Visual Arts Career Coach

Career Advice: Rod Berg interviews Illustrator Frank Espinoza

2012-02-12T16:31:00.000-08:00

Rod was recently approached by the excellent UK based 'ArtsThread' website, in regards to his most eye-catching and informative comic strip promo, created by the incredibly talented illustration Frank Espinoza. This link features some most helpful first-hand advice for anyone considering a career in illustration or comic books. http://blog.artsthread.com/2012/02/careers-advice-rod-berg-interviews-illustrator-frank-espinoza/

Rod Berg Creative comic strip collaboration with The Art of Frank, Inc.

2012-01-29T10:14:00.000-08:00

Rod recently had the pleasure of collaborating with Frank Espinoza, CEO/Owner of The Art of Frank, Inc. Frank is an amazingly talented New York based illustrator. Frank created a promotional comic strip for Rod Berg Creative. The strip is reminiscent of classic Sunday Comic Strips, which are especially in tune with Rod and the origins of his career in the arts. As a child in Los Angeles, Rod’s was neighbor to the famed animator Bill Melendez, who was responsible for bringing Charlie Brown and friends to life! Rod has fond memories of visiting Bill’s studio. The die was cast for a career in the arts thanks to ‘A Boy Named Charlie Brown’.

Frank is also a former pupil of Rod back in his college years. Rod is delighted to have helped Frank start his career and see his ever-exciting career unfold.

For further information about The Art of Frank, Inc. http://www.theartoffrank.com/2012/01/latest-project-comic-strip-for-rod-berg-creative/#more-1100

GREAT SELF PROMO RESOURCE FOR ALL DESIGNERS!!!

2012-01-12T06:39:00.000-08:00

Attention all design students & recent grads across the US and world, be sure to create a profile and upload your portfolio on http://www.artsthread.com/ It’s an exciting growing, excellent resource to promote yourself. Design firms globally are using Arts Thread to find new creative talent! An ASAP must for the New Year!!!

344 Questions

2011-12-24T12:28:00.000-08:00

344 Questions: The Creative Person's Do-It-Yourself Guide to Insight, Survival, and Artistic Fulfillment.
An incredibly well designed and unique book, which encourages the reader use the book as a guide and journal to best navigate a creative career. Written and illustrated by Stefan G. Butcher. I highly recommended it! http://www.peachpit.com/store/product.aspx?isbn=0321733002

2012 Salary Guide

2011-12-23T20:15:00.000-08:00

An excellent resource for creative and marketing positions. This impressive book was created by The Creative Group, A Robert Half Company. http://www.creativegroup.com/salarycenter

Type Directors Club Competition

2011-12-23T20:08:00.000-08:00

A great opportunity for all type designers. Enter the 58th Annual Type Directors Club Competition, the world's leading typography competition. For full info visit: tdc.org/enter

Create a FREE Online Portfolio Without Knowing Any Code!

2011-12-21T13:14:00.000-08:00

Every artist and designer requires an online portfolio when seeking a job in today's market. With Wix.com you can have your portfolio up and running in less than a day! Wix provides a large variety of free, beautiful, easily manipulated templates. There is no doubt you will create your dream http://www.wix.com/website. Wix is a huge supporter of young creative professionals which is why they've opened the Wix Lounge , a free co-working space, with free desks, free wifi, and free coffee, where you can go to work on your projects or even make a free appointment to get help building your Wix website. The Wix Lounge is located at 10 w18th Street 2nd floor or emaillounge@wix.com.

Xtranormal: Homemade animated movies

2011-12-20T07:16:00.000-08:00

Xtranormal is a super online website that allows anyone to make customized animated movies. The results are super, and can be used for self promotion, education, presentations and indeed entertainment. http://www.xtranormal.com/

Intel Visual Life - Michael Wolff

2011-12-11T11:05:00.000-08:00

A must watch video for all designers. Michael Wolff, co-founder of Wolff Olins talks about his views of design. Its wonderful to hear Michael's thoughts, they completely validate and compliment my views of design. For more on Wolff Olins and inspiration, visit their site: http://www.wolffolins.com/

Happy Holidays

2011-12-04T11:52:00.001-08:00

Happy holidays and a successful New Year. Festive greetings from Gagasworkshop at Barney's in New York City. A truly unique creative individual. Gagasworkshop is open until Jan 2 2012 and well worth a visit. A colorful retail blend of Tim Burton, Willy Wonka and Yellow Submarine.

Rod meets Sir Terence Conran

2011-11-30T11:37:00.000-08:00

Rod had the pleasure of meeting an icon in the design industry, Sir Terence Conran, at a signing at The Conran Store in NYC. Sir Terence's book 'Design - Intelligence Made Visible' is a great coffee table book, that covers a wide arena of design from graphics to product. A must have for anyone serious about design.

