An interview with John Geoghegan, Senior Multimedia Developer

At JK Design, we help our clients tell their stories using innovative, customized solutions that often incorporate groundbreaking advances in multimedia technology. Finding the right media mix can be the key to getting the message across persuasively.

We rely on our interactive department to keep us up to date with the latest developments—so we can help our clients stay ahead of the curve and out in front of their competition. That’s a big part of what John Geoghegan, our senior multimedia developer, does every day.

In this installment of our ongoing series of employee interviews, we talked to John about his long history with JK Design and how his position, our agency, and digital technology have evolved over the past 15 years.

Omar Joseph (OJ): Tell me about your background and how you connected with JK Design.

John Geoghegan (JG): I have a degree in digital media, which encompasses a wide variety of skill sets. Coming out of school, I was most interested in 3-D animation and modeling, although I enjoyed just about every aspect of digital media I worked with, from writing HTML to doing live video production.

After I graduated, I spoke with an acquaintance who had freelanced at JK Design. I had been interviewing with video game companies, and he suggested I could freelance here while I interviewed. Long story short, I ended up coming aboard in June 1998 and I’ve been here ever since.

OJ: What was your job when you first started here?

JG: That’s a highly loaded question. We were a much smaller company when I first arrived. My job consisted of creating website designs and cutting them up as HTML. Within a few weeks, my responsibilities had expanded considerably: I started doing a lot of Flash animation, IT support, and anything else I could do to fill in the gaps.

OJ: I remember when I started working at JK Design about six years ago, your job was much different than it is now. Can you talk about how your position has evolved over the years?

JG: It’s really been a lot of fun. I’ve had the privilege of being the initial point person, or ‘test dummy,’ for many of the new and exciting technologies and techniques we’ve implemented here for our clients. PHP, Linux, Flash animation, video production, motion graphics … all of them started here with Jerry [Kaulius, JK Design founder and president] asking, ‘Can we do this?’ and me answering, ‘Sure, I can figure it out.’

As each of those became core skills for us, we would bring in people who were experts in those fields and I’d move on to other things. But I always enjoyed bringing in new technologies to JK and watching as they became a big part of our business.

OJ: What are your titles and responsibilities now?

JG: I still hang on to my old title: senior media developer. It’s something of a catch-all, which fits what I do. Additionally, I am the interactive traffic manager. In that role, I make sure we have all the resources in place to execute each interactive project, from website design and development to creating a motion graphics video.

As senior media developer, I’m really a jack-of-all-trades. I work with just about everyone here to fill in the gaps on projects. Sometimes I do production work, sometimes I do project management, sometimes I do research. At other times I do animation or motion graphics. It’s a fun job because it’s different every day.

OJ: Since becoming the interactive traffic manager, what changes have you put in place for the interactive team?

JG: I try to make sure the designers have time to breathe on their projects. Inspiration isn’t something that always happens instantly, and I respect their process and skills. I want them to have the time and the tools to do their best work.

I also try to make sure that they know as much about the project as possible before starting. I check in with everyone on a daily basis to make sure things are progressing as expected, and to see if they need anything.

OJ: In your job, you serve a variety of internal and external customers: account managers, developers, designers, producers, and our clients. How do you manage the needs of all these different people?

JG: In the end, my customer is the client, regardless of what I’m doing. People tend to look at things from only their perspective; in many cases, it’s part of my job to look at it from everybody’s perspective, and try to find a path to making things work for all.

OJ: I’m fascinated by the 3-D work you do! In particular, the work you did for LG’s video project was amazingly lifelike and I know it won multiple awards. What goes into completing a project like that?

JG: That was a fun job. My favorite projects are those where I’m working with the artists and helping them bring their vision to the screen. It can take a long time, but I feel that the results are definitely worth the effort.

In that particular case, I worked with [interactive creative director] Joe Jordan to create the 3-D graphics he needed for the LG video. In some respects, this one was relatively simple for me because it was more photorealistic and less conceptual. So as long as it looked like it might be real, it would work.

[Note: The video features John's animated 3-D model of LG's Network Attached Storage Device. You can watch it on our website.]

OJ: What inspires your work?

JG: I pull in inspiration from all over the place. I love visual media, and I’m always looking for new ideas in TV, movies, or video games.

