Category — business lunches

Our lovely Guest: Heather Morton

What does she do?
Freelance Art Buyer, Author: HMAb blog

Her top three pointers to photographers looking to break into the commercial market:

1. As someone coming into the commercial market, you have the advantage of having something new to share with the Art Buyers and Art Directors that you hope to meet. For this reason, be sure that your work does have a consistent and fresh feel to it and that it’s commercially applicable- for example, fantastic “found” images from your trip to Cuba doesn’t say much about your ability to light, direct talent, location scout etc. For most shooters this means shooting lots of personal projects- these make great themed promos and a way to showcase your production ability and style.

2. Make sure your identity is solid. Your book should show your best work only and your branding should be consistent. When it comes to your book, you’re only as good as your worst image (sadly). Your website should be simple and easily navigated. This will be the first impression most people will have of you and its important that this platform communicates the right things about you as a creative partner.

3. Be willing and able to collaborate. Increasingly, photographers are being asked to provide treatments or mood boards to be seriously considered for the job. Showing enthusiasm and offering ideas (but don’t fall on your sword about them either) communicates that you are fully invested in creating a great shot and you will help the agency realize that vision too.

Learn more about Heather’s photographer consulting services and follow her blog at www.heathermorton.ca, on twitter at @hmartbuyer

Every week at the Hermann & Audrey homestead we do a family lunch – it’s an opportunity for everyone in the studio to decompress from the work week, chill over a home cooked meal and share what we’re up to and inspired by.

This family time quickly evolved into a meeting of the minds, per se, as we began inviting select friends we know and those we don’t, to share our talents, from culinary to artistic, bounce ideas off each other and catch up on projects, new and old.

(image above shot by ©stevecarty.com)

Guest: Sue Kuruvilla

What does she do? She’s the Director of PR & Marketing for Fred Perry in Canada. She also recently co-hosted a fundraiser called Haiti Je T’Aime with MTV, Cheek Magazine and other amazing partners, raising a whopping 40k (with government matching) for Plan Canada in Haiti.

What’s inspiring her lately?

Although shy to admit, Sue is loving Gaga. She explains it as this: Lady Gaga is inspiring people to be creative, to express themselves without limit and hesitation. It’s not about the music but the culture. A couple of years ago, one of Sue’s friends who works for the House of Gaga explained his vision and forecasted that Gaga would be the next Madonna, Sue laughs, she didn’t believe him then.

We served up… Grilled chicken Ceaser salad – simple, easy and delicious, we’re staying true to our New Years resolution, which we made on the first, but will probably have broken by Valentine’s Day.

(Images by Cory Vanderploeg)

Every week at the Hermann & Audrey homestead we do a family lunch – it’s an opportunity for everyone in the studio to decompress from the work week, chill over a home cooked meal and share what we’re up to and inspired by.

This family time quickly evolved into a meeting of the minds, per se, as we began inviting select friends we know and those we don’t, to share our talents, from culinary to artistic, bounce ideas off each other and catch up on projects, new and old.

Guest: Jesse Jones

Who is he?: Brand Manager for Mark Ecko, Nautica and TX; Timex Group

What is he up to?: Pulling references and inspiration from what’s happening  in the music, entertainment, fashion and new media industries, he seeks out interesting ways to apply trend to his brands.  At the moment, he’s preparing for an unique approach to his TX Canadian brand launch (happening early 2010) and gearing up for the release of Nautica’s new web presence, and lots more in development for his portfolio.

Jesse is also working towards launching his latest personal venture, u-ology101.com – a program aimed at empowering and mentoring youth. Their motto: “Uncovering Passions, Actualizing Dreams”.

www.u-ology101.com

On the menu: Stewed chicken, straight out of St. Vincent, courtesy of Jalani (and his mom).

Every week at the Hermann & Audrey homestead we do a family lunch – it’s an opportunity for everyone in the studio to decompress from the work week, chill over a home cooked meal and share what we’re up to and inspired by.

This family time quickly evolved into a meeting of the minds, per se, as we began inviting select friends we know and those we don’t, to share our talents, from culinary to artistic, bounce ideas off each other and catch up on projects, new and old.

(Photos by Cory VanderPloeg)

Every week at the Herman & Audrey homestead we do a family lunch – it’s an opportunity for everyone in the studio to decompress from the work week, chill over a home cooked meal and share what we’re up to and inspired by.

This family time quickly evolved into a meeting of the minds, per se, as we began inviting select friends we know and those we don’t, to share our talents, from culinary to artistic, bounce ideas off each other and catch up on projects, new and old.

Guest: Matt Howe

Who is he?: Art Director, MacLaren McCann

What is he up to?: Art Director on Coke’s Vancouver 2010 Olympic national out of home advertising, Matt also spends a lot of his time uncovering the undercurrents of style and innovation in new media, advertising and film. His successes include Bluenotes’ “If these jeans could talk” National campaign.