Using Technology, Design Trends & Forecasting

In today's competitive landscape, staying relevant and ahead of the curve is essential for any brand. As a creative professional, I actively explore emerging trends and innovative technologies, understanding that forecasting plays a pivotal role in design strategy. However, it's not merely about following trends blindly; it's about discerning which ones align best with the brand's identity and objectives. While certain elements like color trends are crucial for maintaining brand relevance, knowing when to embrace or overlook emerging trends is equally important. I believe that the most effective solutions arise from a delicate balance between staying abreast of evolving design trends and leveraging advancements in technology.

Understanding the value of Teamwork Is Essential With Tight Deadlines.

If experience has taught me anything about overseeing teams and tight deadlines, its this… Solutions and plans for creative projects don’t always come together instantly. Even more, sometimes final solutions flirt dangerously close to creative deadlines. In situations like these I need everyone involved focused on the task at hand. Here's an overview of four steps I typically like to implement, tap or click the "Read More" link to view additional details.

1. DELINEATE
2. MOTIVATE
3. COLLABORATE
4. CELEBRATE

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DELINEATE :: Identify the deadline and project dependents, expected deliverable(s), approved design solution(s), team's current projects/timelines, and person(s) who can best execute.

MOTIVATE :: Define an "All In This Together" mindset to encourage everyone’s participation through communication & collaboration. This step requires a little inspiration to get the team’s perspiration going. I take the opportunity to also thank & acknowledge their individual commitments & contributions towards the immediate needs. Periodically check-in with project dependents to keep them apprised of the project status. Team playlists, offer snacks or candy to jump-start team adrenaline rush.

COLLABORATE :: How can I help my team? Can I offer any insights to make them perform at their very best? Time permitting, ask team to send screenshots of work in progress, forward to project dependents, expect feedback, and communicate edits accordingly. Can each person on the team help one another? Can the team offer any insights to make the project better or help one another perform at their very best? Communicate an earlier team deadline, this will ensure one last review is completed prior to the final deadline—deliver on-time. Shortly after deadline, reconfirm with project dependents that everything was completed to expectations.

CELEBRATE :: We start and end together as a team! I take the opportunity to once again thank & acknowledge their individual commitments & contributions of the day. If possible, make a big deal about the team effort & accomplishment—handwritten thank you notes or if permitted expense team Starbucks drinks or snacks or purchase team lunch/dinner at some point to say "Thanks!"

Preparing for the Future requires us to learn from our past.

Having the ablility to reflect on past experiences and gather what I've learned from going through it makes far better use of my time and talent, rather than criticizing and pointing fingers. I try my best to have a solution-focused mindset because anyone can call out issues and concerns. True leadership attempts to find solutions before problems are called to attention. I have a little of this & a little of that. When added together, I have a whole lot of experience.

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More to come... I started as a biochemistry major at Loyola Marymount but after much consideration in my first semester, I left college and became a corporate trainer for Chuck E. Cheese's (and yes I was the mouse). I worked my way up to lead opener; facilitating new stores, managing construction crews to ensure deadlines were met, training staff of over 100 people and managing budgets. I also produced training videos and manuals while opening new stores.

I later decided I needed a change of pace and working at a bank was quite the opposite of the restaurant industry. Again, working my way up, I became a financial analyst for Citibank. I was licensed with a Series 6 and 63 certification to trade stocks and to assist in retail banking. To drum up local business accounts, I launched a local campaign, created a strategy, market plan, sales goal, and a campaign look & feel.

Finally, after realizing my entire life had always lead me back to the creative field, I applied for design school where I graduated with a B.S. in Graphic Design. I truly believe that design & advertising is my calling. You can teach anyone just about anything – except passion, and that's what I pride myself in.