Another new one.
Last night, we co-wrote a song...we work great together on this songwriting stuff, as long as he's the one singing and not me.
Here's a video of Lobster original. Enjoy
Friday, March 28, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
New videos (part 1)
Hey all!
Chip has been one busy little Lobster writing song after song after song. He's got a repertoire of 8 now (equivalent to a full length), and we're looking to get him some shows around town.
Here are two songs to start, one original and one is *his* version of Your Love by Outfield (note the name change).
Check out his new stuff and enjoy the music. I'll be posting some videos and pictures of the city (home and work areas) shortly plus I did a video of my commute to work and you'll get to see the fun stuff I do. Also, we'll put a couple more new (original) songs up later, so keep an eye out.
Leave Lobster some feedback on his work. I'm sure he'd appreciate any comments.
xo.
P.
Chip has been one busy little Lobster writing song after song after song. He's got a repertoire of 8 now (equivalent to a full length), and we're looking to get him some shows around town.
Here are two songs to start, one original and one is *his* version of Your Love by Outfield (note the name change).
Check out his new stuff and enjoy the music. I'll be posting some videos and pictures of the city (home and work areas) shortly plus I did a video of my commute to work and you'll get to see the fun stuff I do. Also, we'll put a couple more new (original) songs up later, so keep an eye out.
Leave Lobster some feedback on his work. I'm sure he'd appreciate any comments.
xo.
P.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
one day...
I will not have to write a blog and only talk about myself.
one day, chip will write one.
one day.
maybe in one day?
(ok, so he'll do it tomorrow. but he's going to be checking out the Hotel Utah's open mic night. He's got about 7 songs and will be playing there hopefully within the next week, assuming he likes what he sees tomorrow.)
Also, he made Moroccan pot roast tonight. Meat eaters, beware. It's like crack for your taste buds. Good job, Lobster.
More to come tomorrow.
(oh, and on a side note: i'm finally returning to my fine arts routes. i picked up some art supplies today and we soon came to realize that our apartment will soon be filled with art supplies and instruments. time to upgrade to a 2 bedroom. we desperately need an extra bedroom for our studio).
xo.
B.
one day, chip will write one.
one day.
maybe in one day?
(ok, so he'll do it tomorrow. but he's going to be checking out the Hotel Utah's open mic night. He's got about 7 songs and will be playing there hopefully within the next week, assuming he likes what he sees tomorrow.)
Also, he made Moroccan pot roast tonight. Meat eaters, beware. It's like crack for your taste buds. Good job, Lobster.
More to come tomorrow.
(oh, and on a side note: i'm finally returning to my fine arts routes. i picked up some art supplies today and we soon came to realize that our apartment will soon be filled with art supplies and instruments. time to upgrade to a 2 bedroom. we desperately need an extra bedroom for our studio).
xo.
B.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
The Hallelujah Chorus
Is basically what I've heard lately.
Time for a long-overdue update. So, grab a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and prepare yourself for a novel.
I started my job at Baker Street Partners on Thursday. I received a call from Corey, my creative director, on Wednesday night double checking to make sure I was ready and to let me know that he and the other CD's (creative directors) will be meeting with the Honda clients Thursday morning and that I should just come on in and settle in and start my paperwork.
At around noon, the boys walk in. Oh...you first should familiarize yourself with who they are.
The new website went up a few days ago, but they already told me they need to update it to include the new staff (and one staff member gone on maternity leave and her replacement).
Ok. So, peruse through it for a bit. Yep. Check out our clients. I love that I work in an agency with about 30 people, but I'm working on some HUGE clients. Check out the bios. See the guys and their credentials. They're a ton of fun.:
http://www.bakerstpartners.com/
Anyway, I get set up with my MacBook laptop and the IT guy said he's going to come in over the weekend and set up my G5 desktop as well. So I have a laptop to use at home and a nice mac at the office. Oh, and my office: I'm requesting office gifts. HA! No, I kid...but I'm looking at empty walls and I need to put goodies on my huge desk. Corey (my creative director) walks in and said, "it looks like you don't live here, we need to fix that."
Later Thursday afternoon, all the creatives, the partners and myself sit in the CEO's office to discuss their meeting with the Honda clients and the directions we should look to do for the new TV spots. Returning to Corey's office, we discuss my first project: to catalog our visual assets for Honda by going through our stock photos and stock video and note which model, color, background and shot-type so we can quickly reference it when we're working on spots or print pieces. He admitted it's tedious and time consuming, but reassured me that it's a one-time thing and I'd rarely do something like this, but I'd be happy I did when I go down to the production site and need to quickly reference a replacement vehicle if what we are using isn't right for the spot.
