LAC Students attend the AAF RDU Leadership Summit – Advertising Tunes up in Rough Times

Without question, the economy and current global events have caused us to re-examine the world we live in from several different aspects. Industry professionals from Ogilvy, Howard Merrell & Partners, McKinney, Capstrat and Craig Jackson & Partners bring to us the inside story on advertising discussing traditional media, recession, strategy, branding and understanding cultural trends held at the AAF RDU Leadership Summit on Wednesday, November 18. Living Arts College – School of Communication Arts joins in with 18 students to hear from top advertising executives in the triangle. The main presentation was filled with lively, relevant discussion on advertising. LAC Instructor, Vince Gardner and School Director, Debra Hooper asked very poignant questions about how these companies are differentiating and parsing the new social media landscape.


“Newspapers are not dead, they are more customized.” - Kathy Pepper, Ogilvy
Is traditional media important given the major web trends in marketing and advertising? Kathy Pepper from Ogilvy discusses newspapers and their place in modern and digital media. Though newspapers appear to be a more primitive outlet for the news her opinion is it will remain, yet will be more customized.
Managing a recession in advertising requires strategy. Some key points the panel discussion board provided include: Investigate how you are investing; Acquire new accounts and tap into new industries; Build your business and reinvent your brand; Ensure clear communication and team morale. As for instance, are you sticking with the trends going “Green”? How does your target market consume media?
“Clients all want more for less.” - Donna Mercer, Howard Merrell & Partners
Clients will always want more for less in a struggling economy. Donna Mercer from Howard Merrell & Partners suggests diversifying a department to accommodate a Clients’ need and, in turn, business grows. You have a unique opportunity to get them to give you a try. Know your Client, and design your advertising to appeal to them.


Simplifying complexity, a good reputation, innovations, strategy, marketing, teamwork and execution are all important aspects to consider when choosing an agency which is why branding is important as well as a diverse portfolio. Focus on all aspects of your business not just cash flow.
“The concept of “flat” organizational business structures and professionals being agile, flexible and versatile were other key points of discussion. The upcoming BA program in Interactive Media Arts is designed to meet the challenge of training students to be “business creative social marketers” in today’s ever-changing digital landscape! ” - Matthew Kelly – Assistant Director of Education
Now let’s talk about creative and media strategy for the recession! Mobile social marketing is not only a current and “big idea” trend it has had a great impact with corporations. Students entering into advertising should have working knowledge in digital media, good work ethics, and real world experience, write well and integrate this into every day life to stand out in the crowd.
“I thought the Summit was very interesting and informative. It was a great networking opportunity and a great chance for anyone looking to break into the industry.” - Holly Rowland, Current LAC Student
All presenters could not stress enough the importance of new professionals being digitally savvy and having a passion for their trade. Virtually most businesses can make it in a thriving economy, but only the best businesses make it during the tough ones. Success happens when we focus on managing our assets, ourselves, employees, clients as well as keeping up with the trends.







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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

LAC Graduates and Students Join Forces with Local Studio and Magazine

Living Arts College (LAC) is proud to announce that five graduates and students joined Creative Force Studios as they produce a brand new television show designed to spotlight local area nightlife.
Creative Force Studios in collaboration with Social the Magazine will premiere a new television program “Social in the City.” The first episode is set to air December 5 at 7:30 p.m. on CW22. The show highlights the trendiest “hot spots” offered in the Raleigh-Durham area. Interviews will be conducted with local and national celebrities, fine dining restaurants, upscale clubs and bars, along with the local “fashionistas” to demonstrate Raleigh-Durham’s marketability among the nations’ “hottest cities.”
The graduates and students of LAC, Eric Njoroge, Jessica Barfield, Billy Orlando, Blake Godfrey and Josh Baker joined the production crew as camera operators, production assistants, lighters, gaffers, etc. They will embark on a journey with the show’s host Donna Maria as they travel from one location to another aboard the “Social in the City” tour bus.
The graduates and students were on location with Creative Force Studios to start the production November 20.
For more information regarding future productions of “Social in the City” visit www.creativeforcestudios.com or contact media partner, Social the Magazine at www.socialthemagazine.com.

