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Sep19

Eat, Sleep and Think Content

Yesterday, in the Chelsea area of New York City, hundreds gathered at the Metropolitan Pavilion for NewsCred’s #ThinkContent Summit. With executives from leading companies like Buzzfeed, Vice and Spotify, the momentum filled the house from start to end.

Stacy Minero, Head of Content Planning at Twitter, said it best, “The best part of this conference is you have all different parts of the industry, but we’re all united in this belief that content marketing is king.” Brand marketers, public relations practitioners, journalists and advertising execs gathered for a full day to get nuggets on creating worthy content and establishing a human brand that consumers can connect with.

Content Strategy that Wins

Left to right: Alicianne Rand, VP of Marketing, NewsCred; David Lang, Chief Content Officer, Mindshare; Vin Farrell, Global Chief Content Officer, Havas Worldwide; and John McCarus, SVP, Practice Lead, Social.Content, DigitasLBi

“Every brand has a story to tell and that story is not about the brand. It’s about the consumer and you have to really focus on consumer-centric ideas.” – David Lang

The New Media Model

Jonah Peretti, CEO of Buzzfeed took the stage and enlightened us about the new media model and just like the first time I met him, he ran his presentation on the very thing marketers are maximizing in storytelling: charisma and humor.

Jonah touched on crucial armors of Buzzfeed: communication and content sharing. People are using content to spark communication and connect with each other. You all remember how much convos, and laughs, were shared by knowing what city you are destined to live in or what pop star you embody.

Jonah Peretti, CEO, Buzzfeed

News Does Matter to Millennials

When you think of millennials and news, you think of Vice! Vice’s platform was created on the foundation of telling stories that matter most to young people. Eddy Moretti, Chief Creative Officer at Vice, stated that years ago there grew an acute crisis in media and it was because millennials were losing trust in media outlets. So in 1994, founders Suroosh Alvi and Shane Smith, wanted to create a platform that would cater to and actively engage millennials.

Eddy mentioned the pushback and how people believed Vice couldn’t happen. So how did they do it? They directly asked millennials what they care about and millennials told them that, “part of being an adult, is engaging with our world.” The creators of Vice moved forward and waited for what would happen next. “To immerse ourselves in this, we have to press record and watch it while it happens,” said Eddy Moretti.

Eddy Moretti, Chief Creative Officer, Vice

Again, NewsCred outdid themselves with this year’s #ThinkContent summit. For more recaps and photos, check the #ThinkContent feed on Twitter and NewsCred’s blog.

Sep16

Popular Job-Seeking Tips That You Should Ignore: The Resume

There are thousands of articles out there with great tips on how to get a job. These tips are invaluable and they’ve helped many people. Here are a few of those tips, and why as a creative job seeker you should ignore them:

Bad Advice: Don’t use a template

The main argument against using a template is that employers will see right through it. For graphic designers this is good advice because it gives you a chance to show off your skills and make your resume a true reflection of yourself. For non-graphic designers this either makes your resume boring and text heavy or, if you try to use limited design capabilities, an unclear and abstract mess. Both of these scenarios are likely to get your resume thrown out in seconds.

Better Advice: Use a template, but change it enough to make it not look like a template.

It turns out that if you aren’t a graphic designer chances are the people who make resume templates are better than you at designing resumes. You can build off the designs given and cater them to the way you want to present yourself without it looking too cheap.

Bad Advice: You don’t need an “Interests” section

Remember that poster you had in your freshman dorm room? The one of that movie that was universally liked or that inspirational quote that seemed really deep? You hung that poster so strangers would talk to you about how awesome the Boondock Saints are or how Marilyn Monroe was SO ahead of her time. That is basically what an “Interests” section of your resume is: a conversation starter.

Better Advice: Have a short interests section at the end of your resume

An employer is not only looking to hire the right person for the job, they also want to be able to relate to and like that person. That starts with common ground, and an “Interests” section is the best way to find that.

Bad Advice: Don’t be afraid to have more than one page

This tip can be useful in certain situations, like if you have had multiple jobs over a span of around 10 years. Chances are if you’re looking for an internship or entry-level position, this isn’t you. As I briefly touched on in the “Template” section, the look of your resume matters. If you have to sacrifice some information to get it down to a page, so be it. As long as the most important information is kept, it shouldn’t matter.