Other than that, he tells me the next week he and I will begin our concepting for the new Honda spots based on the client and brainstorming sessions that happened. I can't wait!
I will tell you all of this came together for me last night when Chip and I were sitting on the couch eating our gourmet Endive Boat midnight snack (I'll explain later) and during the commercial break on Bravo (I made him watch Bridget Jones' Diary with me)...what comes on?
You guessed it. One of BSP's commercials for NorCal Honda. It was REALLY cool to see it on TV, and just...reinforced how perfect this job is.
I'll bet you're curious about what kind of spots we've done, eh? Well, an ad blog was posted about one of BSP's commercials recently. The blogger writes about how the Honda ads take a "stab" at the Prius "YES" ads, by doing a "NO" ad....the blog said:
"The original ad features a montage of happy Prius owners flashing signs that say "Yes" to all the Priuses wonderful attributes. The Honda "No" ad pokes fun at the Priuses unique shape while promoting the Civic as a stylish alternative."
Here is the Prius ad (for reference):
And here is the spot BSP did in response to the Toyota Prius for the Civic Hybrid. Gotta love direct competition:
Well....all that aside, I will have my new business cards early next week that say "Brenda Berson Art Director"...I think I'm a little too excited about that. It doesn't say "Designer" anymore or "Production Artist".... awesome. Really.
Well enough about my great new job. There's so much to write about that it would take a day to get it all out.
Aside from all of that, Chip is on Spring Break, after having aced his midterms. A big congrats goes out to the Lobster for a job well done. Last night we went to the Great American Music Hall to see Explosions in the Sky. The music hall is incredible. The interior is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. Here's a brief history:
San Francisco's oldest and grandest nightclub, the Great American Music Hall carries guests back to an earlier, more elegant era, with its ornate balconies, soaring marble columns and elaborate ceiling frescoes.
Well, that's about it here. In less than two weeks we have three new friends moving out here to SF and join us in our fun times. Liz, Kris and Amanda will be our new SF neighbors and we're really excited about it.
Ok, we're off for the day. More news soon!!
xoxo
L.P.
Time for a long-overdue update. So, grab a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and prepare yourself for a novel.
I started my job at Baker Street Partners on Thursday. I received a call from Corey, my creative director, on Wednesday night double checking to make sure I was ready and to let me know that he and the other CD's (creative directors) will be meeting with the Honda clients Thursday morning and that I should just come on in and settle in and start my paperwork.
At around noon, the boys walk in. Oh...you first should familiarize yourself with who they are.
The new website went up a few days ago, but they already told me they need to update it to include the new staff (and one staff member gone on maternity leave and her replacement).
Ok. So, peruse through it for a bit. Yep. Check out our clients. I love that I work in an agency with about 30 people, but I'm working on some HUGE clients. Check out the bios. See the guys and their credentials. They're a ton of fun.:
http://www.bakerstpartners.com/
Anyway, I get set up with my MacBook laptop and the IT guy said he's going to come in over the weekend and set up my G5 desktop as well. So I have a laptop to use at home and a nice mac at the office. Oh, and my office: I'm requesting office gifts. HA! No, I kid...but I'm looking at empty walls and I need to put goodies on my huge desk. Corey (my creative director) walks in and said, "it looks like you don't live here, we need to fix that."
Later Thursday afternoon, all the creatives, the partners and myself sit in the CEO's office to discuss their meeting with the Honda clients and the directions we should look to do for the new TV spots. Returning to Corey's office, we discuss my first project: to catalog our visual assets for Honda by going through our stock photos and stock video and note which model, color, background and shot-type so we can quickly reference it when we're working on spots or print pieces. He admitted it's tedious and time consuming, but reassured me that it's a one-time thing and I'd rarely do something like this, but I'd be happy I did when I go down to the production site and need to quickly reference a replacement vehicle if what we are using isn't right for the spot.
Other than that, he tells me the next week he and I will begin our concepting for the new Honda spots based on the client and brainstorming sessions that happened. I can't wait!
I will tell you all of this came together for me last night when Chip and I were sitting on the couch eating our gourmet Endive Boat midnight snack (I'll explain later) and during the commercial break on Bravo (I made him watch Bridget Jones' Diary with me)...what comes on?
You guessed it. One of BSP's commercials for NorCal Honda. It was REALLY cool to see it on TV, and just...reinforced how perfect this job is.
