July 7, 2011
Being surrounded by technology 24/7, it appears that this trend is with us to stay. While 95% of my work these days revolves around a computer, every now and then I long for the days when things were still done by hand.
Back in high school I was a visual arts major, so my curriculum revolved around sketching, painting and sculpting. I had all the tools at my disposal, including paintbrushes, HB pencils and canvases. Surprisingly, the only thing I never touched was a mouse.
Coming from a fine arts background, I was thrown into the world of graphic design during university. To my horror our classrooms were comprised solely of computers. I was even more shocked learning that some of my classmates couldn’t even draw using conventional things like pen and paper. Illustrator and anything ‘vector’ seemed to be the trend back in the day.
During my first year everyday was a struggle to get through. It was hard learning all the programs that other people seemed to have an advantage over. I always thought my skills in fine arts would be beneficial in a design environment, but that was obviously not the case.
However, over time I began to learn the conveniences using the computer. Certainly it doesn’t take over the essential skills like knowing how to sketch out a concept, but it does allows you to manipulate things faster and more efficiently than what can be done by hand. It’s also great because you can save multiple versions of your files and share it with others working on the same project. It definitely has a universal appeal when you move across different platforms.
While I no longer harbour any ill-feelings towards the computer, I still relish in any opportunities I have to do things by hand. One lesson I have learned being in a design environment is that it takes your own initiative to find the things that balances out your skills and interests. Don’t ever forget the foundation you’ve built for yourself.
Jenny
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June 16, 2011
As summer is fast approaching, June seems to be the month to celebrate our local entrepreneurial sprit. Burlington’s entrepreneurial spirit is more vibrant than ever as we celebrated the success of our local economy at last week’s 2011 BEDC Signature Event.
Burlington’s Annual Entrepreneur of the Year award is awarded to an individual who exemplifies incredible leadership, philanthropy and who has strengthened the Burlington Community. This year’s Hall of Fame Inductee was Ron Foxcroft, Chairman, Founder and CEO of the Foxcroft Group of Companies, Fluke Transportation, Fox 40 International and Foxcroft Capital Corporation.
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May 4, 2011
Indeed. Interkom has passed another milestone. Our company was founded 30 years ago, back in 1981. It seems like a long time to some of our team members who are still shy of this magical number. Yet for a couple of the veterans including yours truly, it seems like yesterday.
Our first office location was above a car dealership, just north of the major highway that connects most of Ontario to Niagara Falls and New York State. The dealer was a new store for an up and coming brand: Toyota – today it became a bigger global automotive brand than General Motors.
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April 21, 2011
With the Conservative Party leading with 39% of the vote thus far, Canada’s environmental future remains as clear as mud.
The Conservative’s 2011 “Here for Canada” campaign indicates five key platform issues. These include eliminating the deficit, strengthening our armed forces and creation of new jobs – nowhere does it reference our environmental concerns.
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April 6, 2011
I remember having a pen-pal and parents telling me not to spend too much time on the phone. On my 17th birthday, I got my very first cell phone, a lovely hand-me-down from my dad to my mom, then to me. At 22, it seems like most of my time is spent on my cell phone – be it email, text, BBM, Internet, playing games, or on Facebook and Twitter. Friends in my circle know whom I’ve talked too, what I’m doing, and where I’m going.
My point is, I spend more time “talking” to my friends on social media sites, than actually seeing most of them face-to-face. When we do see each other, we already know what’s going on because we’ve “creeped” each other’s profiles prior to our get-together. Why would you see someone if you could just text them, Facebook them or view their photos online?
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March 23, 2011
In light of recent events in Japan, I would like to start off by saying how horrible I feel seeing the images of the destruction caused by the Tohoku earthquake. It was very upsetting for me in particular because I have so many friends living in Japan right now. It also came as a shock because I had just gotten back from my homestay in Kariya City just two weeks prior to the earthquake. The one comforting thought I have now is knowing that Japan will pull through from this tragedy with their endless endurance and spirit. I hope everyone here will support them by contributing to the relief efforts. Gambare Nippon!
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March 4, 2011
After assisting many clients to get their web strategy and on-line presence in place, we recently have taken some time to practice what we preach. And gone are the days that you could unveil a new website, sit back and move on with other aspects of your business. Social Media has changed that forever.
The positive is that it offers so much more than the traditional channels that are available to establish a company’s brand presence. I know it’s daunting, but our website should help you see how these changes can positively add to your marketing and brand strategy.
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