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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

Distinguished Advertising Creative to Deliver Graduation Address at Living Arts College

Michael Winslow, Creative Director/Brand Visualizer will deliver the graduation address at Living Arts College’s fall commencement Thursday, December 17.
The ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the College’s Stars Theatre. Following the ceremony will be the viewing of graduate work and demo reels.
Mr. Winslow has been a Creative Director and Art Director for 30 years. He has won numerous national and international awards, including Gold and Silver Pencils from the One Show, Art Directors Club of New York Gold Medals, New York Film Festival Awards and the Steven E. Kelly Award for the best magazine campaign in an international competition. His work has been recognized by the One Show, CA Annuals, Clios, Graphis Magazine, ADWEEK, AD AGE and PRINT.
Mr. Winslow began his career at McKinney & Silver in Raleigh, NC as the agency emerged to become one of the early national and international powerhouses of creativity outside of New York. While at the agency, he helped build strong branding campaigns for North Carolina Travel and Tourism, Piedmont Airlines, Benihana, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Fannie Mae and GoodMark Foods.
Mr. Winslow was a partner and Creative Director for Rockett Burkhead & Winslow (RBW) where he developed differentiating and successful brand stories for Duke, GSK, Volvo Trucks and CORT. During this time, RBW became the largest independent agency in the Southeast.
As an Art Director, Mr. Winslow was named one of the top 100 young people in advertising by AD AGE MAGAZINE, twice named to the ADWEEK All Creative Team and recognized for outstanding creative by the London International Awards.
Mr. Winslow is a graduate of East Carolina University, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree.
Admission to this special session is by invitation to anyone interested in working in the design arena that might benefit from high level input. Families of the graduates of the School have an automatic invitation. Others may simply phone the School at 919.488.8504 to reserve an invitation.
Red Carpet Seminars feature some of the world’s leading professionals in filmmaking, digital imaging, audio production, game development and interior design. Seminars announced as schedules permit.

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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

When Your Networking Gets Rusty

“If I didn’t go to LAC, I would have never had the opportunity to work on this project”, says Ryan Harmon. The pilot premier of The Rusty Bucket Kids Club: Adventure of the Magic Glasses Movie was held at Living Arts College (LAC.). Friends and family of the cast and crew, un-deterred by the rainy night, filled the Gallery to see the first post production viewing of John Demers’ TV pilot. Local actor and producer, John Demers, graciously addressed an audience of cast and crew for the experience of working on this project with them. “It takes a great amount of talent, time and dedication to bring such a vision to the big screen and I couldn’t help but be prideful as the credits rolled of how many LAC students are credited for their contributions to the film,” said Karen Hemphill, staff member at LAC.





















As mentors, we always encourage students to participate in events related to their industry. The Peak City Film Festival, located in Apex, is just such an event. Tickets for film were sold out for days and according to the website, a limited amount tickets were re-released for Friday night’s Feature Film “The Rusty Bucket Kids Club: Adventure of the Magic Glasses Movie”. Available tickets went for $50, twice the original price. “Sold Out” may have disappointed some, but our students can associate the press coverage project within their demo reel and resume.
The power of the network that extends from LAC once again can be exemplified by this event. Talking with student, Ryan Harmon, we revisit his path to opening night. Audio Instructor, Craig Brandwynne, understands the integral value of his network as a creative professional and demonstrates this understanding and its value to his students every day.
“JD, producer John Demers, asked Craig if we would do the audio on his film. Craig extended the invitation to us (his students.) I am a musician and songwriter scheduled to graduate next month with my degree in Audio. In August, I wrote The Last Ride, the ending song that plays while the credits roll. I played both banjo and guitar while G.W. Pierce sings. The Album debuted at the Peak City Film Festival and I will earn royalties too!” Ryan adds excitedly there at the end.
Ryan’s involvement didn’t end there and subsequently more students became involved with the project, Kord Chandler and David Pruitt to name a few. LAC students are credited for their contributions to location and post-production audio.
It is well understood that if you excel in class you will be recognized by the industry and opportunities will come to you. Who is in the Industry? Well, arguably we all are. The moment a student enrolls in the Audio program a students degree of separation from successful working individuals is reduced to the power of two maybe three. With hard working faculty pushing students to be the same, students can take great pride in how their names made it to the credits rolling before an audience on opening night.

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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

Lights! Animation! Passion!

