Victor Ramirez and Dwayne Grench - Momentum

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Victor

http://www.linkedin.com/in/victorhenry

victor.ramirez@momentum.com

http://www.momentum.com

Dwayne

info@sultanofbeard.com

Dwayne.grech@momentum.com

www.sultanofbeard.com

Momentum is hybrid digital media shop. They do network, hosting, as well as web and creative design. Awarded one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies

Who is Victor?

Victor is a designer at Momentum advanced solutions. He as worked at Momentum Advanced Solutions, Henderson Bas, Maritz Canada Inc., Montana Steele Adgertising.

A few highlights form his career:

·       Built on-line learning system for RIM

·       Built the Cadillac SRX website for MacLaren

·       Built a brand for 1 bloor that raised prices by 300%

·       Built on-line dating and social media site before the flood

·       Helped re-build chrysler from the crash.

A few quirky facts:

·       backpacked Ecuador

·       Speaks Spanish people call him taco though he is not Mexican

·       Loves crossfit

·       Likes to dance

Who is Dwayne?

Dwayne has been a designer at Momentum Advanced Solutions for 2 years and is the lead creative for the Chrysler account. Dwayne is also a graduate of Sheridan College.

A few facts:

·       DAOR for Chrysler Canada

·       Owner of sultanofbeard.com

·       Went to Aitas School of Japanese in 2009

·       Graduated from Seneca College for graphic design in 2004

·       Graduated from Sheridan College for web design in 2008

·       Went to Sheridan back in high school for classic animation. He wanted to be a Disney animator. He was they Youngest student but got tired of it.

Places he worked:

·       Momentum Advanced Solutions

·       Sirius satellite radio

·       Young & Rubicon (flash designer on Ford brand Ford Flex)

·       Organic Inc. (Chrysler USA flash designer)

Quirky Facts

·       Lived in Australia & Japan

·       Speaks Japanese

·       Coldwater Surfer

·       Frequent mud racer: Spartan Race, Mud Hero, Met Con Blue, ect.

·       Tattoo clad

What they do:

·       DAOR for Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/RAM/Fiat

·       Online support for Mercede-Benz, Forresters...

·       Online loyalty support for AMEX

A few tips on what to expect going into this industry:

·       It won't be easy

·       Lack of sleep

·       Ultra competitive market

·       Small industry

·       Crazy office politics

·       Toronto has heaps of agency choices

·       Heaps of industry parties - good way to network

·       Specify what you're applying for

·       "We are in demand"

·       Enjoy where your work

·       Remember and make personal relations

What are your options"

·       Small design house vs international agency

·       Contract work vs permanent work

·       designer vs project manager vs account manager

·       Add 30% for project management when doing freelance (look up contracts online to make sure your getting paid)

·       Canada vs abroad

A few life lessons from Victor and Dwayne

·       Burning bridges in this industry is employment suicide

·       Networking events are your easiest way into an interview

·       You are never too old to sop learning

·       theFWA.com is the bible

·       sometimes you'll have to sacrifice a weekend or six

·       red bull doesn't give you wings, but sure does make you the savior of the "last minute all-nighter" request

·       pay it forward

·       if you're not enjoying the what and where, then it's time for a change

·       social media

A few Momentum work samples:

Alexander Younger – Design Lab

ay@designlab.net

www.designlab.net

http://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander305454

Alexander Younger is the President and CEO of Design Lab a design firm located in Toronto Ontario. Alexander founded Design Lab over 20 years ago. Running Design Lab always brings new exciting challenges for Alexander. The first browser they worked with was netscape .09.

Design Lab is a green company. What does that mean you ask? Well the Design Lab offices are powered by solar panels. If you visit Design Labs site you will notice a small green design lab logo. Through this link you can learn all about Design Lab’s green initiative.

Why are you here? (Why are the students going to Sheridan College?)
     1. It’s an excellent opportunity – use it (build and improve your portfolio)
     2. Employers will look at what you did here – every project counts, especially if your portfolio is light.
     3. Get to know your classmates – they are all going places and will make great contacts in the future.

      Looking around the room there are many talented people all working for the same goal. Though they maybe competition for the same job at the end of the course they are also great contacts for future opportunities. Throughout the course we will all design portfolio pieces and every one counts.

Getting the job paradox.

A job is a 2 way street you have to impress them and they have to impress you.

Do the research:
     - Talk to your peers about agencies
     - Go online and create a shortlist of places you want to work and write down why.
     - Small agencies you get to be more diverse, larger agencies you only play a small part.
     - Smaller agencies you will have to take a larger roll.
     - Show interest and passion about there projects

o   Go through the website look at case studies and read the information.

o   Go to the actual work and write down some thoughts (be detailed)

o   Cover every inch of the site. (cover every link just like the “green lab” at Design Lab

       Cover Letter
           - Keep it short and sweet
           - Give the reader a reason to like you (hint you know about there company so you throw them some ideas)

           - Be memorable, but in the right ways

           - Send something unique (not many people snail mail any more. A mailer might just be the thing you need)

      Write a good resume

           - Keep it short highlight good aspects

           - Extra knowledge out side of job description helps

           - Be ready to fill in the gaps or why you moved around so much.

           - Don’t over sell. (If you can’t do it don’t say you can. Don’t stretch the truth)

       Prepare your portfolio

           - Make it nice.

           - Showcase your skills/experience

           - Keep it clean and professional – don’t get edgy or cool

           - Small bits about what you did on a project (point out the challenges and a little bit of background. How did  
       you help the companies you were working for?)

           - Create as clean presentation. Good idea to use tech such as tablet for portfolio. (Use a stand to present.)

      Big Hints     - FACEBOOK (party pics may not be a bad thing but be careful of social media)

           - Be yourself

           - LinkedIn – have a strong page and keep it up to date

The job interview
     - Not just a one shot deal (Starts with phone interview often)
     - First interview will be around an hour long. (You may want to ask how long it will be before you get there.)
     - Be around 10 minutes early. (Be prompt but not so early that they don’t know what to do with you.
     - Culture is important (From the businesses point of view)
     - Check your ego at the door
     - Take it all in.
     - Make positive comments and be truthful.
     - Ask questions. Show interest. Be prepared with your questions. (Ask atleast 2 questions)
     - If you don’t know ask or say you will research it.
     - Don’t ask hours and benefits ask things like how can I grow and so on.
     - Don’t move off the path of the question and use personal antic dotes. (Keep them short and to the point.            
       Explain how you handled the situation.)
     - Ask about the environment, ask about the other people, find out how you can fit in.
     - If answers are negative it may not be the place for you.
     - Stay for the whole interview. (Leaving is disrespectful and you could be burning a lot of bridges the design 

             community is small and very close.)
           - Once the interview is over and if you don’t think it’s a right fit but they select you be straight and tell them.
           - Find out who will be in the interview and a little bit about them.
           - Make sure your presentation works. (Good to have a hard copy for backup.)
           - Meet the team if you can (feel free to ask a few questions.)

How to look at an interview.
     - Look like you are going to impress a client.
     - Don’t chew gum, ware shades or put to much cologne on.
     - Leave the funny shirts at home

After the interview
     - Write a thank you note. (Hand written/hardcopy is more personal and will standout)
     - Write down any questions for your next interview.
     - Keep on interviewing. (There are many opportunities out there and many great companies)

Final notes

When looking for a job there are 5 important things to do.
     1. Put together a great portfolio.
     2. Have a great attitude.
     3. Research the company and your interviewers.
     4. Ask lots of questions.
     5. Don’t settle. The right job is there you just have to work for it.

 A few Design Lab work samples