We Are Hiring A Graphic Designer

Copy and Design

Real-life Madison Avenue Mad Man George Lois recently spoke to NPR’s Renee Montagne about his life creating transformational advertising.

It was a brief interview, but his comments got me thinking about the dance that occurs between copy and design. Dance is an intentional metaphor here, with music generally coming first and choreography designed around the score. Do such moves always apply to design?

As Finance and Operations Manager at Eye Byte, I don’t weigh-in on pure design, but I often overhear designers asking clients what the goal of a piece is or what story they’re trying to tell. Usually the client is very sure of their message and purpose for a given body of work, but occasionally, during the process of discovering their goals, the mission’s clarity evolves.

I love to watch this copy/design dance—it’s as though the designer is taking lead for a few measures of the song until the client gets solid on their feet.

Copy eventually does take over and lead design, but the creative moments between are beautiful.

We Geeked the Cause at SXSW!

Day 3 of SXSW: Geek the Cause

What a great event in our offices here at the Littlefield. We co-hosted the event “Geek the Cause” with our friends at Campaign Consultation, Inc.

We had tons of geeks from all backgrounds in attendance. Ages ranged wildly, and we had a few high schoolers attend, woohoo! People seemed to really enjoy coming up with ideas, and were super engaged and willing to work hard.

We started by introducing everyone to the concept and “Run of Show” for the evening. I think folks were relieved to be at a “party” where they could also roll up their sleeves and do more than listen to lectures. They all submitted causes to be geeked by writing them down on little “geek tags.”

Then we got immediately to the good stuff. We broke into groups situated in funky little vignettes all around the office, and chose causes randomly from the bucket. In our small groups of 5-6 participants, we focused down to one cause each and began to “geek.”

What do we mean by that? Well, basically, each group had one designer, one programmer, a few big thinkers, and power users, etc. We put our best thinking towards throwing support behind the cause, using our varied points of view and backgrounds to round out a robust concept for each cause.

At the end we presented our causes to the larger group, and “showed some love” with applause and further discussion of the issues and next steps. I think many of the ideas that came from our groups have the potential to make real impact.

To track what happens, watch our Facebook page: facebook.com/geekthecause

SXSW: Day Two, Designing for CMS

SXSW Day One

Wow. Day one of sxsw brought the rains and then some! But the damp weather in Austin didn’t diminish the tremendous geek energy all over town. Walking through the convention center beside the mile long registration line, I saw all manner of smart devices, smarty geek glasses, and general geek pride. It was a good day.

In a session called “Community Building is Easy, Saving the World is Hard.” I picked up a few good thoughts on social media success.

As an organization or cause begins to to amass a following online (yay!) they should recognize both the power of their influence AND the responsibility that goes along with it.

Your followers will develop expectations about your group and it’s actions and words, so keep that on mind as you continue to post to this audience and publicly. If you treat them right, your online community will be loyal, and will rise to support you and even defend you in the ace of controversy.

Tomorrow I look forward to more cool sessions and networking!

We are Hiring

We are Hiring a Studio Traffic-Coordinator/Production Manager

Eye Byte Solutions, LLC, an award-winning, nimble, high energy, creative firm with offices in Baltimore and Austin, is growing by leaps and bounds and is now looking to add a Traffic Controller to the mix.  If you thrive on organization, efficiency and knowing where all the pieces to the puzzle are at all times, Eye Byte would love to hear more about you.

About the Job

We all wear many hats at Eye Byte.  Your hats will include—Traffic Coordinator, Production Manager, Writer, Editor, and Marketing Assistant.  Plan to swap hats often.

About Eye Byte

Projects cover a wide range including, but not limited to, branding and identity packages, websites and online tools, print materials, presentations, and more.  Design projects will sometimes be from scratch as well as building on existing campaigns. Daily activities include office procedures and internal company projects as well as creative design.  This position reports directly to the company’s Principals, the Creative Director, and the Art/Interactive Director.

We believe in benefits for all.  You will be eligible for Simple Plan matching, complete health coverage, optional eye and dental coverage.  Paid leave for major holidays, vacation, and sick/personal and birthdays are part of our corporate culture.

