My MCBS Multimedia Video Fine Cut

This is an assignment for my Media Communications Portfolio 5 online course.  My objective was to create a professional multimedia presentation reflecting on my time at Full Sail as well as showcase what I have learned and taken away from my courses.
Please view my revised video below.

Week 4 Project: Multimedia Video Resume

This post is an assignment for my Career Development online course.  My objective was to create a fun and informative video for potential employers or clients.
Please find my video below.

MCBS MultiMedia Video: Revised

This is an assignment for my Media Communications Portfolio 5 online course.  My objective was to create a professional multimedia presentation reflecting on my time at Full Sail as well as showcase what I have learned and taken away from my courses.
Please view my revised video below.

Week 4 Reflection: RISE Self-Evaluation

This post is an assignment for my Career Development online course.  In this assignment I am reflecting on my assignments, behaviors and how I utilized the information from this course.
Please find my video below.

Week 4 Reflection: RISE Peer Review

This post is an assignment for my Career Development online course.  In this assignment I am reviewing my classmates Loren Maxwell's week 3 project.
Below please find the link to Loren's project and my review of his project.

Loren Maxwell Week 3 Project: Mock Interview




Hi Loren,

First let me begin with you did a very good job with your interview.  Your video space was very professional along with your professional attire.  The audio aesthetics of your video was great.  After viewing your video I want to revisit mine and try a wardrobe change for each character.  Also, your delivery of your answers in the first video was very natural and well executed.

The biggest area I noticed that could use some improvements is in the video editing.   In some of the transitions from the interviewer to interviewee, there were breaks that tore apart the question and it seemed as if you interrupted the person asking the question.  I also noticed in the second video you did not seem as comfortable with your response.  Were these answers new for you or simply were you feeling rushed?  You may consider practicing your response with a friend or colleague that can aid with your comfort of your answer.  In doing so you will give yourself a dress rehearsal and get to hear how your answers sound.  This added practice run would allow you to determine how you actually feel most comfortable with your delivery.  The final item I think could use some improvement is in the same answers you seemed slightly winded.  You may consider slowing down and allowing yourself time to catch up with your thoughts.  This will help with you seem more relaxed and natural as well.

Overall your responses and examples were great.  I specifically enjoyed your greatest success story.  Using this example empowers your response to the biggest weakness question.  I also think the fact that you call their employees partners is very positive.  I am not sure if that is a company policy or just how you chose to refer to employees but the reason I think this is a positive way of describing them is because it is an example of how you view your peers in your own work environment.  They are people who help make a business successful.  This shows a silent example of how you connect with fellow employees around you.

In closing, you have a strong foundation for potential interviews.  I think with some adjustments this video will showcase that for potential employers.  I also think that with some added practice runs the answers to the questions in the second video will become just as well executed as your answers in your first video. 

Week 3 Project: Mock Interview

This post is an assignment for my Career Development online course.  In this post I am conducting a mock interview video.  The objective is to prepare myself for an actual interview.  I am to practice a professional and natural response to provided and created questions related to an actual job interview.

Please view my video below.

Week 3 Practice: Interviewing With Examples

This post is an assignment for my Career Development online course.  In this assignment I was to create a video telling to stories.  One a time where I failed and how I handled myself professionally and one where I had to manage a project.  I am to elaborate on what I learned and how I grew from each experience.

Please view my video below.

Revision Week 1 Project: A Tailored Resume

This a re-submission for an assignment in my Career Development online course.  In this assignment I was to create a tailored resume for a specific job opportunity.  The style of resume design I chose from Steve Harris's Designing a Resume tutorial the artistic resume style.  At this time I chose this specific style because it best fits with the design and layout of information I have to present.  While I like the looks of the other layouts I believe that to truly showcase my talent as a graphic designer this style is best suited for this job posting.
Please find the link to my resume below.
Felisha Ray Graphic Design Tailored Resume

Week 3 Analysis: Virtual Interview Preparation

This post is an assignment for my Career Development online course.  In this assignment I am preparing for a virtual interview.  I am to have a dress rehearsal with proper attire and location.
Please view my video below:

Week 3 Practice: Company Questions

This post is an assignment for my Career Development online course.  In this assignment I am to determine 5 questions I would ask at the end of an interview to determine if a potential position is the right opportunity for my career goals.  Please find my questions and notes below.