The artists here also inspire me. They do great work, and they approach projects from very different perspectives. Working with talented people like the ones here has really helped me develop a lot of my weak spots.

OJ: What types of projects do you like to work on and why?

JG: My favorite types of projects tend to be motion graphics projects, because I get to work with some very skilled people, and ad concepts with Jerry and Chuck [Baum, art director]. Jerry and Chuck have a fun sense of design, and it’s a privilege to be a part of those projects.

OJ: What part of your job do you enjoy most?

JG: The people. I work with some great people, and it makes everything more fun. Projects can be great, projects can be crazy, but when you work with people you like being around—they’re a breeze.

OJ: How has working at JK Design helped develop your career?

JG: Working at JK Design has helped me push my skills in directions I never anticipated. We work with a diverse group of clients and every one of them has their own unique needs and aesthetic. The fast-paced nature of our business also forces you to think on your feet, be adaptable, and stay calm even in stressful situations.

OJ: What’s the most challenging part of your job and how do you handle it?

JG: That’s probably the more technical animation projects. Very often, we’re asked to understand and animate fairly complicated medical, scientific, or industrial procedures. It’s my job to understand them well enough that I can create an animation of them.

I do a lot of supplemental research in addition to what our clients explain to me. I’ve always found that a good approach to learning something thoroughly is to learn it from multiple sources and then to do my best to explain it back to the client in my own words.

OJ: You’ve been here for nearly 15 years. What about this place intrigues you?

JG: There’s a lot here that intrigues me, but I’m a person who’s prone to being fascinated by everything. One thing is definitely how much of the feel of the small company I joined 14 years ago still remains, even though we’re much bigger today. I think a lot of that is due to Jerry’s personality. We follow his lead.

OJ: When you’re not at JK Design, what do you enjoy doing?
JG: I’m something of a homebody; I try to spend as much time with my family as I can. I’m an avid reader of just about anything I can get my hands on. I love movies, though I don’t have the opportunity to see many that don’t have cartoon characters in them anymore, since I have a seven-year-old son.

I really enjoy going to my son’s hockey games, and spending that much time at ice rinks has gotten me off the couch and playing hockey as well. When I can, I still try to learn and practice my skills at home. I enjoy creating media, and sometimes it’s just fun to work on things without a client, without any direction, and just see what comes out of it.

Check out some of JK Design’s exciting multimedia work here.

An interview with Martha Marchesi, VP, Director of Creative and Marketing Services

For nearly 30 years JK Design has helped companies connect with their customers by producing award-winning creative work spanning the print, web, mobile, interactive, and video categories.

Recently, we took a leap forward – creating a new department devoted to marketing strategy and branding. It’s the latest step in our evolution as a full-service creative and interactive agency with the capabilities to help our clients achieve success at every stage of their journey.

In this installment of our ongoing series of employee interviews, we sat down with department director Martha Marchesi to get her take on how this new department is transforming our agency and helping our clients build their brands.

Omar Joseph (OJ): Tell me a little about your business background.

Martha Marchesi (MM): I’ve been in advertising for almost 30 years! I was fortunate to land a job right out of college working at a Madison Avenue advertising agency as a junior copywriter. I’ve worked at a lot of NYC shops – Saatchi and Saatchi, Young & Rubicam, Grey, McCaffrey & McCall, to name a few. I came up through the creative ranks as a writer, then became creative director. I finally decided to trade in the commute and built a successful freelance business, creating strategic and creative solutions for clients across a wide range of industries and product categories.

OJ: You began working with us as a freelancer. What intrigued you about taking a full-time position here?

MM: I really admire Jerry [Kaulius] and the company he’s built. I felt that working at JK Design would be a good ‘fit’ for me. Over the years, I’d become more involved in projects at the strategic level and really loved it.

The idea of being able to utilize both my creative and marketing skills was incredibly appealing. I knew that my role would help the agency realize its goal of being a full-service advertising agency so I joined the team.

OJ: You’re the VP, Director of Creative and Marketing Services. What exactly is that?

MM: I help clients with strategic issues, challenges, and opportunities – anything from launching a new product to repositioning a mature brand to assessing the current competitive landscape.

I also leverage my creative skills to ensure that any creative elements and messaging are aligned with the strategic goals. I’m able to help designers and writers translate and execute off the brand platform – so that every communication fully reflects the brand’s intended message.