About You

A Qualified Candidate will:

• Have a solid understanding and working knowledge of web and print production.
• Have a highly developed sense of organization and strong desire to ensure the successful completion & delivery of every project.
• Love to proofread content—your friends think of you as a Grammar Guru.
• Have a visceral need to ensure the smooth transition of communication and products from clients through to final delivery.
• Enjoy setting & managing production schedules and ensure on-time delivery of all creative work.
• Be open to change and function well with fast-paced clients.
• Proficiently translate client-speak to designer-speak and vice versa.
• Be a team player—the workload and deadlines demand it.
• Have a ‘Say Yes’ attitude.
• Ask nicely—and achieve results.  You will be the client/designer liaison and responsible to both.
• Enjoy managing a fast-paced, flexible schedule of deliverables.
• Thrive on taking care of things the right way the first time.

Things you may do in any given day

• Answer upward of 40 emails & multiple phone calls from clients.
• Coordinate with the Creative Direct to direct work to the appropriate designer.
• Update project schedules and communicate needed deadline adjustments as demands change.
• Write 3 letters to clients checking on their happiness post product delivery.
• Draft proposal for new client.
• Schedule design meetings for multiple projects.
• Schedule off-site meetings.
• Ensure that accurate and concise Creative Briefs are in place for each job.
• Coordinate product delivery.
• Order software.
• Review vendor invoices and code them to projects for finance department.
• Maintain an up to date vendor list.
• Track and allocate Staff time to projects.
• Update 4 Job Jackets and reviewed job status with senior staff and clients.
• Listen and respond to designer requests for ________.
• Update the company Job Board—listing the status of all projects.
• Manage inventory of office, production and software—and order accordingly.
• See gaps in efficiencies and develop plans with the team to address and streamline.

Qualifications

• Marketing, editing, production, and/or project management experience.
• Bachelor Degree required.  Concentration in Communications, English, Graphic Design, or Business preferred.
• 2 years minimum experience in the industry.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proficiency with Macintosh OSX operating systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Merlin or similar is a plus.
• Familiarity with 37 Signals Basecamp or similar collaborative working platform is preferred.
• Software: Knowledge of Adobe CS5 Design Suite (InDesign, Acrobat) is a plus.
• Marketing, Proposal Writing & Business Development skills a plus.
• Willingness to learn pre-press, printing, and web publication processes.

About the Firm

Our work is exciting and fast paced with many high profile and social-good projects for clients such as The White House, The Corporation for National and Community Service, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, VISTA and many others. We are an American Design Awards Winner and having done the creative work leading to one of our clients receiving a W3 in 2011.

We also have fun together! We are actively involved in the design community. We host AIGA events, attend Orioles Opening Day and require each employee to take a day off to celebrate their birthday.

To Apply

Answer the following questions only.

1. Why would you like to work with us?
2. About what are you passionate?
3. What unique skill do you have that no one else possesses?
4. What will you bring to the company?
5. What salary range do you require?

Send reply to: info@eyebytesolutions.com

We are hiring a Graphic Designer!

Eye Byte Solutions, LLC, an award-winning, nimble, high energy, creative firm with offices in Baltimore and Austin, is looking to hire a talented Graphic Designer to join our team. We are looking for a creative thinker with originality, imagination, and a deep knowledge of graphic design, web design, and production processes.

About the Job

Projects cover a wide range including but not limited to branding and identity packages, websites and online tools, print materials, presentations, and more.  Design projects will sometimes be from scratch as well as building on existing campaigns. Daily activities include office procedures and internal company projects as well as creative design.  This position reports directly to the company’s Principals, the Creative Director, and the Art/Interactive Director.

This position comes with a full benefits package.  You will be eligible for complete health coverage, optional eye and dental coverage. We also have paid leave for major holidays, vacation, and sick/personal days.

About You

Candidate must be confident in translating expressed needs and ideas into concepts and designs that effectively communicate the desired message. Our collaborative team needs a player who can jump into things mid-stride, develop an understanding of needs, and produce beautiful designs that work.  Must be open to change and function well with fast-paced clients.

Personal skills

• A team player attitude. Our workload and deadlines demand it.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines while maintaining high standards.
• Creative problem solving skills with a “can do” attitude.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage time independently.
• Aptitude in working in a fast-paced, ever changing environment.

Qualifications

• Graphic Design degree preferred
• 2 years minimum experience in the industry

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Macintosh OSX operating systems
• Software: Proficient in Adobe CS5 Design Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat), Microsoft Office (Excel and Word). Flash (AS2 and some AS3) is a plus.
• Languages: Knowledge of HTML, JavaScript, XHTML, CSS, and Web Standards approach to development and integration with PHP, ASP, AJAX, JavaScript would be a plus.
• Familiarity with pre-press and printing processes
• Marketing, Proposals & Business Development experience a plus

About the Firm

Our work is exciting and fast paced, with many high profile and social-good projects for clients such as The White House, The Corporation for National and Community Service, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, VISTA and many others. We are an American Design Awards Winner and having done the creative work leading to one of our clients receiving a W3 in 2011.