Former executive of Disney and Pixar’s Animation Studios, Doug Nichols, made the stage at Living Arts College (LAC) presenting, “What Studios Want: Getting in and Staying Ahead.” Mr. Nichols has over 20 years of experience working in the animation film industry and has managed both Pixar Entertainment Studios and Disney staff.

Students welcomed Mr. Nichols with open arms as he provided insight into the working world of digital animation as a highly rewarding and competitive field. He expressed the importance of making a great impact, as a talented animator is not all it takes to succeed in the entertainment industry. If animation films such as “Finding Nemo”, “Up”, “Mulan” and “Fantasia 2000” ring a bell, then one could only imagine his passion. He is admired in the entertainment industry as a production professional that has contributed his knowledge and expertise on what studios look for in an artist.



















“Your name, exceptional work and interaction with people will never go unrecognized”

- Doug Nichols

Being talented alone is not all it takes to make a great impression with an employer. Teamwork, relationship building and maintaining a good name in the industry will do wonders in maintaining a career in a most highly competitive field. Mr. Nichols expressed the need for passion to strive and sustain a creative career in both animation and game design. When you have the passion working overtime doesn’t seem so bad, which calls for the saying, “time flies when you are having fun.” How’s that for a career?













“Find it, define it and execute!” – Doug Nichols

As the discussion moved forward, Mr. Nichols covered the key points of success and how to get the job you want. Plan your career by creating goals, know your skill set and define it. Once you are skilled take it to the next level and execute your design. Animation is a talent driven business and “the best get the best” jobs so let your work speak for itself. Your reputation will follow you, respect your colleagues and partners, present your work with open critique and never burn any bridges. Setting goals will help execute the final result and land you a dream job.













The presentation ended with a few final words of wisdom from the “guest of honor”.

“The future of animation is very bright. While it is hard to predict where the industry will be in five or more years, one thing is certain, it will grow and there will definitely be more jobs.” – Doug Nichols
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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

A TRIP TO THE “BIG EASY” & SIGGRAPH 2009

New Orleans is known for its great food and music but this year the “Big Easy” had other
things on the menu. It was the home of the SIGGRAPH 2009 conference that Living Arts College students attended and enjoyed a feast of animation delights.

The SIGGRAPH conference and exhibition is a five-day interdisciplinary educational experience and commercial exhibition that attracts hundreds of exhibitors from around the world. SIGGRAPH is widely recognized as the most prestigious forum for the publication of computer graphics research.

“SIGGRAPH was a life-changing experience for me. I enjoyed my first flight, and the Big Easy was quiet an interesting town!” Amanda Conklin - student

“SIGGRAPH, as always, is an amazing and knowledgeable experience. I would recommend it to anyone in Digital Animation or Digital Media. Anthonie Jones- student

In addition to SIGGRAPH's leading-edge technical program, the conference's installations provide close-up views of the latest in digital art, emerging technologies, and hands-on opportunities for creative collaboration. The smaller venue made exhibitors and vendors more approachable, giving LAC students insights and networking opportunities.

“I liked talking to the people inside the company…it gave you a chance to learn about what you want to learn from someone who actually worked on games and movies!” Jesse Howard- student

“The professionals I spoke to were very inspirational.” Sasha Cheeks - student

The conference is home to the international SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival, showcasing works from the world's most innovative and accomplished digital film and video creators. Content included outstanding achievements in time-based art, scientific visualization, visual effects, real-time graphics, and narrative shorts.

“The overall global connections were overwhelming for me; I have never seen so many people from different countries in one location!” Clint Kernodle- student

The trip’s biggest surprise was the winners of various contests given throughout the conference. Current student Erin Nakagaki won the “Navida Challenge” drawing contest. Alumni Lacy Brown won two preliminary rounds and placed second overall and Jasimin Motley placed second in two art competitions. The experiences the students had at SIGGRAPH and the networking events they attended will leave a lasting impression on them and jumpstart their careers.

