How I glowed as a junior AD and how I glowed when I first started at Fable
Starting at Fable was a mix of excitement and nerves. My first full-time gig in the agency world meant a lot of observing. I attended concepting meetings, brainstorming sessions, and creative reviews. Remember that PartnerMD "dummy" concept meeting with Kate and David? That was the first creative concepting meeting I was a part of. Witnessing their collaboration set the tone for how teamwork should be—a casual, conversational dance toward great work I valued observing that a lot because that set the foundation for the rest of my own collaborative conversations outside of the classroom. Then, I was included in Robokai’s collaborative discussion where I felt agency in my own voice for the first time ever and built confidence for the future.
Observation
Agency life is not always smooth sailing. Budgets for shoots weren't always lavish. Stock imagery was an option, but it often fell short. Cue my secret weapon—photo manipulation. I used it to tweak PartnerMD's ad photos and got them just right.
Dipping My Toes in Creative Problem-Solving
Critiques are just stepping stones to improvement. I not only take feedback well, but I also encourage it. it's a chance to level up.
Taking Feedback
From day one, I've been the go-with-the-flow kind of person. Not just coasting, though—I spoke up about ideas. Whether it was process discussions or navigating the waves of change during the pandemic, I adapted.
Understanding Fable’s Brand and Process and Adapting
Under Kate's guidance, I delved into the habit of collaborative concept development and visual ideation. For instance, the Northern Virginia Science Center was the initial logo on which I collaborated with Kate that successfully came to fruition. I also played a key role in crafting mood boards and storyboards. This approach extended to other brands like VA Breast Cancer Foundation and Tryology.
Concept Development
More than just ideas, I got hands-on with visually compelling designs and layouts. Venturing into new territories, including basic website designs for brands like Tryology & Dr. Stephen Betchen, showcased my versatility.
Design Execution
The learning curve was steep, and I embraced the challenge. Learnings from Kate, particularly in print & and production—areas scarcely touched in college—equipped me with the know-how to prepare essential print and digital-ready files. I demonstrated my expertise when I worked on materials for brands like Steward which included the academic folder and other collateral pieces. Dielines didn’t scare me anymore. I was able to quickly learn the process and can now apply everything I learned to this day.
Quickly Learning New Things
Sure, I'm cool being heads-down, but where's the fun in that? Gaining confidence in my voice, I raised my hand for bigger tasks. I stepped up for the Robokai logo revamp to showcase my readiness to take on substantial responsibilities. Additionally, my willingness to speak during client presentations reflected a deliberate effort to become for comfortable in such scenarios.
Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone
How I glow now based on the responsibilities I’ve gained as an Art Director
After tackling creative problems countless times, I've learned not to be fazed by the next one. When a challenge arises, I don't dwell on it. Instead, I smoothly transition into exploring possible solutions. This mindset extends beyond the creative realm—it's about efficiently thinking, "Okay, this isn't ideal. What are our options, and which one is the best solution?"
Mastering Creative Problem-Solving as an Art Director
Speed is my language. This is largely because I'm versed in the ins and outs of many processes. My familiarity allows me to navigate through tasks swiftly, earning me compliments on my quickness from several team members.
Speed
Providing feedback is becoming second nature. I've not only embraced taking feedback but have also stepped into a leadership role by offering constructive feedback. I've taken on a more prominent role in guiding junior team members and interns, actively contributing to their growth and development. My focus is on ensuring that new members are challenged and encouraged to improve and grow.
Feedback and Revisions
I take the time to walk new members through what Fable stands for and our operational processes to new members. It’s hard for new members to know how we roll right off the bat, but I’m here to help make their transition with ease. This involves setting clear expectations for task completion and providing guidance as needed, ensuring everyone is on the same page, steering members in the right direction when necessary, and communicating our culture.
Communicating Fable’s Brand and Process to New Members
I’ve become significantly more independent in concept development and design execution. The learning curve has led me to a point where I can ideate and create with much less supervision from Kate. This growth in autonomy has not only boosted my confidence but has also allowed me to bring more of my creative flair to the table.
Independence
with a growing team, I’ve learned to work with new creative minds and personalities including copywriters, designers, and account managers, to ensure seamless execution of projects. This is where I put my junior art director observation skills into action, now leading a larger team. Getting to know Blake and Mikaela's collaboration styles has been invaluable. I can now handle collaborative projects with them effortlessly.
Collaboration
There are always new updates and inventions when it comes to design software. It’s important to be in the know about cutting-edge tools to elevate the creative process and integrate them into our workflow. Sharing these newfound gems with the team boosts creativity and efficiency. Currently, I'm diving into Figma, a new program, to streamline our website and UX design processes. Additionally, I'm exploring its presentation features to deliver impressive client pitches.
Graphic Exploration
Stepped into the role of a reliable motivator, offering encouragement and upliftment when team members needed an extra boost. Became a source of strength during challenging times, encouraging a positive team atmosphere.
Support Pillar
Getting the hang of meeting deadlines within our budget. It's about finding that sweet spot and making sure project timelines flow seamlessly from start to finish. Finding that balance has become a natural part of the process, ensuring a smooth ride for every project.
Juggling Deadlines and Budgets
Fable has undergone quite the transformation from when I first stepped in—beginning in the office, transitioning to remote work due to the pandemic, bouncing back to the office, embracing new programs, adapting to fresh processes, integrating with new team members, and now settling into a brand-new office. Adapting quickly is second nature to me, and I'm ready to keep it up.
Rolling with Fable's Evolution
Developing strong communication skills to connect with clients and understand their needs and feedback. Leading client presentations and maintaining relationships through activities like one-on-one problem-solving sessions (VCU) and attending events for real-time creative insights (IMD).
Client Relationship Management
Figuring out where we can smooth out the wrinkles and amp up efficiency in our creative processes. Jumping into creative team meetings to chat about what could use a little polish and staying open to fresh ideas from the team.
Process Optimization
I'm all in, ready to put in the extra hours and lend a hand when the team needs it. Meeting deadlines is crucial, and I understand that sometimes it takes a bit more time to get things just right. Whether it's trucking after-hours or stepping up to ease the load for others, I'm here to keep things on track.
Flexibility and Dedication