OJ: When you first accepted the position, what was your vision for the department?

MM: My vision was a big one: Help clients think about their brands in ways that they never had before. I think real opportunities present themselves when you’re willing to ‘think outside the box.’

OJ: When you arrived you were, in essence, creating a new department by yourself. How have you handled that challenge?

MM: I’ve had wonderful support here at JK. Our lead writer Chris Milan, who also has a branding background, is a great strategic thinker, and Ashley Summerer is both an outstanding account manager and a terrific member of the JK branding/marketing team!

OJ: How do you interact with and help our clients?

MM: I think one of the most important things I do is to help clients reach consensus on challenges or issues. The only way to move forward is to have everyone on the same page. My job is to facilitate that discussion and help bring disparate opinions and perspectives together.

OJ: Tell me about the marketing and branding sessions you facilitate.

MM: In a marketing session, we take an in-depth look at the target audience, strategic goals, challenges, and opportunities, and we also assess the current competitive landscape. From there, we create a ‘strategic blueprint’ – a plan for reaching the desired outcomes in the best way possible.

A branding session is designed to create a ‘brand blueprint’ that aligns with strategic objectives. We work together to determine a brand’s personality, its most motivating and differentiating aspects, and build a strong brand platform that becomes the foundation for all communications.

OJ: Most companies don’t rebrand and completely change their marketing strategies often. How often do you think companies should participate in the type of sessions you lead?

MM: A company needs to make sure that its branding and marketing strategies are line with its business plan, which typically is a three- or five-year plan. There can also be quite a bit of change within that timeframe, from the competitive landscape to customer needs or behaviors. Any company needs to make sure that its brand stays current – or risk falling behind the competition.

OJ: You have an obvious passion for what you do.  What is it about your job that makes you want to get out of bed every day?

MM: I love wearing two hats! I have a passion for the strategic side and the creative side. This job allows me to leverage both. There is nothing more satisfying than watching a client find that fruitful new space, that powerful new voice, for their brand.

OJ: You’ve been deep in the trenches recently managing a number of marketing and branding sessions. Once the smoke clears, what’s on the horizon for your department?

MM: JK Design is known for being an innovator, and I’d like to bring some of our cutting-edge technology to the branding/marketing department! For starters, I would like to utilize our proprietary collaborative iPad application for group feedback.

OJ: Much of your job involves being creative or helping people think creatively about their brand. What inspires you to be creative?

MM: I am always looking for the ‘road less traveled,’ taking a different, unexpected approach. Today’s marketplace is tougher than ever – but there are a lot of awe-inspiring brands out there, and it’s important to learn from them.

OJ: You keep a frantic pace at work. How do you unwind when you’re not here?

MM: I run lots of miles, and I ride my mountain bike! I’m also a voracious reader.

To find out more about how you can launch, build, or revitalize your brand, touch base with Martha here.

When Terumo Interventional Systems recently decided it was time to move their operations to a larger location, they turned to JK Design to help facilitate the move and brand their new Class-A space.

I sat down with our Terumo account manager, Kurt Matthews, to find out more about the unique challenges posed by this project and the solutions we created.

Omar Joseph (OJ): So, Kurt, tell me about our existing relationship with Terumo.

Kurt Matthews (KM): We work with Terumo Interventional Systems, a division of Terumo Medical Corporation. We’ve provided them with creative services for collateral, trade show materials, e-mail, video, and interactive projects for the past four years.

OJ: How did this particular project come about?

KM: Terumo told us they would be moving into class A space in a few months and wanted us to create artistic and provocative graphics to brand their new space.

When we met with them we realized the project was a bit more complex than just a simple lobby graphics job. They actually wanted a multi-phase project. We recently completed the phase that included additions to their reception area, main entrance, seating areas and conference rooms.

OJ: It sounds like you had your work cut out for you with this project. How did you approach it?

KM: You’re right. There was a lot to tackle. To get it done on time and successfully, we created a 15-person project team. Our team was anchored with three art directors: Bill Church, Chuck Baum, and Martin Jones. They established the overall vision for the project.

Christie Gucker, Mike King, and Nick Guido handled the production end. They prepared comps and presentation boards and preflighted every piece that went into production.

John Geoghegan, our 3-D animator, created amazing 3-D renderings from the designer’s concepts and blueprints. And I can’t forget our talented photographer, Tom Kosa. He took some amazing photographs that were the basis for our artwork.

