Super Sonic | Alex Pejcic

Get out your protective ear wear and brace for impact. The high flying Alex Pejcic, Co Founder and Vice President of Sonic Boom Creative Group is here. Mach II, Go!

MINIBIO
Ever heard of that internet thing? Alex Pejcic has. Fifteen years ago he and his basement cohorts decided that there was gold in them there hills and set out to create a viable internet business. Today Sonic Boom Creative Media does work for giants like Bell Mobility, Pepsi, and RIM. Not a bad step up from going door to door in Hamilton selling web services. 

THE WISDOM
Head, heart, and hands. Be smart. Care. Be skilled. If you can do this you can succeed. At the end of the day, this thing we do is still a business. It's still driven by money and while creativity and passion are so so important, you still have to get paid. It's not all foosball and beer, but if you're smart, if you take the work to heart, and you can do the work (and do it well), you'll thrive.

ALEX SAYS
USE THIS
Know social media
Know what's out there
Show that you can use it and are interested in trends

UNDERSTAND THIS
The meaning and role of a brand
Marketing basics: Direct & Mass
Latest trends & tech
Social design

POSSESS THIS
Proven skills in your discipline. Know your stuff!
A positive attitude. Be a team player
A willingness to learn. You know nothing.
References. Good ones
A strong portfolio
PASSION!

DO THIS

Get noticed, recognized, and respected. It will take time
Join interactive media groups
Submit your portfolio to online communities
Create your online space
Ask for advice. Ask for interviews
See an opportunity? Take it
Find inspiration outside of work
Lose the ego
Pay your dues!
Be prepared for shittiness

PAY YOUR DUES

Work. Hard.
Don't be disillusioned. It's not all fun
This is a job. It's business

WORKS

So much to show... I suggest you just check out the portfolio at SonicBoom.com. Just be sure you check out the fantastic TrufflePig Travel Site and the very cool WWF polar bear tracking site.

SO?
A lesson from the business side. The suit jacket tipped us off I think. Though the same core messages came through: be passionate, get involved, work for it, pay your dues. Now if your seat backs and tray tables are in the upright and locked position we'll be off... at Mach II. Boom.

Need more? Say hi: Alex on Linkedin, Twitter.

On Being Creative | Jay Schacher

Are you being creative right now? Jay Schacher is. It's his job (officially it's Art Director at Henderson Bas Kohn). He may be the nicest guy in our industry (so says Gillian) but he knows how to play a mean prank and design an even meaner website. So cue up your favourite playlist and rev up your creative juices; it's learning time.

MINIBIO
Four years isn't really a long time. It's the amount of time between the good Olympic games (read:winter); it's how long you have to wait for a leap year; it's how long an American president has to screw up the country. In four years a maple tree only grows about four feet, the earth only travels 3750 kilometers around the sun (ok that one's pretty impressive); and yet, in only four years Jay Schacher took himself from a bewildered recent grad of Sheridan's Web Design program with a BFA and New Media certificate from York University to the suave confident and influential Art Director of Henderson Bas Kohn, one of Toronto's top ad shops. How'd he do it? Lucky us, he's here to explain.

THE WISDOM
Your job is to be creative. Every day you could be brainstorming or concepting or designing. Every day you'll need to be creative. Find ways to push your creativity, unleash your skills. Just make sure client needs and timelines are met too; possibly in creative ways.

JAY SAYS
WHEN WORKING WITH THE CLIENT
Chances are, it's not always going to go the way you want
You may love an idea or design and they may not
At the end of the day it's about what the client wants
So have a thick skin and be willing/able to adapt

SKETCH
Do it

BUILD A PROFILE
Create a brand for yourself online
Be exciting, be punchy, promote yourself
Exploit social media channels
Get your name out there
Get Found!

AFTER YOU GRADUATE

Stay close with your classmates
Network a lot (talk to as many people as you can)
Be a team player, not a hero
There are no heros!

SPECIALIZE

Understand a bit of everything but do one thing exceptionally well
You want to be a designer? Be a designer
Find inspiration
Be creative. It's your job

YOUR PORTFOLIO

Know the shop your going to and customize your book accordingly
Dress your work and your résumé for the work they do
Show the whole process
Believe in your work
Emphasize your creativity

WORKS

In his rise to the top Jay's put his time in at some pretty heavy hitters in the Toronto Ad Market, including Organic, Sonic Boom, and now HBK. A fact that is reflected nicely in the collection of work he laid before us. A repertoire that includes clients Mercedes Benz, LG, and Timex. There's much more to see at JayShack.com. 

SO?
A few lessons. Nice guys don't always finish last and creativity is the fuel that drives our industry. Jay came in a proved that it's possible to have fun and enjoy your work all while getting to work on some big name, exciting projects. The other lesson to take from this, is we are still three years away from decent Olympic coverage.

Need more? Say hi: Jay on Linkedin.

Out & About | Fall Interactive Tour

Coming Soon. I swear.

