How I went from working in isolation, to harnessing the collective power of those around me.
This is the first post from the newly redesigned BalindSieber.com. While the original blog focussed on the production of Flash micro-sites, this new iteration intends to explore how brand strategy influences digital creative.
Hi. I’m Balind
I’ve revamped my site out of a desire to both connect with and contribute to the creative advertising community. Every project I’m involved in is the amalgamation of a slew of insightful minds, all of whom I plan to steal ideas from regularly… and place them here.
This will be the only entry that’s about me. After this it will be insight into digital advertising culture. This time however, it seems only fitting that I provide some context for the posts that will make their way onto this blog.
Some Background…
I found my calling building big budget Flash micro-sites for youth and entertainment brands. Like most young artists, I was so excited to be working in a wide open medium that my client became my ego. Passion motivated me to create something break-through with each project, the buyers satisfaction was a convenient by-product. This worked out well because the entire creative process seemed to revolve around me. I won fancy awards and got to be a rockstar wherever I went, which was FAN-tastic. I thought I was a leader.
A few years ago social media changed the game. Projects became larger and required a digital strategy. Brands began thinking about their long-term social footprint. Campaigns had multiple touch points that suggested connecting people as well as entertaining them.
Strategy became the new creative and I was being boxed in to an execution role. I reacted by shifting my focus to a broader view of the digital landscape. I began looking at everyone I worked with as a creative resource. I started to understand that true leadership was about providing more support, than direction.
I Now Care Less about Working on Good Projects than I do about Working with Good People
… Because good people will bring the best out of me and when I’m at my best, my friends and I can turn a mediocre idea into a great one.
I’ve found it’s more important than ever to maintain an underdog mentality. I’m a huge proponent of crushing it and I’m constantly seeking to associate with people of a similar mentality. I’ve found those are the ones I tend to stay in touch with over the years.
Why the Redesign?
When tablet devices came out, they had a dramatic impact on the way I viewed online media. I appreciated magazine articles because of the illustrations and graphic design. I enjoy consuming information in bite sized chunks rather than reading a long rant. I’d prefer to swipe rather than click. Content is king and good communication can be enhanced by visuals, layout and of course… interaction.
This isn’t a blog, it’s a workshop of my thinking, partially born from a rekindled love of learning.
How do I find time to do all this?
I‘m not ready to be the guy that works 9-6, then comes home and watches tv. One day I’ll be that guy but for now, I’m this guy. So… Welcome!
I hope this site helps bring me closer to people like you.
Leave a comment or contact me on Twitter.