I'll bet you're curious about what kind of spots we've done, eh? Well, an ad blog was posted about one of BSP's commercials recently. The blogger writes about how the Honda ads take a "stab" at the Prius "YES" ads, by doing a "NO" ad....the blog said:
"The original ad features a montage of happy Prius owners flashing signs that say "Yes" to all the Priuses wonderful attributes. The Honda "No" ad pokes fun at the Priuses unique shape while promoting the Civic as a stylish alternative."
Here is the Prius ad (for reference):
And here is the spot BSP did in response to the Toyota Prius for the Civic Hybrid. Gotta love direct competition:
Well....all that aside, I will have my new business cards early next week that say "Brenda Berson Art Director"...I think I'm a little too excited about that. It doesn't say "Designer" anymore or "Production Artist".... awesome. Really.
Well enough about my great new job. There's so much to write about that it would take a day to get it all out.
Aside from all of that, Chip is on Spring Break, after having aced his midterms. A big congrats goes out to the Lobster for a job well done. Last night we went to the Great American Music Hall to see Explosions in the Sky. The music hall is incredible. The interior is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. Here's a brief history:
San Francisco's oldest and grandest nightclub, the Great American Music Hall carries guests back to an earlier, more elegant era, with its ornate balconies, soaring marble columns and elaborate ceiling frescoes.
It was designed by a French architect in 1907, and Chris Buckley, a political mover and shaker who wanted to erect a grand structure after the devastating 1906 earthquake. The result was Blanco's, characterized as one of the most popular entertainment spots during San Francisco's notorious Barbary Coast Era. The restaurant/bordello offered fine food, gambling and fast women right up until the dark days of the Great Depression in 1933.
Three years later, in 1936, the extravagant and elaborate fan dances of local favorite, Sally Rand, brought new life to the dark building. She called it the Music Box, and swanky city dwellers would dance the night away there for the next decade.
With the end of World War II, the Music Box turned out its lights. Blanco's reopened in 1948 as a jazz club. In the 1950s, the premises were taken over by members of the Moose Lodge. The building went into an ignominious decline that hit bottom when the building was condemned by city building inspectors. A last-minute reprieve saved it from demolition, and the tarnished interior was spruced up a bit when a short-lived French restaurant named Charles (after the proprietor, Robert Charles) took over the building. But it was not until 1972, when the Great American Music Hall opened, that happy music lovers filled the hall once more.
The past three decades at the Great American Music Hall have been full of music, with artists ranging from Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan and Count Basie to Van Morrison, the Grateful Dead and Bobby McFerrin.
(What they don't have on their website is how it used to operate as a bordello and as a "Gentleman's Club"!) and better yet, it's right next door to the neighborhood's finest theater, The Mitchell Brothers Theater (see post from Jan/Feb for further information about why this is prevalent).
Here are photos:
Well, that's about it here. In less than two weeks we have three new friends moving out here to SF and join us in our fun times. Liz, Kris and Amanda will be our new SF neighbors and we're really excited about it.
Ok, we're off for the day. More news soon!!
xoxo
L.P.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Paranoid.
No, not the Ozzy song. Is it normal for someone to be freaked out prior to beginning a new job? I told Corey, my Creative Director I'd call him Friday re: my start date next week.
I left work at about 4:30. My last day. Hailing a cab, I sat in the back seat, and called his direct line, which, unfortunately, went to voicemail. I told him about my availability to start next week and told him to call me back.
Which he didn't.
Maybe i'm paranoid. Maybe previous "great" opportunities that have fallen through the cracks (re: Skona, Draft, etc.) have left a sour taste in my mouth and now I'm just a worrier when it comes to retaining a position that I like.
I mean, I did sign the papers. It's totally official. Someone smack me and tell me, "you called at 4:30 on a Friday, Brenda. Shut up and realize they probably went to happy hour and will call you Monday. Now go out and celebrate and enjoy your weekend."
Ok.
In other news, I have to thank my mom and former co-worker Aileen for their support and advice regarding the offer I received from my contract position at eveo. I was offered a very VERY nice salary package to counteroffer the BSP offer if I stayed on at eveo.
It was 15k more than what I signed for at BSP. Yep. But only the title of "Graphic Designer," with the "intent to later move me to Art Director"....
Umm...yeah. I declined. Career wise, it's actually a step down, regardless of the money. In five years, it won't matter if I've worked as an Art Director because the money will be there sooner or later. I've never been one to take a job that I hate for a nice paycheck. That doesn't matter. What does matter is what will help me get where I want to be in my career 5, 10 years from now, and Eveo just won't cut it. I have been offered the opportunity to do what I do best: concept.
I can't pass that up. I would have accepted the BSP offer for 45k. That's how much it means. People that are passionate will never sell-out for money, and if they do, the short term reasons are right (to save money, to get on their feet, etc.) but the long term effects are disastrous. Being an official Graphic designer is a step down in title, and labels me as such in the industry, making it harder for me to later move on as an Art Director.