Better Advice: Keep your resume to one page until you absolutely can’t add another single word

Mess with the margins. Change the font size. Go through every single line and delete any redundant words. Get creative.

Note: Every job is different. What works for one might not work for another. Do some research about the job you want, and tailor your strategy to that job. Don’t base your entire job-seeking strategy on a set of tips, but try something different until you find something that works for you.

Sep08

Career Spotlight: Devin Romeo

Devin Romeo is a young graphic designer who works for a sports social media website called Sports 195. He has recently started working on web design for this site and we talked to him about the experience of working an entry level design job.

Creative Interns: What are your responsibilities as an entry-level designer?

Devin Romeo: I am responsible for designing parts of the website, which can include anything from what a news module looks like, to a UI element, to an intro page. It can be anything that involves that website. And a part of me does print designs for a co-brand we have. I also design brochures and pamphlets, so I kind of do everything.

CI: How did you come to work at Sports 195?

DR: I actually looked it up on Monster. At the time I was primarily a print designer but I had just finished an internship in web design and ended up liking it. I looked up this job and it said that they were looking for a graphic designer with a preference in web design. It was entry-level which turned out to be a good transition to learn how to do web design, and how to be involved with a web-based company. It allowed a lot of room for growth and it went as far into web design that I personally wanted to go.

CI: What advice do you have for recent graduates trying to get a graphic design job?

DR: In the creative world you have to not just stand out, but stand out in a good way. Don’t go over the top, but you have to be noticeable and memorable, and everything has to be clean. Make sure your work represents who you are. Apply to as many places as possible and make sure the first things these businesses see is the best that you have. Make a great personal website. People want to see visuals. I had a resume and I had attachments but my actual website was very primitive, so I ended up having to do a lot of persuading. When I finally got my job I was at the other end of the spectrum looking at applicants. The first thing my creative director would look at was the applicant’s website. If a website didn’t look good, or it had bugs, or you could tell they had used a template he almost just threw it away immediately.

CI: What is the most unexpected thing about working in web design?

DR: It was probably the turnaround on projects. You would spend weeks putting in work to build a page and it looks incredible and you’re so happy with what you’ve done and you finally send it out, only to not hear back about it for weeks. The reason is that it might look nice and it might fit all the criteria but you have to worry about developers. They have to look at previous coding, create new style sheets and override old style sheets, and there’s so much more. I still don’t know half of what happens on the back end, but there’s so much time involved outside of designing the page to make a website work.

CI: What prepared you the most for a graphic design position?

DR: I think that as much as college helped prepared me for my career, my first internship absolutely prepared me the most. When you have an internship you aren’t worried about a grade, you’re worried about a client, who is worth a lot to that company, so you’re on the line for a number of reasons.

CI: Take me through a typical day at work for you.

DR: When I get in I will usually be working on something that’s left over from the day before. That could be a page we’re working on or a specific element of a page. If I don’t have anything to do, which is rare, I speak directly to my Art Director and he will give me work. Everything goes through him. Usually I’m given 2-3 projects a day. On the rare occasion I’ll be given one huge project or a number of miniature projects. I’ll work on them for the entire day and take lunch whenever I want to, and leave sometime after 5:30. My schedule is very flexible. It’s a laid back environment but it’s still very demanding.

CI: What influenced your career choice the most?

DR: My grandfather. He was a pioneer in the creative industry. During his prime he designed logos for brands, scoreboards at major stadiums, and so much more. It is just inspiring that someone I know has done all that. I want to follow in his footsteps and, more or less, change the way the world is looked at. Which is essentially what graphic design is. That’s what he did and that is what I want to do.

Sep02

Internships: BYOD & Company Culture

Today’s internships are so much more than schlepping coffee and bagels and doing all the gruntwork no one else wants to do. Interns in 2014 and beyond are hotdesking, hotelling and BYOD-ing instead of running around the corner to the local coffee shop. Sharing desk space or checking in to available desk space and working with their own electronic devices instead of using company-owned equipment are part of what an internship looks like now.

Why is BYOD Important?

With the proliferation of mobile devices and advances in technology, BYOD (permitting employee-owned devices in the workplace) is quickly becoming the norm. The flexibility and accessibility of smart phones and tablets are their main user attraction, and the attraction for employers is that when employees buy and bring their own electronics to do work, the company saves money on assigning company-owned equipment. Security and manageability issues are the downside, and make implementing a solid BYOD program an important success factor.

