Four Morale Busters
It’s no secret that companies are feeling increased pressure to do more with less these days – and this includes keeping staff inspired on a tight budget. While the economy may be improving little by...
View ArticleThe Lossy Logistics of Leadership: A Case for Admins
I had dinner the other evening with two accomplished in-house group leaders. We were catching up on our professional exploits and one of the managers exclaimed how pleased he was to be relieved of well...
View ArticleFlex Your Writing Muscles
I’m always searching for ways to scratch that itch, stretch my creativity—music, acting, performance, drawing—and over the years I’ve found that by developing my writing skills I’ve become a better...
View ArticleAfter the Deluge (Looking for a Connection and Finding Many)
I’m sitting here in our local Public Library because it's the only place in town that has lights, heat and WiFi. Our house is cold and dark as we’ve been left in Hurricane Sandy’s wake without any...
View ArticleThe "F" Word
Now that I have your attention, I’d like to discuss the other “F” word. A word that represents a data file comprised of glyphs, characters or symbols and can bring designers to their knees and their...
View ArticleINspiration Wednesdays: Gordon MacKenzie
“If you become hypnotized by an organization’s culture, you become separated from your personal magic and cannot tap it to help achieve the goals of the organization. In losing connection with your...
View ArticleWant to Make More Money in 2013? Strong Negotiation Skills Can Help.
By Donna Farrugia, Executive Director of The Creative Group The CreativeGroup just released our 2013 Salary Guide, which features average starting salaries for 127 interactive, design and marketing...
View ArticleIn-house Issues: Changing Up the Approach to Change
In the fall of 2011 I had the exciting opportunity to play a leadership role in transitioning a 45+ (now 70+) multidisciplinary in-house team to a managed services organization. This shift necessitated...
View ArticleSurviving the Office Holiday Party
By Donna Farrugia, Executive Director of The Creative Group I’ll be the first to admit that I love this time of year (aside from the lines at the airports). People tend to be in better spirits, and I...
View ArticleIn-house Issues: Retain to Maintain and Sustain
I recently wrote a piece for the Cella “Creative Execs” blog making the case for documenting institutional knowledge. I went on to admonish any in-house team that put itself at risk by having an...
View ArticleAre You a Friendly or Cut-Throat Competitor?
By Donna Farrugia, Executive Director of The Creative Group Have your coworkers been less helpful or willing to offer input on your designs? Are some starting to take credit for your ideas? If you’ve...
View ArticleGoing Up?
How many of you have your elevator pitch ready? No? Shame on you! Over the years, the elevator pitch has become increasingly important as an key component of the in-house designer’s toolbox, especially...
View ArticleI ♥ Being an In-House Designer Because...
Since this is Valentine’s Day week and love is in the air, I asked some of my peers what they love about being a corporate creative. I ♥ Being an In-House Designer Because... I have access to so many...
View ArticleJust Show Up!
Years ago I participated in a 360-degree assessment. Peers, colleagues, management and direct reports all had the opportunity to anonymously tell me how I was doing. And based on their responses, I was...
View ArticleTake Back Your Lunch Break
By Donna Farrugia, Executive Director of The Creative Group Think back to the last work week. How many of those days did you actually get outside the office (or even away from your desk) for your lunch...
View ArticleIn-house Issues: The Value of Good Judgment
You can possess all the institutional and functional knowledge possible in your industry or creative discipline and still fail miserably in the politically and emotionally charged world of in-house....
View ArticleDear In-House Diva...
Dear In-House Diva, I am an in-house designer at a very well-known retail fashion company and I’m constantly being asked by my internal clients to do personal design projects for them. I don’t mind...
View ArticleINspiration Wednesday: George Lois
"Most people work at keeping their job, rather than doing a good job. If you’re the former, you’re leading a meaningless life. If you’re the latter, keep up the good work." George Lois (born June 26,...
View ArticleWherever You Work, Make it Feel Like Home
By Donna Farrugia, Executive Director of The Creative Group When I’m not travelling for business, you can find me at my office in Westlake Village, Calif., during the workweek. It’s my home away from...
View ArticleIf You Can Swing It, Hire an Intern This Summer
By Donna Farrugia, Executive Director of The Creative Group Breaking into the design industry can be challenging – particularly for recent graduates with no relevant work experience. And landing an...
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