Imagine going to med school for surgery, being a fantastic surgeon, and getting the offer to work at your number one choice hospital doing what you love, but for no money vs. working at a pharmacy (and being miserable doing it) for 150k a year.
Where does the dollar not matter anymore? Life is about waking up and saying, "I love what i do, because what I do reflects who I am. I am a thinker. I get paid to think." I'm pretty curious to know what you all think regarding the counter offer. Leave some feedback if you're so inclined.
In other news, Chip is done with his midterm and sleeping. Unfortunately, I'm suffering from wicked insomnia lately and we've figured out the cause. Today, we join a gym. If we don't start going soon, I may never sleep again. Chip will also be getting a hair cut today, and umm...maybe we'll get groceries.
Grocery shopping is an all-day event, though and a real big pain in the butt. I hear safeway delivers. Sounds like a genius idea.
I'm going to relax and drink my chai tea and wait for Lobster to wake up so we can get our day started. Also, yesterday marked our two month absence from Richmond. It seems like two months, actually. No more, no less. That's a first.
Today marks two weeks from when my best friend Liz joins me out here. She's making the move from Richmond to SF April 1. I can't really contain how happy this makes me. Everywhere I go in this city, I can't help but think how much she'd love seeing what i see, and fully embrace it as much as I do. She's one of those incredible people that realizes the beauty in the world, no matter how big or small.
This city exemplifies what beauty really is, and has revitalized my positive outlook in the world. I watch the news now, and I'm shocked at what i see. I wasn't before...I was numb to it. I don't know why SF has made me more in touch with this, but it has.
SF has made me feel alive again. And I get to live it with the best man I could ever meet.
Cheers, Love you all.
I left work at about 4:30. My last day. Hailing a cab, I sat in the back seat, and called his direct line, which, unfortunately, went to voicemail. I told him about my availability to start next week and told him to call me back.
Which he didn't.
Maybe i'm paranoid. Maybe previous "great" opportunities that have fallen through the cracks (re: Skona, Draft, etc.) have left a sour taste in my mouth and now I'm just a worrier when it comes to retaining a position that I like.
I mean, I did sign the papers. It's totally official. Someone smack me and tell me, "you called at 4:30 on a Friday, Brenda. Shut up and realize they probably went to happy hour and will call you Monday. Now go out and celebrate and enjoy your weekend."
Ok.
In other news, I have to thank my mom and former co-worker Aileen for their support and advice regarding the offer I received from my contract position at eveo. I was offered a very VERY nice salary package to counteroffer the BSP offer if I stayed on at eveo.
It was 15k more than what I signed for at BSP. Yep. But only the title of "Graphic Designer," with the "intent to later move me to Art Director"....
Umm...yeah. I declined. Career wise, it's actually a step down, regardless of the money. In five years, it won't matter if I've worked as an Art Director because the money will be there sooner or later. I've never been one to take a job that I hate for a nice paycheck. That doesn't matter. What does matter is what will help me get where I want to be in my career 5, 10 years from now, and Eveo just won't cut it. I have been offered the opportunity to do what I do best: concept.
I can't pass that up. I would have accepted the BSP offer for 45k. That's how much it means. People that are passionate will never sell-out for money, and if they do, the short term reasons are right (to save money, to get on their feet, etc.) but the long term effects are disastrous. Being an official Graphic designer is a step down in title, and labels me as such in the industry, making it harder for me to later move on as an Art Director.
Imagine going to med school for surgery, being a fantastic surgeon, and getting the offer to work at your number one choice hospital doing what you love, but for no money vs. working at a pharmacy (and being miserable doing it) for 150k a year.
Where does the dollar not matter anymore? Life is about waking up and saying, "I love what i do, because what I do reflects who I am. I am a thinker. I get paid to think." I'm pretty curious to know what you all think regarding the counter offer. Leave some feedback if you're so inclined.
In other news, Chip is done with his midterm and sleeping. Unfortunately, I'm suffering from wicked insomnia lately and we've figured out the cause. Today, we join a gym. If we don't start going soon, I may never sleep again. Chip will also be getting a hair cut today, and umm...maybe we'll get groceries.
Grocery shopping is an all-day event, though and a real big pain in the butt. I hear safeway delivers. Sounds like a genius idea.
I'm going to relax and drink my chai tea and wait for Lobster to wake up so we can get our day started. Also, yesterday marked our two month absence from Richmond. It seems like two months, actually. No more, no less. That's a first.
