Compassion and Creativity

A few days ago I attended a meeting in the city that I currently reside in. It was a meeting for those who want to do compassionate work to make a positive change. It was the five year anniversary for this idea/organization. I had the opportunity to talk with those who have been working in this area of compassion for years.

I talked with a college professor who explained in brief how he measures compassion in the city. He told me they do surveys and collect data to help understand the results of compassion through an academic measuring system. Example: Recording the number of people who volunteer to help each year here and around the city.

I also spoke with a man who works for at a healthcare company. He explained to me how technology is really changing the way how hospitals and the healthcare industry is working. We talked about how the human element fits into the system and how having a physical doctor helps a person understand the relationship of compassion when care is needed.

There were a few others that I was able to meet too. A UPS driver and someone that worked for the city government. We talked about how sometimes each person has a unique skills/talent and that in a group setting each person has something original to offer that will help. The event was about compassion but the longer I stayed there I learned that the way compassion was implemented made a big positive difference. It effects most everyone no matter what area of work or background. I found it interesting because it's the kind of work that goes a long way and is usually unnoticed. It not just making a cookie and then selling it for a dollar to make a fifty cent profit. It also isn't just making cookies for free and giving them away with a smile. It's a combination of both ideas for a purpose.

Takeaway Note: While working in the creative field it's good to remember the positive effects of compassion. Recognizing it in a way that helps others yet also staying truthful to the facts in present time. It's like a good attitude. Whether that is photography, writing, reporting or any kind of creative work.

Small Creative Agency

The other day I visited a small business here in the city that has been around since 1993. The owner was open to meeting me and we set up a time for me to stop in there at 8:30am. The entire visit lasted a few hours and I was able to meet a few of the employees there and also talk in detail with the owner of the company about who they are and how to get a job in this field.

After getting getting a cup of coffee we sat down and talked a bit. I was open to learn and he was interested in providing information. I asked a few specific questions but our conversation was mainly about what he is looking for in his work and how the job market is going. He knew people in this business who have been laid off after 30 plus years of work simply because of their age and their value has gone down over time. He also told me that it's good to have a really specific skill so employers know who you are and what you provide. I agree but I would also add that knowing more that one skill can be very helpful. For him when he looks at a resume he separates the "high degree" resume from the "no degree" resume. There is a difference but he doesn't think that one is better than the other. In fact for him he looks at the "no degrees" first because that lines up with his own background. Talking to the owner of this company really made me understand that some business owners who are looking to hire a new employee really bring their own "filter" to the table. Most higher end jobs do require a degree but it's not as if that degree is the reason for being hired. It's just  something that will stand out on paper. We both came to a common understanding that it really is about the individual. It's who you are now and if the skills fit. He did say to me that as the owner of this company he wasn't sure where he wanted it to go.

After that he showed me around the studio and I was able to meet the other employees there. There were a few graphic design artist working on their computers and one other person doing copy (writing). They seemed like a great group of people. Open yet concentrated on their work. I met with the video editor there and he showed me the edit he was working on with Final Cut Pro X.  That was my main interest.

After meeting everyone it was almost time for me to go. To end the meeting he gave me a list of names and companies to contact. He also suggested that I try to improve my work and find a way to work on bigger project. Impresses the next meeting I have with an employer with knowing all of the ad agencies around understanding what each of them do. The more work I can do with people and get paid for it the more trust an employee will have with me. I agree but I also realize it might be best for me to start small and then go from there.

What I really loved about meeting this company and talking with the boss was that it's the kind of place where they come up with the ideas for a commercial or story. They bring the creative idea to the client. It's up to them. To me that is one of the best parts of working on a commercial or project for/with a client. Knowing what the goal is on paper before it begins. Then once it is decided it turns into the fun process of creating it (graphics, video, editing, drawling).

Takeaway Note: Now I have a better understanding of what I need to peruse and how I can value my work in this kind of industry and marketplace here.