04.03.14
hey everyone! we held two social media workshops in our studio last weekend, and i was really happy with how they turned out. everyone had awesome questions and it really felt like we were all involved in a big conversation to help each other’s businesses. in this two hour workshop you will learn how to use pinterest, instagram, twitter and facebook for your blog or brand. i put together a ton of visual examples, stats and did a presentation on how i shoot and edit for instagram.
the next round of classes was announced yesterday to the mailing list and the new dates are half filled. go grab your spot right here. (there’s still a couple spots in the mixology workshops too!)
we set up our modernica chairs and hung up our new pinatas from prospect goods!
the perfect combination: delicious treats from donut snob (you have to try them, seriously) and a caffeine fix from handsome coffee roasters while everyone chatted before and after the workshop. hope to see you at the next session! -bri
(photos by designlovefest & bottom photo by justine dorsey)
06.04.13
something i’ve learned after blogging for 4 years…you NEED resources. and you need to organize them. you may think of an idea and there should be a list that you can refer to so that you can make that idea happen. we use google docs so everyone on the team can easily add to the resource page.
we all want to make original content. i know for me, the posts that i have been most excited about where when i collaborated with other creatives! (this flower bomb, a backyard party, benefit beauty posts, my living room, style shoots, blogshop events) all of those posts took multiple people to make them possible, and they also made the process more enjoyable. (and easier!) here’s our list we keep around the office…
KEEP READING AFTER THE JUMP…
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05.02.13
today’s question is: “what makes a great boss?” (it’s a long one, we know!)
KATIE’S ANSWER:
i love to ask this question to potential directors when i go on interviews. i’ve worked with amazing and award winning bosses and ones that made me cry and want to quit. watching the good and bad has made me realize what kind i want to be one day.
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04.26.13
i have so many friends with jobs and great opportunities opening up and i wanted to share with you the details in case you are on the lookout for work. you can always click that link up top in my navigation bar that says “jobs” to check the job listings on a regular basis. see if there is a position you might be the perfect fit for! (i’ll be adding even more soon!)
see the list below for job listings near you! keep in mind it is always best to send all appropriate links & materials when submitting for the positions. we can’t wait to hear from you. -bri
DESIGNLOVEFEST & BLOGSHOP JOBS AVAILABLE:
company: designlovefest | Los Angeles, CA
job title: creative contributor; photographer, stylist (prop or wardrobe)
tasks include: we’re always on the hunt for creative people to help us create compelling content. we’re constantly putting together photo and video shoots and have room to expand our team. have a talent we didn’t mention? feel free to send your portfolio our way!
more details: we are looking for someone who is eager to learn and contribute to the studio and brand. you’ll be perfect if you’re a fast learner, articulate communicator, highly organized and detail oriented, forward thinking, able to prioritize tasks AND super fun. This is a part time paid position for a trial of 3 months, with hopes to grow into full time.
contact: please send portfolio with links and a little bit about yourself to: jobs@designlovefest.com
MY FRIENDS HAVE JOBS FOR YOU TOO…
company: Domaine.com, WhoWhatWear.com, Byrdie.com
job title: graphic designer
tasks include: designing art for home, fashion and beauty editorial content published on all three properties (Who What Wear, Domaine, Byrdie). this designer would be collaborating with editors on content design & layouts, and with social media managers on promotional materials for editorial content. they would also work with the design director on special design projects (creating and supporting marketing and branding material).
details: this person needs to be proficient in Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator, and have a strong skill set retouching and color correcting. a keen eye for great design, love of all things beautiful, and strong understanding of branding are ideal. this is a great opportunity for someone who wants to join a team of designers working in digital. a good worth ethic and sense of humor are a plus!
contact: careers@whowhatwear.com, Subject line: Design Applicant
company: spitfiregirl | Denver, Colorado (can be remote)
job title: graphic design intern
tasks include: you will work on a variety of design projects (identity, print and mostly web) with an emphasis on marketing to help build a brand. we’re looking for strong concepts, good typography, a strong understanding of the web, good use of grids and color, and appropriate styles for respective projects. there should be some thought behind your work. you will get hands-on experience how a design studio works, including various stages of projects from concept to completion along with participating in office duties in our creative shop. this position is a great opportunity for someone to learn the ins and outs of running a professional design business in a casual work environment.
details: portfolio of design work that includes web, print, and identity projects with a demonstrated proficiency in photoshop (masking, brushes, layers) is a must! illustrator, and indesign also requires proficiency. you should be proactive, good at multi-tasking and crazy about the details. bonus points if you have video skills! available to work 15-20 hours per week ~ an on-site intern given top priority but the right candidate will be considered if remote (we love skype). this internship is for school credit only.
contact: info@spitfiregirldesign.com
company: spitfiregirl | Denver, Colorado (can be remote)
job title: editorial intern
tasks include: we are looking for an organized and creative writer who is interested in penning unique point of view posts, loves finding or creating great photography and artwork to visually support it, for our two blogs - spitfiregirl and spitfiremom. must be a self-starter who knows their way around wordpress. bonus points if you have video skills!
details: a strong writer with a fun, witty personality that has a demonstrated proficiency in photoshop (masking, brushes, layers). you should be proactive & good at multi-tasking and attentive to the details. strong verbal and written communication skills. currently maintains your own blog (or can demonstrate proficiency in the above) and has experience with twitter, pinterest and facebook. available to work up to 10 hours per week – a blog calendar will be utilized. available for skype (or phone) calls and emails – this position can and likely will be remote! this internship is for school credit only.
contact: info@spitfiregirldesign.com
(photo in poster by max wanger)
04.24.13
hi guys! i am out of town this week teaching in san francisco, but katie is going to take over for me this week and answer today’s advice question: “what do you look for in a designer or intern?”
KATIE’S ANSWER:
i look for a solid portfolio that shows a variety of print and web, a nice sense of color and layout. their site is usually straight forward and easy to navigate. when i contact them it’s nice when they respond in a timely manner. don’t keep people waiting or they’ll move on to the next person.
when i’m looking for help i also reach out to people in my network to see if anyone has a good recommendation. i keep in touch with one of my favorite professors from MICA and she always has someone’s info to pass along. every designer she has sent me has been hired. note to students: keep a good relationship with your classmates and your professors. think of them as your coworkers and your boss. they will be one of your most important assets when you graduate. your classmates will go off into the real world and get real jobs. when their boss says “we need help, know anyone?” they will think of you and if you showed up to class on time and if you presented killer work.
when i look at students i think it’s great when they take their project past what was required. i’ve seen some start with a packaging project. then they turned it into a lifestyle shot and then a social media campaign. it’s so great to see people thinking about the big picture. it’s also a major plus when a candidate has lots of skills vs just one. they are more valuable because they can help with so much more.
when it comes to the interview i like it when people look me in the eye. i also like a firm handshake. nobody likes a wimpy one. i know i shouldn’t but when someone gives me get a weak handshake they go down a couple notches in my book. i like when the person laughs or makes me laugh. i like to be around happy people so don’t forget to smile. i like when people ask me a lot of questions (makes me feel better about asking them a ton). i want them to be curious and have an extreme hunger for knowledge. it shows me they’re ambitious and eager to work hard.
(illustration by katie evans. read more freelance advice posts are over here!)