“…SIGGRAPH was a great experience and I’m gonna try to go every year from now on!” Michael Vitrano- student

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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

Pete Sekula

Red Storm Art Director & Living Arts College Alumni
Relentless Pursuit of Perfection

Do you ever wonder how the environments in many video games look so authentic? Living Arts College alumni, Peter Sekula shared with students how his position as Art Director for Red Storm’s game “Bio Shock” created the very realistic environments. Pete found himself in the jungles of Costa Rica. He had to take in every detail and put a team together to design an environment for “Bio Shock”. Pete said, “As an animator, you always have to think, life is a mirror to an immersive experience. How are we going to get characters to imitate life and how are we going to animate them?” “Companies are searching for animation talent that is awesome at their craft and their portfolio showcases their talent. A good portfolio must focus on believable movements”, reports Pete. As an Art Director at Red Storm Entertainment, Pete is responsible for hiring new talent. Musts for the “killer” portfolio!
1. Full body human movement.

2. Research the company. Be open-minded to new technologies.

3. Have “game ready stuff” to show.

4. Have a wire frame to show and how it was rigged and imported.

5. Understand the entry-level game position and how teambuilding ramps up in the performance of a game.

6. Learn the rules of production and expect to execute the rules.

It takes a team of people to develop a game at Red Storm Entertainment. The Art Director steers the ship (the game) from one phase to the next. It always takes one more layer to achieve where you really want to go with the game. “It takes a group of interactive minds to come up with one theme and run with it.” states Sekula. Visuals are very important to emersion in a story, so pictures have to draw in the gamer.

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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

HOW A DESIGNER COMMUNICATES…..

Storyteller & Former Walt Disney Imagineer Defines Story Telling at Living Arts College














The moral of the story, “we as designers must make ourselves accountable for results. Elevate the expectation of what design can do and in the end satisfy the requirements we are asked to fulfill.”

Kenneth Penkowski, partner and executive brand director for local advertising agency, Ulanguzi visited the College and told stories to the students.

In addition, he showed the Ulanguzi’s 2009 demo reel which displayed projects for highly respected clients and current ongoing projects.

Kenneth told the students three stories about his life in the design arena…the titles were quite catchy.

1. “It All Started with a Mouse”
Kenneth told the story of how he became a Disney Imagineer and how he uses what he learned from that experience in his work daily.

2. “For Rent”
Ulanguzi was referred to a development company to market their apartment complex. This wasn’t your ordinary apartment complex. These apartments were part of the wave for the “Go Green” revolution. He shared his challenges and accomplishments with the project.

3. “Come Fly with Me”
A Las Vegas helicopter tour company came to Ulanguzi in need of a new marketing technique or strategy. They had no problem selling the helicopter tours, they just wanted an easier way for customers to purchase the tour tickets. He shared Ulanguzi’s unique answer to the marketing dilemma.

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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

BDA/Promax Conference

…students got an eyeful of design ideas and a pocket full of business contacts!


BDA/Promax is the world’s largest broadcast design conference and for a group of Living Arts College students it bridged the gap between longevity and futuretainment.

From the honoring of Robert Redford for the Lifetime Achievement Award to the rapidly shifting world of broadcast design, this year’s conference hosted presenters that shared their insight and upcoming trends.

Living Arts College graduate, Matt Habit- “Robert Redford, WOW! Remembering his life and his involvement in film, was incredible!”

At the conference the buzz word was “Viral”. Viral is widespread popularity through the process of internet sharing. All eyes turned to the rapidly shifting world of broadcast design, motion graphics and the convergence of a new way of branding. In one of the sessions “Contagious” gave a profound presentation called “What is Advertising?” The session made the audience think about the “art” of getting people to forget they are watching an ad.

Students had many opportunities to mix with various professionals in the broadcast design community and to see samples of their great work.

Student – Kirsten Wiltjer- “It was fun; the work they showed was amazing!”

Student – Elisabeth Rauch- “I loved the Cartoon Network presentation! They demonstrated the logo process from start to finish!”

Through lively panels, exhibits, sessions, screenings and networking, the BDA/Promax conference provided three exciting days of dialog, discussion and displays of some incredible work.




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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

Close up with Top Photographers

Students Travel to “Look 3”


















Living Arts College students from the School of Communication Arts recently got an upfront, close up look at creative photographer. Students and Professor Eversoll attended “Look 3 Festival of the Photograph” in Charlottesville, Virginia sponsored by National Geographic magazine, Apple and Canon. This festival of creative image making that displayed the progression of photography into different media applications.

The College photography students enjoyed three days of gallery viewing, presentations and involvement with skilled photographers from around the world. All were eager to discuss their backgrounds, experiences and love of photography.