The Cool Shit | John Alabaszowski

Like a battle ready ninja John Alabaszowski, VP Group Creative Director at MacLaren McCann, burst into our classroom. Imparting knowledge like a shuriken to the brain. Though truthfully his presentation was far less violent than how that sounds...

MINIBIO
John has been places. John has done things. You don't get to be VP Group Creative Director at one of Canada's largest agencies without having done things. Good things. Coming out of Ryerson's New Media program John brought his big ideas to NuRun, and Infinet Communications after starting out at a few small shops. Freelance called and John answered living the life of a renegade designer until settling in for the long haul (currently 7 years) at MacLaren McCann. He may have never attended Sheridan College, but today he's here, ninja style.

THE WISDOM
The world of design isn't so serious. Work hard and have fun. You can do the cool shit, the fun projects; they're out there. Go after then, work towards what you want to do. Show your interests and get involved, and definitely don't take yourself too seriously. Think broadly. Be open to possibilities. 

JOHN SAYS
YOUR PORTFOLIO. HAVE ONE
Put it online. Want to work in web? Be on the web
Show your best work
Put your strengths up front
Good skills are transferrable, show your skills
Let your passion and initiative show
Keep growing your book
Show it off
and for Godsake organize it!

INTERVIEWS. NAIL THEM
Be organized! Have your work ready to show and know how to show it
Know the company you're interviewing
Having a hook doesn't hurt but your work has to be good
Ask for feedback afterwards: "What did you think of my book?"
Listen!

THE JOB. GOT IT, NOW MAKE IT

Go after the work you want to do
Do what you're paid for, then do more
Be active, get noticed
Be part of the culture
Don't take criticism personally
More ideas die than survive
Don't be more drunk than your boss

WORKS

Here's the cool shit. John's worked on some huge and impressive campaigns, for some equally huge and impressive companies. He's been in the driver's seat with Chevy with sites for the Volt, the Sonic, and the Orlando. He's helped sell Locust Meat to hungry gamers for Microsoft's Gears of War 3 campaign. Though the coolest shit of all is the non-profit work done by MacClaren McCann's Kindred division: Camp Oochigeas. Whether you want to be slaughtering aliens into a gory mess or helping kids go off to camp and just be kids, there's cool shit out there, and you can be making it. 

SO?
Clearly John didn't go full ninja mode on us (we saw him after all) but he definitely brought the cool shit. The big guys aren't so bad after all it seems. Job=Fun is a great lesson to learn. Thanks John. Smokebomb. Gone.

We are the Sultans... | Dwayne Grech

Forget Swing! Crank that heavy shit... this is the Sultan of Beard! Throw away your razors and slip into something a little more aviator Dwayne Grech is here.

MINIBIO

Dwayne's done his time in the trenches. Starting at Seneca College's Graphic Design program (with yours truly) post grad saw him off to Australia (without yours truly) for a year of working, backpacking, designing, surfing, living. Back in Canada and back in school. This time Sheridan's now famous Web Design program. Fresh out of school again Dwayne bounced around from Organic to Young & Rubicam to The Marketing Store to Sirius Satellite and now to Momentum. All the while freelancing as and evolving the alias The Sultan of Beard. (Not to mention cultivating a rather solid face sweater). Today though, his big personality and his big beard are back at Sheridan; this time... to impart wisdom.

THE WISDOM

This isn't going to be easy. You're going to lose sleep; you're going to compete. You're going to have to ditch the ego and fight your way through tough times, and you're going to love it. Love what you do and where you do it because it makes all the difference in the world. Don't work for the money; work for the work. Work for the pride, for you. Most of all, no matter what you do or where you do it: Do More! Improve your self, improve your worth.

DWAYNE SAYS
BURNING BRIDGES IS EMPLOYMENT SUICIDE
Never a wise move, even more so in such a small industry
Your boss has friends at that agency you want to work at, don't rage quit

NETWORKING EVENTS ARE YOUR EASIEST WAY INTO AN INTERVIEW
Events are essentially informal interviews
Free booze, free schmooze

YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO STOP LEARNING

If you feel you've learned enough, chances are you're an idiot
Read a book, scour the web, take a night course—keep yourself inspired

THEFWA.COM IS THE BIBLE

Just go

YOU'LL HAVE TO SACRIFICE A WEEKEND OR SIX
Sometimes the proverbial fan needs a lot of cleaning
Take a weekend to get more work done, show initiative
Work on your own terms and don't sweat the stress

RED. BULL. THE SAVIOR OF LAST-MINUTE ALL NIGHTERS

Working all night? Yep.
Be a hero, get that promotion

PAY IT FORWARD

Lady luck can be a bitch, play your karma right
Mentor a student or two
Volunteer at the Tall Studio Tour
Teach

NOT ENJOYING THE WHAT AND WHERE? CHANGE.

