HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 6/4/09 INSOURCE BOARD MEETING
Board members are now working out the logistics for transforming the
“Practice Makes Perfect: Effectively Managing Creative Services in
Today’s Corporate Culture” InSource event (with featured speakers Shel
Perkins and Steve Benfield) into a Webinar with each featured speaker.
Members will be informed as soon as details are confirmed.
New options for levels of membership are now posted when visitors to the InSource Web site click on the “Join” button, making it
possible for individuals to overcome any personal financial barriers to
membership due to these challenging economic times. Members are
encouraged to spread the word to others who may have an interest in
becoming part of InSource.
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 5/7/09 INSOURCE BOARD MEETING
The decision was made to transform the
“Practice Makes Perfect: Effectively Managing Creative Services in Today’s Corporate Culture”
May InSource event (with featured speakers Shel Perkins and Steve
Benfield) into a Webinar with each featured speaker. Due to the current
economic environment, advance registrations were lower than expected.
Making this change will allow greater participation for shared learning
about this relevant topic.
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INSIDE INSIGHTS
This month's interview features a
conversation with Shel Perkins, exploring some of the challenges that face in-house teams
today.
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE APRIL 2, 2009
INSOURCE BOARD MEETING
A meeting of the InSource Board of Directors on April 2, 2009,
discussed final planning details for the upcoming “Practice Makes
Perfect: Effectively Managing Creative Services in Today’s Corporate
Culture” event with featured speakers Shel Perkins and Steve Benfield.
This full-day event will be held on Friday, May 15, 2009, from 9:00 AM
to 3:00 PM at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey.
Cost: $100 for InSource members and $150 for nonmembers (includes
lunch). Please register today at www.in-source.org.
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SELLING YOUR SERVICES
The legend goes that blues master Robert Johnson sold
his soul to the devil at the crossroads in exchange for prowess in
playing the guitar. Relax, you won’t have to sell your soul. But if you
want to manage a successful in-house creative team, you’ll have to
learn how to sell your services to stay competitive and let people know
you’re there. Read the article, “Selling Your Services” in the June
2009 issue of HOW magazine written by Glenn Arnowitz.
Click here to read the article
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MARCH 12, 2009
INSOURCE BOARD MEETING
A meeting of the InSource Board of Directors on March 12, 2009,
discussed the revised organization and focus of InSource, a proposed
“Membership Stimulus Package” consisting of membership tiers and fees
to encourage InSource membership growth (including reaching out to
in-house creatives who are facing job loss), and InSource
administration issues. A warm welcome was extended to two new Board
members: Laurie Brammer (Vice President, Marketing Communications at
the Marshall and Ilsley Corporation based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) and
Marty Lenger (Creative Services Manager at Gordon Food Service based in
Grand Rapids, Michigan).
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INSIDE INSIGHTS
InSource periodically conducts conversational
interviews with individuals who have insights to share, speaking
directly to the needs and interests of in-house creative teams. The
first interview of this series with InSource President Andre Paquin
explores the transformation of corporate creative teams into thought leaders.
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FEBRUARY 5, 2009
INSOURCE BOARD MEETING
A meeting of the InSource Board of Directors on February 5, 2009,
focused on a wide range of ideas regarding current expectations and the
future direction of InSource. A reorganized approach – according to
functional areas – for the work of the InSource Board was discussed.
Increased involvement/ participation of InSource members is critical to
the ongoing success of InSource as a resource for in-house creative
teams.
Four priorities for 2009 were discussed:> to create a member-centered organization
> to build the infrastructure with members
> to facilitate exchange between members and
> to build community.
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ANNUAL INSOURCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
The board of directors of InSource held a full-day meeting on January
23, 2009, to discuss in detail their ongoing commitment “to deliver
value” to InSource members. A change in leadership was voted upon, with
Andre Paquin elected as President and Andy Brenits as Vice President;
Martin Shova, past President, and Glenn Arnowitz, past Vice President,
will be transitioning to serve in advisory capacities.
Learn More
RUNNING ON EMPTY
In the February/March 2009 issue of Dynamic Graphics+Create
magazine, Glenn John Arnowitz's "In-house Diaries" column,
"Running on Empty," offers practical advice on how creatives
can stay connected, energized and jazzed about design.
