Washington Pavilion Commercial

My Portfolio Presentation on Voicethread

Most Importantly, Love Yourself

If life were easy to figure out then naturally it would be far less entertaining along the way. Sometimes it feels like a collection of movies cut and edited into one long saga. Some parts are sleepers, some are action-packed; some are sultry love scenes and some are full of tears. I have reached a point in life where I have to wonder if I am the director of my own film or if I am simply just the actress in the leading role. Of course I make decisions, both small scale and large, but am I just following a pre-determined script? I have to wonder if life is a marathon movie loosely based on previously written compositions.

It is impossible not to critically consider my perception of reality. Unfortunately, there are no fast-forward, rewind, or pause buttons to assist with the analysis; just a continuously running reel of emotions, events, and decisions. There are times when the film strip seems twisted in the projector and the future of the film is in question. Yet, somehow the strip always finds a way to untangles itself, and the movie resumes, sometimes of even better quality than before.

There are moments when you feel compelled to step out of the theater for a bathroom break to really evaluate what the heck is going on. Unfortunately, there is no reason to attempt to figure it out. You see, life just happens. Whether it plot how you want it or not, it happens. So, when an opportunity arrises, take it; when someone says, "Hello," say, "Hi," back; and when the wind is knocked out of your sails you had better start making some waves. Life does not wait.

Life is such a huge concept that I wish for one moment I could completely understand. Instead, here I sit, in the corner of my room, in the middle of a small town, surrounded by the rest of the world; however, all I can feel are my emotions and all I can hear are my thoughts. Most of the time I cannot even figure those out, so trying to hear and feel the rest of the world's would be slightly overwhelming.

At 23 years old I have discovered very important statutes to live by:
Take what you learn and apply it anywhere and everywhere possible.
Decide how you want to be treated and do not be content with anything less.
Never settle for monotony when there is someone or something out there to challenge you.
Most importantly, love yourself, because no one will ever know how to love you if they cannot learn from the best possible example.

Round Two: Cyber Monday

Black Friday was an epic success. Snagged the greatest deal of the entire day: 40" Westinghouse LCD HDTV for $298. After the highly competitive and super chilly wait outside of Target, I swung over to the mall where I got an Iowa sweatshirt and some adorable black boots for cheap! My Black Friday purchases were rounded out with a Vera Bradley overnight bag. 

I got all I wanted and more on Black Friday, but a girl just cannot pass up a good deal, right? Next savings event: Cyber Monday. I am more than ready for a second round of savings. I have my sights set on the new Flip Slide. The video recording device is a bit out of my price range, which is why I am hoping I can come across a deal on one. Judging my the dent made in my checking account over the weekend, it will be very wise for me to research all options before splurging. 

If anyone is looking for some online coupon codes for Cyber Monday, check out this link!

Savings.com

An Economic Statistic I Can Comprehend

The Victoria's Secret Miraculous Push-Up bra is revealing more than just a nice rack. In fact, it is a tell-tale sign of economic increase. Studies are showing that when women are buying a bust-improving bra, such as the Miraculous, it indicates that the health of the economy is looking up, while everyone else might be looking a little lower than eye-level. The willingness to indulge in these high priced, luxury items suggests that women are willing to buy other nonessential items for themselves. Economic analysts have kept their eye on the lingerie as a key measurement of the economic state. This holiday shopping season, as well as the Victoria's Secret sales numbers, will hopefully be a promising indication that our future is looking "perky."
 
I am among the many fans of Victoria's Secret's line of undies; unfortunately, there is a clear price difference between their run-of-the-mill bra and their cup-size increasing, ba-BAM bras. Every woman is bound to feel sexy once they slide the straps of these arousing devices over their shoulders, as long as they are willing to shell out some dough for the Bombshell. It is no wonder that these pretty little lingerie items shed some economic insight. They are bound to reveal more than some cleavage.

Gretchen Wilson once said, "... but I can buy the same damn thing on a Wal-Mart shelf half price and still look sexy..." Well Gretchen, I have to disagree with you there. I don't think any department store can do a bra quite like Vicky can. Thankfully, a true economic bail-out might actually lie in a breast spill-out; I bet those economic analysts cannot wait to see that!

To read up on more breast and economic boosting info, check out MSN's article, "The push-up bra as economic indicator."

Oh The Offensiveness...

Over the past few weeks, myself and my classmate Emily partnered up and have been working on creating advertisements for the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls. Along with it's laundry list of family fun are about ten venues capable of hosting parties or gatherings. We decided to promote this aspect of the WP since it is easily and often overlooked. Plus, with the holidays right around the corner, we thought we would get in the spirit by creating some ads to promote the holiday office party. One idea lead to another (naturally that is how it works) and before we knew it we had some amazing, offensive, and hilarious pieces. 

