REMINDER - Cre8: The Boise State University Portfolio Show

A reminder that Cre8 - The Boise State University Portfolio show is coming up this Thursday, May 1st, at the Linen Building in Downtown Boise.

The show starts at 6:00 pm.

Technorati tags: cre8, boise state university, portfolio show, linen building

New hire at Stoltz Marketing Group

Stoltz Marketing Group is at it again. Their latest addition is Stuart Walsh as a Flash / Web / 3D Designer. Prior to joining Stoltz Marketing Group, Stuart spent several years as a freelance web developer, through Fuze Interactive.

Congratulations Stuart.

Technorati tags: stoltz marketing group, stuart walsh, fuze interactive

Upcoming Event - Boise Graphic Design Group / Adobe Users Group Meeting

Apologies for the short notice, but I just recently got word about this one...

The April Boise Graphic Design Group / Adobe Users Group meeting will take place this Wednesday, April 30th, in the William F. Hays Memorial Auditorium at the Boise Public Library (er, Library!) starting at 6:30 pm.

This month's featured speaker will be Alan Gorringe.

More details about this event can be found here.
(Courtesy of Meetup).

Technorati tags: boise graphic design group, adobe users group, boise public library, alan gorringe, meetup

Anonymous PR Job Openings

An unnamed PR agency in Boise has posted a couple of job openings on Craigslist:

Account Executive with at least five years of experience in public relations, marketing, public affairs, communications or related.

Assistant Account Executive with less than five years work experience, and a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, advertising or related field

Full details about both positions can be found here.

Technorati tags: craigslist, pr job openings, account executive job opening, assistant account executive job opening

Upcoming Event - Idaho Advertising Execs and the Art of Persuasion

On Tuesday, April 29th the Idaho Media Professionals organization is hosting an event focused on advertising and marketing, specifically as it relates to Idaho films (I'm assuming).

The event, titled Idaho Advertising Execs and the Art of Persuasion, will start at 5:15 at The Flicks - 646 Fulton St. Admission is free to IMP members, and $5 for non-members. It will feature a panel discussion with:

Rhea Allen from Peppershock Media
Russ Stoddard from Oliver Russell
David Cook from Stoltz Marketing Group

There will also be a conversation and networking opportunity on the patio following the panel with no-host bar.

More details, as well as information about other film-related events can be found on the Events page of the Idaho Film Office website.

Technorati tags: idaho media professionals, the flicks, peppershock media, oliver russell, stoltz marketing group, idaho film office

Job Openings at Side Door Media

A couple of these have been covered before, but there are new / updated posts on Craigslist. So, for anyone who may have missed the earlier notes, Side Door Media in Boise has a number of job openings, including:

Media Buyer with 3 to 5 years media buying experience.

Account Executive with 3 to 5 years of agency experience.

Graphic Designer with 3 to 5 years of agency experience.

Yes, there seems to be a trend in the experience level that they're looking for. Full details about the jobs can be found my clicking on the respective links.

Technorati tags: craigslist, side door media, media buyer job opening, account executive job opening, graphic designer job opening

Regional ADDY Award Winners

The winners of the District XI ADDY Awards have been announced, and among them are a number of Idaho agencies, including:

Advertising Industry Self-Promotion:
Silver ADDY Award:
Salty Design Foundry
Salty Design Foundry: Salty Recipe Book

Collateral Material:
Silver ADDY Awards:
Salty Design Foundry
Coeur d'Alene Farmer's Market: Coeur d'Alene Farmer's Market
Salty Design Foundry
Magic Geek Inc: Magic Geek Brochure
Salty Design Foundry
Center Stage: Will of Fortune

Consumer or Trade Publication:
Gold ADDY Award:
Drake Cooper
Idaho Travel Council: Sunset Magazine Spread
Silver ADDY Award:
Salty Design Foundry
Acme Climbing: Splat for Urban Climber

Elements of Advertising:
Silver ADDY Award:
Oliver Russell
ibelieveinsasquatch.com: Sasquatch Logo

Mixed Media Campaigns:
Silver ADDY Award:
Drake Cooper
Home Federal: 'We're There.' Small Business Campaign

Newspaper:
Silver ADDY Award:
Drake Cooper
Home Federal: 'We're There.' Newspaper Campaign

Out-Of-Home:
Silver ADDY Award:
Oliver Russell
The Record Exchange: Hitchcock Building Mural

Public Service:
Gold ADDY Award:
Drake Cooper
Idaho Teen Pregnancy Prevention: Parentland

