Connecticut Creatives:
What We Really Wanted for Christmas
Compiled by Rich Hollant & Amy Graver;
Intro by Rich Hollant
By definition, 99.9% of what creatives do is create stuff. And the propensity to create, with any level of proliferation, butts right up against a compulsion to give. Give, give, give. Even in these difficult economic times, when so many of our colleagues are wincing from the pinch, we Connecticut creatives are among the first to recognize that when the going gets tough, the tough get giving.
It should come as no surprise, therefore, when Amy presented the idea of posting our holiday wishlists, the general response of those asked to contribute sounded something like this:
“Hunh?”
Amy Graver, New VP of AIGA | CT
by David Cushman
form:substance
After a stint as a photojournalist and many years as an art director, Amy Graver founded Elements in early 1999. Since then, the New Haven-based business has grown from a one-person, dining-room-table operation to a respected and award-winning firm. Elements serves an impressive and diverse roster of regional, national and international clients, including PEZ Candy and Save the Children.
The Ups & Downs of In-House Designers
Being an in-house creative in a corporate environment has many challenges, but also many rewards. One can feel isolated, or one can revel in being immersed in a brand, living and breathing the culture first-hand.
We talked with three in-house designers from across the state on the pros and cons of being a creative in a business world.
Brian Grabell & Troy Monroe Stick Together
Brian Grabell and Troy Monroe seem to like to stick together. They work together at co:lab in Hartford. They’re both on the Executive Board of the Connecticut Art Directors Club — Troy being the VP and Brian the Secretary. And before that, they’ve collaborated on multiple campaigns for the CADC, and worked together at Outthink.
Moving Beyond Your BFA
by David Cushman
form:substance
“The advanced degree offers two virtues. First, for the academic, it is another level of credibility. And secondly, for the achiever, it is a measure of much more intense study or research and time invested.” —Steven Heller
There are many reasons to pursue an advanced degree. But many working designers face the same question: Can I afford to invest the time and money to go back to school? Do I have the drive and desire? And what will ultimately be the return on such an investment?
While Mark Snyder, Brian Miller and Bjorn Akselsen each had their own individual reasons for pursuing an advanced degree, they all agree it was a valuable experience that impacted both their professional and personal lives.
Deb Kline: Hiring Habits & Horror Stories
by David Cushman
form:substance
Deb Kline has been a working creative professional since she graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design from the Hartford Art School. Currently, she is Director, Branding Packaging & Merchandising at Group 4 in Avon, as well as an Adjunct Professor at the HAS and President of the CADC for the 2007-2008 season.
We talked with Deb about what she looks for in new hires and freelancers.
Aaron Kotowski: Images You Feel
by David Cushman
form:substance
Aaron Kotowski is an award-winning photographer and a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology, with a BFA in Professional Photographic Illustration.
From his studio in New Haven, Aaron utilizes media from large format photography to the most cutting edge digital technology to render the most dynamic and creative images possible.
“My goal is not to make images you see but images you feel.”
Shannon Brenek: Taking on the CADC
by David Cushman
form:substance
After working as an art director at Sonalysts for close to 8 years, Shannon Brenek decided to stay at home and spend more time with her new son, freelancing under the moniker Grey Dog Design. Soon she was offered an adjunct teaching job at Mitchell College and started to get more involved in the CADC, leaving less time to freelance.
“So right now, I’m a mom, a teacher, and will be the Executive Director for the CADC officially starting next season,” says Brenek. “It’s hard to promote yourself and be creative in between diaper changes. So this is a great opportunity for me not to have to rely on freelancing, yet I can still take jobs if it fits with my schedule.”
A Unique Opportunity for High Schoolers
What would happen if talented, motivated high school students were given the option of taking college freshman graphic design coursework?
So wondered Brian D. Miller and Alex W. White, partners in the Fairfield County-based MillerWhite School of Design. The partners are accomplished, award-winning designers and have taught for years at prestigiuous design programs in New York City and New England.
Amy Perry: Keeping Your Agency Top of Mind
by Amy Perry
Principal, Smizer Perry
Differentiating our clients in their respective marketplaces, gaining the attention of their audiences, and making sure there is a consistent visual and verbal message are fundamental components to the services a marketing and design firm provides. But, when it comes to doing the same for our own firms many of us fail miserably. Promoting ourselves is much more difficult. Why? There are a number of reasons. In general, often we are not comfortable talking about ourselves, nor do we have the objective perspective for which our clients pay us to create clear messages.
