Marketing
Paula M. - Print & Web Designer
John K. - Creative Director
Nora H. - Interactive Project Manager
Duho Y. - Interactive Art Director
Crystal L. - Marketing Manager
Neil R. - Sr. Marketing Analyst
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Kevin M.
AS3 Developer

After hearing about this AS3 Developer you will know you can't spell the word ÒawesomeÓ without the letters "K","E","V","I" and "N"!

Kevin is a Flash Developer extraordinaire who knows his way around one really robust application! He was last working at Creative Asylum on a team that built high-traffic Web applications for entertainment clients like Warner Bros, Fox, and ABC Family. There he handled full lifecycle development of database-driven applications that included online rating systems, quizzes, and games.

In addition to entertainment he's also worked with clients in the beauty, finance, medical and consulting industries.

Not only is Kevin a hardcore AS3 Developer, he also has an RHCE certification, Perl/PHP and a BSCS in Computer Science!

Now you know how to spell "awesome!"
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Peter W.
Creative Director | Art Director

A terrific hands-on Creative Director specializing in entertainment and consumer products, Peter was most recently the Director of Packaging at the Disney Stores and at Disney Consumer Products.

While at Disney, he created a new process, integrating the packaging team into the earliest stages of the product design process! Peter was responsible for the design and production of all packaging materials for Disney Store products (toys, apparel, home decor, soft and hard lines). He directed a 10+ person in-house creative team comprising Designers, Structural Engineers, Copywriter, Photographer, and a 6-person off-site production team in Hong Kong. He worked closely with overseas vendors to facilitate production, reduce costs, and improve quality of packaging all while managing over 300 SKUs per quarter.

Prior to that he was Senior Art Director at AGI/TM Ltd., creating packaging for home and theatrical entertainment projects for companies such as Buena Vista Home Video, Sony, Paramount, and Disney. He also had his own agency for a number of years, creating key art and trailers for home entertainment and TV.

He's an amazing hands-on Designer and a terrific and fair Manager we'd love to have you meet!
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Eva C.
Print Designer

Eva is a multi-talented Designer with a versatile portfolio: from hand-drawn illustrations and funky posters to corporate branding across all marketing channels, her diverse talents can solve any creative challenge!

Eva's experience includes packaging, product photography (technical & lifestyle), graphic design, and brand development. Her well-satisfied client list includes Weston Mason, Midnight Oil, Illusion Factory, SolidWorks, Real Soda Orange County, and she was previously Interactive Media Developer at the world renowned Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

As down-to-earth and smart as she is creative, she works well within a team and is also able to mentor those around her.

With a fantastic portfolio and a can-do attitude, Eva will shine in any creative environment!
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Jui D.
User Experience, User Interface Designer, Information Architect

An expert and a "triple threat," Jui's specialties include wireframes, interface design and flow, site maps, user research, testing, user personas, icon creation, and so much more!

For the last 2 years he has been working with top companies such as Avenue A /Razorfish, Listspinner, and Fox. For Razorfish he designed a CMS system for NFL.com, creating over 90 modules that each team could use to customize their own site! At Listspinner he helped redesign the user interface for this Facebook Application that allows users to create lists. He handled user testing, feedback, analysis, and mock ups. For Mobients he redesigned a mobile banking interface for AT&T customers.

Jui started off in UI Design at Scient and then Siemens, where he helped design applications for the Web as well as software. He also was a Senior IA at Revolution Health, a portal created by Steve Case, where he conducted user testing and updated designs based on user feedback.

He's a User Experience expert! From research to architecture to interface design, Jui's experience across many different industries and clients make his experience invaluable!
_________________________________________________

Jon N.
Director, Online Marketing

Jon is a Sr. Marketing Executive with over 18 years of experience managing robust online marketing initiatives for companies such as Disney, J2 Global Communications, Atari, Princess Cruise Lines, Direct Partners, and others.

He was recently the Director of Online Marketing for Disney Interactive Studios, overseeing all internal and external online production for their gaming division's online presence. Jon managed 5 direct reports (3 Web Producers and 2 community Managers), all SEO/SEM programs, and full P/L duties for Disney's first successful launch into the online community space for video gamers.

Prior to Disney he was Director of Global Online Marketing at Atari, managing over 150 Websites for the Atari.com network.

