All posts tagged Creative Director

12 Questions: Todd Palmer

by PCG Staff on May 26, 2015 in Personality with Comments Off on 12 Questions: Todd Palmer

Todd PalmerHi, I’m Todd Palmer.

I cultivate personalities for your favorite local brands. Any start up can adopt a logo and corporate standards but my company, Virtual Farm Creative, delivers a combination of strategy and creative support to develop compelling brand stories, meaningful content and engaging conversations with the target audience. I am 24/7/365 focused on understanding client offerings and devising approaches for creating consumer action and reaching the client objectives of increased exposure, enhanced image, improved conversions, controlled expansion or dynamic growth. Every day I am conceptualizing the campaign, guiding and managing multiple projects, interfacing with clients and developing creative. As Creative Director with VFC, I have proven record of consistently persuading and educating target audiences and effectively communicating the client message, brand and position. My most notable achievement is the complete roster of satisfied small businesses whose success my team and I contribute to strategically and creatively, every single day. We bring big brand thinking and solutions to companies of all sizes.

I live just outside of Phoenixville, PA and VFC’s studio is three miles closer to the amazing Borough whose revitalization we actively support. I’m married with two children, both of whom have milestone birthdays this year (21 and 16) while I will be turning 50. Interests are extremely diverse and, I believe, that contributes to a unique creative sensibility as well as a passion for intimately understanding the client offering whatever it may be. In my free time I enjoy art, music, reading, writing and people, but I’d rather be outside on an adventure.

You can reach me at:

Virtual Farm Creative
31A Ridge Road, Phoenixville. PA 19460
610-917-3131

todd@virtualfarm.com

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And now, the 12 Questions:

1. What kind of kid were you?

I could have been a character in Stand By Me.

2. What influences have shaped you?

Musicians, artists, writers, branding pioneers, popular culture, television but, more humorously, it is absolutely true that I always wanted to work in advertising because of nuances I gleaned from the work of Darren Stevens, Michael Steadman and Elliot Weston!

3. Ever done anything really dumb?

In business I am quite conservative while I may have made a bad decision or two in my personal life. But aren’t mistakes proof that you’re trying?

4. How’d you learn to do what you do?

The trenches… Nearly 30 years of combat branding experience. Degrees do not impart brainstorming on deadline, winging a pitch or multitasking like a madman.

5. What are you working on now?

At this moment, I took five minutes to answer 12 questions. In 2015, VFC is busier than we have ever been managing several events, product launches and start up brands, non-profit campaigns…all while maintaining traction for existing clients.

6. Walk us through a typical day at work.

I never leave work without an empty inbox and a draft schedule for the next day. When I get in at 8 the inbox is full and the schedule is out the window. VFC is a collaborative studio where we all wear a lot of hats and communicate constantly. VFC gets an insane amount of work done in a day but it is never typical.

7. Who do you love?

Everyone who agrees with me. I throw the word love around a lot but I think I generally do love most open-minded, tolerant, intelligent positive people.

8. What are you passionate about?

Simplifying processes.

9. What are you proudest of?

My daughter. Is that wrong to say? My son won’t be reading this, will he? I have never met anyone as naturally true as my daughter.

10. Describe a great night out.

Riding bikes in the woods.

11. So what’s next for you?

I am not done here yet and VFC’s best work is still ahead of us but I do envision the agency embracing a specialty and growing creatively in a different direction. We all enjoy the work a little bit more when we’re managing accounts whose offerings we are passionate about. Next I am going to focus on doing meaningful work that I am passionate about.

12. What will your epitaph say?

Way to end it on an up note! Probably something like, “Anything can happen, even this!”

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12 Questions: Mark Gambol

by PCG Staff on April 13, 2015 in Personality with Comments Off on 12 Questions: Mark Gambol

Hello, I’m Mark Gambol.

IMG_2787_400pxI am a director of photography, cameraman, still photographer, director and producer, production manager and coordinator; but my biggest hat is that of a problem solver!

I graduated from Penn State in 1993 and started my career in 1994 for a small production company in Philadelphia. While there I was able to learn the ins and outs of production, production managing/coordinating and more specifically – camera work. I started MG Pictures in 2000 and I haven’t looked back. I’ve worked on hundreds of projects covering broadcast television and cable, Emmy-nominated television shows, documentaries, “reality tv”, professional sporting events, national news, and non-profit groups.