You have to love where you work
Stay loyal and motivated
There are shitty places out there and you will pay your dues
Know when to get out and move up

BOOZE IS YOUR FRIEND

Alcohol is a part of the industry
Whether your seeking advice from old man Jack Daniels or spinning ideas with your good buddy Heineken no one is judging you

SOCIAL MEDIA
Info Out—Info In
Stay connected, it's your life blood

WORKS

Dwayne's a man of many sunglasses, and his ability to switch from classic aviators to... uh... another equally cool pair of aviators comes through on his badass online alter ego's site The Sultan of Beard. Check out some music vids, learn about the new Porsche, follow a gnome through the streets of Japan. It's all good.

SO?

Pulling punches isn't the Sultan's style and he certainly came out swinging. Dwayne's a big personality and a big talent. He talks straight and loves his craft. I've know Dwayne for several years now and I'm always impressed by his approach to life and design and his attitude towards work. Industry friends are always nice to have. So... drinks?

Speed of Light | Catherine Baird

Put some jazz on the radio, buckle in, and get inspired cause we're moving at the speed of light with Dashboard ACD Catherine Baird.

MINIBIO
Swooning over the nuances of Monet's Water Lilies at U of T; Calling the shots at little guy ecentricarts, Following an idol to Paris, Running with the big guns at Henderson Bas; Yeah, Catherine Baird has done that. Not to mention surviving the gauntlet that is Sheridan Web Design. Now she brings her wealth of knowledge, experience, and talent to the Dashboard family... and to us.

THE WISDOM
Inspiration and Passion. 'Get Inspired' and 'Do what you love'. Love design, love technology, love your work, love who you work with, love to learn, and love to work. If you work hard and love what you do you'll always be inspired and engaged. When you love what you do, it's not a job it's an adventure. 

CATHERINE SAYS
BE A REALLY REALLY GOOD DESIGNER
Even when your overwhelmed with technology, you are first and foremost a designer and you will be getting applying for a design job
Creative directors don't care about your coding, they care about design

UNDERSTAND (AND LOVE) TECHNOLOGY
The tech world in an ever changing environment, embrace it

Play. Get excited for new toys and new tech.

LEARN FOR YOURSELF

Learn video editing, flash animation, proper social media design techniques

The more you know the more adaptable and hireable you are

UNDERSTAND UX & IA
User Experience and Information Architecture
First things first, your design has to work

Most importantly, design for the user

WORK HARD, BE FLEXIBLE, AND KEEP UP
Embrace the changing, evolving, moving industry you're in

Stay late when needed
Prove yourself

WORKS

If a varied portfolio is the sign of a well-traveled hard-working designer put two checks by Catherine's name. She's saved you money, she's saved christmas; she knows what's happening in Toronto and she want you to too. Whether it's for peanut butter of the Olympics Catherine's checkmarks keep piling up: talented (check), passionate (check), inspiring (check).

SO?
Big affable grin in tow Catherine came with a message of inspiration and passion and she walked the walk. She also has some pretty solid advice: learn, love, design, grow, succeed. So I'm coming along for the ride. Lightspeed. Punch it.

Enjoy the Ride | Steve Coomber

Today we were treated to the rock and roll styling of designer, advertiser, TAXI driver, Sheridan grad, and sole Coomberville resident: Steve Coomber.

MINIBIO
Recently the feature of an Applied Arts Article (well... a feature) Steve, Guelph BFA in hand,  cruised out of Sheridan's Web Design Program in 2005 and promptly landed feet first at some of Toronto's Ad giants: namely Organic, Young & Rubicam, and is currently picking up fares for TAXI (How many more taxi metaphors can we throw in here? Who knows?) 

THE WISDOM
The big message Steve laid at our feet? At it's core: learn, work, and socialize. Pretty simple. Below are Steve's actual words but in essence it's all about being willing to grow and evolve through a willingness to learn, to work hard, and to still have fun. 

STEVE SAYS
SPEAK UP
Make your passions known
Jump at opportunities when they present themselves

FIND A MENTOR
They know your job better than you do
Learn from them at every chance you get
Then... be a mentor

NEVER TAKE SHOTGUN
Always sit in the drivers seat (His metaphor, not mine)
You should be in control of your career
The company needs you as much as you need them
Go to Seminars and get your company to foot the bill
Get involved in the projects you want to work on

TWEET
You don't have to love Twitter, but...
Twitter is a great marketing tool
@mashable, @theNextWeb, @TaxiCanada, @ConanObrien

DRINK BEER*
*Or your delicious beverage of choice
Socialize and network
Network and socialize
Beer. 

DON'T TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY
It's not brain surgery, it's fun

BE PASSIONATE AND HAVE FUN!

SO?
With mantras like 'Drink Beer' and 'Don't take yourself too seriously' it's safe to say Steve's message resonated with many of us. Be passionate? Steve clearly is. It shows in his work. With The Canadian Tire House of Innovation, a favourite project for Steve, playing on our big screen Steve beamed with pride; clearly happy to show off his work. His passion. So I think it's time for a little social drink... Taxi!