IN-HOUSE INTERSECTIONS
Creative thinkers aren't limited to the design
department of your company. Glenn John Arnowitz's article in the
February 2009 issue of
HOW Magazine reveals how reaching out to co-workers across departments can lead to unexpected collaborations.
Highlights from MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
FOR IN-HOUSE CREATIVE MANAGERS
Glenn Arnowitz, Vice President, In-Source with
Emily Cohen and Moira Cullen More than 70 creative
professionals came together on November 12, 2008, to focus on some of
the challenges and opportunities that in-house creative teams face
these days. This InSource event was held at The Mansion on the campus
of Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey. With featured
speakers
Emily Cohen (a
consultant to creative professionals who provides guidance on effective
staff, client and process management strategies, work segmentation
improvements, metrics development and customized teamwork training) and
Moira Cullen (a design
strategist, writer and educator with extensive experience in the
corporate world who is now working with The Hershey Company), this
full-day event provided practical insights on effective management
strategies.
Click here for a summary of this event and a copy of Emily Cohen's HandoutThanks to
Xerox,
The Boss Group,
ColorEdge,
Mohawk Paper and the Rothman Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies at
Fairleigh Dickinson University for their support of this relevant and successful event!
INSIDE JOB
Check out
Glenn John Arnowitz's
feature article, "Inside Job" in the December/January 2009 issue of
Dynamic Graphics & Create Magazine. The article features a variety
of case studies that show how a group of innovative in-house creatives
were able to leverage the talents of their teams, overcome challenges
and develop compelling design work.
Click here for a link to the articleAlso
featured is the first installment of Glenn's new bi-monthlycolumn,
"In-House Diaries", that will appear in the publication throughout 2009.
http://www.dynamicgraphics.com/dgm/Article/28924
INNOVATION BY DESIGN
"Irish companies that use design are
more successful than those that do not. This fact was borne out of
research published by the Centre for Design Innovation in the beginning
of 2007. The challenge was to create a practical approach and tools
that organisations could use to innovate and grow. The result was
Innovation by Design, an 18-month programme of workshops, research and
mentoring for six Northwest organisations that began in June 2007."
Read
more from this booklet published in September 2008 by the Centre for
Design Innovation in Sligo, Ireland, thanks to Justin Knecht, Programme
Manager working with the Centre who serves on the InSource Advisory
Board.
Learn More
A New Dimension to Performance Management – Part 2
Although performance management and assessment systems can be useful
(see Part 1), managers of creative teams need to determine which
approach to managing performance works best in their own particular
setting. The application of rules and measures are merely tools to
facilitate a conversation between the employee and the manager so that
performance can be communicated with gratitude and encouragement, along
with coaching for career growth and performance improvement when
necessary. Conversation is key...
Read Part 2 of this article
by Steve Benfield, Senior Director, Corporate Communications and
Creative Director, SAS Institute Inc. and Insource Board Member, and
learn Steve's unique approach to measuring performance.
Read More
Weather the Storm
Don’t miss this important article in the current issue of
HOW Magazine – “
Weather the Storm”discusses
how to hold on to your design position in the current economy and
includes an interview with Glenn John Arnowitz of InSource.
Learn more at
http://howdesign.com/article/weatherstorm
In-House Design In Practice
Whether you are an in-house graphic designer or
another member of your project's creative team, this inspiring yet
practical book written by
Cathy Fishel with a foreword by
Glenn John Arnowitz,
offers effective ways to face day-to-day challenges and practice new
techniques for staying current on emerging trends within the wider
design community. Contains information relevant for every type of
company and organization. Very helpful for marketing, human resource,
and public relations professionals who may not have advanced design
qualifications but who are involved in the design projects they present
to new, existing, and future clients.
http://www.fwbookstore.com/product/1954/graphic-design
Case Study: WinWynn Producer Contest
Read this case study from Gail Gonzales, Manager
of Creative Services for Asset Marketing Systems (AMS) that documents
how the Creative Services team developed a theme, name, strategy and
more for a Sales Contest to drive attendance at the 2007 Sales
Symposium. Click "Learn More" to download the case study and view
samples of the WinWynn Campaign.
Learn More
InSource Web Site Wins Award
Congratulations to InSource and Morris! Communications for winning the
IMA Best in Class Award in the ‘Nonprofit’ category for 2007.
The Best in Class award is the highest honor bestowed by the
Interactive Media Awards.
