Profile of an Artist: Rick Gold of Design Company, The Stem Group

One thing that I want to do with this blog is to help shed light on other artists of various industries who have a dream and are choosing to chase it and that are passionate about the work that they do. Ryszard (Rick) Gold of design company, The Stem Group, is one of those people who you can tell is in love with what he does. I had the opportunity to connect with him and ask him a few questions about himself and his company. 

For artists who are looking to get into the design field and for those who are trying to figure out branding (web design, logos,etc.) for their own careers, I suggest you read on for great advice on this. Connect with Rick as well, he's a friendly guy!

Hi Rick, thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for my readers. First off, tell us about the Stem Group.

The Stem Group allows me to combine all my personal skills and experience into a single outlet. Extensive creative and technical prowess, an insatiable quest to be at the leading edge of technological knowledge and the passion to education others allows me to make a living doing what I love. Customer service is my specialty, preferring to form long term professional relationships with my customers. 

The Stem Creative offers general graphic design services, like cards, logos and other marketing materials, and specializing in website design and development, including micro sites for small businesses and individuals. Video production services are offered to businesses and individuals as well.

The Stem Support offers service, support and training to users of Apple Computers for situations that are not covered under warranty. Physical damages to Apple devices such as glass replacements are handled as well. 

There's a difference between those who dream about doing what they love and those who actually do it. What motivated / inspired you to start your business?

The desire to be my own boss, not having to deal with the corporate ladder. The ability to do what I want and have the risk be my own is very attractive. The flexibility of owning my own business also allows me to spend time with my boys!

What notable projects or clients have you worked on?

Having worked a bit for you (Trey Anthony Studios) was a fantastic experience! My largest client to date has been the Canadian Association of Geophysical Contractors. Over the years I've designed three websites for them, many print ads, events videos (one of them helped win the CAGC the Mayors Excellence Award) and a year long recruitment video project that has near 5000 copies in circulation.

 

Working in a creative industry, how do you stay motivated and passionate about your work?

Being constantly creative is a challenge for sure! That is why I have my support side to keep things interesting. It's nice to be able to switch gears from Photoshop & Final Cut to troubleshooting a sticky Mac OS X issue or making a smashed iPad pristine again. I get the passion from my job from my clients reactions, knowing they love their website makes a long week of slogging through code completely worth it!


What tips/advice would you give to an emerging talent who wants to follow a similar career path as you?

Look ahead always.. be on the forefront of the cure and never let yourself fall behind it. Adapt to changes in the industry and never undersell yourself by charging penance for what you know is quality work; at the same time don't charge prices that keeps your services out of reach of the small and medium business that are most likely supporting your friends, family and community.

Since my blog caters to a lot of artists and emerging artists who are looking to get their name and brand out there, what would you say is the best advice for them in going about collaborating/hiring a design company to illustrate their brand through web design or other design work?

If a deal sounds to good to be true, it probably is; if the price has 5 digits for a website and logo, move on. Absolutely most important, do not ever agree to using a pre-designed template for any of your branding products, this is exactly what those $300 website deals are all about. It's important to stick out, and it's wise to invest a little money in a custom website, logo, cards, etc. And if you can, have the same team do all the work so you can have a consistent branding across all your marketing materials. Invest in the branding instead of the mahogany desk!

Best ways for readers to connect with you?

Connect with me on any of the below mediums. I'm most active on Facebook, check out my page and connect with me there!

   https://www.facebook.com/thestemgroup
 

   https://twitter.com/TheStemGroup

 
   http://ca.linkedin.com/in/ryszardgold

   http://www.yelp.ca/biz/the-stem-group-calgary

Trey Anthony Studios is Hiring!

Trey Anthony Studios  is  an award winning dynamic, film, television and creative arts and theatre company! We are seeking an Executive/Personal Assistant to support the demanding, yet fair, Executive Producer, trey anthony, in Atlanta Georgia at her home office and the Atlanta based production office.  Candidate must live in or outside of Atlanta Georgia.

www.treyanthonystudios.com

Responsibilities Include

Reception- answering phones, checking phone messages, returning calls.

Maintaining and organizing Ms. Anthony's busy schedule.

Scheduling meetings, travel arrangements, general set up and organization of the various offices.

Setting up and managing email responses and creating an email system that actually makes sense!

Research for various projects.

Proof-reading scripts and articles. Photo-copying scripts and articles.

Preparing content for website when needed and sending updates to web designer.

Sending out media/press packages.

Meticulous filing.

Paying office bills, sending out invoices, recording and filing receipts.

Liaising between Executive Producer, trey anthony and various team members in our Toronto and Atlanta offices.

Purchasing office supplies and equipment.

Light book keeping, filing receipts, balancing petty cash and also meeting monthly with office bookkeeper and accountant.

Personal Assistance Requirements

Picking up lunches, prepping refreshments for meetings, personal grocery pick up, (if needed) picking up dry cleaning,  airport runs, dropping dog at vet, and upkeep of home and production office.

Qualifications

College educated or have previous work experience that clearly demonstrates you are capable of coming job duties.

You should be highly organized to the point of being called “anal.”

You should have a professional phone demeanor and appearance.

Must have strong grammar, written and oral skills.

Must have a love of theatre, entertainment industry.

Must be a person who thinks ahead.

Must be able to multi-task.

Must NOT be a clock watcher but a team finisher, and truly believes the work is done, when the job is done!

Must be able to follow directions.

Must be an independent thinker and require little supervision.

Enjoy working on various projects, and can adapt easily to change.

Must be LGBT positive and willing to work with a diverse group of people.

Knowledge of Mac computers, Excel, and Quick Books.

An enthusiastic attitude and a good sense of humour. Enjoy working with the public.

A willingness to go above and beyond the “call of duty.”

A valid driving license.

Previous Experience in the Entertainment industry as an Executive Assistant or stage management is an asset.

* No actors please.

Must like/ or be comfortable with small dogs.  

Commitment: One year contract beginning October 1, 2012, 10-15 hours per week. Monday-Friday, flexibility with hours. Hours will increase when we are in production. 50% of your hours can be done from home if you have internet access and demonstrate that you are able to work independently with limited supervision.  Candidate, must be willing to come to home office located in Mcdonough Georgia twice per week during regular office hours. There will be a three month review period.

Some occasional weekends when we are in production maybe required.

$10-14 per hour. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Womyn of colour and members of the LGBT community are strongly encouraged to apply, please feel free to self identify in cover letter.

Please send resume and cover letter to info@treyanthonystudios.com  by 5pm September 18th 2012. No personal calls please. Only qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews.