Immediate Opening for a Technical Director 26 Jan 2021, 3:58 am

JOB DESCRIPTION
Brandora, an award-winning boutique design and multimedia studio, located in Carrollton, Texas is looking for an experienced individual to join our crew and produce live-streaming video projects for one of our clients. Must be able to work in a live video editing environment and work well under pressure and tight deadlines.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Experience with Newtek Tricaster 2 Elite, or TC1
• Familiar with Behringer x32 audio mixers
• Understands Dante audio networks
• Understands NDI technology and can troubleshoot issues
• Familiar with PTZ controllers and color balancing, white balancing, focusing robo cams
• is an excellent communicator and able to take direction as well as offer advice
• Works well under pressure and can keep a live show going when problems present themselves

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Director in managing and running live video productions
• Switch live video sources from multiple cameras and inputs on an NDI network
• Setup and configure lighting, audio, and video equipment as needed
• PTZ operations (making presets, color correction, etc.)
• Able to mix audio for talent using mics and IEM’s (in ear monitors)
• Help with studio setup, equipment maintenance, configuration etc.
• Setup and tear down of sets or possible solutions to meet the needs of the client
• Able to setup and send various sources to down stage monitors
• Key greenscreen and create PIPs when needed
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must have experience as a Technical Director or equivalent (5+ years minimum in a studio and/or live video environment)
• Experience using Windows 10 Pro
• Must be highly organized and a great communicator
• Must be a technology wizard
• Must be comfortable around clients
• Available 4 days a week for a 3 month contract
• Proficient with Newtek Tricaster software, NDI streaming, and networks as well as traditional SDI connected video (Blackmagic or VMIX experience accepted)
• Have experience in all aspects of live video production and can act as a one man band if needed

This is a 3 month contract and may be extended!

APPLICATION DETAILS
Please send us your latest resume/reel and availability to start using the form below. NO PHONE CALLS!

How to start your own design practice? 8 Apr 2016, 9:23 am

According to estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 259,500 graphic designers in the U.S. and 24% of them are self-employed.  That means that approximately one out of five graphic designers is self-employed.  Even thought so many of us eventually end up working for ourselves, graphic design programs in colleges do not focus enough (if any) on the business aspect of running a successful graphic design practice so young designers are going into business unprepared and uneducated about business issues.

In the following article, you will find step by step guidelines on how to start your own design agency, drawn from my experience of running a small design agency for over a decade. This guide was written as a support material for my presentation at the 2016 National Student Show on April 8,2016, mainly to share some of the resources that I have found helpful. Enjoy!

First, you have to ask yourself the question: Why do you want to start your own business? Is earning more money, flexibility or more creativity the reason? Sure there are lots of perks but we also have to consider the con: are you ready to quit a 40 hour work day only to find yourself working 60+ hours and not always get paid. There are lots of things you would have to give up – financial stability, comfort, nights and weekends, hanging out with friends to name just a few, and in order to properly evaluate if this is the right path for you must figure out what are your personal goals.

Step 1. Figure out your goals in life

• What do you like to do?
• What would be your dream job?
• What skills do you have?
• What industries do you know about?
• What experience do you have?

Review your answers. So how do you know if it is going to be worth it at the end? By figuring out what are your long term goals and what makes you happy you will understand what values are important to you as a person and aligning these values with your business objectives will ensure that you are following right path for you.

CHECK LIST

This is a check list that will help you determine if you are ready to go out on your own or you need to maybe weight for a bit.

• Do you crave independence and lack routine?
• Are you self-motivated?
• Are you outgoing enough to enjoy talking about your work and “selling” with your portfolio?
• Do you want to freelance for other firms or agencies?
• If not, do you have enough contacts that could support your business?
• Do you like to wear different hats?
• Are you optimistic?Assuming your answer is yes to these questions then you can move on to do some research. If you have several no questions maybe you can benefit from talking to a mentor or another industry professional before you jump in the

Step 2. Research

• Figure out how much it will cost you to run a business. Calculate start up costs. Make a list of basic equipment – a computer and a phone, domain name and hosting, business registration fees, health insurance, accountant…
• Do you have any capital to cover initial costs?
• Learn about the industry and the competition
• Make an appointment with an Small Business Development Center counselor
• Take an accounting and/or business class
• Choose a mentor
• Write a business plan

 Resources for your research

1. SBA –  a good resource for all small business related issues
2.  Starting & Managing a Successful Business (Score)
3. Community Colleges that focus on small business development such as the  Collin Small Business Development Center – (for Dallas locals)
4. Books
   The Successful Business Plan: Secrets & Strategies by Rhonda Abrams
   Six-Week Start-Up: A step-by-step program for starting your business, making money, and achieving your goals!
   

Step 3. Clarify your business concept

• Describe your business and spell out your business values
• What makes you unique?
• Who are your potential customers?
• How are you going to sell to them?
• What is the story you are trying to tell?
• What is your niche?
• Why should anyone hire you?

Step 4. Make it legal

• Find an accountant and advise with a lawyer
• Choose the right type of legal structures (Find out more info here )
  • Sole Proprietorship
  • Partnership
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • S corporation
  • C Corporation
  • Cooperative
• Register your business with your local or state government
• Apply for tax identification numbers

Step 5. Figure out how much to charge

There are three main ways to charge for design services:

• Per hour – Use this  online calculator to figure out how much your rate should be
• Per value – You might not want to bill hourly. You focus too much on the input side and are more likely to track everything in detail. Ideally bill per week, or per day if the project is smaller.
• A combination of both – I find this to be the best method. It allows me to list value pricing for the initial estimate and charge hourly for additional work.