If you need a top Aquent Talent committed to the delivery of profitable and timely results, call us about Jon!
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Paula M.
Print & Web Designer

Paula is an enthusiastic Designer always looking for her next challenge!

She's worked for numerous Aquent clients in both Los Angeles and Michigan including DIRECTV, Borders, Kmart Corp., Campbell-Ewald, Cushman & Wakefield, Compuware, Jason Naturals, and a host of others. Most recently at Paul Hastings as a Graphic Designer for 2+ years, Paula won many awards for her excellent, detailed, and incredibly beautiful work.

She's created proposals, brochures, editorial pieces, Website graphics, Web banners, Web ads, Web invites, CD-ROMs, PowerPoint presentations, exhibits for shows, and much more for The Walt Disney Co., Starbright Foundation, and just about every car manufacturer you can think of: Saab, Subaru, Porsche, GMC, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, and Saturn.

Master of tight deadlines, she was the sole Designer working round-the-clock to create the winning proposal for the $5 million contract for the Porsche race at the Indy 500 (she completed 2 major proposals, in a week's time).

Put this Designer in your tank and you'll get your money's worth!
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John K.
Creative Director

John is one multi-functional, ingenious Creative Director. 

If you are looking for a Creative Director that has done it all, and I mean all: packaging, publications, POP, POS, 3D, fashion, product design, direct mail, photography...  this is your guy!

He was recently the Creative Director at Irwin Naturals where he oversaw all copy writing and design for their Direct Response Division. He was the creative mind behind their bi-monthly magalog, magazine, Websites, and campaign identity for the infomercial promotions and managed a staff of 2 Designers and 3 Copywriters.

John was also Art Director for JOL Management, where he oversaw print and Web promotions for this $200M a year direct mail company. Aside from art directing their monthly health magalog, he art directed photoshoots, managed a staff of 8 Designers, interfaced with print and Web vendors, and managed the budget for all advertising and promotion.

If you're looking for that well-rounded, incredibly talented Creative Director, John is your man!
__________________________________________________

Nora H.
Interactive Project Manager

Most recently Nora was freelancing as Sr. Account Executive/Project Manager at RPA on the Honda and Interactive Sales Communications division, managing up to 5 enormous projects at once. While onboard she was responsible for training other Project Managers, Producers, and Account Executives as well as for the overall interactive production including schedules, budgets, project scope, content, budgets, assets, timeline, vendor and client management, and much more.

Prior to RPA she was at Jack Morton as Associate Producer managing projects with Developers and team members worldwide. Though primarily focused on the Intel account she was consistently asked to help on other accounts.

Nora has excellent knowledge of Flash, basic HTML, Illustrator, InDesign, and Dreamweaver and is available PRONTO!

_________________________________________________

Duho Y.
Interactive Art Director

Duho is an Interactive Art Director with over 10 years of industry experience.  His experience ranges from product development to design to branding. 

Most recently at Wasserman Media Group, he branded and conceptualized user experience products. He successfully implemented a custom creative process to brand a network of 40 sports Web sites including motocross.com and the martial arts site mmarated.com.

Prior to Wasserman, Duho served as Sr. Designer at Answer Financial and Creative Director at both MACH18 and Apollo Interactive. His experience ranges from visual design to user experience design, and some development. 

We know you'll find his creative work, whether they be financial or community sites, are top scorers in the Web world!
__________________________________________________

Crystal L.
Marketing Manager

Crystal is a stellar Marketing Manager with 7 years of experience both in house and in the field. In addition, she has 6 years of Account Executive experience in an ad agency. That's 13 years of exceptional service to two extremely fortunate companies(!): Cameron Newell Advertising/TMP Worldwide and KB Home. 

At Cameron Newell Advertising/TMP Worldwide, she crafted the direction of her career rising up the ranks from Account Coordinator to Account Executive. Who better than Crystal to coordinate 100+ ads per week for her clients resulting in over $1 million in billings per year and achieving 100% retention?  Her keen eye with regards to strategic recruitment advertising plans and working within tight budgets provided her clients with excellent customer service and cost savings.

At KB Home she entrenched herself within the Production and Marketing departments as a Marketing Representative and Division Marketing Manager (respectively) before becoming a Consultant to the company. She had the difficult task of overseeing and driving the strategy and execution of 15 new development communities. She increased division traffic by 30%, managed a team of 3 Marketing Coordinators, and worked within a budget of $2M. As a Consultant, she provided nationwide marketing support for 7 operating divisions and more than 30 markets nationwide. 