The students’ journey through “Look 3” started off with the World Press Photo 2009 North American Debut. The exhibit showcased photojournalism containing 196 winning photographers. Photos ranged from natural disasters to the Olympics in Beijing to a single full-time working mom caring for her six small children.

Each evening, the students had a chance to listen to renowned photographers. Some of these photographers were Sylvia Plachy, Martin Parr and Gilles Peress. Each photographer had a distinctive artistic style in their photography. Sylvia Plachy’s photographs have appeared in over 50 major publications and exhibited internationally. Her photography is acclaimed as “diverse, surprising, and humorous, transforming the elusive into the poetic.” Martin Parr is a contemporary photographer with a unique style and is very popular in the worlds of art, fashion and journalism. Gilles Peress’ photography represents the complexity of war and peace. He has documented events in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Lebanon, Palestine, and Rwanda.

Under the nights’ stars, the students enjoyed viewing the work of the most exciting and innovative current photography from emerging photographers along with nationally and internationally recognized photographers. The projections in the pavilion presented a dynamic cross-section of work from photojournalism to art. The photographers showed many images and added voice and/or music to accompany their work.

The final night of the festival, students celebrated the closing moments by meeting and shaking hands with some of the world’s most famous and renowned photographers. They met photojournalists from “National Geographic”, “Sports Illustrated”, “The White House” and “Aperture Magazine”.

The photography program at the College embraces three essential aspects of professional photography--camera technique, digital manipulation and business practices.



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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

WEIGHT OF THE RIBBON

A Perfect Evening with Curtis Brown

How do you describe Curtis Brown? Passionate, Artist, Designer, Independent, Actor, Photographer, Theatrical, Dancer, Loves a Challenge, Driven, Unique Style, Rooted in Human Emotion….. He combined all of these elements in “Weight of the Ribbon.”

The disease somber, the mood inspiring, when photographer Curtis Brown captures a moment the images transcend time. Curtis and dancers from the Carolina Ballet translated his concept into visual form through “the lens” with distinct expression and movement using a ribbon suspended from the studio ceiling.

Each inspiring image has an emotional journey of a breast cancer victim in their battles against the disease. The images depicted moments from strength and triumph to moments of defeat and collapse. Colette George said, “The exhibit was emotional and awe-inspiring.”

The “Weight of the Ribbon” gallery event brought in volunteers from all over the Raleigh area. The pictures were on display and available for sale with half of all proceeds donated to “Susan G. Komen For the Cure”, which funds breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment programs.












Curtis is a graduate of the School of Communication Arts. He studied Advertising Design with a concentration in Photography. To view his work, visit his website at http://www.curtisbrownphotography.com.



















































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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

THIS LITTLE PIGGY WENT TO MARKETING SCHOOL

The excitement was high and there was a “buzz in the domes” when former professor, Greg Carter returned to campus. Students never forget a fantastic professor that leaves an impression on their life as well as their education.

Greg Carter, owner of Cyber Piggy, shared with students how you can use creativity to “bring home the bacon”. Greg was never satisfied with the status quo; he took his creativity to new heights when he developed Cyber Piggy. Greg believes that creativity is the most valuable problem solving tool we have and he’s discovered ways to take life’s unpredictable challenges and turn them into marketable and result driven opportunities.

Carter said having a job where you have the freedom to think outside the box is invigorating and helpful in conveying a message. He uses this belief to work with a social network of thinkers. “BestThinking.com” is social network that is topic driven and attracts common “thinkers” to discuss and brainstorm. Check out BestThinking.com to see how Greg uses his animations to tackle major problems with a light hearted approach.

Students were encouraged to utilize the web for marketing their talents and to join social networks to create ways of meeting other “thinkers.” Using the web and animation to promote, tell a story or convey an idea is a successful way to live “high on the hog!”



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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

HOBBY TURNS INTO A GREAT CAREER

Raleigh’s Hottest DJ – Jason Wiggs

Jason Wiggs says, “DJing was a hobby until about a year ago. That changed when I started attending School of Communication Arts. I began acquiring the tools that I needed to create a great production and set out DJing professionally.”

Jason Wiggs is a sought-after disc jockey, best known as the resident disc jockey at The Oxford Gastropub in Downtown Raleigh. His experience, knowledge of music and mixing talents combine to display an unbreakable link between hip-hop, rock, pop, and top 40 to electronic dance music of house, breaks, drums and bass. His performance is a journey beyond the realms of music.

