On Wednesday, four panelists spoke at the The Eisner American Museum of Advertising & Design about the broad topics of Web, Interactive and Motion Graphics. I was lucky enough to be one of the participating panelists and it was an exciting opportunity to talk with people in the community about the options, future, and general information concerning these areas of the creative world.
We had a good turnout of about 50 people. Most of the attendees were students at MIAD and MATC, not surprising since the event was part of the College Lecture Series, but there were also some professionals from the community there.
It was an interesting time as the four panelists had a great variety of experiences and focus that they brought to the discussion. The panelists were Micah Eberman of Fullhouse Interactive, Jason Evans of GS Design, Nick Waraska of Blend Studios, and me (Alexander Lucas of C2 Graphics and Stamm Media). The experiences touted included: high-end broadcast motion graphics, interactive websites, iPhone apps, trade show displays, and flash applications.
The panel agreed for the most part on the prepared questions concerning whether you need to continue to educate yourself, where to find the sites, and the importance of knowing broad skills but also specializing in a specific skill.
One topic brought up at the panel, of no great surprise, was the question of the future with the iPad and other tablet computers. There was again mostly consensus on this issue that while the iPad does not support Flash that it would not be an instant Flash killer and that it will take a long lumbering time for the internet to fully embrace HTML 5.
The two biggest questions which split the panel, however, concerned the role of social media and the future of the web/interactive/motion graphics space. Some of the panelists saw social media as being of the most importance and something that is the wave of future revenue and expression, while others admitting not really having a firm grip on where to proceed in this realm and what to do with it.
The only main consensus in the future debate: a sense of uncertainty of exactly what will happen. But that is what makes the future so interesting. We can still be surprised and be creative with emerging technologies.
Adria is an experienced graphic and web designer with a diverse portfolio. She designed multiple sites including small business, not-for-profit and exclusive corporate clients. Adria tested solid in Flash and very good in Web Development. She has Master of Arts with an emphasis in Visual Studies. She understands and applies solid hand coding. Adria is available part-time or full-time on a project basis only.
Brad is an accomplished, award-winning creative director with 25 years’ expertise developing and executing all aspects of integrated marketing communications campaigns designed to meet and exceed strategic marketing objectives. Very strong in concept development and art/photo direction. Experience in a broad range of B2B and B2C categories. Proven creative leadership talent with demonstrated strength in developing high performance and dedicated teams. Deep understanding of online, print, broadcast, experiential/event marketing. A persuasive presenter and a passionate listener who leverages relationship management talents to achieve consensus across all levels and organizational boundaries.
Dave C. tested at exceptional level in Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign/Quark, close to expert levels. His portfolio reflected good art direction/design skills, and he clearly can take any project from concept to completion. Dave is just completing a long term assignment at Reader’s Digest. He is available full or part-time, on temporary, temp to hire, or direct hire basis.
Paul R tested solid+ in Illustrator, Photoshop and Flash and solid in InDesign. He is a talented designer with strong production skills, and a great portfolio including packaging, logos and branding, ad campaigns and several web site designs. Paul performs with speed, accuracy and a delightful attitude. He is available full or part time, for projects, temp to hire or on a direct hire basis. His portfolio may be viewed at http://prauwerda.com
Vanessa is a multi-talented art director/graphic designer who can lead a project from concept to completion. She tested very good in Illustrator, Photoshop and solid+ in InDesign. Her portfolio displayed samples of photo editing, branding and identity packages, electronic newsletters, as well as copy writing, PR, brochures, catalogs, books and PowerPoint presentations for mid-size and small businesses. She can also update and edit web pages and banner ads.
Andrew G is a talented problem solver with a passion for aesthetics, web standards and usability. In his previous role he was at the forefront of user interaction for a Midwest technology company. He has examples of strategy documents and usability reviews on his website. Originally a design practitioner for print, he successfully evolved into the interactive space serving as both a web development manager and as a creative director in an interactive agency. He tested at exceptional level in Illustrator and Photoshop and more than professional in Flash and InDesign. He tested at EXPERT levels in web development. He is available full or part-time on a project or interim basis, temp to hire, or direct hire.
Ashley is an adept disciplined graphic designer with a clear, fresh eye and nicely executed portfolio. She tested solidly in InDesign and solid+ in both Photoshop and Illustrator. She presented samples of posters, illustrations, inventive packaging, campaigns, identity and exceptional attention to detail. She likes clean, simple designs and works to not over design pieces. Ashley is currently completing a digital editing project in After Effects but was not tested on it. She works well with others, and is available full or part-time, for projects, temp to hire, or direct hire basis.
Brian is a talented graphic designer/creative director for print, video, animation and multimedia. He is an Expert at Illustrator, exceptional at Photoshop and professional+ with InDesign. He’s spent the majority of his career working on creative teams in agency settings. His portfolio reflected his strong creative/design and solid production capabilities. He is available full or part-time, for projects, temp to hire, or direct hire.
Meghan is a gem! A multi-talented art director/designer who also has extensive B2B experience in multimedia and web design. She tested at professional level in Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign, exceptional in Dreamweaver and exceptional+ in Flash. She can art direct a project from concept through creation-in Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, Dreamweaver, Golive and more. Exceptional interpersonal communication skills, and still works well well with others. She is available full or part-time, on project, temp to hire or direct hire