Will this position be specific for this company or is it a multi-client position?

      

     The reason this question is important to me is I am looking to work for an

     individual company or corporation.  I do not want to move into a role where I will

     be working for multiple clients.

Will this position require business attire or casual attire?

      

     My reason for this question is to gain an idea of the environment.  Generally I

     have found that in a business casual environment I am more comfortable.

Are you looking for an individual who works without constant direction?

     

      I am the type of person who takes a list of tasks and can complete them without

     being constantly reminded of the tasks I have to complete.  I do not like an

     employer who hovers over my work.

What do you consider an ideal Marketing Designer can do?

      

     Having a clearer idea outside of the described requirements of the position will

     give me a better idea of what they feel this position should really accomplish.  For

     example, some would describe a Marketing Designer as someone who has

     experience with brand development and other forms of marketing media and

     some people are really just looking for a graphics designer who can create

     promotional designs

What is the your team atmosphere like?

     

     Some employers have a group of individuals who never truly connect with each

     other and there are some who rely heavily on being able to work together to

     accomplish tasks.  I enjoy working in a team environment, especially when

     designing because I have the ability to gain insight from a different perspective

     than my own.

Week 3 Exploration: Company Research

This post is an assignment for my Career Development online course.  In this assignment I was to research my top target company.  I was to explore their history, core mission statement, corporate information that included addresses, influential personnel, and competition.
Please find my Prezi presentation and link below.

Pepsico Presentation

Week 2 Project: Network Email

This is an assignment for my Career Development online course.  In this assignment I am to draft a networking email letting my contacts know I am graduating and in the process of searching for a potential career.  I am to detail my situation and specific skill set as well as request a referral or to ask my audience to forward my information to the correct contact person.
Please find my email below:

Subject Line: Strategic Designer now Available!

Email body:

Hello,

     I hope your Monday has gotten off to a great start.  My name is Felisha Ray, and I have recently graduated from Full Sail University with my Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Media Communications.  I have been in the graphics design business for 5 years and have grown from a Customer Relations and Customer Consultant position into a Lead Graphics Design position.  My ultimate goal is to become a Media Strategist or Marketing Director for a business in search of a new and innovative design and marketing direction to reach their target consumer market.

     I have contacted you today, to help narrow my search.  I would greatly appreciate a referral from you for potential employers.  You have a unique perspective of the work ethic as well as quality of work I am able to execute.  Below I have provided links to my portfolio website as well as my professional blog that both showcase quality work from my time at Full Sail as well as designs that I have completed for my current employer.

http://www.felishahodges.com/

http://felishahodges29.blogspot.com/

Thank you for your help,

Felisha Ray

Full Sail University

felishahodges@live.com

Twitter: @felisha_hodges

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/felisharay

Week 2 Practice: Elevator Pitch

This is an assignment for my Career Development online course.  In this assignment I am to record an effective elevator pitch to a potential employer.
Please view my video below:

My MCBS MultiMedia Video

This is an assignment for my Media Communications Portfolio 5 online course.  My objective was to create a professional multimedia presentation reflecting on my time at Full Sail as well as showcase what I have learned and taken away from my courses.
Please view my video below.

Week 2 Practice: Networking

This is an assignment for my Career Development online course.  In this assignment I am to continue finding ways to build my network of like-minded media strategist and designer.  I am to research conference as well as other organizations to possibly join in order to grow my network of industry contacts. Below you will find my answers to the assignment prompts, links to conferences and organization/communities.