I surround myself with a other highly skilled and dedicated professionals to capture stories for a wide-range of clients. When I begin a project for a new client, I do a lot of listening.  I am interested in learning about who you are as a person and what your story is all about. I ask a lot of questions! Even in my personal life I want to know about the people around me.

My adventures and hobbies – both in and out of the production world – have taken me all over the world. I am an explorer, traveler and adventurer. I need to see every town, city, village, mountain, ocean, jungle or dessert that I can before I die for work and for pleasure.

You can read and see more about me and my company at www.mg-pictures.com or give me a call at 484-431-4824. I’d love to meet you and see if we can work together on your next story. Email works too! mark@mg-pictures.com

And now, the 12 Questions.

1. What kind of kid were you?

Athletic and adventuresome. Freshman year of High School introduced me to rock climbing and from that, the ability to handle extreme situations and believe in myself.

2. What influences have shaped you?

Of course my family and friends, but my high school physics teacher was and still is an amazing teacher outside of the classroom. And my mentor whom I met on my college internship at 6ABC here in Philly. She introduced me to a much bigger world filled with different races, religions and ideas. This suburban kid is forever in debt to her for what she showed me.

3. Ever done anything really dumb?

Of course! Who hasn’t? But I just can’t seem to make a great decision when it comes to buying cars… I don’t know what it is but it always frustrates me.

4. How’d you learn to do what you do?

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On the job training with a small company where I could get my hands dirty and make mistakes. Watching others do their job. Reading and watching movies and tv shows for inspiration. But I’ve also continued to learn and grow by hiring people who aren’t necessarily better at what I/we do, but those who do it differently and can show me a new way of approaching the same old shot. One piece of advice I’ve always tried to give someone just getting into the business is to “Learn what not to do.” I still live by that credo!

5. What are you working on now?

A series of spots/psa’s for Big Brothers/Big Sisters on becoming a mentor and getting back in touch with old clients to start working on new projects.

6. Walk us through a typical day at work.

I wish I had a typical day! I would love to “work” everyday but that isn’t the reality sometimes for a freelancer. So on those days when I am not on set I am working on finding new clients and projects or reaching out to old clients to touch base and see what’s new.

7. Who do you love?

I love my family and friends. My daughter and her friends. My straight friends and gay friends. As long as you are a good person there is plenty of room for you in my life. And if we don’t get along I promise to be open to your views, opinions and beliefs. I just like good people no matter where you are from.

8. What are you passionate about?

I could take the answer from #7 and put it here as well. But I find myself passionate about work and getting better at what I do. I love photography of all sorts. I love looking for a new adventure or place to travel. Finding out what is around the corner excites me. Trying to grill the perfect steak!!!

9. What are you proudest of?

Raising my daughter and being able to support my family while doing something I truly love for my career. I am proud of myself for reaching my goals and setting new ones every year. I don’t think people say they are proud of themselves enough. I depend on myself and my attitudes to get me through the good and bad. Be proud of yourself and stand up for who you are and what you’ve done.

10. Describe a great night out.

Grilling out for friends on the back deck on a warm night. However, I have grilled out in the snow for friends as well.

11. So what’s next for you?

The new seasons for “Awesome Adventures” and “Awesome Planet” will be starting in February. It’s a great show produced by Steve Rotfeld Productions here in the Philly area. I have been the DP for the past three seasons for these nationally syndicated shows. I’m getting my carnets in order and gear all packed for what promises to be another great year of adventure and travel in the US and abroad.

12. What will your epitaph say?

It wasn’t the right way, it wasn’t the wrong way… It was my way.

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12 Questions: Fred Shamlian

by PCG Staff on February 4, 2014 in Personality with Comments Off on 12 Questions: Fred Shamlian

Fred ShamlianHi, I’m Fred Shamlian.