OJ: What were some of the main challenges you faced with this project?

KM: There were a lot of logistics involved. Christie, our production director, had to manage the entire team and coordinate scheduling, procurement, and installation. She did an excellent job.

In the end, we all worked together and got everything done.

OJ: Tell me about exactly what we created for Terumo.

KM: We realized that we had the opportunity to create some spectacular artwork with a uniquely “Terumo” twist. In the reception area we installed three elements: a large logo sign mounted behind the receptionist area, vinyl lettering on the glass doors, and – my favorite part – steel plate renderings for the walls.

We photographed and retouched some of Terumo’s products to use as the basis for these 2-by-3-foot steel plate renderings. They were created with a special etching process that created incredible results and hung using a thin cable wire system that makes them look like they are floating.

Martin dreamed up two oversized murals that were installed on large, curved divider walls that stretched from floor to ceiling. On the opposite side of the curved walls, we installed company values and vision statements using metal letters.

All the conference rooms were decorated with new black and white prints of the Terumo products. These were produced with spectacular photography shots created with macro lenses, interesting croppings, and unusual angles. Chuck then retouched them to add some additional flair and create a more abstract look. The prints were also installed using a thin cable wire system. I love this concept because Terumo’s leading product is a thin wire used in minimally invasive medical procedures.

OJ: What was the client’s reaction to the final results?

KM: The client loves it! I’m very happy to report that I’ve received excellent compliments from many people at Terumo. The murals are bright and colorful and they’re getting a lot of attention from everyone. The black and white photos are amazing and creating a real buzz around the Terumo office.

Their lobby now has a “wow” factor that gives visitors a very positive impression of Terumo. Thanks to our team’s hard work, we were able to meet the client’s objectives and exceed their expectations.

An interview with Paul Lahaski

At JK Design, we pride ourselves on creating innovative work that excites people and produces positive results for our clients. We’re passionate about what we do – and we couldn’t do it without having some of the best talent around on our team.

As a part of our ongoing series, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at our staff and how we work together to make the magic happen. In this installment, we’re featuring Interactive Project Manager Paul Lahaski. He took some time out of his busy day in our fast-paced interactive department to talk to us about himself and his role at JK Design.

Photo By Joe Lopez III

Omar Joseph (OJ): Tell me a little about your business background.

Paul Lahaski (PL): I worked in the nonprofit industry for eight years before joining JK Design in 2011. During my senior year at Rutgers University I began volunteering at Embrace Kids Foundation, which helps families whose children have cancer, sickle cell, or other blood disorders. It was an extremely rewarding experience. When I was ready to graduate I was offered a full-time position as an event coordinator and jumped at the opportunity. By the time I left, I was the development manager. In that role I managed all of our annual fundraisers, corporate sponsorships, and relationships with some of our larger donors.

OJ: What motivated you to move from the nonprofit industry to the technology field?

PL: Since I was working for a small nonprofit I had to wear different hats. I gravitated toward our marketing and web work. Soon I was designing most of our marketing materials and managing all of our online fundraising campaigns. I really enjoyed that part of my job and knew that was something I would enjoy focusing on and doing every day.

However, I knew that if I wanted to make a career of it I would need to go back to school. While working full time, I obtained a degree in IT with the hope that I would be able to apply the skills I learned at the charity with the technical expertise I was learning in the classroom. I was extremely lucky to find a position that allows me to take part in the creative process while continuing to use the management and people skills I possess.

OJ: How did your relationship with JK Design begin?

PL: I met Jerry Kaulius back in 2004 when I first started working with Embrace Kids Foundation. He was on the board of directors. I also met many other JK employees when they volunteered at or attended our fundraisers. Everyone I was introduced to was so nice and reflected positively on the company. When I decided to switch careers, JK was literally the first place I contacted. I started working here in late October 2011.

OJ: Tell me about your position at JK Design.

PL: As an interactive project manager, I work with our clients to help them plan their websites, videos, and apps, starting with wireframes, site maps, and functional specs right up to their successful launch.

I act as the liaison between our clients and the design and development team. I help our client navigate the technical aspects of each project and assist them in thinking through the intricacies and details of bringing their ideas to life.

I take great pride in meeting with a client for the first time – when they may only have a vague concept of what they want to achieve – and working with them through the entire project life cycle: discovery, design, development, and launch.