 Assignment Prompts:

1. Each one of these conferences are beneficial to me because they further the knowledge that I have learned here at Full Sail.  For example, the Digital Storytelling event will help inform me of new and innovative ways of digital storytelling.  Also that particular show would help with growing my network because it is being help during the 2016 Sundance Film Festival where many industry professionals will be.  The Digital Summit Dallas is local for me and touches on many topics ranging from design to how to measure audience intent.
2. I have listed the organizations below.  Each of them is a link to their respective websites.  I am interested in all of them.  I think each one will broaden my knowledge base as well as help continue to introduce me to industry professionals.
3. Organizations mission statements:

• AAFD: Provide thought leadership by discussing the latest trends in technology, creativity and marketing
      Protect and promote advertising within all levels of government
      Honor advertising excellence
      Support and grow future industry leaders via our educational Foundation
      Promote diversity in advertising

• DFW AMA: The mission of the Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter of the American Marketing Association is to educate, support, and enhance the performance of its members and marketing professionals in the DFW Metroplex.
• AIGA: As the largest professional association of designers in the world, AIGA is committed to advancing the value and impact of design, both locally and globally, and working together to inspire, support and learn from each other, at every stage of our careers.
• GAG:
  The purpose of the Graphic Artists Guild is to promote and protect the social, economic and professional interests of its members.
  The Guild is committed to improving conditions for all graphic artists (including, but not limited to: animators, cartoonists, designers, illustrators, and digital artists) and raising standards for the entire industry. The Guild embraces graphic artists at all skill levels. Our members include educators, intellectual property lawyers, artists representatives and others in related industries.
  
  

*** Each of the mission statements above were pulled from each organizations website linked to their names below.

 Organizations:

• American Advertising Federation Dallas 
• Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter of the American Marketing Association 
• American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) 
• Graphic Artists Guild

 Conferences:

• Digital Storytelling

• Digital Summit Dallas

• BIA/Kelsey NEXT

• iMedia Agency Summit: Creativity Meets Automation

Week 2 Analysis: Build Your Target List

This post is an assignment for my Career Development online course.  In this activity I was to create a Target employer list onto a spread sheet.  This list is to formulate which potential employers I want to work for, and store information such as job listings, contact information and progress on the applications status.  I will be able to continue growing my target list even after I graduate.  Currently most of the employers that I would like to work for are not in my network of people.  Having this list will motivate me to complete even more research to find who at the companies I can and should get in contact with.
Please find the link to my Google Speadsheet links to job postings and the image of the sheet below.
Target Employer List

Job Postings:
http://sites.vans.com/careers/corp/usa/openings/
http://www.levistrauss.com/careers/#find-a-job
http://www.pepsicojobs.com/en/job-detail?slug=82572BR&cult=en-US
http://gmibm.avature.net/careers/
https://jobs.adidas-group.com//job//56720501/?feedid=138901   

Week 2 Exploration: Build Your Network

This post is an assignment for my Career Development online course.  My objective for this assignment is to identify my network communities and take an assessment of how many members, strategies for improvement, and develop a specific goal on how to have a more effective networking presence.
Please find my infograph chart below.

Week 1 Analysis Discussions: Digital Presence SWOT Analysis

This post is an assignment for my Career Development Skills online course.  My objective was to create a SWOT Analysis of my professional social media accounts.
Please view my SWOT below.

Week 1 Practice: Skills and Keywords Mind Map

This is an assignment for my Career Development Skills online course.  In this assignment I was to create a mind-meld for resume information and sections for creating a resume.
Please find the image of my mind-meld below.

Week 1 Project: A Tailored Resume

This is an assignment for my Career Development Skills online course.  For this assignment I was to create a tailored resume for a specific job posting of my choice.  The style of resume design I chose from Steve Harris's Designing a Resume tutorial the traditional resume style.  At this time I chose this specific style because it best fits with the design and layout of information I have to present.  I like the look of the other resume styles but I feel after viewing the company website and layout traditional style is the best way to go.