I live and work in Media, PA, a tiny mecca of creativity and America’s first Fair Trade Town. Shamlian Creative is a close-knit team of strategists, designers and storytellers who create beloved brands. Our mission is to engage our client’s customers in ways that make a difference in their lives. As Creative Director, I contribute strategy, concepts, copy and designs. Branding and marketing are core skills, while 25 years of service to credit card issuers has stoked our passion for card design (over 1,000 and counting). Clients include leading banks, a major retailer, real estate developments, professional firms, restaurateurs Michael Wei (Yangming) and Marty Grims (Moshulu); our new invitation design studio, TorahDor; and a pro-bono program in collaboration with Temple Sholom in Broomall to encourage acts of kindness.

You can reach Fred at:

Shamlian Creative
105 West Third St, Media, PA 19063
610-892-0570
fred@open-inc.com
http://shamliancreative.com
http://www.torahdor.com

And now, the 12 Questions.

1. What kind of kid were you?

Chubby, smart, adventurous, loved, happy.

2. What influences have shaped you?

Raising a family…living in a fraternity (PiKA) …Apple…Sensei Tsomu Oshima, who led karate special trainings at Carnegie-Mellon…fellow Love Agent Caldwell Davis, who beamed brightly…the Jersey shore…Chekov…Beethoven…Woody Allen…nature…and being a Fred.

3. Ever done anything really dumb?

Who, me??

4. How’d you learn to do what you do?

I created my first ad at Msgr. Bonner High School, for a Creative Writing Contest. More ads followed for the Carnegie-Mellon Karate Club, sparking 7 weeks of heated discussion in the school paper about sexism…and my first advertising awards.

In his first job after college, my dad became the entire marketing and creative department at Barr’s Jewelers (now Zales). He did it all: strategy, media planning, concepts, copy, design, and production. I learned from him, and I’m grateful for the gift he gave me: a 360º view of client opportunities.

Many other teachers followed. Al Goldman of MARC and Company taught me the poetry of simplicity and the joy of puns. Henry J. Kaufmann – founder of the Washington DC agency HJK&A, my first employer – taught me grace in the face of adversity; Victor Sonder, my CD at SonderLevitt, showed me how to live large. And smart, generous clients at Chase, Barclays, Bank of America and Discover taught me the fine points of data-driven lifecycle marketing.

5. What are you working on now?

  • A campaign for the built-to-order homes at Haverford Reserve
  • Brand identity and site design for a new mobile payment product
  • Credit card designs for Bermuda-based Butterfield Bank and  their partner American Airlines
  • Corporate identity and a new website for Niyonu Spann Associates, organizational transformation specialists

6. Walk us through a typical day at work.

 7:30 am email, project/vendor coordination, strategy (“What questions do we answer today?”)
 8:45 am meditate
 9:00 am creative team briefings, goal-setting, critiques, brainstorming
10:00 am CREATIVE TIME
12:30 pm lunch (usually at my desk, keeping up with new technologies)
 1:30 pm progress reviews and direction
 2:00 pm client communications + proposals, meetings
 4:00 pm CREATIVE TIME
 6:30 pm where did the day go?

7. Who do you love?

Everyone – at least, that’s my goal. Highly aspirational to be sure, but I know that the more beauty I see in people, and the more I can be a force for good in their lives, the richer my life and my world will be. At Shamlian Creative, a compassionate love for the customer has brought a powerful new intelligence into our work. Love asks different questions and illuminates the most meaningful ways to engage and delight. In an age where marketing means engaging, better relationships begin with love.

8. What are you passionate about?

My family and friends, my team, my clients, the future of our country, the need to preserve nature, the status of guys in the world today. I love bold ideas and great product design…theatre and architecture…old cameras and books… exploring great cities like New York, Seattle, Tokyo and London. I love body-surfing, zooming down a winding road on fresh asphalt, cooking on an open fire, chili chocolate, the dumplings at Yangming, my son’s music, my wife’s pottery, and playing ping pong with my son Chase, who really should let me win.

9. What are you proudest of?

#1.  My sons, Forrest and Chase.
#2:  The America West “Surprise & Delight” in-Flight Experience.
#3:  Our interns. For 24 years, we’ve been blessed to work with hundreds of passionate, talented young people from all over the world.

10. Describe a great night out.

A warm night, a full moon, friends, a pristine lake, and a waterfall.

11. So what’s next for you?

The ultimate Love campaign.

12. What will your epitaph say?

Fred loved us very much.

 

Know somebody who should be featured on 12 Questions? Tell us!