Why is Company Culture Important?

Company culture is important in a job search because it’s an indication of how the company operates, what a candidate can expect from his or her role and their career path with the company and how much or little the company values supporting and developing the people they bring on board. If an intern candidate is told during the recruitment process only that the internship is for 16 weeks, only pays a flat rate with no possibility for raises or bonuses and that the company relies on interns to get all the paperwork that their permanent employees don’t have time to do, it’s an indication of a culture that doesn’t value support or employee development.

If the intern program has a clear progression throughout the internship, includes opportunities for learning new things and earning premiums or bonuses, and includes a mentorship or coaching aspect, that says a lot about how the company culture values interns. Additional perks or pluses like BYOD policies that allow employees to use devices like Android tablets and iPads add to that perception.

When a candidate doesn’t understand the company culture, he or she risks disappointment with the work and work environment, missing out on opportunities for more meaningful career opportunities and feeling uncomfortable at work.

How to Gauge Company Culture

Company culture isn’t always apparent in the company tour or first interview. You have to actively seek out what makes up the culture to get to know it. Interns should ask a lot of questions about culture to understand it and gauge whether it’s right for them. Find out whether the company is a sales organization, an engineering company, or run by the finance and legal department. Consider the company’s stories, how it was founded, what the major business milestones were, and how it’s weathered economic challenges and growth.

Contributed by: SocialMonsters.org

Aug27

7 Must Read Books for Young Creatives

If you’re anything like me, you always have a good book in your hand. As fall approaches, I wanted to put out a list of some great industry reads based on my personal library and what other young creatives are reading.

Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip & Dan Heath

I read this book for a graduate Integrated Marketing course and I never felt like I was reading those mundane required textbooks. Published by two brothers, Made to Stick draws on psychological studies with regards to creating unforgettable ideas. The book draws on memorable stories and the six key principles that allow them to spread globally.

Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All by Tom and David Kelley

Now this is the book for the those who think only some people on this planet are meant to be creative. Again, two brothers join forces in an entertaining narrative to build the creative confidence that may be hidden in some of us.

Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull

Mmm, Ed Catmull. I’ve heard his name before. Yes, he is the co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios. This creative genius writes a book about creativity in business, providing an inside look into Pixar and how to establish a company, and its culture, based on creativity.

The Accidental Creative: How to Be Brilliant at a Moment’s Notice by Todd Henry

Being a young creative can require you to think on your feet often. In The Accidental Creative, Todd Henry provides ways to continue to think on your feet and integrate creative ideas into your daily life.

Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind by Jocelyn Glei

While Todd Henry is providing ways to integrate ideas into your daily life, Jocelyn Glei shows you how to manage such ideas to sharpen your creative mind. Thinking about reading both books back to back? Genius idea!

The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Business by Eric Ries

So you’re the young creative that is looking to take your talents and create a full-fledge business. This is the book for you! Eric Ries shows you how to test your vision throughout the building process, all while adjusting and adapting.

Woe is I: The Grammarphobes Guide to Better English in Plain English by Patricia T. O’Conner

Ok, every book list for young creatives should have a book that perfects writing style. Woe is I does just that. While it may not be an exciting read like the other books on this list, it really does hone in on your grammar and writing capabilities. If you’re a young creative thinking about publishing your own book or blog, you certainly want to get your hand on Woe is I.

What are some of your creative books to read? Add them in the comments below!

Jul08

How To Be A Dream Candidate For An Ad Agency Recruiter

Agency life is crazy, yet exciting—exhilarating, yet competitive. And for talented young professionals embarking on success in the ad space, here’s what you need to know to get your foot in the door.

Understanding the Hiring Process

During the interview and hiring process, your main point of contact will typically be the recruiter, a representative and gatekeeper of the company who scouts top talent. The recruiter’s role in the process is to determine how qualified a potential candidate is for the position on behalf of the hiring manager.

Depending on the level of authority, a recruiter can influence the decision to hire a new employee during any step of the hiring process, from the preliminary screening stage to the final stage of selecting a candidate and extending a job offer. Impress the recruiter and you’ll be passed along as a recommendation to the hiring manager.