Crystal is extremely organized, can manage large projects, and is an all around exceptional employee that will add trust and value to her next role!
_________________________________________________

Neil R.
Sr. Marketing Analyst

Neil is a strong candidate who comes with expertise in both customer acquisition and retention.  

He has 5+ years of direct marketing and analytics experience and has worked for companies such as DIRECTV, American Express, America Online, and many others. He was recently a Marketing Manager - New Customer Acquisition at DIRECTV, overseeing data and campaign management for direct mail campaigns of over 450 million pieces per year. He also analyzed ongoing marketing programs to predict response trends and performance. 

Prior to that he was Sr. Marketing Analyst at American Express where he managed consumer card acquisition campaigns through direct mail, email, and statement channels.  He was also responsible for managing a $15M annual marketing budget, creating monthly forecasts, and expanding strategy.

If you value getting (and keeping) valued customers, call us about Neil!

There's something to be said for being right on time for something. Dinner on Valentine's Day, I'm thinking. And though being ahead of the game, like Google was, can be a great thing, being too far ahead of the game yields the exact same results as say, inventing the Snuggie next week.

The folks over at iMedia Connection have a great article on 5 Online Initiative We Weren't Ready For, each written by leading online marketers from the likes of Del Monte Foods, Kaiser Permanente, Catalyst:SF, and Continuity.

It reminds me of one of those dinner discussions where someone leads off, "You know what was great, but never took off?" But more interesting. Mostly because those discussions tend to be about hydrogen fuel cell cars, the Urban Sombrero, and Esperanto.

The full, much more interesting article is here.

(from guest blogger, Jenn Tran)


Let's face it, even with the state of the economy, there are definitely a good amount of Internet and dotcoms holding strong. Social networking, online advertising, and streaming media are just a few 'hot pockets' in this sector where you might have noticed potential growth.

If you're as entrepreneurial as I am and have that big revolutionary idea in mind, VC funding would do you some good (especially if you're like me and are still paying off college loans). Who's gonna show you the money? Great question!

Benjamin Kuo from SoCalTech.com will give you some insightful answers. He recently interviewed a group of venture capitalists who are soon to be judging panel for the Tech Coast Angel's Fast Pitch.*

Here's the article

Looking forward to your beta launch!

*Tech Coast Angel Fast Pitch is a competition for Southern California entrepreneurs to present their ideas to investors. Link

More Valentine's Day gift ideas from the Costco grab bag.

Just look at this outstanding gift. Your mother can display all the pictures of the grandkids on this 7" LCD wooden photo frame. Aw, remember that time at the beach? Wow, little Jimmy has grown so much.

Then, with the flick of a switch, it changes into a wireless security system, hooked up to a camera aimed at her front door! Is that the postman or a member of the Taliban? That's no kid hawking candy for his school, it's that felon Michael Phelps!

Please note that while photo slide shows can be enhanced with music, the security system is not programmed to play "Mr. Postman" when your Letter Carrier arrives at your mother's door.

If one camera isn't enough to quell your mother's fears, this little baby can be hooked up to four cameras in all. Now she can finally find out who has been putting dirty dishes into the sink and walking away... (Which is something we could use in this office.)

The cost is merely $199 (after $50 rebate). Available online from Costco, just click here to see!

THIS WEEK'S POSITIONS:

1. Sr. Search Manager - SEO
2. Web Producer
3. Community Producer
4. eCommerce Web Development Lead
5. Web Designer
6. Post Production Video Engineer
7. Sr. Print Designer/Art Director
8. Account Manager with Heavy Print Production Knowledge

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1. POSITION: Sr. Search Manager - SEO

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

MUST HAVES!:

• 5 to 6+ years of SEO experience
• 2 to 3 years of  management experience
• 8 to 10+ years of Internet Marketing or related experience

PERKS!:

• Established Fortune 100
• Fantastic brand

PAY:

• Up to $55 an hour

LOCATION:

• Hollywood

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT AGENT

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

2. POSITION: Web Producer

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

MUST HAVES!:

• At least 3 years of experience with Internet/Web industry, primarily in
  Internet production
• Experience in sales, marketing, or advertising fields is a big plus, as
  is client management experience
• Must have an understanding of Web production technologies and processes

PERKS!:

