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Photo Credit: CNN
After watching a talk with Dennis Crowley the founder of Foursquare, one of the big thought provoking statements he made for me was that Foursquare is about‘ getting people out into the real world’.
Later, as I watched him play a real game of Foursquare with a group of kids, it got me wondering, could location based mobile games be the answer to getting kids of their bums and out of the house again? Obviously I’m not talking about 3 years olds here, but kids who should be outside discovering the big wide world (then again, with a parents participation it could even work for 3 year olds!).
I grew up in a world of tree climbing, outdoor swimming and bike riding through the leafy suburbs of London UK, at it shaped the adventurous side of my personality that I have today. However, with the world of education, sharing and gaming becoming increasingly digital, it’s often commented on that kids don’t get outside enough to get their hands dirty and breathe in what’s around them.
Our digital industry is on the verge of literally erupting tomorrow when South by Southwest Interactive begins. Whether or not you’ve been there before, there’s no question of you’ve heard of it. A convergence of thousands in Austin, TX to celebrate and debate emerging technology and digital trends. Complete with tweeting/blogging/uploading frenzy that no telecom network can keep up with.
SxCM
As you can expect, CM will most certainly be present. We’ve got 13 people from across our company, led by two of our executives, currently on their way to sunny Texas. We encourage you to follow these folks directly on Twitter, not just for SxSW, but because they’re some of our best.
Chris Gokiert (@cgokiert) – President
Darren Delichte (@darrendelichte) – Executive Creative Director
Beth Kelley (@bethkelley56) – Account Manager
Darren Wood (@sevenbitme) – Sr. Designer
Dave Vieser (@dvieser) – Tech Director
Jeana Anderson (@jeanaanderson) – Social Media Manager
Jim Kim (@jimkim) – Creative Director
Johnathan Bonnell (@digitalinfant) – Planner
Kerry Janes (@kjsxsw) – Planning Director
Kristie Brown (@klbrown99) – Account Manager
Leif Fescenmeyer (@ebreakdown) – Community Moderator
Natalie Prout (n/a) – Associate Planner
Richard Tseng (@richardtseng) – Copywriter
Stacey Perkins (@slperkins80) – Account Manager
Zach Graham (@zachgraham) – Sr. Planner
Wanna keep in the loop?
If you CM is a brand you know and trust, we highly recommend you follow us for the latest scoop during the next four days. We’ll of course share some content here, but you can also follow us on Twitter (#cmsxsw) or on Facebook. Twitter will serve up-to-the-minute quotes and sightings. Facebook will give you a visual with videos and pics. And this won’t just be your standard “session recap.”
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This year we’d like to take a bit of time to show off some of our talent here at Critical Mass. We are incredibly proud to have the best people in the industry, who also happen to be some of the best musicians, parents, athletes, friends, chefs, gamers, artists and beer- consumers. To share a bit of what makes CM special, we’ll serve up these Employee Spotlights with individuals from across all disciplines and offices. For January, allow us to introduce Reza Kay.
1. What is your role at CM? How do you spend your days?
I’m Head of Design at CM London. Part of my day normally consists of reviewing the briefs, estimates and design work going through the studio. Aside from the more administrative tasks, I will normally work with the Creative Director who I will collaborate with and then set design direction for every project/pitch. I also work closely with IA, Planning, AM’s and PM’s, and Tech to ensure that the creative and design ideas are always in place. More importantly, a large part of my role is to inspire, collaborate with and guide our designers, and to be a sort of ‘brand guardian’ for our clients… And yes, I do still spend part of most days designing in Photoshop.
2. What is the greatest thing about CM culture?
I think the greatest thing about CM culture has to be the openness, receptivity and friendliness of its people. It’s a company that cares, respects and looks out for its people. It’s the idea that we’re not made up of numbers or ‘staff’, but of individuals and personalities — fostered from the very top — which I believe builds the very foundation of CM culture.
3. What drives you? What are you inspired by?
Wow… what a tough question! I’m driven by my search for perfection and collaboration, though sometimes just perfect collaboration. I’m inspired by many things: the Interweb (obviously!) and it’s every changing disposition; my close friends and family; design, fashion, music, art and architecture (how clichéd!); science and the universe; the smell of spring in the air… Many, many, things really.