As a child his grandfather wanted him to learn true music appreciation. He gave him a symphony orchestra album and his love for music emerged. Growing up, he played the tuba in symphony orchestra and had a spot on the drumline in the marching band.

On his 18th birthday he received his first set of turntables. Using the self discipline acquired over many years of training in classical instruments he embarked on a more modern, newly acquired instrument and began the journey of musical exploration.

His most recent endeavor was his participation in Raleigh Fashion Week – Strut 09’. He provided music for the event’s producers with remixes, adding sound to video clips and performed all music selections live in conjunction with the emcees performances.

See Jason in person at The Oxford on Friday and Saturday nights in Downtown Raleigh.


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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

CONGRATULATIONS ALEX CENTENO-RODRIQUEZ

ROBERT F. LAUTERBORN ADVERTISING SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

School of Communication Arts salutes Advertising Design student, Alex Centeno-Rodriquez for being the recipient of the prestigious Robert F. Lauterborn Scholarship. The scholarship is presented each spring at the American Advertisng Federation’s Silver Medal Awards ceremony.

Alex is bilingal and calls Costa Rica his home country. Success is a characteristic that Alex is very familiar with. He earned his MBA from the University of Science and Technology in San Jose, Costa Rica and opened his design company, Merkados Interactive Partners in Raleigh, NC several years ago. Merkados designs and maintains bilingual websites and provides consulting services in Internet marketing.

It was not a surprise to the faculty and staff at the School when Alex won the scholarship. He has won two Best of Category awards at Gallery competition since beginning his studies at SCA. Alex picked up his first award at Fall 2008 Gallery Show for Stamp Collection Design and most recently at Winter 2009 Gallery Show for Illustration Design.

Stay posted...I’m sure we will hear more from Alex in the future.


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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

FASHION, MUSIC, DANCE... & MORE FASHION STRUT09

FASHION, MUSIC, DANCE …. & MORE FASHION
STRUT09

Raleigh Fashion Week was a celebration of fashion, beauty, music and dance. Brian Wiliams gleaned the momentum he gained from STRUT08 to produce an expanded fashion showcase.

The three day event featured fashion, music, and dance along with talent, healthy living seminars, vendor displays, trunk shows and evening runway fashion shows.

Brian Williams of Brian Williams Television tapped School of Communication Arts for talent in front of the camera and behind the camera. Audio professor, Craig Brandwynne and his company Center Sound Records sponsored the talent for the three night event.

SCA Audio students brought their time and talent to STRUT09. The crew included Nicholas Talford, Faith Langley, Jason Wiggs, Timothy Jamison and Calvin Clark, Jr., as well as alumnus, Frank Carbone.

Nicholas Talford was Technical Director for the main stage assisted by Calvin Clark, Jr. Graduate and artist, Frank Carbone performed Friday night on the main stage with a five piece backup group featuring Faith Langley. Frank credits Timothy Jamison with his great choreography.

DJ Jason Wiggs was named the official DJ of STRUT09 early on by Brian Williams. DJ Jason Wiggs was responsible for performing all music selections live and “on the fly” for each night. Jason determined the flow of the entire show through his music. He worked in conjunction with three different emcees and gave each their cues for what to say, when to say their next lines and brought the music in and out as they were speaking.

Looking forward to SRUT10.


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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

SCA STUDENTS “MOTIVATED” TO EXCEL

Bold, daring, determined and caring – that’s Karen Gilliam’s motto for life. The beginning of the Professional Development Day was the dawn of pursuing a life of excellence.

Instead of coffee to get your morning going, Karen Gilliam awakened students by having them stand up and “Stamp it Out” to Donna Summer.

Ms Gilliam encouraged students to “Live a Life of Excellence” by explaining what that means, why it’s important and how they are going to get there. Eight is her magic number. She demonstrated her eight ideas for excellence. Then she moved on to her eight areas of your life to work on to excel in everything that you do. In Ms. Gilliam’s plan to pursue a life of excellence you must:

1. Write down your accomplishments daily.
2. Find a mentor, someone who lives to make sure your dreams come true.
3. Avoid critical and negative people, surround yourself with positive influencers.
4. Take pride in your appearance.
5. Take your failures in stride and move on.
6. Live your life with the end result in mind.
7. Accept the things in life that cannot be changed.
8. Write down your definition of success.