• Fun, creative entertainment company
• Exciting opportunity to work on exciting new media projects

PAY:

• Up to $38 an hour

LOCATION:

• North Hollywood

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT AGENT

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

3. POSITION: Community Producer

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

MUST HAVES!:

• 3 to 5 years of experience as Online Producer, Content Developer, and/or
  Project Manager
• General familiarity and comfort with Web tools and technologies (i.e.,
  updates and refinements to content stored in database, ability to update site
  using content publishing system, etc.)
• Ideal candidate will have a compelling interest in creating parenting content

PERKS!:

• Exciting opportunity to work on exciting new media projects
• Fun, creative entertainment company

PAY:

• Up to $35 an hour

LOCATION:

• North Hollywood

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT AGENT

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

4. POSITION: eCommerce Web Development Lead

TERMS: Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 5 or more years of Web development experience, including expertise in DHTML, CSS, AJAX, JavaScript and at least one of the following: ASP/JSP/PHP or a similar object-oriented server-side scripting language
• DOM scripting and AJAX front-end development experience
• JS libraries such as Dojo, jQuery a plus

PERKS!:

• Huge eCommerce site
• Work with the best Web Talent in the city!

PAY:

• Up to $50 an hour

LOCATION:

• Glendale

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT AGENT

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5. POSITION: Web Designer

TERMS: Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 3+ years of practical experience in Web design
• HTML email experience
• Expert-level skills in Dreamweaver/Flash/Photoshop/InDesign/Illustrator

PERKS!:

• Well-established global company
• Great atmosphere, cool online products

PAY:

• Up to $30 an hour

LOCATION:

• Calabasas

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT AGENT

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6. POSITION: Post Production Video Engineer

TERMS: Freelance(On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 3 to 4 years of experience troubleshooting production applications and
  hardware
• Full knowledge of video editing and post production
• Understanding of basic Internet concepts such as FTP, HTTP, LAN vs. WAN, as well as web related troubleshooting skills on both Mac and PC platforms
• Experience in Broadcast a plus

PERKS!:

• Creative entertainment environment
• Experience working on exciting new media

PAY:

• Up to $40 an hour

LOCATION:

• Hollywood

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT AGENT

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

7. POSITION: Sr. Print Designer/Art Director

TERMS: Freelance (On-Site)

MUST HAVES!:

• 6+ years of experience
• Elegant style in your portfolio, logos & collateral
• Strong packaging samples of consumer products (no toys)

PERKS!:

• Work on 5 high profile brands
• Be part of a fast-paced agency environment

PAY:

• Up to $40 an hour

LOCATION:

• West LA

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT AGENT

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

8. POSITION: Account Manager with Heavy Print Production Knowledge

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

MUST HAVES!:

• 6+ years Account Management experience
• Expert knowledge of pre-press and print production
• Ability to work closely with Production Artists as well as clients

PERKS!:

• Really wonderful small team
• Excellent location (on the Promenade!)

PAY:

• Up to $80K

LOCATION:

• Santa Monica

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT AGENT

The more the Internet grows, audience-wise, the more it deviates from its Broadcast brethren. For example, the above ad got a lot of heat when it aired, but has a viral life of its own.

Over at iMedia Connect, Jim Nichols posits that "the number of brands using humor to deliver their messages has grown markedly." To make his point he gives a list of 14 funny and effective online campaigns.

Some are better than others, but humor is really a matter of taste, isn't it?

Just ask "Weird Al" Yankovic.

Full article (with clips) here.

Thanks to the Technology Unit at our home office, our very own That Bit at the End will now be available in a smaller and more-difficult-to-read format.

Yes, as of April 1st, this column will be available for your Blackberry!

Imagine the look on other commuters' faces as you ride the bus, train, or back of a tandem bike and laugh at loud at the palm of your hand.

Let them laugh, we say!

But Ride Share folks aren't the only ones going to get in on the fun. It's also wonderful for the busy executive who likes to read while sitting on sluggish freeways.

Just don't let the CHP see!

After months of trial and error, our busy Blackberry Development Team has settled on just the perfect 3.5 sans-serif font (Lucida) for this Lilliputian venture. Perfect for squinty reading in board meetings while everyone else thinks you're rescheduling appointments!

And with no more than two or three words displayed per line, and no more than five lines per "page," you'll hardly notice our rambling, ill-punctuated sentences.

Just think of the time you'll save writing and sending us chiding e-mails!