OJ: Tell me about the team members you work with and how they help you complete projects.

PL: I generally spend most of my time working with account managers, designers, and developers. I have a great working relationship with everyone here. Everyone is so passionate and knowledgeable about what they do and completely respectful of their coworkers’ time and talents.

Account managers, project managers, designers, and developers are all pieces of the puzzle and we rely on one another to work with the best interests of the client in mind.

Once a project kicks off, I work very closely with our design and development teams. We all work within the same space so it’s easy to sit with both a designer and developer to bounce ideas off of one another.

Photo By Joe Lopez III

OJ: Can you describe what a typical day is like for you?

PL: Sure. There isn’t one! I generally work on all types of projects that fall under the interactive umbrella, including websites, HTML emails, apps, and motion graphics videos.

Because of this there are usually quite a few projects going on and each one is at a different level of completion. So one day I could be meeting with a client in the morning, reviewing designs at lunch, and preparing to launch a site in the afternoon. The next day could be something completely different. That’s the great thing about working at JK Design: you never know what a day will bring, but you know you’re going to be busy and have a lot of fun.

OJ: What do you enjoy most about your job?

PL: I love the interaction with the clients. To me, it’s about being able to craft a project from a simple idea and building something the client and I are both proud of. At the end of the day, I think the best part of my job is exceeding the expectations of the client.

Photo By Joe Lopez III

OJ: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

PL: Family is paramount to me. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my nieces and nephew. I also like to work out and practice yoga as much as possible.

OJ: Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to leave us with?

PL: I’m very thankful to be part of the team at JK Design. It’s great to be surrounded with people who are just as passionate and excited about what they do as I am.

As JK Design continues to grow as a full-service agency, we have been spending more time and dedicating resources to expanding our capabilities so that we can better serve our clients.

Recently, this expansion has included adding several talented individuals to our team. In this installment of our ongoing series, we’re featuring Katherine Armstrong, our VP of Video Production since 2011. Katherine took a few minutes to talk about how she’s taking our video department to the next level.

Omar Joseph (OJ): You were hired last year in 2011, but we worked with you on a number of projects before you got here. Tell me about how your relationship with JK Design began.

Katherine Armstrong (KA): The VP of New Business Development, Andrea Wolkofsky, called me to work as a freelance producer and director for a project she had coming up. We got along really well and the video was such a success that she went back to the team and pitched me for the full-time job.

After doing some wonderful work with JK Design’s president, Jerry Kaulius, we sealed the deal.

OJ: I’ve read your bio and noticed that you have an intriguing work history. Can you talk a bit about your career path?

KA: I began my career in the entertainment business, moving to Los Angeles from Detroit while not quite out of my teens. My first love and passion was acting, and I enjoyed success in the television and film industry, but always had a hand in producing theater. I was involved in friends’ projects as everything from production assistant to casting director to production management to – finally – field directing and producing.

When I decided to jump into producing full time, I was blessed with great connections and mentored by really amazing people. I left LA after my daughter was born and continued as a freelance production coordinator, manager, producer, and director in New York and New Jersey.

OJ: We’ve been doing some wonderful work since you arrived. You’ve started to build your team and our video department is growing fast. Can you tell me about your vision for the department?

KA: Video is such an incredible way for clients to get their message across. When I came on board I really wanted my creative passion for the medium to shine through in every area. I absolutely love what I do and I wanted to build a sense of excitement for everyone.

My goal has been to merge an out-of-the-box creative vision with the structure of the corporate world. It has also been amazing to be surrounded by a team of artists working hard to support our clients’ desires and bottom lines while giving them a new vision of what’s possible in video.

OJ: Can you tell me about how the creative process has changed?

KA: One of the shifts I’ve seen is in the area of collaboration with our graphic designers on ‘hybrid’ videos. These are video productions combining live action and motion graphics.

We collaborate on each script with the writer, brainstorm all the possibilities for the video, and storyboard it out as usual – but now we are all involved in generating creative ideas for all modes of video, from After Effects animations to live action to combinations of both.

Recently, we’ve rented green screen sound stages and combined on-screen talent with the virtual worlds we’ve created. It’s got everyone really inspired.

OJ: You recently traveled with your team to Paris for a few video shoots. Tell me about that experience.