Fast Company - Most Innovative Design Companies

2011-11-29T12:12:00.000-08:00

An excellent resource from an excellent magazine
http://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2011/top-10-design.php

The Adventures of Johnny Bunko

2011-11-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

'The Adventures of Johnny Bunko - The Last Career Guide You'll Ever Need' by bestselling Author Daniel H. Pink. This is a super and incredibly easy to read book in the style of Manga comics. Daniel H. Pink delivers a simple yet strong message relevant to all careers paths and job seekers. The book comes to life with the fine comic art of Rob Ten Pas. Read the book and discover the 'Six Lessons of Success'. http://www.danpink.com/johnny-bunko

Excellent New App: Blurb Moile

2011-10-27T15:49:00.001-07:00

Kudos to Blurb for creating Blurb Mobile. I just had a demo at the PhotoExpo in New York's Javits Center and was incredibly impressed. A truly super way to document and share photos and video, with audio and copy. The App is incredibly well designed and intuitive. Blurb Mobile - Stories are everywhere

Nanda Das - 3rd Ward Open Call Show

2011-10-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

Please visit my incredibly talented friend Nanda's work and cast a vote. I'm helping him step into the US market and have a high regard for 3rd Ward. Thanks

Nanda Das - 3rd Ward Open Call

Hero, Villain, Yeti

2011-10-13T15:03:00.001-07:00

Interesting upcoming exhibit at Rubin Museum of Art. Featuring sixty years of Tibet appearing in comic books from around the world. Dec 9, 2011 - June 11, 2012. rmanyc.org/comics

Legal & Business Bootcamp for Arts Professionals

2011-10-12T06:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.vlany.org/education/bootcamp.php

London Art Store

2011-09-29T15:04:00.001-07:00

Great name for an art store!

London Design Week 2011

2011-09-29T14:39:00.001-07:00

Rod enjoyed highlights of London Design Week at The V&A Museum.

'Kick off September and get better clients' workshop

2011-09-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.pitchperfectpresentation.com/septemberevent/
Saturday, September 10th from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

September is here and it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the renewed energy and scoop up
those new clients and projects.

Are you ready to take advantage of these opportunities or are you frustrated by the quality of your clients,
inconsistent workflow and managing your projects and time effectively?

If you’re ready to have the creative career that you always dreamed of, join creative agent Justine Clay for
the ‘Kick Start September and get better clients’ workshop. During this fun and interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to effectively position market your unique skill, connect with and land great quality clients and manage your projects like a pro.

Salary Guide for Designers 2011

2011-08-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

An excellent resource created by The Creative Group. The Creative Group Salary Center provides creative, marketing, web and communications salary information the way you want it, when you want it. Use the buttons below to instantly view an online version of our guide or download a PDF, order your free printed copy, or quickly calculate a local salary range.http://www.creativegroup.com/salarycenter

Super new retail Site for Designers

2011-08-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

This looks like a super new site for designers who have great products to sell and those who appreciate great design and want to get some great new and indeed very cool new products for the home and every day life.http://fab.com/welcome/

Is Your Job Secure? 14 Ways to Stay Indispensable

2011-08-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

Is Your Job Secure? 14 Ways to Stay Indispensable

MoMA: Excellent Design Exhibition

2011-07-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

MoMA host an excellent design exhibition called 'Talk to Me' open from July 24 - Nov 7, 2011. It's a must visit for designers.http://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/2011/talktome/

Rod and acclaimed photorealist artist Nanda Das

2011-05-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

Rod had the pleasure of playing host to one of India's leading contemporary artists while in NYC, and was honored to accept a painting of his dog. Nanda Das is an incredible photorealist artist, who is highly respected in the Indian art scene, and quickly gaining international status and acclaim. Nanda is also Head of Art at India's most prestigious educational institute 'The Cathedral & John Connon School' in Mumbai. http://www.nandadas.in/

Rod on CNN with an Oscar!

2011-02-26T09:41:00.000-08:00

Rod was interviewed on CNN for a segment about the 2011 Oscars. Rod had the timely good fortune of being interviewed at the official "Meet the Oscars" exhibit in New York's famed Grand Central Station. Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg opened the exhibit. Rod was surprised by the weight of the Oscar, 8lbs! Rod on CNN. And the Oscar goes to...

For a Good Cause 2: Rod volunteers at a major charity event.