Amy Farrell, a highly experienced marketing agency recruiter, has reviewed thousands of applications for all types of positions with top agencies. Farrell shared with Onward Search, a leading digital marketing and creative talent staffing agency, that the following distinctions make applicants stand out:

Updated network-growing LinkedIn profile: Detail skills and accomplishments. Optimize your profile with industry-specific keywords and add relevant certifications or courses.
Research & homework: Know the types of clients, key differentiators and job description for the company.
Clear & concise resume: Avoid a scattered resume layout with no flow or order. Ensure it’s free of distractions, readable and organized.

Value of Internships

Although an eye-catching resume format attracts a recruiter’s eye, it’s ultimately the content that secures an interview. Internship experience provides resume-building, real-life work experience, career insight and networking opportunities.

Natalie Gillhouse didn’t fully understand what the public relations field entailed until she interned at creative advertising agency Youtech & Associates. Equipped with a few academic principles and theories in PR, Gillhouse was thrown into the agency environment as part of the Youtech team. Gillhouse researched clients and extracted newsworthy information to write press releases. Her greatest out-of-the-classroom lessons were how companies sent out press releases to media outlets and the role of social media to grow a business.

Last summer Devin McGuire was a Boston University senior who learned as an account management intern that “collaboration is an essential part of the advertising world,” according to Internships.com. At advertising and marketing agency Ferrara & Company, McGuire ensured creative projects were on schedule, tracked market trends and researched brand competition. But among the various tasks, experiencing the effects of collaborative teamwork and flexibility during ad production was most noteworthy for McGuire.

Both Gillhouse and McGuire can use their experiences of submitting press releases and collaborating with teams as marketable stories to share with potential employers. Internship work is preparation for the workforce and offers a launching point for a promising career path. Explore the variety of internships available through your university or the CreativeInterns network?

Creative Talent Needs

Creative talent is at the heart of a business, and the ability to adapt to a changing world helps a business grow. Cutting-edge ad agencies need young creative stars with innovative minds and an educational foundation. A business degree in advertising or marketing serves as the cornerstone for a young person’s prosperous career. With so many options for receiving an education, ambitious advertising trailblazers in-the-making can start to embrace their talent starting in school.

Beyond a degree, what are industry power players looking for? Ad Age discovered the following:

The ability to produce a series of powerful, smaller ideas can be bigger than a single big idea. (PJ Pereira of Pereira & O’Dell)
Fantastic storytellers and a craft for creativity can lead to success in advertising. (Susan Credle of Leo Burnett)
Industrious young creatives know how to use the cool tools for executing an idea. (Con Williamson of Saatchi & Saatchi)
Writers need to frame an argument and persuade me. (Rob Schwartz of TBWA/Chiat/Day)

Also, portfolios adorned with confidence, versatility and a forward-thinking aesthetics stand out. And as for the candidates, ad agencies look for a good heart, interesting points of view, a diverse background, soulfulness, digital space fluency, a curiosity for technology and a Swiss Army knife skill set.

Article contributed by Paige Calahan from SocialMonster.org

May28

Career Spotlight: Michele Weisman of Likeable Media

Right before Memorial Weekend started, we had the opportunity to chat with Michele Weisman, PR & Social Media Manager at Likeable Media. Yes, @ottogrl! As you wine down from the weekend festivities, catch our interview recap and what it is like to work at a social media agency.

Creative Interns: What is a typical day for a PR & Social Media manager at a growing social media agency?

Michele Weisman: I’m a team of one and Likeable Media is a fast-paced and fast-growing company. I follow a yearly Marketing Plan with activities each month, but sometimes new tasks may come up. My typical duties include:

Creating daily content and monitoring Likeable Media’s communities on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and various social media networks.
Brainstorm and manage content for the company blog. Posts are published daily.
Establish and deepen the agency’s relationships with journalists, event programmers and brand marketers.
Book guests and help market the podcast, “All the Social Ladies,” hosted by Carrie Kerpen, Likeable Media’s CEO.
Founder and moderator of the agency’s weekly Twitter chat, #LikeableChat
Working closely with the sales team to help create content, such as eBooks, white papers and webinars to generate leads.

Last week, I launched “Shut Up and Listen,” a social listening e-book (available for download at likeableaudits.com) and I worked with the agency’s Creative and New Business teams to assist with the launch.