Sales Promotion:
Silver ADDY Awards:
Blue541
Merritt Properties: Headwaters Sales Kit
Noot Group
Meriwether Ranch: Meriwether Ranch Sales Book
Range NW
Bing Bang Boom!: Bing Bang Boom! Packaging
Salty Design Foundry
Magic Geek Inc.: Jugglingstore.com Catalog

Television:
Silver ADDY Award:
I.E. Productions
Rex Rammell for U.S. Senate: Monkey Butt

Congratulations to all. The entire list of winners can be found on the District XI website. For the winners of Gold ADDY's they now move on to the national competition. The National Awards Show and Gala is slated for June 10, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Technorati tags: aaf, american advertising federation, aaf district xi, addy awards, salty design foundry, drake cooper, oliver russell, blue541, ie productions

A Little Housekeeping

It was politely brought to my attention recently that the list of Agencies in Idaho is in need of attention. It's something that has been in the back of my head for some time now, and I know there are several additions that need to be made.

So, don't be surprised to see a few new things pop up every now and again. If you have any suggestions, or notice something missing, by all means, send me an email.

Cre8 - the Boise State University Portfolio Show

Each spring, the soon-to-be graduating design students from Boise State University put on a portfolio show. This year's event - Cre8 - features eight designers, and is taking place Thursday, May 1st at the Linen Building at 1402 Grove St. in Boise.

The event will also feature guest speaker Elliot Peter Earls, Head of the 2D Design Department at Cranbrook Academy.

The show is scheduled to kick of at 6:00pm.

For anyone who feels so inclined, here is a poster for the event:



Technorati tags: cre8, boise state university, linen building, elliot peter earls, cranbrook academy

Rockies Awards - The Winners

I was able to get a copy of the entire winner's list from the Idaho Advertising Federation's 2008 Rockies Awards Show (thanks Carolyn). The full list is available in PDF format below.

Here are some of the highlights:

Public Service:
Gold Rockie: Drake Cooper
Idaho Teen Pregnancy "Parent Land"
Concept: Dennis Budell, Joe Quatrone
Copy: Joe Quatrone
Art Director: Dennis Budell
Productions: John Nance
Producer: North by Northwest Productions
Casting: Director: Jeff Noble

Newspaper:
Gold Rockie: Drake Cooper
Home Federal "We're there." Newspaper Campaign
Concept: Dennis Budell, Joe Quatrone
Copy: Joe Quatrone
Art Director: Dennis Budell
Photographer: Todd Meier

Identity Programs:
Gold Rockie: Oliver Russell
ibelieveinsasquatch.com, "Sasquatch Logo"
Concept: Jesse Huffman
Art Director: Toby Robin, Jesse Huffman
Productions: Jesse Huffman
Illustrator: Jesse Huffman

Public Relations:
Gold Rockie: Drake Cooper
Idaho Lottery, "Raffle PR"
Concept: David Workman
Copy: David Workman
Art Director: Sherie Moody-St.Clair
Photographer: David Workman
Productions: Dave Butler
Casting: Drake-Cooper

Out Of Home:
Gold Rockie: Oliver Russell
The Record Exchange, “Hitchcock Building Mural”
Concept: Toby Robin
Art Director: Toby Robin, Paul Carew, Colleen Morgan
Illustrator: Toby Robin

Interactive:
Gold Rockie: Oliver Russell
The Modern Hotel, “The Modern Hotel Website (http://www.themodernhotel.com/)”
Concept: James Rice
Copy: Russ Stoddard, Alex Davis
Art Director: Rich Clark

Elements of Advertising:
Gold Rockie: MMG
Boise City Art Commission / Valley Ride, “Bus Sculpty Illustrations”
Concept: Jason Sievers
Art Director: Jason Sievers
Productions: Jason Sievers
Illustrator: Jason Sievers

Radio:
Gold Rockie: Drake Cooper
Idaho Lottery, “10 Times the Luck / Acme Hiring”
Concept: Dennis Budell, Joe Quatrone
Copy: Joe Quatrone
Production: Dave Earnest
Producer: North by Northwest Productions

Sales Promotion:
Gold Rockie: Noot Group
Meriwether Ranch, “Meriwether Ranch Sales Book by Jack Wisdom”
Concept: Noot Group
Copy: Noot Group
Art Director: Noot Group
Productions: Noot Group
Producer: Printing Today

Advertising Industry Self Promotion:
Gold Rockie: Noot Group
“Noot Group Business Cards”
Concept: Noot Group
Copy: Noot Group
Art Director: Noot Group
Producer: Lithographics