We take great pride in these. Not only are the concepts entirely our own, but the two ads with the husky guy were our own photography as well (I think you get the idea of where I am going with this). So, to preface the unveiling of these ads, I want all readers to know a couple of things.

1. We would not really expect the Washington Pavilion to use these pieces. Emily and I wanted to branch out and attack this assignment with the idea of having great portfolio pieces in the end. 

2. I am a Christian, I do believe in God, and I do not think that the use of "ass" at the end of Christmas is appropriate. Even though I did create it, I still see the offensiveness. I apologize if anyone is offended, but hope that they can get a chuckle out of these none-the-less. I believe God has a sense of humor. 

I certainly hope that everyone can appreciate out hard work and enjoy a laugh or two in light of the holidays.

Wash Pav Pretty Sight
Wash Pav Mistletoe
Wash Pav Forecast

My Butt is Big

Within the past year there has been a buzz about Kim Kardashian's Nike ad, promoting women's sneakers and big butts. This is not the first time that Nike has used this clever body copy to describe this lovely body part. I remember seeing this ad several years ago, long before I knew I would even care about advertisements as much as I do now. The graphic was, naturally, a butt. It was just one butt; not legs, no face, and a purple, pink, and orange color scheme. Now, with the innovation of the new and improved "butt-toning" sneakers, it seemed only fitting to bring back this ad for a second, more prominent go-around.

What I really love about the new ad featuring Kim is the simplicity of it. The color scheme is a simple black and white with a great emphasis on the copy (my favorite) and Kim's ever-criticized rump. Women with a sizable back side and muscular legs, this ad is totally your mantra.

So gals, its time to rejoice, as the skinny girl is taking the back seat on this one. Because the one's with the real "back seats" are getting to ride in the front!

Black Friday Frenzy

With Thanksgiving merely days away I am itching to get home to take in all the turkey, pie, family lovin' and holiday cheer. However, once that alarm clock starts screaming at 4 a.m. on Black Friday it is a whole new ball game. The warm, fuzzy feelings of holiday cheer: gone. The excitement of holiday shopping: eliminated. Black Friday calls for an all-out removal of any sentimental notion which will be replaced by aggression, will power, and determination. One might laugh as I speak of the intensity of Black Friday; I am assuming that person has never stood outside in the wee hours of a November morning in the midwest. 

I had my first Black Friday experience in 2008. My mission: to get my hands on a 10.1 megapixel Kodak camera for $80. Thankfully my parents were on quests of their own and elected to join me in line outside of Target at 4 a.m. Sure, standing around got tedious and annoying, especially when I was subjected to the torture of taking the the miserable conversations of the group behind me. Yet, I remained focused, and pictured all of the sweet snap shots I will be taking with my sweet, new camera. When opening time neared the crowd grew restless (yes, people really like to shove). It was at this point that survival mode kicked in, in addition to the adrenaline rush of go-time. I was among the first twenty people in the door. I squeezed though the doors and felt compelled to sprint. Then, I suddenly realized, I wasn't satisfied just getting my hands on the Kodak camera. I wanted to be the first one to take a camera off of the untouched stack, and believe me, I was. 

Even though I had what I came for, the adrenaline was still raging. I was running around the store just looking at all of the things the 155 people outside were itching to have. I started to want all of these ridiculous items like Garmins, and Playstations, and crap I genuinely do not want anything to do with. It was intense, and the competitive side of me loved every minute of it. 

Ever since that Black Friday I have not had any one item I was eager to own. I have never felt those raw emotions about shopping since that day. This year, word is out there is a 38" flat panel television for $199.99. It's a risky item to have sights set on, but I am willing to embrace the challenge. I guess it's time to gear up, shut up, and focus on the task at hand; because when 3:35 a.m. rolls around, baby I'm there!

Too many people think that video taping their Black Friday experience constitutes as a "fight" when labeled for YouTube. I personally am loving this video. I think it's great that this guy is completely supportive of whomever drug him out of bed and forced him to drive to Best Buy for the sale. In the meantime, he us just going to chill out in the car and watch the madness be unleashed. Enjoy!