12 Questions: Doug Hill

by PCG Staff on December 3, 2013 in Personality with Comments Off on 12 Questions: Doug Hill

Doug HillMeet Doug Hill.

I’ve been designing, writing and creating ideas and ads for over 30 years. I’ve also been a musician (guitar singer/songwriter for 35 years). I consult for various companies and ad agencies and have several clients of my own; fortunately, this keeps changing and growing and it’s always challenging.

Being a good Dad is my greatest achievement (2 beautiful, independent, strong and amazing girls). Lucky to have partnered with agencies and individuals that won Addy’s, Clio’s, Effie’s, Telly’s and an Andy (you know, the one with the big head). Also, got into the TV & Radio Hall of Fame for a FedEx Super Bowl Spot with writer Ken Cills (Machinery).

I work out of my home office in Wallingford/Swarthmore area and go into Philly and NYC whenever the need arises.

My acoustic duo (92nd Street – myself and Hugh Colocott) is recording our 2nd record, due out this spring. We’ve been performing for 20 years (think Simon & Garfunkel on steroids) — www/myspace.com/92ndstreet.

You can reach Doug at dougyhill@gmail.com and www.doughillcreative.com.

And now, the 12 Questions.

1. What kind of kid were you?

Lucky. #2 of 4 kids, had an older brother that did all the talking, so I learned to get attention by doing; sports, art, magic and then guitar. We were a fishing/hunting family with dogs — so I loved being outside and still have a keen interest in nature, animals and traveling.

2. What influences have shaped you?

My mom was a concert pianist and my dad owned a design studio, so music and art are in my blood. I was a teenager in the 70’s, so I not only fell in love with shows like Lassie, Daktari, Star Trek, Gilligan’s Island and Looney Tunes Cartoons, but was exposed to the greatest diversity of phenomenal music ever:
Beatles/Stones/Jimi Hendrix/Led Zepplin/Elton John/CSN/Cat Stephens/Allman Brothers/Yes/Jethro Tull/Joni Mitchell/Bonnie Raitt/Little Feat/Bob Marley/English Beat/Squeeze/Earth, Wind & Fire/Santana. Also loved the design work of Milton Glaser, the art direction of John Doyle, and the writing of Tolkien, Cormac McCarthy and Michael Creighton.

3. Ever done anything really dumb?

Way too many to mention here. But one classic won’t hurt: Letting my little sister (almost 16 at the time) drive my manual VW Rabbit – her first attempt with a stick shift, she mistook the clutch for the brake and ran into a cedar tree…luckily, only the bumper, hood and my good sense were injured.

4. How’d you learn to do what you do?

You get inspired, try something, fail, try again, eventually succeed and then repeat.

5. What are you working on now?

Some outdoor for the University of Delaware, some marketing for Mercer Bucks Cardiology and partnering with Allied Pixel on a digital campaign. Playing my guitar, singing and riding my CAAD 10 are always a work in progress.

6. Walk us through a typical day at work.

Read some news, answer a few emails, desperately search for some lame stock imagery, design or write, depending on the assignment and then revise until it seems like there’s something worth sharing (which sometimes, can take much longer than expected).

7. Who do you love?

Page and Logan (my 2 girls), Nicki, my girlfriend and my best friends; my Dad, Bob, Hugh, Kevin & Connie, Moshe, Fred and me.

8. What are you passionate about?

My kids, my work, my music, riding my bike, spending time with Nicki, catching trout, throwing the Frisbee, and reading and talking about the issues that are dividing our country. Oh yeah, drinking quality red wine, too.

9. What are you proudest of?

Giving my daughters Page and Logan the love and inspiration they deserve to find something to be passionate about.

10. Describe a great night out.

Going to a favorite BYOB (Birchrunville Café comes to mind), ordering Duck, sharing a bottle of Red Cabernet, and then listening to a great singer/songwriter while my mind drifts off into another realm.

11. So what’s next for you?

Listening, collaborating and learning with more creative experts and brands to offer even smarter solutions to their competitive landscapes. In other words, get better.

12. What will your epitaph say?

(Hopefully) Here lies Doug, who enjoyed life to the fullest and never stopped trying new things.

 

Know somebody who should be featured on 12 Questions? Tell us!