Today marks two weeks from when my best friend Liz joins me out here. She's making the move from Richmond to SF April 1. I can't really contain how happy this makes me. Everywhere I go in this city, I can't help but think how much she'd love seeing what i see, and fully embrace it as much as I do. She's one of those incredible people that realizes the beauty in the world, no matter how big or small.
This city exemplifies what beauty really is, and has revitalized my positive outlook in the world. I watch the news now, and I'm shocked at what i see. I wasn't before...I was numb to it. I don't know why SF has made me more in touch with this, but it has.
SF has made me feel alive again. And I get to live it with the best man I could ever meet.
Cheers, Love you all.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
No blood needed.
I went over and signed the papers. It's official. Ink only.
60k to start. full benefits. 401k. profit sharing. 2 weeks paid vacay right away. Offered a new mac laptop to use as well as a tower. Payment in Shekels offered, but denied. 9-5 only. Work-life environment highly encouraged. Even at an ad agency.
I was welcomed so warmly when I stopped in to sign the agreement. Hugs, handshakes and over-excitement.
I'm no longer a designer or production artist. This is a great first step to the rest of my successful career. Thanks to everyone for supporting me!
I'll make great ads...promise!
60k to start. full benefits. 401k. profit sharing. 2 weeks paid vacay right away. Offered a new mac laptop to use as well as a tower. Payment in Shekels offered, but denied. 9-5 only. Work-life environment highly encouraged. Even at an ad agency.
I was welcomed so warmly when I stopped in to sign the agreement. Hugs, handshakes and over-excitement.
I'm no longer a designer or production artist. This is a great first step to the rest of my successful career. Thanks to everyone for supporting me!
I'll make great ads...promise!
The best words ever....
"We'd like to make you an offer."
Just like the ones I heard on my voicemail today.
I'm going to be an official Art Director at Baker Street Partners (advertising) as of noon today, when I go sign the offer. Hopefully it can be signed in ink and not in blood, and my soul won't be requested as collateral. :)
The conversation with Corey was hilarious, I called back and said, "Hey Corey. It's Brenda returning your call. I received your voice message about the offer, so I guess it would be a good thing to call you in regards to the position."
Corey: "Yeah, when most people hear the words, 'make you an offer' they run away screaming."
Brenda: "Yep. I almost didn't call you back. Who wants to take an offer they can't refuse? That's so last year."
Corey: "Actually, it was an offer for you to turn US down, but we'll still have you if you want us."
Brenda: "You're going to be my new surrogates."
Corey: "L'Chaim!"
I swear, if every conversation at work is full of sarcasm and jokes like this, I'll fit in like.... uhhh... a hobo at a San Francisco bus station. At least I'm more popular than a porkchop in a rabbi's pocket. I'm stoked, happy, elated, excited and overwhelmed.
What a great step. An Art Director. Nothing more, nothing less. All he wants me to do is get paid to think.
HORRAY! I'm leaving early to celebrate. Chip should cut class to join me, but I'm not gonna suggest it. Just wishful thinking.
XXOO!!
Brenda
Just like the ones I heard on my voicemail today.
I'm going to be an official Art Director at Baker Street Partners (advertising) as of noon today, when I go sign the offer. Hopefully it can be signed in ink and not in blood, and my soul won't be requested as collateral. :)
The conversation with Corey was hilarious, I called back and said, "Hey Corey. It's Brenda returning your call. I received your voice message about the offer, so I guess it would be a good thing to call you in regards to the position."
Corey: "Yeah, when most people hear the words, 'make you an offer' they run away screaming."
Brenda: "Yep. I almost didn't call you back. Who wants to take an offer they can't refuse? That's so last year."
Corey: "Actually, it was an offer for you to turn US down, but we'll still have you if you want us."
Brenda: "You're going to be my new surrogates."
Corey: "L'Chaim!"
I swear, if every conversation at work is full of sarcasm and jokes like this, I'll fit in like.... uhhh... a hobo at a San Francisco bus station. At least I'm more popular than a porkchop in a rabbi's pocket. I'm stoked, happy, elated, excited and overwhelmed.
What a great step. An Art Director. Nothing more, nothing less. All he wants me to do is get paid to think.
HORRAY! I'm leaving early to celebrate. Chip should cut class to join me, but I'm not gonna suggest it. Just wishful thinking.
XXOO!!
Brenda
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Happy Daylight Savings!
I started this blog on Sunday. It's now Tuesday. I'll let you read Sunday's post, and then update where I left off:
SUNDAY 3.9.08 :
The lobster and i are busy today working on separate things. He's decided to spend about 6 hours at the library at school, leaving me at home in order to get work done for Eveo.