Magazines:
Gold Rockie: Drake Cooper
Idaho Travel Council, “2007 Magazine Campaign”
Concept: Jen Myers, Joe Quatrone
Copy: Joe Quatrone
Art Director: Jen Myers, Joe Quatrone
Productions: Jen Myers

Direct Marketing:
Gold Rockie: Foerstel Design
Idaho Potato Commission, “Stress Ball Relief Campaign”
Concept: John Brenner
Copy: John Brenner
Art Director: Marie Brochier
Productions: John Brenner
Producer: Table Rock Printing

Collateral:
Gold Rockie: Foerstel Design
Blue Cross of Idaho, “Blue Cross of Idaho One to One 2006 Annual Report”
Concept: Darcy Lindberg
Copy: Courtney Ludden
Art Director: Darcy Lindberg
Photographer: Deborah Hardee, Getty Images
Productions: Darcy Lindberg
Producter: Treasure Valley Litho

Television:
Gold Rockie: I.E. Productions
Rex Rammell for US Senate, “Monkey Butt”
Concept: Gary Stewart
Copy: Gary Stewart
Photographer: Gary Stewart
Productions: Nells Chick
Casting: Monkey Business

Complete Campaign:
Gold Rockie: Drake Cooper
Home Federal, “We’re There. Small Business Campaign”
Concept: Dennis Budell, Joe Quatrone
Copy: Joe Quatrone
Art Director: Dennis Budell
Photographer: Todd Meier
Productions: D Budell, J McDannel, J Yonk, A Cash, C Connally
Contact: Lisa Hawkes

Best of Show:
Noot Group
Meriwether Ranch, “Meriwether Ranch Sales Book by Jack Wisdom”

And, as promised, here is the complete list of 2008 Idaho Advertising Federation Rockies Award Winners (PDF format).

Congratulations if you've read all the way to this point. About halfway through I realized that this was going to end up being a very long list. At least it only happens once a year.

Technorati tags: idaho advertising federation, rockies award show, drake cooper, oliver russell, mmg, noot group, foerstel design, i.e. productions

Getting a Job in Advertising

No, this is not going to be one of those "I'm an expert and have all of the answers" kind of entries. I've always been quick to admit that I don't know everything, and anyone who tells you that they do is probably lying to you.

But I can recognize useful information and advice when I see it. And this is one of those cases.

For those who may not know, John Drake, Director of Business Development & Campaign Planning at Drake Cooper, has a blog. Shocker, I know. The tagline of his blog, Campaign planning -- and other stuff that might relate to that, pretty much sums up what he writes about.

Recently, I caught this entry on his blog: Getting a Job in Advertising.

In this particular post, he shares his advice for those trying to get into the agency world. Among his ten tips (which he goes into in much more detail than I am sharing with you here):

1. When you start out, move to the largest city you feel comfortable in, work at the largest agency you can, and get on the largest account you can.

4. A well-designed resume gets you considered, but YOU get the job.

5. Don't be late, don't be early.

The entire piece is worth a read, whether you're just starting out in this business, or are on the other side of the table talking to those who are just starting out in this business. Too often, it's way too easy for us to get caught up in everything else that happens in and around the marketing world, and expect that even those who are just out of school have the same knowledge and background that we do.

A good read, in my opinion. Thanks to John for sharing it with everyone.

Technorati tags: john drake, drake cooper, getting a job in advertising

Rockies Award Show - The Aftermath

Well, once again the Rockies have come and gone this year.

Overall, I'd have to say that the show itself went over very well. The Big Easy (er. soon to be the Knitting Factory) seemed to be a great venue for the show. They took out the majority of the stage to allow for more tables toward the front of the room.

Another nice touch was having helpers to run awards out to the tables themselves. This kept the proceedings moving along, and avoided any awkward stumbling around chairs / tables that might have otherwise happened.

A couple of notes about the award winners:

IAF Silver Medal Award Winner: Michael Ripley of Lewiston.

Drake Cooper, Oliver Russell, and Marketing Media Group were the heavyweights of the night, but it was also nice to see others being recognized, such as Davies Rourke, Foerstel Design, The Agency Creative Network, Donahoe Pace, Rizen Creative and many, many more.

Best of Show, and a number of other awards, went to Noot Group.

Congratulations to all.

In the end, awards were won, hangovers were installed, and everyone appeared to have a good time.

Technorati tags: rockies awards show, the big easy, knitting factory, idaho advertising federation, silver medal award, michael riley, drake cooper, oliver russell, marketing media group, davies rourke, foerstel design, the agency creative network, donahoe pace, rizen creative, noot group

Anonymous Job Opening - Account Manager

An anonymous job listing has been posted on the Boise Craigslist for an Account Manager with a "Strategic Branding / Advertising / Marketing firm." Full details about the position can be found here.