Each area of your life must be defined and they are:

1. Spiritual Life
2. Family Life
3. Professional Life
4. Personal Development
5. Financial Life
6. Health
7. Community Involvement
8. Social Life

To keep the students motivated and the spirit within them alive Karen had the students dance their disappointments away to “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige. Tomorrow morning they are going wake up and look at themselves in a whole new way, they are going to like what they see in the mirror.


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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

4 P’s of MARKETING: PRODUCT, PLACEMENT, PRICING, & PROMOTION

Students decide their fate: Miserable or Marketable?

Laurie Muriel, Co-Director of the Professional Services Department spoke about being miserable or marketable at the quarterly Professional Development Day this week.

She shared with the students her philosophy of not waiting until your financial situation is critical, but to look ahead and plan the future with purpose. Discussion topics were about opportunities, missed opportunities and making your own opportunities. Career marketing with the “4 P’s of Marketing: Product, Placement, Pricing, and Promotion” was the highlight of the presentation.

The Product is YOU. Ms Muriel shared with students the importance of Career Marketing, “packaging” yourself and how it affects the hiring manger’s decision. Placement is about being in the right place at the right time, or creating your own opportunities. Pricing is not to underestimate or over estimate your worth. Promotion is about creating an “Elevator Pitch”. An “elevator pitch” is a brief introduction about who you are, what you do, resulting in an action such as setting up an appointment or handing out a business card. Students developed their own “elevator pitches” and delivered them to their peers on the big stage. It was great practice and a skill that will be needed by all students as they network and break into their respective careers.



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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

SCA TALENT “ROCKED THE HOUSE” WITH 17 DAZZLING ACTS

School of Communication Arts held their first talent show, hosted by the student government, MODIV this week. The much publicized and highly anticipated event filled the School’s theatre with standing room only.

MODIV had welcomed and encouraged all areas of performance creativity. Most of the acts were musical talents, such as acoustic performances, vocalists, bands and solo artists representing all genres of music.

One unexpected yet relished performance was that of “The Fish Stix”, a group of Audio and Film instructors who joined forces to present a compelling opening act. Their kick off song was from The Beastie Boys, which got the audience energized and “dancing in the aisles”.

Prizes were awarded for first, second and third place winners, which were funded by MODIV’s many fund raisers. SCA’s most popular student band, “Hidden Movement”, took first place performing two original songs earning them the first place large cash prize. Second place belonged to Johnny Carroll, who played the keys and sang an Anthony Hamilton piece which earned him two 311/Ziggy Marley tickets. Le’Shawn Troy-Rogers took third place with an original song.


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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

SCA In FULL BLOOM at SPRING GALLERY SHOW

An array of budding talent blossomed in the theater of SCA this week. There were flash designs, student films and maquettes OH MY! The Gallery Show proved to be “a sight to behold” with the use of vivid colors, exciting motion graphics, spectacular animations, entertaining student films and “wake you up” sounds designs.

Professor George LaChevallier entertained the audience with his quick wit and humorous stories while Professor Lena Corter handed out awards for categories from Electronic Media to Sound Design. The work shown at each gallery show continues to get better and better, which tells me that School of Communication Arts has the best talent in the country!


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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

Happenings in May @ School of Communication Arts

May 6th, 5-8pm
Spring 2009 Gallery Exhibition

The Exhibition showcases juried creative works of current students in Animation, Film, Audio Production, Advertising Design, Web Design, Photography and Interior Design.


May 7th, 9am-3pm
Professional Development Day & First SCA Talent Show

School of Communication Arts is very excited to be holding their first Talent Show hosted by the student government, MODIV.

Motivational speaker, Karen Gilliam will speak at 10am. A workshop by Laurie Muriel will be held at 11am on “How to Get a Part-time Job in These Challenging Economic Times”. This is in preparation for the upcoming Part-time Job Fair.


May 11th, 10:30am
Local Rock Band Defines the Importance of Branding
Ariel Down is Setting the Rules for “Breaking In” with Their Ideas About Music Promotion

Experience a national touring independent rock band based out of Raleigh, NC.