It represents the very best in planning, execution and overall
professionalism. In order to win this award level, the InSource site
successfully passed through IMA’s comprehensive judging process,
achieving very high marks in each of its judging criteria - an
achievement only a fraction of sites in the IMA competition earn each
year.
Newsflash from GDUSA...
GDUSA magazine recently named three active InSource
members – who volunteer their time and talents
serving on the InSource Board of Directors – as
"
People To Watch in 2008." They are recognized
by GDUSA as "creative, talented, successful,
newsworthy, and influential" individuals "who embody
the spirit of the creative community."
Learn More
INSIGHTS INTO DESIGN MANAGEMENT
Read this article by
Meredith McCain who provides helpful tips and insights to keep your life sane and make your job easier.
Meredith McCain has over five years experience in working for Fortune
50 Companies such as Procter & Gamble and the Coca-Cola Company as
a Global Design Manager.
Learn More
A New Dimension to Performance Management – Part 1
Most performance management systems
focus on tasks and outcomes, clarifying what each individual needs to
do or deliver, and what is the result. This is important. After all,
that’s why we are employed. There is work to be done, and results are
required.
However, for a creative team—and arguably for every employee— there is
a critical dimension missing from the above simplistic approach to
performance management. It’s the measure of behavior. You’re probably
thinking, behavior…we’re not in grade school anymore!
Read this article by
Steve Benfield, Senior Director, Corporate Communications and Creative Director, SAS Institute Inc. and
Insource Board Member, and learn Steve's unique approach to measuring performance.
Learn More
OCTOBER EVENT – WHITE NOISE
Click "Learn More" to read about the InSource October Event,
“White Noise – How A Predominantly White Label Created So Much Noise For Publix And Its In-House Team” and learn firsthand how this work has generated success for Publix.
Tim Cox, Creative Services Director for Publix presented an in-depth case study of the Publix private label redesign.
Learn More
Tip from InSource Board Member, Ivan Boden
A THESAURUS IS NOT A DINOSAUR
Digging around for creative inspiration can be time consuming, and all too often designers hit rock bottom. The hidden idea or meaning that connects is just not there.
No doubt we use eons of methods to inspire creativity, however there’s one tool that should not be forgotten. The thesaurus.
Design begins with meaningful words. Unfortunately we’re not always provided good ones to work with.
The thesaurus can help!
Read more about this helpful tip from Ivan Boden.
Learn More
JUNE EVENT GENERATING IDEAS THAT STICK
Creative professionals are acutely aware of the ongoing need to develop good ideas and communicate these ideas in compelling ways. However, it takes more than good ideas to achieve maximum business success. Creative teams must do their best to generate “ideas that stick,” which means ideas that “are understood and remembered, and have a lasting impact” to change the thoughts and behavior of the people who are the focus of one’s attention.
Dan Heath was the featured speaker for a half-day InSource event held on Thursday, June 21, 2007, at SAS Worldwide Corporate Headquarters in Cary, North Carolina. His lively presentation explored some of the reasons (including fear, greed and lack of empathy) why people have good ideas that don’t stick, described the 6 principles of “sticky ideas” (namely, “simple unexpected concrete credible emotional stories”) and offered practical insights that in-house creative managers and their teams can use to generate and champion well-constructed ideas in the corporate environment.
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In-House & Online
To further the mission of InSource to enhance the understanding, impact and value of in-house design by sharing expertise, ideas and support, the InSource website recently underwent a redesign. The new InSource website offers a central gathering place for far-flung, often-isolated in-house designers to share ideas, information, concerns, questions and advice. Read this article by Laurel Saville that is featured in the June/July issue of
Dynamic Graphics about how the InSource website went from a site with limited functionality and interactivity to a new site designed by Morris Communications that reflects InSource values by being businesslike, friendly and inviting.
Learn More
Promoting Your Department
Just sit back and wait for the work to come to you? It’s easy to feel that just because your group is part of the company, all creative work will stay in-house. And even if that’s the case, does that bring inspiration and motivation to you and your staff? I say no. Read this article by InSource Board Member, John Baker, about how to promote your department.
Learn More
Successful Creative Briefs: Linking Business Objectives and Creative Strategies
In-house creative teams often feel their clients treat them as vendors
(someone to execute their vision) and not as trusted, value added problem
solvers. And, clients often feel their business objectives are disregarded
during the creative process. A Creative Brief when properly developed
and adhered to will largely eliminate this internal power struggle.