CI: What made you choose a career path in social media and digital communications?

MW: In 2008, I discovered Likeable Media during my sophomore year at Syracuse University (GO ORANGE!). A Facebook ad that was describing their internship program led me to a Facebook group (at the time, you could only post Facebook ads via a group) called theKbuzz. Likeable Media used to be called theKbuzz before being rebranded in May 2010. Since I already secured my sophomore summer internship, I applied to intern at Likeable Media one year later. I landed the position and at that time I had no idea of social media’s business implications.

After I completed the summer internship, Dave Kerpen asked me to be his executive assistant while I was still a senior at Syracuse. Once I graduated, I was offered the executive assistant position with a full-time offer. Likeable Media and its co-founders, Dave and Carrie Kerpen, have taught me everything I know about social media. I fell in love with the industry and the constant innovation and creativity. It’s amazing how you could be connected with anyone. It’s a fast-paced industry and it is such an exciting time to work in the social media industry.

CI: For news and updates in social media, what are your go-to resources and websites?

MW: I read a lot! I love LinkedIn Pulse. They have a ton of great content on there from LinkedIn influencers, connections and more. I also read Mashable, Ad Age, NY Times, Fast Company, Ragan, Buzzfeed, Inc. and Forbes. I also have different twitter lists to keep up with what my followers are tweeting about. Twitter is the main app I use.

CI: What is your most memorable moment at Likeable?

MW: Back in 2012, we put on a one-day conference called LikeableU. We had 400 attendees and 100+ speakers ranging from Peter Shankman, Jeffrey Hayzlett, Aliza Licht (@DKNY), Jeff Pulver and Frank Eliason. We also had representatives from brands including Red Mango, New York Times, CNN, Chobani, Twitter, Warby Parker, MLB, Cisco, LinkedIn, Hubspot, ESPN, Meetup, GetGlue, StumbleUpon and Eventbrite. I’m very passionate about event planning and really enjoy the process of putting together a big event.

CI: Give us one word to describe the corporate culture at Likeable.

MW: It may sound cliche but we are likeable. Staying true to its belief that it pays to be likeable, the agency is committed to creating a more likeable world by providing an entrepreneurial environment that is both rewarding and challenging for employees. Recent activities include potluck meals, food drives, forums, retreats, sport recreational teams, field days and professional development trainings. I’m lucky and fortunate to work in an environment that allows me to grow professionally.

CI: What advice would you give students looking to enter your field or even work at your company?

MW: The best advice I can give is to always be nice to people. You never know when you will need someone’s expertise or when you will want someone to introduce you to a particular person. Make sure that when people help you, you can help others as well. Paying it forward is always good. In addition, don’t be afraid to network. We live in a world where everyone is on the Internet, so try to use your social networks effectively!

To connect with Michele Weisman further, follow her on Twitter at @ottogrl.

May13

4 Ways to Land a Social Media Internship

The growth of social media has led to an increase in internships and opportunities. The rise of internships and opportunities also means an increase in competition. Stand out from the pack by adapting these 4 different ways to land a social media internship.

Use your social media accounts for professional good

According to CareerBuilder, 37% of companies search for potential job candidates on social media. With that said, use your social media accounts for professional good and successfully set up your digital footprint. Think about it, why would a company hire an individual to handle their social media platforms if they can’t handle their own? Companies are looking for individuals who are active on social media, transparent and yet professional.

Create a Portfolio

An online portfolio showcasing your work is a great way to set your self apart from others who are still depending on the traditional resume. Whether it’s your own dot com website or a video reel, you should have a shareable online portfolio that showcases your qualifications and experiences.

Superb writing skills

Knowing how to creatively weave a sentence together is a great skill to have when working in social media. Not only to mention, great grammar skills! A great social media intern knows how to get a message across in their writing and are also able to communicate well in short-form writing. Jonathan Sexton, CEO of socialgladiator.com says, “To me, someone with a good sense of wit and charm in their writing is appealing. Some of the best brands in social media have that combination and it’s attractive to users.”

Learn the responsibilities of a social media intern

Many neglect to understand that interning or working in social media is far more than updating your company’s Facebook status. It is also about math and understanding network analytics, data mining, research and content marketing. If you really want to stand out, learn how to use the Adobe Creative Suite. The programs included can help to enhance a company’s online community without outsourcing or hiring another individual.