Please use the link below to view my PDF resume:
Felisha Hodges Tailored Resume

Week 1 Practice: Cover Letter

This post is for my Career Development Skills Online course.  For this assignment I was to create a job specific cover letter. The objective for the assignment was to draft a professional cover letter that was specific to a position I would possibly apply for.

Please use the link to view the PDF copy of my cover letter.
Professional Cover Letter

Please use the link below to view the original job posting.
Hi-Line Graphic Designer Position

Exploration Week 1: What Can I Do with My Degree?

This post is an assignment for my Career Development Skills class.  In this post I am to identify what potential jobs, environments and other career related potentials will be available to me once I graduate.

Degree Description and Area of Specialization:

Media Communications is a degree focused on use of new media technologies to effectively interpret, create and deliver messages to a diverse audience across multiple media channels. It focuses on any method by which we communicate stories, ideas, concepts or experiences. As a graduate of Media Communications and currently having a position as a graphic designer for a local design firm, my specialization is in creation of digital designs, brand logos, brand development, marketing, media packages and marketing strategy as well as execution.

20+ Common Job Titles:

• Brand Development Manager
• Graphic Designer
• Marketing Manager
• Media Strategist
• Social Media Coordinator
• Art Director
• Multimedia Designer
• Brand/Product Manager
• Digital Strategist
• Creative Director
• Social Media Specialist
• Project Manager
• Infographic Designer
• Production Designer
• Interactive Designer
• Brand Specialist
• Tradeshow coordinator
• Print Designer
• Media Relations Manager
• Communications Specialist
• Media Supervisor
• Digital Media Planning Strategist
• Digital Marketing Strategist
• Production Artist
• Graphic Design Coordinator
• Public Relations Coordinator

10 Potential Employment Settings:

• Large Corporations (Vans, Adidas)
• Remote (home office, freelance)
• Collaborative Design Firm
• Government Offices
• Television Stations
• Hospitality
• Online Corporations
• Small Scale Business
• Franchise Style Corporations
• Multiple Client Firm (Fastsigns, Signorama)

All of the above related career environments present a unique place to be creative.  For myself professionally as well as personally, I prefer to work in a one-on-one environment.  My ideal environment would be to work for only one client and not be in a multiple client business.  I have worked as a graphic designer for a multi-client firm and found that my creative design time is very limited and stifled with to much distraction if there are to many clients needing attention.  I also have found that not having a space to be completely creative, such as an office with a view to the world outside limits creativity.

5 Relevant Skills Used in Industry:

• Communications skills
• Creative writing
• Self-motivation
• Design & Strategy development (Photoshop, InDesign, Premier/Final Cut, Microsoft Office, Prezi, & Piktograph)
• Organization & Prioritization

5+ Industry Career Sites / Publications:

• LinkedIn- Social Business site
• CMYK – Graphic Design Magazine
• IEEE COMSOC- Communications Resource Site
• Communications Arts
• McMag.com
• GreatInsuranceJobs.com- Career finder site

Professional Associations / Organizations:

• NCA – National Communications Association
• AMC Pros- Association of Media Communications Professionals
• IABC – International Association of Business Communications
• AWC – Association for Women in Communications

Salary Information & Resources of Information

Payscale.com

Ineed.com

Work.Chron.Com

Salaries were very different from position, and location.  The general salary amount for entry-level ranges from 32,500$ to 48,000$ for Bachelor’s Degrees, and the range for individuals with experience in their desired field or career is 48,000$ to 110,000$.  All salaries are for annual incomes.    

Week 4 Exploration Media Anthropology

This post is a video exploration activity for my Media Anthropology class.  My objective was to read and review a chapter from our text book Encyclopedia of Cyber Behavior.

Media Anthropology Week 3 Project: Banksy

This post is an assignment for my Media Anthropology class.  For this post my objective was to create an infographic with working links about the famous street artist known as Banksy.  To view my infographic please utilize the link provided below.