Smarwater Campaign

Smartwater Campaign

Smartwater Campaign

Threadless.com Campaign

Threadless.com Campaign

Threadless.com Campaign

Threadless.com Campaign

Revamped Resume

I have revamped my resume yet again. I tried going with simple version this time around. I will be applying for copywriting positions so I eliminated some of the useless information from the descriptions of my experience. I also cut down the information about my education and removed my GPA. I would greatly appreciate feedback if anyone is willing to give any. Keep in mind I am trying to portray some creativity within the document. Thank you!
November Resume

The Power of Words

Just over six months ago my cousin Katie passed away in a tragic accident. She was young, beautiful, and above all inspirational. As a 26-year-old dance teacher, Katie stole the hearts of many with her continuing aspiration to do good in the world and her contagious, beaming smile. While I was at home during the wake of her death, my family visited her family at their home. Naturally, there was an outpouring of food and flowers from friends and family. I had never experienced such a tragedy that hit so close to home and witnessing the aftermath was heart wrenching. However, I happened to be present when five of Katie's roommates strolled in with some very priceless treasures. With them they brought Katie's journals.

Now whenever I have attempted journaling it typically begins as a wave of great thoughts and ends with a dry spell of pages that will never take on a life of their own. Katie, on the contrary, wrote in her journal religiously. Every note, message, thought, silly poem, inspirational quote, bad day, and even a few silly rap songs all found their way to the pages of her journal. 

One will never know the significance of her truly amazing words until they witness her family read each and every one. I have never been, nor do I ever expect to be, so moved in all of my life. Her parents laughed, cried, and pictured exactly what she was doing when she wrote each and every line. 

Katie had no idea that while she was jotting down her daily occurrences, she was actually constructing a bridge for her family to cross into her life after she was gone. I have no doubt that they read her journals of multiple volumes every single day. Her compositions are currently playing a crucial role in their healing. 

Words are so powerful. They have an infinite amount of meaning as well as an endless ability to move. In Katie's famous words, "Live. Always do what you love." Well, Katie, I absolutely love to write. Although I am not the queen of journaling as you were, your highness, I plan to leave a legacy of words as well. Thank you for your beautiful inspiration.

Passion

     Writing has always been a passion of mine. I remember sitting under my desk lamp writing short stories in my room, running to have my mother proof read them after each new paragraph. I was proud of the talent I had discovered at such a young age. I was like a faucet, flowing with creative ideas, plots, and adjectives. Yet, I soon witnessed an athletic talent emerge, and writing took a tumble down the passion scale when I began participating in softball.
     Softball instilled a burning passion in me; a passion that I have actively displayed for the past fifteen years of my life. I home an extremely competitive nature and an infinite amount of pressure for success. I have been on a roller coaster of defining moments with the sport: from moments that I let softball define me, to moments when I defined softball. Reminiscing, I can confidently say that softball played the role of a love/hate relationship my melodramatic life.
     Softball has ultimately landed me here, at the fine institution of South Dakota State University. After rounding out the final year of my competitive career I have discovered two very important things: One, I miss softball very much now that it is over, and two, I have innate creative and writing abilities. With that being said, I have come full circle in my life and return to my initial passion for writing.
     I have one remaining year at SDSU to finish my Bachelor’s degree and I am looking forward to taking this time to become involved in the many opportunities I had to pass up previously. My life is now missing something that it has not lived without since I have been seven years old. I often find myself feeling lost, empty, and incomplete; yet, I am confident that my zeal for writing will allow it to climb to the top of the passion podium and take me further than my athletic talent ever could.

My Resume

Here is my resume. I think I have spent all day trying to upload it to linkedin.com but it never worked. I got the PDF file compressed and everything, still no go. So for now I am posting it on my blog and linking potential viewers to my page.

Resume

Smartwater Ads

An assignments in my portfolio design class was to create a campaign for Smartwater. I do not consider myself much of a graphic designer but LOVE copywriting. After trying my best to create a campaign relying on graphics, I went ahead and did away with them. A crappy graphic did no justice to my strong copy. I can appreciate these ads much more because they are much more "me." 

 

Lazy Sundays Call For Productive Online Exploration

I love lazy Sundays when you do not have one single thing on the "to do" list but hang out in a pair of sweats and watch marathon television shows all day long. However, I decided that today I would do a little online exploring. Social media is booming and I am always hearing about the newest, latest, and greatest it has to offer the world of faithful updaters. It has taken me awhile to pursue social media relationships with anything other than Facebook, considering Facebook has a way of turning any productive notion I may have into a black hole of procrastination. None the less, I figured it was time to start tinkering with other outlets considering social media is becoming a staple in the advertising world. I recently joined Foursquare and Google Buzz, both of which I have very few friends following so far. It is mindblowing to think about all of the online sharing of information through these social media vehicles. In all reality, for one to stay on top of their updating game, they need one trusty smartphone (it's a good thing I finally got one in August!). I cannot wait to get into these sites and learn more about how to actually use them efficiently. I have just recently gotten the hang of Twitter and I am more than loving its capabilities. I am hoping that engaging in these social media sites will not only give me a better understanding of what is going on in that crazy, up to date world, but also give me an edge. I have a long way to go before I can say I am an "expert," but I refuse to watch these innovations pass me by. So, I have climbed the social media ladder and am bouncing on the edge of the diving board as I type. The pool is huge, but there is no better time than now to dive in!

