Taxi

This week our guest speaker was Stephen Coomber, Interactive Designer from TAXI. Stephen graduated from the New Media Design program at Sheridan College. He started out at Organic for two years working as a Flash Designer. He then worked at Young & Rubicam for a few years before starting at Taxi. Stephen gave a very informative presentation about breaking into the design industry and he also handed out awesome t-shirts.

Basic Knowledge

• Remember your guest speakers since the industry is very small and networks are very important
• Relax and be yourself
• Know each design company within the GTA and the type of work they do, their clients and locations
• Location: what works for you? Where do you feel comfortable
• Look at companies major clients. Are they the best fit for you?

Find a Mentor

• They know your new job better than you
• They will know the ins and outs of the business and will help you grow
• They will help guide your path

Speak up

• Make your passion known
• If you see an opportunity, jump at it

Never take Shotgun

• Always sit in the driver's seat
• You should be in control of your career

Tweet

• Let them tell you
• @mashable, @jtoeman, @TaxiCanada, @ConanOBrien

If you Learn they will Pay

• There are tons of shows, conferences and festivals
• Google your interests and ask to go (nicely)
• Always stay current

Working Relationships Important

• Great ideas develop while hanging out at the bar with your team
• Friendships last longer then working relationships
• Life is fun when you can relax at the office

Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously

• It's a fun job, don't let it get you down

Be Passionate and Have Fun

• Passion will get you through tough times
• Pick some things you really like and be passionate about them

Saying No

• Too much can make your ideas and work not as successful
• It is important to know your limits

Paper Trails

• Document everything with clients and employees, such as positive emails
  

About Taxi

• Crazy and creative 
• They work you to the bone 
• Cutting edge and award winning
• You have to work a lot harder and longer hours to be award winning
• Main clients include West Jet, Telus, and Canadian Tire
• Taxi Toronto works closely with the New York office

Culture at Taxi

• Everybody loves what they do and go above and beyond expectations 
• The office features a cool cafe, gym, and foosball table
• Self organized drinking nights
• There are around 100 employees and Taxi 2 is down the street
• Creative Directors push you to your limit and they know their stuff
• Creative Directors will help you become a stronger designer
• Dogs are allowed in the office every Friday
• You have the opportunity to move to different offices

Contact Information

Stephen Coomber 
STEPHEN.COOMBER@TAXI.CA

Taxi Canada Inc.
495 Wellington Street West, Suite 102
Toronto, ON M5V 1E9
T: 416-342-8294 x424
F: 416-979-7626

Nurun

This week’s guest speakers were Hilary Jackson (Project Coordinator), Dondy Razon (Associate Creative Director), and Nadeem Visanji (Digital Strategist) from Nurun.

Then … Now … The Future

• Then  – We shouted at people (through advertising)
• Now – We listen (improve, ask, imagine, plan, create)
• The Future – We read their minds
• But seriously we start by – Asking the right questions

Advice on the Job Search

• Broaden your horizons (look at other positions)
• Be yourself (in the interview ask about the culture and environment and make sure they fit what you need)
• Take any good or bad experience (who do you want to work for, what environments you want to work in and asking the right questions)
• LinkedIn got Hilary the job (build connections)
• Will you fit with them (they already know your skill sets)
• Find something that separates you (talk about your passions)
• You as an individual vs. skills (100% honest about who you are)
• Talk about other things you are interested in
• It’s how you think
• Don’t plan, just be yourself
• Embrace your uniqueness

Work Environment

• Nurun is like a family 
• 100% there to help each other out
• Everybody is included
• Relaxed
• They get to see the brand come to life
• Team environment
• Deadline oriented work hours (more late nights near launches of campaigns)
  

Contact

Hilary Jackson
Project Coordinator
Email: hilary.jackson@nurun.com

Dondy Razon
Associate Creative Director
Twitter: @dondy
Email: dondy.razon@nurun.com

Nadeem Visanji
Digital Strategist
Email: nadeem.visanji@nurun.com

Nurun
96 Spadina Avenue, 9th Floor
Tel: (416) 591-6000
Toronto (Ontario) M5V 2J6
Fax: (416) 591-6100
Canada