Oh, shoot. Let me fill you guys in on what's happening. Currently, I'm doing freelance/contract work through a temp agency for this place called Eveo (visit their site at www.eveo.com and see what they offer. It's a rich media communications company that provides pharmaceutical companies with things for presentations, websites for new drugs, etc.)
Well, I'm the only man working on the design for Rotavirus.com - and I've spent so far about 60 hours this week doing the design and build kit for the developer to get the site up. Good news is, I'm making $33 an hour, and my OT pay is nearly $50. If they're willing to let me work from home (which they are), I have the potential to bring in a nice weekly paycheck (roughly 1600 a week after taxes). That's a couple of months rent in one week. Not bad.
But the good thing is that since I'm only freelance/contract I'm still able to seek work elsewhere. This is a good job (the work sucks, but the people and environment are good, which makes it worthwhile) and the trip to and from work is something I really look forward to. I take the #21 bus and transfer somewhere along Market Street (which is the main strip leading inbound and outbound and takes you to Union Square, through the Financial District and up towards Ferry Plaza/Embarcadero). I transfer on to the F-line street car.
This might be silly, but I love taking the F. It's an old streetcar that runs from Castro to Fisherman's Wharf. It's usually full and crowded with Tourists, but the seats are super comfy and the view is spectacular along the Embarcadero. Check it out (and their history) at: SFMTA: Historic Street Cars
So, as my mom said, "it's rare when the commute is better than the job..."
It's true. It has its pluses and minuses: i get left alone. They issue out the work list each Sunday, and I just show up (whenever, basically...somewhere between 9:45 and 10:45), crank out my work in my cubicle that no one visits, and go home when I'm done. If I'm not done, I take it home and bill them for hours there.
Not too bad. But you know...I want more. I'd rather just get paid to sit around and THINK....
UPDATE: Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Whoops. It's been a few days. Well, let me catch you up. Where I left off was in regards to my freelance job doing web design work and some print for GSK and other big pharma companies at Eveo. Well, what you didn't know is today I had a second interview for a position as an Art Director for Baker Street Partners, an ad agency here in San Francisco.
Baker Street Parters (BSP) is a full-service advertising agency that is run by some of the most seasoned professionals in the biz. The main Creative, Corey, is an older gentleman who has worked for Chiat/Day and Foote, Cone + Belding - and knows the creative ad world inside and out. He seems to be someone who would be an amazing mentor and prime in assisting me in assimilating into the advertising industry.
I had my first interview with them last Thursday, which lasted about 1.5 hours - where I met the three top creatives for the company, and they reviewed my portfolio with glowing remarks. They immediately requested that I meet with Jeffrey, the production artist. During my meeting with him, he informs me that in the 2 weeks they've held the interviews, I'm the first they brought back to meet him. After meeting with Jeff, I return to Corey's office, where he requests my return on Tuesday (today) to meet with the Account Execs and the Partner of the Company.
So, today, I return. It seemed to go well, but considering my luck thus far with "good" interviews (read: DraftFCB), I can't get overly excited. I will only jump up and down once an offer is officially made. I hope to hear from them soon. It went far too well for smoke to be blown up my ass....
In other news, Chip is finishing up his take-home midterm exam, while I copyedit and proofread it. It's been long and tedious, but I think the paper is coming along well. We'll both be quite relieved once it's done and submitted for grading. Chip's working at CIIS a couple of days a week, and at school or doing school work the rest of the time. We don't really see eachother until 9 p.m. or later most nights, with exception to weekends, Mondays and Thursdays - depending, of course on what work needs to be done (i.e. my work to take home or his studying).
We're pretty beat right now, I had a 14-hour day and tomorrow won't be far different from that. Off to bed. I promise to update as often as possible, perhaps I'll even get Chip to write a blog on here one day....when, of course, he's not writing stuff for class.
I also promise pictures as well, although I'm not sure when. Soon enough.....
Cheers and our love to all.
L.P.
SUNDAY 3.9.08 :
The lobster and i are busy today working on separate things. He's decided to spend about 6 hours at the library at school, leaving me at home in order to get work done for Eveo.
Oh, shoot. Let me fill you guys in on what's happening. Currently, I'm doing freelance/contract work through a temp agency for this place called Eveo (visit their site at www.eveo.com and see what they offer. It's a rich media communications company that provides pharmaceutical companies with things for presentations, websites for new drugs, etc.)
Well, I'm the only man working on the design for Rotavirus.com - and I've spent so far about 60 hours this week doing the design and build kit for the developer to get the site up. Good news is, I'm making $33 an hour, and my OT pay is nearly $50. If they're willing to let me work from home (which they are), I have the potential to bring in a nice weekly paycheck (roughly 1600 a week after taxes). That's a couple of months rent in one week. Not bad.