Technorati tags: craigslist, account manager job

The devil is in the details

This seems to be a recurring theme, but the devil really is in the details. It's what makes the difference between good work and great work. And too many times, there seems to be examples of what not to do.

This is another one of those.

While watching the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Game on Monday evening, I caught part of a spot for RC Willey at halftime. Pretty standard fare, overall, until the offer (paraphrased): Purchase any big screen TV, and we'll deliver it in time for the big game. Again, I caught this spot at halftime of 'the big game'.

Okay, let's step back and take a look at this for a minute. Was it a good, compelling offer? Yes. Was it good media placement? Yes. But did they play well together in the sandbox at halftime? No.

Now I'd be willing to guess that this was one the tail end of a very effective media buy, and RC Willey probably had some brisk sales as a result. But given the size of the audience for the game, nationally as well as locally, wouldn't it make sense to double check, and make sure that your creative is a good fit for the placement?

Am I being too critical? Probably. But put yourself in the viewer's shoes. If you were to see that spot and hear that offer, would you be more or less likely to shop at that store? What would your reaction be?

Technorati tags: ncaa, ncaa mens basketball, rc willey

Job Opening - Graphic Designer

One of the aforementioned non-advertised job openings with Side Door Media is now, well, advertised.

Side Door Media in Boise has an opening for a Graphic Designer with 3 - 5 years of agency experience. Full details about the position can be found here.
(Courtesy of Craigslist)

Technorati tags: side door media, graphic designer job, craigslist

REMINDER: Rockies Awards Show

For those who may still be thinking about attending, the Idaho Advertising Federation's Rockies Awards Show is this Saturday, April 12th.

Tables of 8 are completely sold out, but there are still a few spaces available - cocktail-seating style.

The Big Easy is a new venue this year, so it should be interesting to see how the show goes.

Technorati tags: idaho advertising federation, rockies awards show, the big easy

They Crossed the Line

Now I'm not usually one to jump into the middle of the shark tank that is local radio, but something needs to be said about this one...

KCIX/Mix 106 put together what can be described as a "creative" promotion with Nampa Kia to give away a black Kia Sportage. Okay, that's all fine and good, but this promotion got taken entirely too far. Don at Idaho Radio News has a good commentary on the whole event. Give it a read and feel free to add your own comments.

Did the promotion generate attention and buzz for the radio station and the car dealership? Yes. But at what cost? Mix 106 and Kate McGwire's brands will likely both suffer in the long run. Was the sales revenue from a promotional stunt worth the potential drop in audience and ratings? Time will tell.

Technorati tags: kcix, mix 106, nampa kia, idaho radio news, kate mcgwire

Job Openings at Side Door Media

Side Door Media in Boise has several openings - some posted and others, not so much. First, the posted job:

Account Executive: "The poster child for this opening will have 3 to 5 years of agency experience and understand the importance of developing a great working relationship with clients." The full job description, with bonus points to Side Door Media for creativity, can be seen here.
(Courtesy of Craigslist)

Now, for the non-advertised openings:

Media Buyer.

Graphic Designer with print and/or web experience. Someone who had experience in both areas would have a leg up on the competition.

For any of these jobs, send your information to jobs@sidedoormedia.com

Technorati tags: side door media, account executive job, craigslist, media buyer job, graphic designer job

Coffee Morning - Thanks

Thanks to all who attended Coffee Morning this morning at Java. While we had a small crowd for the first event, it was a great conversation, and definitely something that we'll do again.

Technorati tags: coffee morning, java

Coffee Morning in Boise

With a gracious tip of the hat to Russell Davies, I've finally gotten around to trying to put together a Coffee Morning in Boise.

What is a Coffee Morning, you ask? Well, in a nutshell, it's a loosely organized gathering, where people come together for coffee and conversation. There's no agendas, no presentations - just an opportunity for people to chat, share ideas, and learn from one another. The concept has spread all over the world, but until now, the closest one I've ever known about was in Portland, Oregon.

Let's change that.

I have no idea what kind of response or attendance we'll get, but we'll kick things off this Friday, April 4th, at Java on the corner of 6th and Main. I'll be there from 7:30 AM-ish - 9:00 AM-ish, so feel free to stop by, enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea, or other drink of choice) and some conversation with others.

While I don't think this will become a weekly thing right away, I could see it happening at least once a month, if not every other week.

All are welcome.

UPDATE: Clarified time - 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM.

Technorati tags: russell davies, coffee morning, java