Week 3 Project: Banksy

Week 3 Media Anthropology Analysis: Citizenfour

The following post is for my Media Anthropology class.  This video is my analysis on the film Citizenfour.

Week 2 Project Media Anthropology

The following post is for my Media Anthropology class.  In this activity we were tasked with creating a flyer to be attached with dollar bills that are released in to the air by South Koreans for North Koreans.  We were also tasked with giving a description of why we chose to create the flyer and describe based on research materials we felt it would be received.

     

 Today everywhere we look there is someone less fortunate than us.  In the North Korean culture they are taught to believe everything is fine because their leader says that it is, but when you take a closer look into North Korean life it is actually very different.  It is beyond heart breaking to know that if a mother cannot find the energy or finances to take care of her children she will send them away.

     As I watched the film Secret State of North Korea, I began to realize just how despairing the situation truly has become.  In the film there was a girl whom had defected to South Korea in order to have a better life.  She stated that when her friends saw her, (on the television show she is a part of) they say that she looks so different because she never used to smile while she lived in North Korea. (Jones, 2014)  

     Another piece of the film that moved me was the images of the orphaned children.  In the videos they are shown just asking for ten cents, so that they can by food (Jones, 2014).  As I began my creating my designs, I thought of those children.  They need hope and something to have that will tell them there is something beyond the despair.  These children know starvation, how it feels to loose their friends and how it feels to be completely alone.  What they should know is that there are people who care, that they are not forgotten, and that there is hope for a better life.

     I decided to create an inspirational flyer that portrayed the idea of something more.  The creation was a little more difficult than I expected, but after viewing the film I know that the flyer cannot be blatant in it’s message against life in North Korea.  In my design I made sure to include elements that would be familiar to the North Korean culture, such as the North Korean flag and a cherry blossom twig.  The words I used give a message to look past what is displayed and to not allow circumstance to hinder what could be.

     I gathered that the movement wants to free the people of North Korea from the oppression that they are currently suffering from.  I believe the change that has started to happen is in part due to exposure to the outside world, but also due to people wanting more from life than to settle in hopelessness.  Sharing a message to see beyond that will help encourage North Koreans to continue to try and better their lives.

Resources:

Jones, James, (2014). Secret state of North Korea. Frontline. Pyongyang, North Korea: PBS.

Week 2 Exploration Video Media Anthropology

This post is an assignment for my Media Anthropology class.  I am to read a chapter from our text book Encyclopedia of Cyber Behavior and share my thoughts with my fellow classmates.  Please find the video embedded below.

Media Anthropology Week 1 Project

Below is a video for my Media Anthropology online course.  In this video I was to view the 4 part series The Century of Self and Manufacturing Consent.  The video is my view on the history of media in democracy, government, and today's society.

Week 4 Revision: Business Plan Infographic

This post is an assignment for my Media Entrepreneurship Online course.  The below infograph is an updated infograph for my business plan.  My objective is to consider all of the areas of a business plan that I have been formulating this month into one consolidated visual piece.

Week 4 Reflection: RISE Self-Evaluation

The below video is an assignment for my Media Entrepreneurship Online course.  In this video my objective is to reflect on my projects and time in this class.  I am to address the RISE self reflection format.

Week 4 Reflection: RISE Peer Review

This post is an assignment for my Media Entrepreneurship Online course.  In this post I am to review a fellow classmates business plan and preform a RISE peer review.  Please find my classmate Lauren Maxwell's project linked below as well as my review.

Loren Maxwell Week 3 Project: Final Business Plan



Hi Loren,

First let me begin by saying your plan is very well organized and laid out.  You were very detailed in your business plan.  Also one more item that I very much enjoyed is the graphic utilized on the title page.  Another element that I really liked of your plan was the Executive Summary.  The reason this stuck out to me so much is because I myself felt a little lost with this section and yours was beautifully written.

