Using Digital to Build the Brand
Thursday, Nov. 17
11 am - 1 pm

Learn how digital advertising fits in today’s marketing landscape presented by Shawn Riegsecker, President of digital media firm Centro. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to incorporate online media or social marketing into their business strategy or just learn more about what the digital space can mean for companies.

AIGA Studio Tour – Publicis
Tuesday, Nov. 29
6 - 8 pm

Continuing their Studio Tour series, AIGA Indy invites you to a rare peek inside Publicis Indianapolis, a premier global agency. Take away some new insight and connect with other creative professionals at an event that is sure to be both fun and inspiring.

Few social marketing jobs are found through traditional channels. If you rely on scanning the classified section of the morning paper to look for work, you’re severely limiting yourself. Taking smart steps, like doing tailored online searches or connecting with a creative staffing agency to match you up with likely employers, are two great ways to extend your reach.

But when it comes to finding freelance marketing opportunities, one of the best ways to find work is through the time-tested method of networking. Who’d have thought, right? Well the fact is, a lot of people do. Many of the people that are the most successful at uncovering freelance marketing opportunities understand the value of good old-fashioned face time. So how do they do it?

• They attend seminars, industry events and job fairs where employers offering social marketing jobs congregate to shake hands and say howdy to the job-seeking masses. Putting yourself in the right places at the right time has a lot to do with opening up doors of opportunity that would otherwise remain shut.

• They’re friendly. They know how to initiate conversation with strangers, whether at a job fair or at the local shopping center, that can sometimes lead to surprising discoveries. Without chatting with the guy ahead of you in line, how else would you know he is the president of a company looking for talented social marketing experts?

• They know how to promote themselves. Modesty is a great quality, but there are ways of tooting your horn and letting people know that you’re awesome without coming off like a total braggart. Yes, this involves some practice – but it begins with finding a creative way of telling people what you do for a living. Don’t just say, “I program websites.” Say, “I work with businesses to improve their web traffic.” There’s a huge difference. And that difference could be the response that goes something like this: “Oh! I have an uncle who’s looking for someone who can do that.” Bingo.

Working with a creative staffing agency can lead to plenty of job opportunities, but in order to succeed beyond your expectations you have to be ready to take your job hunt with you 24/7. This isn’t to say that you should hit up every suit and tie at the local pub on Friday night. Just don’t close yourself off to opportunities that could be right around the corner.

Full Time web design jobs were a rare, hard-to-find species during the recession, but the economy is finally rebounding. Unfortunately, the recovery is modestat best. Web designers, like many other professionals, must recharge their creativity and imaginations to secure creative jobs. While full-time web designer jobs and other opportunities remain scarce, businesses are changing from a survival to growth mode.

Do not wait for the job market to improve; take a proactive stance to jump start your career. As a cutting edge professional, extend your state-of-the-art mentality to recharging your future. While the national jobless rate is declining, you should adopt an entrepreneur focus. Simply stated, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” Here are a few simple suggestions to revitalize your web design career:

• Expand your sphere of influence.If you’ve ever attended sales or entrepreneurial training seminars, you’re aware of the mantras “manage and use your network” or “make two to four new contacts every week.” Adopt or recharge these theories. They work. Everyone has a network, even just a few friends and family. However modest your network may be, expand, enlarge and activate it. At a minimum, use the growing power of social networks to expand your familiarity and, thereby, influence.
• Be visible. As the economy rebounds, more employers restart recruiting activities. Unless you’re already recognized as a superstar in your field, make it a priority to get out and about. Make time to attend job fairs, industry conferences and seminars, and become active in appropriate professional organizations. As hiring managers “put a face and personality with a name,” you improve your chances of moving up the credibility ladder of potential employers.
• Accept part time and contract assignments for less compensation than you desire.Even if you seek full time web designer jobs or other creative jobs, consider freelancing or part time employment to re-energize your career. In so doing, you make it easier for creative staffing agencies and employers to give you the opportunity to display your expertise in your field. Employers perceive less risk without the necessity of a cumbersome long-term job commitment, and love the budget-friendly cost controls that come with contract employees. As you demonstrate your considerable talent, these assignments may become full time employment offers.
• Stay focused, positive and confident. The lay off, downsizing and retrenching policies of employers during the recession are moving to a more favorable growth attitude for many companies. This is no time for you to become discouraged with your job search. Stay focused and confident in your talent and the future possibilities for re-energizing your career.

