This week’s speaker is Dwayne Grech, from Momentum. He was also a graduate from the Web Design program back in 2009. We are happy to see him in class today.
WHO IS HE?
- Currently the designer at Momentum Advanced Solution Momentum
- Owner and designer at Sultan of Beard
- Graphic design graduated from Seneca College (2004)
- Web design graduate from Sheridan College (2009)
- 1st job, worked at Organic Online Media, Production Artist.
- Young and Rubicam, Toronto based agency, Flash Designer
- The Marketing Store, a print based company opening the interactive department, Flash Designer
- Sirius Satellite Radio, Creative Consultant
WHAT DO PEOPLE DO IN MOMENTUM?
- DOAR for Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram/Fiat
- Online support for Mazda, Mercede-Benz, Forresters
- Online loyalty support for AMEX
- Canada’s 50 best managed companies
DEMONSTRATION OF WORK
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| Chrysler 200 |
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| Ram Ad Banner |
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| Chrysler Banner Ad |
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| Jeep-Kokanee Crankworx Microsite |
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| Chrysler 200 Yahoo! Take Over |
INDUSTRY ADVICE:
What to expect
- It won’t easy
- Lack of sleep
- Ultra competitive market
- Small industry – everybody knows everybody
- Crazy office politics
- Toronto has tons of agency choices
- Heaps of industry parties – get network
Small Design House vs. International Agency
- Avoid going to large agencies: too much work and stress because they expect you know everything. It will be a hard time.
- Start with a small agency: learn more and build more confidence, not paying as good as the big ones, but prepare you well with a good future
Contract Work vs. Permanent Work
- Contract Work: work with different people and places
- Permanent Work:
- life time is normally 2 years
- have benefits and vacation pay
- Harder to get in
Designer vs. Project Mangers vs. Account Manager
Canada vs. Abroad
- No boundaries for designers.
- Designers can work everywhere.
MY LIFE LESSONS
- Burning bridges in this industry is employment suicide
- Networking events are your easiest way into an interview (word of mouth)
- You are never too old to stop learning
- Learning AfterEffects
- Learning something you are interested
- theFWA.com is the Bible
- Sometimes you will have to sacrifice a weekend or six
- Sacrifice the weekend to finish a project
- Red bull doesn’t have you wings, but sure does make you the savior of the “last minutes all nighters” request
- Pay it forward
- Help people who are new to the community
- If you’re not enjoying the what and where, then it’s time for a change
- Have to like what you do
- Take a vacation to reboost
- Booze is your friend
- Social Media (be part of the group)
- Linken
- Twitter
- Facebook
Dwayne Grech
Email:Dwayne.Grech@momentum.com