Your work is always of the highest caliber, however I am curious why you had not chosen a freelancer for your company yet?  I do understand that this business is just an infant but the reason I pose this question is if you are going to utilize a freelance you should research artist in your area.  It takes time to find a designer that will not only listen to your ideas but can effectively produce usable artwork.  You may want to simply email a few in your area and asked to view their portfolio.  Viewing a designer or videographer’s work will let you know if their style will work for you or if they are very flexible with types of work they can do.  Another item, although I like charts to break-up a lot of text I believe the chart under “Barriers to Entry” is not necessary. I think that your statements regarding technology are already strong points without the chart.  Also most truly successful companies and businesses are not only very technologically savvy they continue to keep the most current technology available.  Overall your business plan is a great one and I want to elaborate on my plan more after having read through yours.  I believe that if you complete a little bit more research regarding the freelancer position that you can add more information regarding cost and have a clearer idea of whom and what you can expect from the freelance position.  To continue the very professional plan you already have removing any unnecessary charts or graphs will also be an advantage.  One other item that I noticed was missing was that you did not use a company logo.  I am curious was this intentional?  I do not think you have to use a company logo but it will present a more professional look for potential investors or clients.  When selecting a company to do business with most consumers want to feel that the business they choose is well established so utilizing a company logo or brand will give a sense of that as well as help with brand recognition.

Week 3 Project: Finalized Business Plan

This post is an assignment for my Media Entrepreneurship Online course.  This assignment is to compile all section of my business plan for FH Design & Strategy into one single document.  Please find the link to the PDF document below:

FH Design & Strategy Business Plan

Week 3 Practice: Elevator Pitch

This post is an assignment for my Media Entrepreneurship Online course.  This is a video pitch for my business FH Design & Strategy.  The objective for this assignment is to create a pitch for the business in a 30 second video.

Week 3 Practice: Marketing Decisions

This post is an assignment for my Media Entrepreneurship Online course.  In this assignment I will be brainstorming ideas for marketing utilizing a Venn Diagram.  My objective it to discover the best means of marketing for my business.

Week 3 Analysis: Financing

This post is an assignment for my Media Entrepreneurship Online Course.This post is a Prezi presentation regarding financing for my business FH Design & Strategy.  My objective for this assignment is to determine start-up costs and funding for my business.

Week 3 Exploration: Graphic Designer & Artist Coach

This post is for my Media Entrepreneurship Online course.  This post is an exploration video regarding two different case studies.  My objective was to reflect how I felt about each case study and describe which one I most related to and what I learned from them.

Week 2 Project: Business Plan - Part II

This is a post for my Media Entrepreneurship Online course.  The below post is a continuation of my business plan for FH Design & Strategy.  This portion is part 2, in this section of the business plan I detail the industry analysis and trends, target market, and the competition for my business.

Industry Analysis and Trends – Currently in the marketing and design business more and more companies are becoming familiar with the idea that great marketing will lead to a greater success with their target audiences.  In the last five years that I have been working in the design & graphics business I personally have seen the change from hearing clients say I want the best I can get for the least amount of money to I want the best designs and marketing items possible.  Business owners have become very aware that competition that have better graphics and promotional items that their target audiences actually relate with are more successful than those who have just basic items for marketing.  

• Industry Overview – Currently in the marketing and design business we are seeing a huge growth in transmedia marketing.  Customer bases want to buy from businesses that are interested and current in the things that they are interested and participating in.  Social media marketing has enabled customers to be more connected to the world as a whole and to view real world views on all kinds of topics and businesses are taking advantage of this unique type of marketing.  Another great tool is having your audience be familiar with your brand and logos.  For example the NIKE swoosh has been around for years and wherever a customer sees that symbol they immediately know that whatever they are looking at is a NIKE item.
• Market Opportunity – My business has great potential.  After some research I found that most media strategist are working for a particular corporation or business.  There were none that I could find that were independent strategist.  Another opportunity that arose for FH D&S is that most graphic designers are only graphic designers and do not offer a full media marketing strategy along with brand and logo development.
• Barriers to Entry – Getting clients to fully understand what exactly they are getting from having a media strategist and graphic design company.  Even though a business knows they need to market to their clients they may not truly understand how to be successful at marketing and how having someone give them a plan of action will benefit them.  Another challenge that has recently been faced by our company is the type of clients that are the ones who want results before they agree that they need that type of service.  You cannot guarantee a specific number before the plan is executed.  
• Long-Term Opportunities The long-term opportunities that are currently projected are that it is clear consumers want to feel connected to whatever company they choose to buy from and we have not seen a change in that trend at all.  Another change that has become a reality is just how evolved consumers are in social media.  Knowing these two items it is clear a company or business that does not know or have a true course of action to market in these areas with a truly recognizable brand will not get the results or business that they are seeking.

