Retrospectively Britton

The Griffins are like a family to me.   They welcomed me into their home and allowed me to drink their coffee, annoy their art directors and tag along with their copywriter like I was a lost puppy.  They didn’t even act annoyed when would suggest outlandish things, like a life-size cheetah replica, or demanded that everyone speak pig latin on Wednesdays.

It has to be at least three times this big.

Okay, so those things never really happened.  But, the people at Grady Britton were some of the more entertaining and kind souls I have met in a while.   GB really let me go with projects and write whatever I felt and included me on many brainstorming sessions.  It was really inspiring to see people doing the same things that I do….but better.
Observations:

1)    Never, ever feel like your idea isn’t good enough.

2)    “Gumballing” is where you let ideas drop out of your brain and directly out of your mouth (Thanks Julie)

3)    Don’t eat the entirety of your thai food on your lunch.

4)    M & Ms make any meeting seem livelier.

5)    I never had to get coffee for somebody (not even once!)

6)    When pitching clients, remember to talk about how awesome they are.

7)    Im uh bayd spelur. (Why don’t they make an Idiot’s guide to not making an ass out of yourself by misspelling words when you’re a copywriter.  Damn you spell check and learning foreign languages!)

8)    Great work does not come easy.

And so, Griffins, this is my thank you.  My sad farewell.  You may never be the same without me.  I offered cheeky banter, mediocre writing and endless questions for people who know more than I do.  What are you going to do with all your fee time now that I’m gone?  Alas, now I have to go be awkward somewhere else.  Thanks for your support, your encouragement and blowing my brain apart with your crazy ideas.

“]

cred: [phill h

Go Griffs.

This just in!

Grady Britton Brightens Day, But Evades Victory

The GB Griffins started off hot, but their fire was cooled by the current of Upstream Advertising.  Despite their good looks, effortless style and superior bike riding abilities, the Griffs couldn’t get it done at Wilshire Park.

In a 12 – 5 decision, Upstream Advertising cooled the red-hot GB squad.  The Griffs were unbeaten this season coming into the match.  However, the “crack” of  bat seemed to find Upstream’s lofty shots long and in the gaps.

A strong showing by both squads.  One spectator commented “That was the single greatest display of athleticism I have ever witnessed”.   The Griffins are looking ahead to the next battle, with new uniforms rumored to be arriving soon.

Injury Report:

Scott – “All over” hurt (late game “slide” to 3rd)

Michael – dive + knee + ground = no more leg modeling

Bryan – Bruised ego, mouth of dirt (traction problem)

Bonus:

note:  Upstream Advertising is actually Downstream Advertising.  I’m just cheeky and a poor loser.

On the first day there will be bowling…

First day of #COLAB (CoLaboratory) just finished up.  I had a blast meeting all of the new interns and agency pros.  They seem like a nice crop of professionals.  Not too intimidating, but scary enough that you know they know what the hell they are doing.

We were split up into teams, and as far as I can tell, it’s a great match.  I’m sure there will be many a disagreement, but nothing we can’t handle.  Here are a list of the teams I stole from Christine Vo, because I couldn’t write fast enough.  (Thanks Christine, see you soon for tennis/bball?) Links to blogs where I could find them. (Please let me know if you have one, let’s link love

“KIWI”

1. Kim Karalekas {account/project manager}
2. Mary McPherson {account/project manager}
3. Christine Vo {graphic designer}
4. Luke Rolka {graphic designer}
5. Bryan Davidson {copywriter}

“LATTICE”

1. Heather Schwartz {account/project manager}
2. Allison McKeever {account/project manager}
3. Whitney Bard {designer}
4. Melissa Casillas {designer}
5. Megan Nuttall {copywriter}

I liked it.  I’m not going to spew praise, because it is too late.  Too much blogging will make your head explode.  I will just throw these words at ya: excited, sweet, nice, enthused, provoking, inspiring, bathroom breaks, lots of water, kickin’ threads, genuine guy, ideas, brain expanding, bowling, free, booze, food, good things, tired, so bad a bowling, fun people, ritzy bowling, where’s the smoking fat man? or The Dude? I’m going to be tired alot, much work, much more-er beautiful things to be made…

Here is a sequence of moving images put together to form the illusion of motion.  Some call it YouTube, I call it my favorite way to kill 20 minutes.  Why do you think this is posted at 1:15?

Note to self: Write this post approximatley 2 days ago

Okay, so…I admit it.  I’ve been a major slacker, and today I got had.  I’ve been moving in to the new NW Portland digs and haven’t spent much time working the blog muscle. Normally, a month between blog  posts would be okay.  A little lame…but still okay.  But today Grady Britton shone a little bit of light on this little narcissistic little niche in cyberspace I have carved out for myself in their blog.

So, little bit embarrassing to not have posted in over a month.  Nevertheless, the people that I have been in contact with seem uber cool, and want to welcome me into their “nest”, how cute .  One of the resons they are one of the best companies to work for in Oregon, per chance? (5th best to be exact)

Portland has been my second home for over a year now.  I really thought I had a handle on things.  I was going to stoll in, and act like I knew my shit.  Seasoned veteran of the urban landscape, I envisioned.  Well try telling that to my abandoned bicycle, two parking tickets, numerous overpriced drinks and my now deflated ego.  Don’t get me wrong.  Portland is still one of my favorite cities.  I heart the bike-friendly, more refined older brother that Portland has been to me, now I just have to live in a two bedroom apartment with him.  I’m sure we’ll be fine.  Let’s make beautiful things together.  Godspeed.