But the good thing is that since I'm only freelance/contract I'm still able to seek work elsewhere. This is a good job (the work sucks, but the people and environment are good, which makes it worthwhile) and the trip to and from work is something I really look forward to. I take the #21 bus and transfer somewhere along Market Street (which is the main strip leading inbound and outbound and takes you to Union Square, through the Financial District and up towards Ferry Plaza/Embarcadero). I transfer on to the F-line street car.
This might be silly, but I love taking the F. It's an old streetcar that runs from Castro to Fisherman's Wharf. It's usually full and crowded with Tourists, but the seats are super comfy and the view is spectacular along the Embarcadero. Check it out (and their history) at: SFMTA: Historic Street Cars
So, as my mom said, "it's rare when the commute is better than the job..."
It's true. It has its pluses and minuses: i get left alone. They issue out the work list each Sunday, and I just show up (whenever, basically...somewhere between 9:45 and 10:45), crank out my work in my cubicle that no one visits, and go home when I'm done. If I'm not done, I take it home and bill them for hours there.
Not too bad. But you know...I want more. I'd rather just get paid to sit around and THINK....
UPDATE: Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Whoops. It's been a few days. Well, let me catch you up. Where I left off was in regards to my freelance job doing web design work and some print for GSK and other big pharma companies at Eveo. Well, what you didn't know is today I had a second interview for a position as an Art Director for Baker Street Partners, an ad agency here in San Francisco.
Baker Street Parters (BSP) is a full-service advertising agency that is run by some of the most seasoned professionals in the biz. The main Creative, Corey, is an older gentleman who has worked for Chiat/Day and Foote, Cone + Belding - and knows the creative ad world inside and out. He seems to be someone who would be an amazing mentor and prime in assisting me in assimilating into the advertising industry.
I had my first interview with them last Thursday, which lasted about 1.5 hours - where I met the three top creatives for the company, and they reviewed my portfolio with glowing remarks. They immediately requested that I meet with Jeffrey, the production artist. During my meeting with him, he informs me that in the 2 weeks they've held the interviews, I'm the first they brought back to meet him. After meeting with Jeff, I return to Corey's office, where he requests my return on Tuesday (today) to meet with the Account Execs and the Partner of the Company.
So, today, I return. It seemed to go well, but considering my luck thus far with "good" interviews (read: DraftFCB), I can't get overly excited. I will only jump up and down once an offer is officially made. I hope to hear from them soon. It went far too well for smoke to be blown up my ass....
In other news, Chip is finishing up his take-home midterm exam, while I copyedit and proofread it. It's been long and tedious, but I think the paper is coming along well. We'll both be quite relieved once it's done and submitted for grading. Chip's working at CIIS a couple of days a week, and at school or doing school work the rest of the time. We don't really see eachother until 9 p.m. or later most nights, with exception to weekends, Mondays and Thursdays - depending, of course on what work needs to be done (i.e. my work to take home or his studying).
We're pretty beat right now, I had a 14-hour day and tomorrow won't be far different from that. Off to bed. I promise to update as often as possible, perhaps I'll even get Chip to write a blog on here one day....when, of course, he's not writing stuff for class.
I also promise pictures as well, although I'm not sure when. Soon enough.....
Cheers and our love to all.
L.P.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Hello...is there anyone out there?
Just out of sheer curiosity, leave a comment if you read this blog, and also let me know the following:
1. What would you like to hear about more often?
2. What would you like to see pictures of?
3. How often do you read it?
Thanks for your time doing this - I promise its not in vain.
xo
LP
1. What would you like to hear about more often?
2. What would you like to see pictures of?
3. How often do you read it?
Thanks for your time doing this - I promise its not in vain.
xo
LP
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Oh. Right. There's a reason they're amazing....
Today was a wonderful little day!!
We woke up around 11, and ate some scrambled eggs for breakfast. We proceeded to get dressed and head out to the SF Zoo! Horray! Well, almost....
Being the first time I've had to take the train since we moved, since we've been able to maneuver quite efficiently with the buses - not the train. So, we get our Muni pass, and head over to the Muni/Bart station.....
Except we screw up royally and take the inbound train rather than the outbound. We end up near the baseball stadium rather than the SF Zoo. Whoops - They're on opposite sides of the city. Ha.
So much for the zoo today.... so instead we walk along Market Street and find instead a toy store - something we've been looking for in order to buy some much needed board games.