Target Market – Our target market are business that range from small scale to large international conglomerates.  Any business or firm that utilizes marketing and branding is a potential client.  Even business that already have a logo but does not have an effective marketing plan are in need of a true strategy to reach their customer base.

• Market Description –Marketing, and design is the field we are targeting.  Clients that we are seeking are the ones who have grown tired of just a cheap logo or flier design.  We want clients that have a clear idea of where they want they business to be but are unsure of how to truly reach their goals.
• Market Size and Trends – According to IBIS World, there are 108,577 graphic design businesses.  Also IBIS World states on their report that there are so many graphic design businesses that no particular firm accounts for more than 5% of the business.  They also state in their report that 92% of the graphic design businesses only employ one employee.  The positives that they report are that the business demand are growing in the graphics design business.  A trend that was noted on howdesign.com was that more and more design firms are investing in their clients small businesses to earn revenue in addition to selling their designs and design time.
• Target Customers – FH Design & Strategy’s ideal client is a business or corporation that is ready to execute and effective marketing strategy and campaign with a brand identity that sets them completely apart from their completion.  An excellent candidate would be a business or corporation that has had misguided marketing or a very weak brand identity and are struggling to reach their target audiences.
• Market Readiness – The industry of marketing and design is growing rapidly because businesses and corporations have become very aware of the importance to not only reach the customer bases but to continue to have a strong presence with those audiences. 
• Strategic Opportunities – Our biggest advantage is that we offer both design and marketing strategy.  Our clients will not be left with just a design and no way of how to market their companies.  Most design firms only design, but our company offers a plan of action and tools to market successfully to each client’s specific audiences.  We research their target audiences and the best ways to reach them.  When our clients plan and design development have completed they will be able to successfully market themselves with much greater success than just having a logo and design elements.

The Competition – Based on research that has been done there are many design firms in our local area but media strategist are mostly employed by larger companies and do not offer services to any other businesses.  Even though there is completion in the design field their clients still need guidance on how to market and what items will be the most effective for their business.

• Competitors – Since there is not another business that offers the type of service we do I can only list three design and print shops in our area they are, Fastsigns, Quicksigns, and Signarama.
• Advantages – Each one of the competitors listed offer the same service, they each offer design, printed products such as fliers, banners, and vehicle graphics.  Our advantage over these shops is that again they only offer the design and products but not a way for their clients to truly be effective in marketing.
• Barriers to Entry – At this time other than our company being very unknown in the business we do not have very many disadvantages in our current market since we are the only company that offers the exact service that we offer which is design and marketing strategy.
• Strategic Opportunities – Our company offers a way for our clients to market to their target audiences.  We give our clients the tools and plan to execute a successful marketing strategy.  None of the completion offers anything similar to this for our clients.  Currently we can collaborate with print firms to offer printed-paper marketing items that will work hand in hand with the strategies we offer our clients. 

Resources:

Ibis World (August, 2015). Graphic designers in the U.S.: market research report. NAICS 54143.  Retrieved from

http://www.ibisworld.com/industry/default.aspx?indid=1412

Sherwin, David (July 13, 2015).  9 ways to increase profits for your creative business. Howdesign.com. Retrieved from

http://www.howdesign.com/design-firm/increase-profits-creative-business/