Read this article, by Emily Cohen, a consultant to creative professionals,
to learn how a well crafted Creative Brief is one of the most valuable
tools in the design process, providing a vital connection between
business objectives and creative strategies.
Learn More
Driving Innovation through Design
Innovation was the focus of an in-depth discussion
for the InSource community by panelists James Barrood,
Gordon Kaye, and Bob Wagner...
Learn more
Processing the Process Process
In the midst of tight deadlines, client revisions and staff meltdowns its difficult to find the time to create and document processes and procedures for the execution of your projects. But process is important. It protects your group from performance and financial risk and may even afford you and your team more time to do what you enjoy most - design. Read this article by Andy Epstein, Director of Graphic Design and Print Production at Bristol-Myers Squibb, and find out how to make nice with workflows and work instructions.
Learn More
Talking the Talk
How to Communicate up the Food Chain
Every year a number of great ideas meet untimely deaths. The
culprit? Communication breakdowns - those frustrating occasions when
you just can't seem to connect with your clients or convince them of
the merits of your concepts. Few situations are more aggravating than
going back to the drawing board when you've just come up with the Pablo
Picasso of ideas or, worse, watering down your Picasso so thoroughly
that it begins to resemble a toddler's art project. InSource co-founder
Glenn John Arnowitz contributed to this article that appears in the
current issue of HOW magazine.
Learn More
Business Etiquette Survival Guide
Navigating Sticky Situations at Work
Workplace dilemmas crop up in every professional's career, whether you
have two or 20 years of experience on the job. But most people don't
think about these situations until they arise, resulting in hasty
decisions they sometimes regret. While there's no sense adopting a
worrywart's mentality, familiarizing yourself with common career
predicaments can help you handle them diplomatically if - and when -
they occur. To help you prepare for these sticky situations, we tapped
four industry experts, including InSource co-founder, Glenn John
Arnowitz, for their recommended strategies. Click on this link to read
the article:
TCGeZine2.pdf
(PDF, 100KB)
Creativity Rx
Coming up with clever concepts is a common challenge faced by all
creative professionals. But for in-house designers who work on the same
brand day in and day out, keeping fresh can be even more of an uphill
battle. Yet experienced in-house professionals will tell you there's
plenty of room for innovation in a corporate environment. Take it from
Glenn John Arnowitz who helped build - and now manages - an
award-winning team of six designers in the creative services department
at Wyeth, a research-based, global pharmaceutical company. He and his
team have learned valuable tactics for sustaining a strong creative
spirit no matter what hurdles they must cross. Arnowitz shared some
common inspiration obstacles and real-world cures for overcoming them
and motivating team members. Click on this link to read the article:
TCGeZine-Interview.pdf
(PDF, 156KB)
Business of In-House Design
Jeni Herberger provides valuable insight into the "Business of In-House Design" at the InSource November event...
Learn more
Top Download
InSource top download: "80 for 50"...
Learn More
2006 HOW DESIGN CONFERENCE
The 2006 HOW Conference in Las Vegas may be over but Glenn John
Arnowitz and Andy Epstein are still reeling from the excitement and
spectacle of the enlightening sessions all held at the Mandalay Bay
Hotel against the Vegas backdrop. This year's conference was sold-out
with over 4,000 design industry professionals in attendance and
featured 45+ speakers and more than 50 sessions and workshops. This
year, the conference featured an entire in-house track with sessions
devoted to in-house issues: creating effective brand identity, project
management, working with outside studios, keeping inspired and more,
including two special sessions by InSource founders, Andy and Glenn.
They've made their presentations available here. Viva Las Vegas!
Downloads from the event:
Get Your Game On
(PDF, 5.2MB) In House Inspirational
(PDF, 1.2MB)
IN OTHER NEWS
"Today, many of these issues are becoming more and more critical.
Corporate creative teams are under tremendous pressure to do more with
less. They are working with less time, fewer marketing dollars and
increased expectations driven by businesses with lofty goals delivering
increasingly standardized products. Many companies have recognized the
importance of maintaining the personality and culture of a brand, and
proper design management is the cornerstone to insure brand equities
are maintained. That is why groups like ours remain dedicated to help
these creative teams by providing the tools and real-world solutions
that help showcase in-house design as a strategic marketing function."
Read more of Marty Shova's comments on the state of in-house design in
the July issue of GD:USA.
GDUSA InSource Feature.pdf
(PDF, 150KB)