May 14th, 2-4pm
SCA Part-Time Job Fair

Are you looking for a part time job? Local non-industry businesses will be on campus advertising open positions and doing on-site interviews.


May 27th, 10:30am
Multimedia Expert to Present: “How to Prepare your Career for the Unexpected”

Plan to be entertained. Greg Carter’s work is wild and vivid.

Mr. Carter has designed print media for Reebok and Sports Illustrated and multimedia for Discovery Channel. He has worked on projects for Warner Brothers and the American Lung Association.


All events are open to the public and there is no cost. Media are welcome and encouraged to participate.

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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

Local Rock Band, ARIEL DOWN, Defines the Importance of Branding

SCA students will hear from members of Ariel Down … a national touring independent rock band based out of Raleigh, NC. They will spell out THEIR formula for success.

Members of Ariel Down will define the importance of branding whether it’s for yourself or a company. One of their goals is to help students educate themselves on how to be a business.

The band incorporated Autumn Rain Records, its own production company and record label in 2003. Each band member plays a critical function in the day-to-day operation and business of the band. Band members take on roles such as: marketing director, booking agent, public relations specialist, web designer, financial advisor and even tour bus driver.

The band prides themselves on their hard work, relentless attitude and high energy. Critics such as Benjamin Ray claim, “Ariel Down is one of the hardest working Indie bands in the country.”

“Shine” was released in February, 2009. The bands debut album, “Vision” was released in July 2006. Both records were recorded by John Plymale (Squirrel Nut Zippers, Meat Puppets) at Overdub Lane in Durham, NC and mastered by Greg Calbi (Springsteen, Dylan, Bowie) at Sterling Sound in NYC.

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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

Gregg Sartiano Mixing With a Master

Mixing business with pleasure, Gregg Sartiano has been in the final stages of mastering Warren G’s latest album. Working side by side with mastering mind, Bernie Grundman, has brought clarity to Gregg’s mixed tracks.

The sounds coming from Bernie Grundman’s mastering studio echoed the latest unheard tracks from Paula Abdul, Pussycat Dolls and Black Eyed Peas. Many of today’s greatest hits have been mastered by Bernie Grundman and Brian “Big Bass” Gardner. In that very studio, Professor Sartiano mixed with the masters as Warren G’s album was finessed into sonic splendor. Bernie stated that Gregg’s mixes are “clear and spacious”. “Coming from him when no one was around is a huge compliment,” Gregg said.

For the past five years Gregg has mixed all of Warren G’s music

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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

SCA students “BRANG IT” to the Real World!

School of Communication Arts (SCA) digital film students received a dose of “real world” experience as they helped in the taping of a television pilot called “BRANG IT.” Film Instructor George Sartiano, students Jeremy Person, Gaby Veray, Billy Orlando, Josh Baker, Jessica Barfield, Donny Biscardi, Jeremy Lewis and graduates Blake Godfrey and Stefan Byerly contributed as camera operators and production assistants in a major dance competition at North Carolina Central University this week-end.

World renowned choreographers RoRo, Kujo, ProZak, and Salah judged the event and held workshops for winners in each category. The SCA students didn’t know what to expect as the dance competition started. The level of dance captured by the students’ camera skills went beyond anything they had seen in their young careers.

When the production ended, the SCA students received high praise from the Executive Producer, Calvin Foster and the choreographers. They “bragged on” the professionalism of the students and graduates. High praise was given to their execution and level of competency in their craft. It was a successful production and a chance to “showcase” their SCA skills in a real world production environment.

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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus

Alumni Alex Carr “Sees Red” at SCA

Graduate, Alex Carr demonstrated his Sony “Red” camera as a three day guest speaker for the Digital Film students. Alex talked to students about the industry, but not only did he give them industry tips, the students were assigned positions in a “mock production.” As each student performed their duties, Alex reminded them of the importance of diligence and performing at a high level of professionalism. He gave constructive criticism about their roles and the importance of listening to a director while on set. Alex treated each student as if they were working in Hollywood, each student could appreciate his candor.

After the LA scenarios, Alex demonstrated the Red Camera’s functions and features. Each student saw the difference in picture quality and enjoyed learning new tricks of the trade from a rising cinematographer and a graduate from SCA.

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Debra A Hooper
Vice President/Director
School of Communication Arts
@ Digital Circus