Rays Giving 20,000 Free Tickets to Last Regular Season Game

           The St. Petersburg Times reported on September 28 that the Tampa Bay Rays’ President Matt Silverman plans to give 20,000 free tickets to their game on Wednesday, September 29 at Tropicana Field. They will be given away on a first-come, first-serve basis in an attempt to pack the house in preparation for a possible play-off berth.

            This public relations tactic was put in place after Monday night’s game only attracted a crowd of 12,466 people. The Rays are one win away from clinching a post-season position in the play-offs. Many of the players responded to reporters and posted on their Twitter accounts how “disheartening” and “embarrassing” the low attendance numbers was for Monday night’s game.

            The situation that Silverman finds himself in is a rare one, considering it is extremely unusually for a professional sports team to deliver such a generous offer. He stated, “Two years ago when we clinched against Minnesota the players celebrated with the fans, it was a packed house, and it's that type of celebration of this season that we're looking for. You see it in the record - the players really respond to the energy and the noise and the excitement when the fans are in this place, and we're looking to do that tomorrow with these free tickets.''

            The goal of this public relations event is to generate an excitement at Tropicana Field to help cheer on the Devil Rays as they secure their opportunity for a post-season.  Silverman stated that they plan to have all 20,000 tickets redeemed and are hoping for a packed house for Wednesday’s game. He also expressed that encouraging fans to attend has been a challenge in the past, and knows that even this free offer is no guarantee that the stands will be full.

            The publics involved in this event are mostly nontraditional, but may also affect some of their traditional publics. This is the case because traditional publics in this situation are going to be their season-ticket holders and their die-hard fans that will never miss a game. Therefore, they are encouraging their nontraditional publics to attend the game courtesy of the Tampa Bay Rays in hopes to spark an interest in this group to attend future games. Other publics involved are the latent and aware groups. They are less likely to be targeting the active group because they are counting on their attendance already; considering, after all, they still have approximately 12,000 fans they are counting on in addition to the 20,000 they hope to attract. However, a member of the active group can still gain from their promotional offer.

            The message of this event is actually quite complex. There has been much talk about the player’s reaction to the empty stadium seats, including pitcher David Price’s Twitter comment that has produced negative feedback. In one aspect of this event there is a sense of crisis communication, but for two different reasons. On one hand Silverman is attempting to please his disgruntled employees, the players, by promoting attendance to the game. On the other hand it appears that this move is an attempt to create a positive buzz about the attendance rather than the negative talk bouncing around after the Twitter post. Overall, the message comes down to one core significance: the Rays want fans in the seats.

            The issue of the poor crowd turn out was a highly discussed topic on ESPN on September 28. The promotional offer was announced on ESPN as well as on the Tampa Bay Rays’ website, and many media outlets including their social media pages. The issue of poor attendance at MLB baseball is not only a problem for the Rays, but for many other programs across the nation. Therefore, the Rays’ promotional event has picked up numerous news coverage opportunities with this rising concern among Major League Baseball.

            The Tampa Bay franchise obviously values their employees, and realizes the importance of competing in front of a large home crowd. The franchise also values the fans, and empathizes with their economic situations and lack of disposable income. The values of the publics is being fiscally responsible and understanding that when money is tight, purchasing entertainment is not going to be possible. These two values meet with this promotional offer, which has the potential to satisfy all parties.

           

Sources:

ESPN- http://search.espn.go.com/tampa-bay-rays/

St. Petersburg Times- http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/content/rays-give-away-20000-free-tickets-wednesday

Tampa Bay Rays Official Site- http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=tb

MLB Fanhouse- http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/09/27/david-price-rays-disappointed-by-small-crowd-at-potential-playo/

Tampa Bay Rays Facebook Site- http://www.facebook.com/Rays?ref=ts

Droid X-tremely Irritating Me

I am not a die-hard Apple fan, willing to go to any length or jump through any hoop to have the newest and latest Apple product. However, I love my MacBook and am convinced that I will never own anything else. I enjoyed my iTouch when I was one of the first few people I knew to own one. Unfortunatly, my cell phone provider does not carry the iPhone and AT&T does not have the greatest sirvice in the middle of Iowa, let alone po-dunk South Dakota where I go to college. So, I went for what I felt would be the next best thing and purchased the Droid X. Since August I have been a big fan of the device, other than the fact that it is about the size of a check book. However, I eagerly upgraded my software on my phone and was introduced to a crappy outcome: my Market applicaiton does not exist any longer. It is no where to be found on my phone and no one seems to have the answers of how to retrieve it. Awesome. I dropped $300 on the phone to have an issue no one can solve. I am hoping that I can get ahold of someone via Verizon Wireless to assist me. Until then, I am going to be disappointed with my results.