KA: Oui! We did. It was amazing. We are thrilled to have a wide variety of global clientele that we collaborate with. To be asked to travel to Paris to produce and direct is really a testament to the relationships that our sales representatives and account managers have created.

OJ: I’ve noticed that our clients are starting to dedicate more resources to video projects. Have you noticed this trend? What do you attribute that shift to?

KA: I’m hopeful that the energy and excitement our department feels for the work we do has supported the promotion of video to our team internally as well as to the client.

But to answer your question more specifically, I think we live in a ‘YouTube world.’ People are spending more time on sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Vimeo, and because of that our clients are looking for new ways to connect with them using messaging that is unique, entertaining, and visually stimulating.

Video is the perfect way to meet all of their needs and stay up to date with social networking trends. I see us doing more and more video for everything from standard websites to iPad apps and QR code-enabled videos accessible on the back of a client’s business card. The possibilities are endless! It’s exciting to see that our clients are serious about taking advantage of these opportunities.

OJ: You’re still in the early stages of building your team. How do you balance creating quality work with tight timeframes and resources?

KA: It really is exciting to see things growing so quickly. The department has been thriving for a long time, but now it feels like we’re in the middle of a serious renaissance.

I’ve got a group of talent around me that steps up when things really start to ramp up. It takes a lot of choreography to keep it all moving. It comes down to scheduling, more scheduling, and re-scheduling. I just keep the plates spinning.

Maybe that’s how I taught yoga for so many years – did I mention that I teach yoga?  I enjoy learning, practicing, and maintaining balance.

OJ: What do you enjoy most about your job?

KA: I’m so proud of the work everyone in this company does. I’m so impressed by the work ethic, the level of quality, and the people I see standing for the excellence they believe in. I see it in the developers, designers, writers, artists, and the sales and executive teams, and it is really a reflection of the kind of environment that Jerry has created. It’s the people, passion, and projects that keep flying in that make this an incredible place to be. And I’m incredibly lucky to be a part of it.

New Jersey/New York creative services agency welcomes new marketing and branding director, interactive project manager, account manager, and production artist

Hillsborough, N.J., January 11, 2012 – JK Design, a leading creative services agency with offices in central New Jersey and New York City, has significantly expanded its staff and capabilities with four new hires.

Martha Marchesi brings nearly 30 years of advertising and marketing experience to her position as director of creative and marketing services. A veteran of Madison Avenue, Martha has worked at nationally known agencies developing strategic solutions and crafting award-winning creative campaigns for clients such as Chevrolet, AT&T, Xerox, and Revlon. In addition to her creative duties, Martha specializes in branding and marketing workshops that help clients define and execute powerful, persuasive messaging. Martha earned a BS in communications from Boston University and is currently pursuing an MBA.

As JK Design’s newest interactive project manager, Paul Lahaski guides clients through the design and development process for websites, iPhone and iPad apps, email campaigns, and other projects. Paul has an extensive technical background and holds computing and Web design certifications from CompTIA and CIW. His business, finance, and media relations expertise was honed during his recent tenure as development manager for Embrace Kids Foundation. Paul earned a BS in business economics from Rutgers University and is completing a BA in information technology from Western Governor’s University.

Ashley Summerer brings a diverse range of experience – and razor-sharp organizational skills – to her role as account manager. In this fast-paced position, she works closely with clients, staff, and vendors to manage the daily project workflow, monitor production deadlines, and coordinate quality control and review procedures. Prior to joining JK Design, she worked as a project manager and conducted market research for several major brands. Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a minor in marketing from Pace University.

Production artist Nick Guido is responsible for the design and production of a wide variety of marketing and promotional materials. A graduate of Montclair State University with a degree in fine arts and a trained eye for great design, Nick worked as a Web designer and freelance graphic designer at several New Jersey agencies before joining JK Design.

“2011 was a banner year for JK Design,” said Jerry Kaulius, founder and president. “With the addition of these four talented professionals to our staff, we are now ideally positioned to provide the highest quality creative work and the widest range of print, interactive, and video services in our 25-year history. Our entire company welcomes Martha, Paul, Ashley, and Nick, and we all look forward to working with them to help our clients achieve success.”

JK Design’s headquarters is located in the historic Staats House in Hillsborough, NJ. The agency also has an office in the Chelsea neighborhood of midtown Manhattan, just minutes from New York Penn Station.