May05

Landing The Job: Marie Alcober

Once you land your dream internship, where do you go from there? Many students take on internships with the hopes of coming out with a job. Although it’s never a guarantee, there’s always opportunity to put yourself out there and get noticed. Recent Ryerson University journalism graduate Marie Alcober shares insight into how she went from an intern to a web producer at the Business News Network (BNN).

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I’m a curious, fly-by-the-seat-off-my-pants kind of girl. I don’t shy away from new things and I’m not afraid to admit that I know very little. That’s what’s so great about the journalism industry. I get the opportunity to meet smart people and learn from their expertise everyday.

How did you first land your internship with BNN?

To be able to graduate, I had to complete an internship program during my fourth year at Ryerson University. The only goal I set for myself, really, was to do an internship that would really put me out of my comfort zone. I figured that this was my last chance to try something different before going into the “real world.” Initially, I had planned to do reporting in the Philippines, where I thought I could test my resilience. But when that didn’t pan out, I thought of the second hardest type of journalism that I thought I could never do: business. So I emailed my internship coordinator and she gave me a contact at BNN. I emailed the network’s executive producer and got an interview in two weeks.

What attracted you to this company?

The fact that it’s the only TV channel in Canada that focuses only on business and finance news. It’s a great place to have an immersive learning experience because you don’t get pulled into different areas of news.

What skills did you learn during your internship?

I learned to actually read reports—cover to cover. Journalism school teaches students to listen for “juicy quotes” but a lot of reporting is simply poring over documents. Surprisingly, in most cases the more interesting points are only glossed over in page one. You’ve got to dig deep.

How long did you intern with BNN?

Six weeks.

What was the most valuable thing you took from your internship experience?

When you throw yourself into a situation knowing that everything about it will be new and unfamiliar, it sort of gives you a sense of self like never before. That’s probably the most valuable thing I took from this—a self-assurance that I can dip my toes into all sorts of new and unfamiliar endeavors and not be afraid of them.

How did you turn your internship into a job?

The truth of it is, I simply asked. I let my supervisor know that I would make myself available for them if they ever need any help. I asked if I could stay on as an intern, so I could get the hang of everything, in case they needed someone to fill in during the holidays.

What role do you have within the company now?

I’m part of BNN.ca‘s web team. I edit and post videos and wire stories to the website. I also write mini-articles that go along with interview segments. Basically, I help make sure that the television segments are translated into web content that’s hopefully valuable to both the core BNN viewers and the wider online audience as well.

What advice do you have for other interns?

Don’t pretend like you know it all. The veterans will see right through you. And besides, it’s easier for you to absorb your surroundings when you let yourself become a blank slate.

May02

How Can Young Creatives Thrive?

Young creatives always ask this one question, “how can I succeed within my industry?” As a young creative we are constantly on the grind creating products and working with top startups, in order to reach plateaus of success. In doing so, we pursue money and power – two variables that inevitably come with success. However, we often miss the mark because we forget about the, important, third variable.

Just recently Arianna Huffington, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Huffington Post, published her book Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom and Wonder. Her book focuses on going pass those two metrics, which lead to burnout and stress-related illnesses. Arianna wants us to focus more on thriving and living a life of wellness.

So, how can young creatives thrive?

Pay it forward: We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded by societal problems that one individual can not solve. Don’t allow your bank account or your pursuit of the corner office, measure how successful you are. Rather, allow the change you create in another life to define your success.

Travel: “The best education is taking two worlds and comparing it. ” You truly reach plateaus of success, once you understand and embrace different cultures. Move past your comfort zone and see the world and what it can offer you.

Stay Fit: Your brain needs the right fuel to function properly in order to keep your creative mind spinning. This means eating the right foods and being active. You can’t succeed in your respective industry, if your health is falling apart.

Unplug: We live in an always on, always connected world. Take it from a public relations and digital marketing professional… it is great to unplug! Close your laptop, turn off your cell for a few hours and go out and create lasting memories with family, friends and co-workers.

Just live: Simply live life and be thankful that everyday you have the chance to do it all over again.

As Arianna Huffington said, “we have shrunk a good life down to two metrics of success: money and power, and this is like trying to sit on a two-legged stool; sooner or later you fall off.” Young creatives, do the work but never forget to thrive!