The best news is that our newsletter will remain the same graphically-rich periodical you've always enjoyed, chock full of pictures of puppies, pie charts, handshaking men, and anything else that came in our Clip Art package when we bought the computer.

As a bonus to subscribers who tell us they're using a Blackberry to read our publication, we'll send you a very special Behind the Scenes look at each weekly column before it "goes to print." It's simply chock full of poorly written early drafts, misspellings, bickering between Editors and Writers, and (if you can believe it) even poorer grammatical choices than you've come to expect from us.

If misplaced modifiers and dangling participles tickle your funny bone, these early drafts are for YOU!

So if you you're already using your Blackberry to:

• Do your banking
• Twitter
• Remotely control the lights in your home
• Play Monopoly online
• Track enemy movements
• Pick which wine goes best with wild game
• Monitor draft picks
• Keep tabs on your truffle oaks
• Calculate the phases of the moon
• Stalk your employees
• Get out of uncomfortable conversations
• Record your bad dating experiences
• Receive up-to-the minute reports on the financial bailout
• Have all the Old Testament names at the tip of your fingers

This could be the best thing since ignoring-the-cashier-while-text-messaging-your-friends was invented!

Let us know if you want to sign up today!

We do wish to mention, however, if your husband, wife, or significant other has already warned you repeatedly about your excessive Blackberry usage, we'll send you the 12-step  program from Blackberry Anonymous free of charge.

By regular mail, of course.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Hot Talent

Featured Talent This Week

That Bit at the End - "Smaller is Funnier"

Subscribe | Unsubscribe Information

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HOT TALENT

Remember that time we promised to send you a discount to the Web & Interactive Design Summit, then just put the word "LINK" in the email instead of the actual link?

Yeah, that was last week.

Instead of sending you ANOTHER email apologizing, we figured we'd send you THIS email with the proper link (http://www.techdesignology.com/), the 25% discount phrase that pays: "AquentClient", and more fantastic, ready-to-work Aquent Talent.

Look at us, finding the Missing Link.

Nobel Prize, here we come!

__________________________________________________

FEATURED TALENT THIS WEEK

Omar A. - Senior Art Director
Ludger K. - Senior UI  | Interaction Designer
Kristine C. - Print Project Manager | Creative Services Manager
Johanna "JoJo" B. - Art Director
Anthony W. - Flash Developer
Adriana Y. - Graphic Design & Production
Laurel R. - Sr. Brand Manager
Chris C. - Brand Strategist
Jennifer M. - Marketing Manager
Sarah S. - Junior IA
Michael N. -Online Product | Business Development Manager
Julie P. - Marketing Project Manager
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Omar A.
Senior Art Director

A powerhouse of creativity, Omar has helped some of the largest and well-known companies create award-winning broadcast, print, and product design.

Most recently he was Senior Art Director at Microsoft for the Surface project, their amazing interactive table PC. He helped concept, create, and design visual strategy for this exceptionally high-profile device.  

Omar's held top creative roles at innovative companies like MTV Networks and Yahoo! At Yahoo Entertainment, he was the Senior Art Director for their Online Television and other "future thinking" products and for MTV he art directed and produced scores upon scores of on-air promos.

He comes highly regarded by colleagues and clients and is the go-to guy that will not only knock your socks off, but everyone around you as well!
__________________________________________________

Ludger K.
Senior UI  | Interaction Designer

Ludger is a UI Designer who specializes in applications, content management systems, online products, interactive TV, workflow systems, rich media players and full Websites!

He's been the Design Director/Lead Designer at Tandberg Television for the last 9 years, working with clients like AOL, MTV, Intel, Microsoft, ABC, Discovery Channel and TV Land. His stellar work won a Creative Emmy for an interactive site for the TVLand Awards site.

For AOL he designed the UI for their Interactive TV and Music sites. Similar to Video On Demand, these sites were accessed by AOL subscribers so they could choose content and programming. He and his team designed the entire UI for this project, which included graphic elements, Flash elements, and widgets. For the Discovery Channel, he came up with the idea to "skin" their site to promote the popular series "Planet Earth," creating a consistent branding look and feel with different images for each episode. Brilliant!