We walk out with three new games: Balderdash, and two card games - "Adverteasing" and "Movie Trivia Buzz Time." After we go to the toy store, we walk down a side street and come across Mel's Diner - a 1950's style restaurant that is quite similar to The Silver Diner (for all you east coasters...)
Well, the waiter, uhhh...was horrible. And a little disgusting, due to the huge (and we mean HUGE) pimple on his face. I was a little worried about his white head getting too close to the heat and exploding all over our food. I know, gross - but so was this poor dude's face. I wouldn't have normally cared, but he was also probably the worst waiter in the city. I'd be avoiding customers too (which he did) if I had that thing on my face. Hah.
Ok, so on to what we found next - we found this AMAZING frozen yogurt place. Every frozen treat is fat free, and is the consistency of soft-serve ice-cream. You put on your own toppings, and pick from tons of awesome flavors (we highly recommend the "Cable Car Chocolate").
Walking back to the bus, we see a theater that is playing the U2-3D concert on the IMAX screen. We just found our plans for the evening....but we'll return to that in a sec.
Returning home, we watch a movie, cook veggie stir fry and hot + sour soup, and then get ready and head over to Market Street to catch the movie...and let me just tell you - it's AMAZING!!
If you haven't seen it, DO IT, even if you don't get to view it at an IMAX theater. It's so incredible to watch U2 in 3D on the big screen, surround sound, with a bunch of people singing along. Really - it's a cool experience.
Now, we're home, watching some TV and vegging out. Tomorrow is grocery/laundry/cleaning day. Typical Sunday.... no excitement. But we wanted to drop a quick line and catch up and let everyone know things are well out here. We're also finally going down to L.A. for chip's 27th birthday! That will be about 3 blogs worth of storytelling, I'm sure....
Well, it's 2 a.m. and we're tired. Off to bed, will write more when there's news.
(p.s.: the bus rides are hilarious, those crackheads hold the best conversations. ever. oh and then theres the guy that looks like Billy D. Williams as a pimp. Wow.)
XO.
LobsterPea.
We woke up around 11, and ate some scrambled eggs for breakfast. We proceeded to get dressed and head out to the SF Zoo! Horray! Well, almost....
Being the first time I've had to take the train since we moved, since we've been able to maneuver quite efficiently with the buses - not the train. So, we get our Muni pass, and head over to the Muni/Bart station.....
Except we screw up royally and take the inbound train rather than the outbound. We end up near the baseball stadium rather than the SF Zoo. Whoops - They're on opposite sides of the city. Ha.
So much for the zoo today.... so instead we walk along Market Street and find instead a toy store - something we've been looking for in order to buy some much needed board games.
We walk out with three new games: Balderdash, and two card games - "Adverteasing" and "Movie Trivia Buzz Time." After we go to the toy store, we walk down a side street and come across Mel's Diner - a 1950's style restaurant that is quite similar to The Silver Diner (for all you east coasters...)
Well, the waiter, uhhh...was horrible. And a little disgusting, due to the huge (and we mean HUGE) pimple on his face. I was a little worried about his white head getting too close to the heat and exploding all over our food. I know, gross - but so was this poor dude's face. I wouldn't have normally cared, but he was also probably the worst waiter in the city. I'd be avoiding customers too (which he did) if I had that thing on my face. Hah.
Ok, so on to what we found next - we found this AMAZING frozen yogurt place. Every frozen treat is fat free, and is the consistency of soft-serve ice-cream. You put on your own toppings, and pick from tons of awesome flavors (we highly recommend the "Cable Car Chocolate").
Walking back to the bus, we see a theater that is playing the U2-3D concert on the IMAX screen. We just found our plans for the evening....but we'll return to that in a sec.
Returning home, we watch a movie, cook veggie stir fry and hot + sour soup, and then get ready and head over to Market Street to catch the movie...and let me just tell you - it's AMAZING!!
If you haven't seen it, DO IT, even if you don't get to view it at an IMAX theater. It's so incredible to watch U2 in 3D on the big screen, surround sound, with a bunch of people singing along. Really - it's a cool experience.
Now, we're home, watching some TV and vegging out. Tomorrow is grocery/laundry/cleaning day. Typical Sunday.... no excitement. But we wanted to drop a quick line and catch up and let everyone know things are well out here. We're also finally going down to L.A. for chip's 27th birthday! That will be about 3 blogs worth of storytelling, I'm sure....
Well, it's 2 a.m. and we're tired. Off to bed, will write more when there's news.
(p.s.: the bus rides are hilarious, those crackheads hold the best conversations. ever. oh and then theres the guy that looks like Billy D. Williams as a pimp. Wow.)
XO.
LobsterPea.
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