2011-02-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

Rod had the pleasure of being asked to participate again at Donna Karan's Urban Zen, 'Help Haiti' charity event. The event was hosted by Ben Stiller and his foundation to honor Sean Penn, for his incredible hands on charity work in both New Orleans and Haiti. Rod enjoyed assisting with the auction, run by leading movie directors Brett Ratner and Paul Haggis. The evening was an enjoyable and highly successful fundraiser for an important cause.

Top photo: Sean Penn awarded photo gift by Donna Karan.
Middle photo: Rod meets Ben Stiller
Bottom: Ben Stiller auctions off his famed Zoolander walk. As movie director Brett Ratner gives a helping hand and Jessica Alba watches. Zoolander 2 is in production.

Design Salaries Survey 2010/2011

2011-01-02T14:16:00.000-08:00

A most helpful and comprehensive survey to best understand what your talent and experience is worth in the industry. Published by Aquent and Communications Arts Magazine. http://www.designsalaries.org/salarysurvey.shtml

Welcome to a New Year of Opportunity!

2010-12-30T13:53:00.000-08:00

To stay on top of design news, information, trends and opportunities for the new year 'Fast Company' offer an excellent variety of free highly informative news letters. To sign up visit: http://www.fastcompany.com/newsletters

Behind the Scenes at Walt Disney Studios

2010-08-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

Taking a break besides Walt and Minnie.

Rod recently had the opportunity to have a most insightful visit to to The Walt Disney Studios in Los Angeles. Highlights of Rod's visit included a private tour of the studio's and a meeting with an Oscar nominated Producer/Director, Don Hahn. Check out Don's great new documentary about how Disney Animation reinvented itself with a string of blockbusters: Waking Sleeping Beauty

Besides Walt and Mickey statue outside HQ.

Outside The Walt Disney HQ building, where
the deals are done!

Outside the new Disney Animation building, where
Disney's latest movie 'Tangled' was wrapping up production.

Rod and colleague Angie meet with award-winning Disney
Producer Don Hahn. Don Produced animation blockbusters;
The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Who Framed Roger Rabbit,
The Nightmare Before Christmas and Tim Burton's newest
animation movie in production Frankenweenie.

Outside the famed Animation Building where animation history was made with movie classics including: Snow White, Bambi, Pinocchio and Dumbo. Walt's actually office was on the third floor of this building.

Exploring The Walt Disney Studios.

Yahoo Internet Week

2010-07-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

Rod at opening reception of Yahoo's Internet Week in New York City. Keeping up to date with trends and technology, alongside the design industry. www.internetweekny.com

Google Doodle

2010-07-17T09:23:00.000-07:00

Rod visits the cool Doodle 4 Google exhibit at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum in New York City. The museum is a must visit for anyone interested in design. It's presently undergoing an impressive renovation, which is going to triple their exhibition size! www.cooperhewitt.org

Rod with Neil Sedaka

2010-06-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Rod with award-winning singer, songwriter and author Neil Sedaka, at BookExpo America, promoting his new children's book 'Waking Up Is Hard To Do'.

Trade Show Month in New York City

2010-06-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

May was a busy month for industry networking and keeping up to date with the design industry and trends. (Left) Rod by the Design Revolution Road Show bus at the ICFF at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Rod also attended the National Stationery Show and the BEA, BookExpo America.
International Contemporary Furniture Fair
National Stationery Show
Book Expo America

For a Good Cause: Rod volunteers at a major charity event

2010-04-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of being asked to oversee the silent charity auction at Donna Karan’s ‘Haiti: Hope, Help, Relief Benefit’ event, at Urban Zen, NYC. A wonderful event for an important cause. I was privileged to meet some major names in the arts. Above: with U2's The Edge. Left: Patti Smith 'The Godmother of Punk'. Below: Oscar winning comedian and actress Whoopi Goldberg.

Interns: Tips to Help You

2010-04-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Article I wrote for Behance. Tips for students and recent grads, on how to land a great internship. http://the99percent.com/tips/5786/insights-for-the-interns-among-us

In the News: Today's Campus

2010-04-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

Interview for Today’s Campus – Art Week

http://www.todayscampus.com/artweek/load.aspx?art=2011

In the News: Yahoo Hot Jobs

2010-04-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

Link to recent interview for Yahoo Hot Jobs

http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-starving_artist_not_with_these_well_paid_creative_jobs-1153

Rod + Danny Boyle. Oscar winning director of 'Slumdog Millionaire'

2010-01-23T14:48:00.000-08:00

Rod + famed designer Sir Terence Conran

2010-01-23T14:32:00.000-08:00

Rod + friend Henry Roth: Mentor on 'Project Runway Australia'

2010-01-23T11:43:00.000-08:00