Ludger's strength is creating concepts that are consistent with clients' branding and are functional and user friendly. He is a master with heavy content sites, or sites that require constant updates of content and/or graphic elements!
__________________________________________________

Kristine C.
Print Project Manager | Creative Services Manager

Kristine worked with Activision Blizzard (Vivendi Games) for 12 years where she headed-up the creative development and production of all packaging, POP, advertising, signage, promotional items and broadcast from conception to completion. There she developed creative solutions for video games titles like Bourne Conspiracy, Spiderwick, Barbie, Spyro, and Crash Bandicoot. She also managed the JumpStart brand from inception, which went on to become the #1 educational software game and the most recognized brand for educational computer games.

She can implement processes between marketing and creative that increase efficiency and reduce costs. She also can manage teams of creatives to produce absolutely fantastic looking work.

Kristine is open to all sorts of industries, she loves project managing, and will hit the ground running in any creative group!
__________________________________________________

Johanna "JoJo" B.
Art Director

With a ton of experience in both agency and in-house environments, Jojo has produced outstanding work for the likes of Sony Pictures, Princess Cruises, Universal Pictures, Mitsubishi Motors, Disney, Cal Fed Bank, and many more.

Her conceptual and organizational talents have helped her please many clients both on- and off-site, and she's able to handle everything from client pitch to stunning printed pieces.

Her clean, elevated designs help set packaging, trade and consumer print ads, and whole identity systems far above the maddening crowd.

Give us a call (or email) to see her stunning portfolio!
__________________________________________________

Anthony W.
Flash Developer

Need a hardcore Flash ActionScriptor with brand-name streaming multimedia experience?

Then you need Anthony!

Just wrapping up a freelance assignment for AmericanIdol.com, Anthony ROCKED our ActionScript assessment. Not a big surprise since he's worked on heavy multimedia applications for BLT as Sr. Interactive Developer, freelanced on sites for ABC and United Artists, and is currently working on high traffic, large applications running on open source 24/7 servers.

Not only does he know his way around developing full lifecycle Flash applications, he is familiar with PHP, Flex, AS3, and video-editing software. Heck, he even has a BSCS in Engineering.

Did we say he won't be available for long?

We should add that.
__________________________________________________

Adriana Y.
Graphic Design & Production

Whether you need to produce direct mail, catalogs, video documentaries, or Web pages, Adriana is the answer to your creative prayers!

A wonderful personality with the skills to match, Adriana has been working with us since 1999 helping companies meet their demanding design and production timelines with her awesome creative talent and hands-on skills. Creating company identity and branding, retouching fashion and celebrity photos, concepting magazine ads, training on design software, you name it and she's done it for the likes of the Walt Disney Co., Milken Family Foundation, California Institute of the Arts, Thomson/Gale, Kaiser Permanente, Conde Nast, Hallmark Channel, Delta Creative, and many more.

Armed with a Master of Fine Arts, she's the creative Magna Cum Laude who makes the perfect addition to any team!
__________________________________________________

Laurel R.
Sr. Brand Manager

As Sr. Brand Manager at baby products company Munchkin, she was responsible for managing the "feeding and soothing" categories which made up 50% of the company's revenue. She was initially hired to develop their market research program, which she did and MORE! Through this program she was able to use consumer insights to improve different portfolios she was managing. She was also able to identify the lack of presence the company had in the cup products category. What did Laurel do? Well, she couldn't let the opportunity pass her by, so she used in field data to create sub segments which allowed her to create additional products such as a non-licensed line and licensed line. What were the results? $3M in sales on 4 SKUs for non-insulated products. She was also able to get placement in Target and Walmart!

Her experience doesn't stop there. She was at Masterfoods as a Brand Manager working on Pedigree and Whiskas Snacks & Treats brands, where she launched a new dog treat (results: $330MM), delivered top and bottom line growth on 8 brands, developed a 3-year portfolio and innovation strategy, and created the marketing plan which consisted of print, online advertising, and PR events.

Laurel was also Assistant Brand Manager at Proctor & Gamble and has an MBA from Anderson School of Business.

She's one smart cookie ready to take your brand and products to the next level!
__________________________________________________

Chris C.
Brand Strategist

Chris is the type of Aquent Talent who oozes creativity and has a history of key strategic contributions to top brands.

While at Starbucks Coffee Company he was the Director of Brand Development, providing brand extension strategy into publishing, television, movies, new media, and music. Product integration is his thing! While onboard he led key brand marketing initiatives during periods of explosive growth for the company. He spearheaded the Starbucks product integration strategy valued at over $50M and orchestrated a groundbreaking publishing, Web, and television venture with Time, Inc.

While at Hallmark / Hallmark Interactive, Chris served as the Creative Director leading product strategy and development on digital projects, licensed products, and consumer packaged goods. He successfully partnered with outside companies to develop and test launch a line of mobile products in the U.S. and Europe.

He's an amazing Aquent Talent ready for his next exciting opportunity!
__________________________________________________

Jennifer M.
Marketing Manager

Jennifer is a terrific Marketing Manager with an MBA from USC and experience in entertainment, newspaper, and professional services.

She was most recently at Warner Home Video overseeing the Theatrical Catalog Marketing and New Release International Marketing. She managed all aspects of product marketing for 25+ titles per year for their New-to-Format releases, Classic Collections, and Ultimate Collector's Editions on DVD and Blu-ray with revenues over $40M.

She has strong analytical skills (demonstrated by her work as Business Analyst at both Gannett and USA Today.) and a passion for sales and marketing.

She'd make an awesome addition to your marketing team!
__________________________________________________

Sarah S.
Junior IA

Sarah is an Information Architect who recently finished a yearlong contract at Disney Parks and Resorts Online Division. She helped redesign the disneyland.com navigation and also worked on themuppetexperience.com, an online Muppet reality game.

While at Disney, Sarah worked with Online Product Managers, Designers, Content Strategists, Project Managers, and other team members improving user interface and site structure for a better customer experience. Her samples include wireframes, process flows, site-maps, functional requirement documents, and content inventories. 

She also has a Masters in Library and Information Studies as well!

She's one heck of an enthusiastic, detailed Aquent Talent, who can work seamlessly with any team!
__________________________________________________

Michael N.
Online Product | Business Development Manager

Michael is a talented up-and-coming professional with an impressive blend of technical and business experience. 

After receiving his BS in computer engineering, Michael began his career as a Hardware Engineer for Cisco Systems, developing next-generation Ethernet switching products.  Working closely with the internal marketing and product development teams sparked an interest into more strategic and business development roles. He returned to school to receive his MBA from UCLA in Strategy and Media and participated in new media marketing internships for both Universal Music Group and Sony Pictures Entertainment. 

He was most recently at Boost Mobile (Sprint Nextel) as a Product/Business Development Manager for the design of integrated music solutions for subscribers. His products included a Web storefront, handset storefront, handset media player, and PC client. He created wireframes, managed cross-functional teams, and provided strategic analysis to determine new business opportunities for Boost Mobile Products. 

Michael is brand new to the market and looking for his next diverse role!
__________________________________________________

Julie P.
Marketing Project Manager

Julie is a very detailed, organized, project juggler who drove across country to Los Angeles from Washington D.C. just last week!

Leveraging her experience in marketing and account management in a fast-paced, diverse professional setting, she has the confidence (and so do we!), that her transferable skills and ambitious nature will be an asset to any company. 

For the last 6 years she's been with Choice Hotels International, the second largest global hotel franchisor. She was part of a team in re-branding the company's recruitment strategy, helping develop and execute their "I can" campaign and increasing customer traffic to the site significantly.

As Marketing Specialist working on the co-branded credit card project with partner Bank of America, she was the person who made sure the development and technology of the program was rolled out properly, ensuring brand compliance was adhered to with collateral, direct mail, and eMarketing. Julie was responsible for the communication of this project being properly executed to 5,000 different hotels. Within the two years she held this position, her credit card acquisitions goals were exceeded by a whopping 500%!

In her last 2 years with the company, Julie was the Project Manager in Development and Emerging Markets where she managed such initiatives as the re-branding of the Econo-Lodge logo, led diversity efforts, and oversaw brands for conversions and new developments. 

If you need a comprehensive marketing plan for widely recognized brands executed and managed to specific detail in both print and online capacities, you can't go wrong with Julie!  

Or, rather, secured to a hand-carved wooden perch.

Finally, a Valentine's Day gift that fits both any woman's tastes and our tough economic times.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the $730 Swarovski Pink Cockatoo.

In case you didn't hear, some men in top hats in Punxsutawney, PA spoke to the most famous groundhog in the world, Punxsutawney Phil, who announced there will be 6 more weeks of winter.

As you can imagine, it's was crushing blow to me, as I was just outside sweating in the 80 degree heat.