Keynote speaker Liz Danzico, a top design consultant, educator and co-founder of the MFA in Interaction Design Program at the School of Visual Arts, explains the fascinating way communication has evolved over the past centuries. Whether it’s writing in the margins of books or commenting on a friend’s Facebook status, people have always felt the need to express themselves and share it with others. Learn more about Liz’s work at bobulate.com.

Our talent Ezekiel Binion was the lucky recipient of Creative Suite 5.5.

Former AIGA President Marcia Lausen is celebrated for her long-time achievements within the design community, including leading the election design initiative of AIGA Design for Democracy. Learn more about Marcia’s work at Studio/lab.

Our very own Kristin Rupert introduces Artisan to the crowd.

Calling all Chicagoland techies, creatives, agency types and social media experts:

Join us Thursday, April 21^st, for the Chicago Interactive Social Club’s One Year Anniversary Party at the Underground! Artisan is a sponsor of CISC, an organization that  has successfully brought industry professionals in the city together to socialize and network. This event will be their biggest to date;  600+ guests already signed up for one great night. For premier entry into the event and a seat at our exclusive table, be one of the first 20 people to retweet this post from the Artisan Twitter handle to win a spot in our VIP section!

As drinks and appetizers are passed around, CISC After Dark will also include a VIP fashion show, goodie bags, prize giveaways and more. Oh, and did we mention it’s free? If you missed us on Twitter, remember to RSVP here – registration is on a first come, first served basis so do it to it!

Place: The Underground
Date: April 21st
Time: 8 – 10 p.m.

Artisan is the proud sponsor of CISC’s Job Board.

Even when you’re busy with abundant assignments, freelance web design and development can be solitary and lonely for many professionals. Working with distant clients and employers is a marvelous advantage offered by the Web, however, feelings of isolation can grow.

To combat this, some groups of web developers and designers like MIGHTYminnow are taking the initiative to arrange networking meetings for other San Francisco freelancers. The new group is found at www.meetup.com/Bay-Area-Web-Freelancers.

A top San Francisco freelance agency like Artisan Creative can help web professionals find some of the best contract jobs available in the Bay Area. Finally, the recession recovery is heating up. New temp and contract jobs are emerging at San Francisco staffing agencies. While the increase in full-time positions remains modest, those seeking W-2 employment will also have more options.

Networking, however, remains an important tool for web developers and designers. These events help freelancers enlarge their sphere of influence, capture referrals and learn about new, potential employers. The psychological rejuvenation they often receive can be equally important to energize their efforts.

Leading the first event will be Art Director Kevin Kinross and Senior Design David Byers of Cardinal Health in Columbus, Ohio. Over the evening, they will share the success and challenges of working with a creative team to juggle an array of projects for diverse clients.  Following the presentation, AIGA will raffle off two 30-day trials of CS5!

Registration is required for all attendees. Please register here.

AIGA Members: Free
Non-Members: $20

Location: Indianapolis Art Center, Frank M. Basile Auditorium
Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Date & Time: March 1st, 6:30 – 8:30

Place:
Lodge Design
7 S. Johnson Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46219

The event is free for members and only $10 for non-members.
Registration is required. For more information, please click here.

Next Tuesday, April 27 CWC is hosting a networking event focused on the creative and tech world! Folks with tech and creative backgrounds from all industries are welcome to attend as are those who are looking to recruit for such talent. With the luxurious and comfortable backdrop that is District Bar, this event promises to be an ideal setting for those who are at a pivotal point in their career and wish to explore their options. Stop by the Artisan table and say hello!

When: Tues April 27, 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Where: District Bar, 170 W. Ontario St (River North neighborhood)

Click here for tickets and more information.