Greg and I

You can do some decently cool things as long as you can figure out your self timer for a picture like this =)

10 Tag-lines For Myself

1.   Lighten Up Daily- I am really working on appreciating each day, not being so up tight about things that don’t matter. I am also working on losing 7 pounds to reach my goal weight.
2.  Alis Volat Propriis- Latin saying for “she flies with her own wings” tattooed on my wrist and a symbol of my independence and ability to go anywhere.
3.  Under the Radar- I came into SDSU as a junior college transfer to play softball for the Jackrabbits. None of my professors knew me and since I had a huge time commitment to softball I really could not participate in the extra activities offered in the advertising major. I have done great in all of my classes and I think I have really surprised my instructors because they simply didn’t know who I was or what I had to offer.
4. Love Living Lakeside- I have lived and worked in Okoboji, Iowa for the past two summer and would not trade that for any other place in the world. I have gained an amazing experience working there with my internship at Arnolds Park and even picked up another job in a small, upcoming ad agency in the area.
5. Fortunate Fifth Year- I received a fifth year student assistant position with the softball team and am receiving a fantastic scholarship to finish my undergrad degree.
6. The Real Go-Getter- Voted as the hardest worker by the 2010 softball team. My proudest honor and one that I exhibit daily.
7.  A smile is always worth it- When I was 7 I first tried out for softball. I got hit in the face while playing catch and it really damaged one of my two front teeth. Recently I got a root canal on it and did an internal bleaching treatment and it looks absolutely amazing. I have always loved smiling. When I don’t smile I look angry, but I’m usually not. So my smile is definitely worth it.
8. Do it for the pride- I have gone through my softball and school career with a lot of hard work and little recognition. I do it for the pride and knowing that I always try my best.
9. No regrets, just lessons learned.- Life is full of regrets, but if you let them beat you up you will never see the beauty in the lesson learned.
10. Great style is personal power. – Stacey on What Not to Wear said this once. I love my sweats, but when you put on something that is stylish and trendy, it really does make you feel powerful.  =)

My Last Sunset in Boji

A neat pic of my last sunset in Okoboji for the summer. I did some editing for fun.

Beautiful Pics with my Droid

Here are some pics I took of the lake last night at sunset. I am going to pull them off of Facebook but they were uploaded from my phone. I took a bunch on my camera so there will be more to come. Just lovely =)

Tedious Work

I am doing some awfully painful, tedious work at Blink today. I have to crop backgrounds out of a couple hundred pictures of hair ribbons and bows. I love Photoshop but yesterday, last night, and today, it has pretty much just been my enemy. I walked over to McDonalds to get a latte and pretty much chugged it looking for a little extra zing to get me through this morning!

Cover for Open House

I made this cover for Hoien Realty at my job at Blink Marketing. This is a multi-million dollar house on West Lake Okoboji. It is an absolutely beautiful house and I was proud to promote it with this beautiful cover to the open house take-away book.

LOVE

I took this picture a couple of winters ago after I received roses. It turned out absolutely amazing. The poem is a great touch to the picture. I have to give credit to the movie The Notebook because I did not make up the poem. However, I will take full credit for the picture =)

iPhotoshop For Fun

I took kind of a neat photo of me driving home today on my phone and messed with it a little tonight to make see all of the different looks I could make. I did everything through tutorials but I learned so much! Photoshop is really fun! I have sat here for over two hours just playing around on it. Here are the pics. 

This is the original one. I used an effect on my camera on my phone to make it have the yellow tint to it. 

The rainbow tint. Kinda neat. Certainly can be useful tool to use on other pics as well. 

Love this one. Its got a grainy/grunge look to it which I think is super neat!

Also love this one because my eyes really POP!

Not really the look I was going for initially with this one. I got into it and got sort of carried away. 

Very unique. I was starting to get tired and my eyes getting heavy so I wrapped this one up before the tutorial was complete. It had some other sparkle effects to add to it but I was ready to be done for the night.