Step 6. Have a contract

• Always use a contract no matter how small is the job
• Get a down payment or a retainer before starting the project – 50% is common
• Never negotiate your rate, instead negotiate the project scope
• Do not give final work files until you have been paid in full

PRICING AND CONTRACT RESOURCES 

AIGA Standard Form of Agreement
Business and Legal Forms for Graphic Designers
The Creative Business Guide to Running a Graphic Design Business by Cameron S. Foote

Step 7. Build a brand for your company

• Come up with a name
• Create a logo
• Get a domain and hosting
• Build a website
• Create marketing materials
• Create company pages on Social Media

Step 8. Get clients

• Network, network, network
• Get with the chamber of commerce or other professional organizations
• Ask for references and testimonials from previous clients
• Create a marketing plan and efforts
• Attend conferences
• Post updates on social media
• Be active in the community
• It’s who you know

In conclusion don’t get discouraged by all the things you have to do. Also, dream big and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone does. Know that even though there are some set backs, the rewards of owning a business are far greater than the set backs. Good Luck!

Immediate Opening for a Sales Representative 7 Feb 2016, 7:14 pm

Are you bored at your job? Do you want to fast-track your way to an exciting and rewarding career? Help a small boutique branding company grow by developing new business opportunities and managing client accounts.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Brandora, an award-winning boutique design and multimedia studio, located in Carrollton, Texas is looking for a motivated individual to lead the business development services for our growing company. Our clients include Google, Microsoft, Intuit, Top Golf, Nokia, Nokia Solutions and Networks, AMD, Ericsson, MESA Design Group, City of Westlake, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Academic HealthPlans and more.  In this highly flexible role, you’ll report to Brandora’s co-founders and use your well-honed business development skills to identify new business opportunities to support the revenue growth. With a strong background in sales and understanding of branding, graphic design, video, photography and multimedia, you will leverage your knowledge to identify new leads (individuals as well as corporations), potential areas of growth, potential strategic partners and negotiate, close, and manage deals.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• has a long history and experience selling products and services, preferably but not required in the communication arts field for various industries with clients, ranging from individuals to fortune 500 companies
• is an excellent communicator & networker with a large, existing customer base that includes key decision makers at fortune 500 companies, fast growing small to mid-size companies or startups, backed up by investors
• is a go getter with the ability to identify customer needs and solve problems

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Make new contacts, build new and maintain existing relationships, make telephone calls and in-person visits and presentations to existing and prospective customers.
• Research sources for developing prospective customers and for information to determine their potential
• Create and manage a customer database with prospective and existing customers, highlighting profile, share and value opportunities.
• Oversee the quality of client services and manages accounts by keeping projects on time and budget
• Supply upper management with oral and written reports on sales activity, customer needs, problems, interests, identifies advantages, and potential for new products and services.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university/college
• 5+ years of direct sales experience
• Must be results-oriented and able to work off site with a minimal supervision and direction
• Must be comfortable making new contacts, engaging with existing leads and developing new ones
• Must possess great phone and email etiquette, strong organizational, analytical, presentation and written skills with an ability to lead design briefs and answer design related questions, and most importantly the ability to close deals
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite applications, contact management software, web navigation, Linked In and other popular social networking sites
• Expedites the resolution of customer problems and complaints.

We offer a contract to full time position on a commission basis and a flexible schedule with a huge potential for career growth!

APPLICATION DETAILS
Please send us your latest resume and availability to start using the form below. NO PHONE CALLS!

Aerial Photography with the DJI Phantom 2 16 Mar 2015, 1:52 am

We’ve taken our photography and videography to new heights (haha). Brandora has added a new piece of equipment to our growing collection of photography/video hardware. Our new quadcopter is a beautiful piece of equipment. We purchased a DJI Phantom 2 with a H3-3d gimbal and a GoPro 4 Hero Black to capture more than just ground level images. The skies really are the limit.

Look at this picture I took in the late afternoon as the sun was getting ready to set. I don’t have many negative things to say about this DJI Phantom 2 as it is very easy to fly. It has all the bells and whistles you’d want on a quadcopter – like GPS, auto pilot, return home, FPV capabilities, long battery life (15-20mins). The one downside is that the batteries are pretty expensive. Hopefully with enough luck, we’ll record some kind of UFO…how cool would that be?

Power of Ideas Editorial 16 Oct 2014, 7:27 pm

Recently, I have been taking a screen printing class and it reminded me of the time when I took printmaking in college. This illustration is a linoleum cut that I printed in black and white and then used for an editorial magazine spread about Gutenberg’s invention – the printing press. The original linoleum cut was huge, like 18X24 and it took days to carve out. Fun times:). The illustration represents the process of coming up with ideas, and symbolizes a light bulb. I think it is still relevant, what do you think?

Website Launch 16 Jul 2014, 6:48 pm

We are proud to announce the launch of our latest website – our own. We have been working feverishly for the past few months getting our latest projects online. It’s a very exciting moment for us and we hope you enjoy browsing our work. We love feedback and would like to hear from you. Leave us some comments below and let us know what you think.

If you need help with any projects, we would love to help. Contact us today, we are ready for your business.