We also have fun together! We are actively involved in the design community, host AIGA events, attend Orioles Opening Day and each employee takes a day off to celebrate their birthday.

To Apply

Please send cover letter, with salary requirements, resume, and a link to your online portfolio to our Hiring Manager at info@eyebytesolutions.com.

Giving the Perfect Gift….and Making it, Too!

Holiday gift-giving can be a creative challenge.  It’s hard to strike a balance between functional, original, and sentimental.  This year, we paired with our friends at Campaign Consultation to give a very unique holiday gift to the organizations’ principles.  It came from the heart.

As we prepared for our Principal team members to embark on a 60 day adventure around the world, (learn more about that HERE) we asked our President, Linda Brown Rivelis, and CEO, Steven Rivelis what they were going to miss most while they were away.   Among other things, (holiday celebrations and the like) they said that every fall for the past 20 some years they had watched the leaves on the maple tree in front of our offices turn fiery red before falling to the ground.  This year, they were going to miss it for the first time. We secretly started thinking of a way for them to partake in the tree’s transition, even if they couldn’t physically be here for it.  Through the use of QR codes, animation, and branding irons, (yes branding irons!) we made this possible.  Here’s how we did it:

• Every day, we took a picture of the tree
• Our design team cleaned up the sequence of photos and then developed an animation of the tree’s leaves turning red and gently falling
• We went wild and bought a branding iron,  and ordered a branding plate with the image of a QR code we developed
• After a trip to the hardware store, we used the brand to imprint a piece of wood and created a piece of art to hang on the tree.
• Upon their return, we invited Linda and Steven outside to see the “installation art.”   They of course scanned the code and voila!
• A lasting gift was created for the entire community.   Now anyone can walk by the tree and see the leaves a’fallin.

Check it out here: www.eyebytesolutions.com/qrbrand

Now as proud owners of our very own branding iron, the possibilities are endless.  Maybe you’ll be taking a walk around Charles Village and see these things wrapped around more than just one tree. Or maybe you will see something in downtown Austin in time for SXSW. Stay tuned…

Award Winning Design

The International Academy of the Visual Arts recognized Eye Byte Solutions, LLC with a W³ Award for work with Campaign Consultation, Inc. on behalf of Volunteers in Service To America (VISTA) – the nation’s domestic Peace Corps.

From among submissions by Fortune 500 companies, international agencies, and independent firms, the VISTA Campus was selected for the 2011 W³ Award. The VISTA Campus is the go-to web resource and interactive hub for those dedicated to alleviating poverty with AmeriCorps VISTA, founded by anti-poverty leader Sargent Shriver in 1965.

It is very exciting to have the opportunity to visually express the work of VISTA.  There are so many great volunteers dedicating their time to serve others.  Showcasing their efforts and the resources has been inspiring. Creating a design for a virtual space that not only gets noticed, but invites people to stay a while is a tall order. The W3 award is a great acknowledgement of this effort.

The W³ Awards recognizes the power of Web creativity, honoring the professionals behind best-in-class sites, videos and marketing programs. The W³ is judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, an invitation-only body consisting of top-tier professionals from a “Who’s Who” of acclaimed media, interactive, advertising, and marketing firms, including executives from organizations such as AvatarLabs, Conde Nast, Disney, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Microsoft, MTV Networks, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Wired, and Yahoo!

Give 5 2011

Each year Eye Byte donates 5% of our year’s pre-tax profit to charities and causes we believe in. This year, on January 6, 2012, we held our annual Give 5 at a local restaurant, Woodberry Kitchen.

As part of the initiative, each member of the team is asked to present their cause and ask for an amount that they think would make an impact.  So, who did we choose?

Here’s the full list of 2011 Give 5 recipients:

• Habitat for Humanity
• KOTO Vietnam
• Make Studio
• Wide Angle Youth Media

Are you or your organization involved in giving back?  Share your story with us!

Linda Brown Rivelis, President, and CEO, Steven Rivelis brought back items from their 60 day sabbatical around the world to display to the team at our annual Give 5 event. Check out the designs of these items!