About JK Design

In business for over 25 years, JK Design is a creative services agency specializing in strategy and branding, print, web, mobile, interactive, and video projects. Recent honors include two Telly awards, a Communicator award, a MarCom Platinum award, and a Gold Hermes Creative Award. The agency provides a wide range of innovative design, advertising, and marketing services, including: web design and development, iPad and mobile app development, branding, logos, email marketing, multimedia and video animation and production, marketing strategies, advertising, corporate collateral design and production, exhibit graphics, packaging and Internet-based virtual tradeshows. For more information: 908-428-4700 (NJ), 646-794-4180 (NYC), or http://www.jkdesign.com.

In this installment of our ongoing series, we’re featuring one of our “behind the scenes” employees: Christie Gucker, our production director.

Omar Joseph (OJ): You’ve spent the last three years at JK Design. Can you tell me about your career before you started working here?

Christie Gucker (CG): I’m dating myself here, but I started in the industry as a “paste-up” artist. For the younger folks in the audience, that’s a mechanical artist. Back then we were just getting into computers, so most of the mechanicals were done by hand.

After spending some time doing that, I worked as a photographic retoucher and designer. At one point, I was the only production artist in the studio, and I also had to handle scheduling work and managing production. That experience eventually led to a position as full-time production manager.

OJ: Did you have any mentors during your career? What influence did they have on your career path?

CG: Wow, there have been so many during my career…but I would have to say that Steve Adams, the creative director for Keyes Martin [advertising agency], was my most influential mentor. He was the one who pushed me to become a production manager. He thought that my background in art and knowledge of design programs and the creative process gave me a greater understanding of how the work was produced. He convinced me that it just was the natural progression of my career.

OJ: Before you started working at JK Design, you did some freelance work for us. Can you tell me about your first experience(s) with JK Design?

CG: Well, I had broken my ankle and I was at home recovering. At the time, I was thinking about switching what I had been doing – production – and getting back into designing. JK was right down the road, so I thought maybe I could get my foot in the door (no pun intended) as a designer.

I worked here for a while and had a chance to meet the decision makers. I must have made a positive impression, because I was soon offered a position as the interim production manager. And as you can see, I’m still here!

OJ: Tell me about some of your job responsibilities. What does a production director do?

CG: I do a lot here. I manage all the artists and freelancers and handle the workflow from the inception of projects through completion, working directly with the account managers, designers and vendors. I also mange the estimating process and occasionally work with clients directly.

OJ: What do you like best about your job?

CG: I enjoy watching the whole creative process from start to finish, and learning about all the different industries we work with. My position allows me to get a taste of what everyone else experiences here. It really gives me a feeling of accomplishment to know that I had a hand in getting something to the client that they are truly happy with, no matter what my role in the process was. I also find the challenge of tight deadlines kind of fun. I have yet to miss a deadline!

OJ: Because of your position, you have to work with more people in our company than most employees. You have an interesting opportunity to interact with your colleagues. Do you enjoy this part of your job?

CG: I love working with everyone and interacting with all of the different departments. Because of tight timeframes, shifting priorities and schedule changes I tend to experience the spectrum of people’s emotions – from stressed to excited to exhausted!

In this business, you can’t assume that everything will go smoothly.

OJ: Your job seems like it comes with a lot of pressure. How do you handle it all?

CG: Oh geez; I do lots of crying and yelling. I kid! But seriously, like any job there is stress – but you learn to work through it, and then you have a feeling of accomplishment. I take my work very personally and each job is important to me. I just do what I have to do to get the client what they need and keep my colleagues and my boss, Jerry Kaulius, happy.

OJ: I understand that you write as a hobby and recently won some awards for it. Can you tell me more about that?

CG: I do – and I did! And I am absolutely honored to have won those awards. I recently wrote two books. One chapter was released online each week. One of the books was nominated for numerous awards in a competition and I won in two categories.

I have had a lot of success online with them and they have been read all over the world. I have fans, which seems surreal. The whole experience has made for quite an awesome ride.

Both books are completed now and I am in the process of rewriting them to seek a publishing deal.

OJ: I don’t think a lot of people knew you liked to write. Tell me something else that most people may not know about you.

CG: I have a HUGE affection for all things Twilight (the movies/books) and I have a Twitter account that allows me to interact with other fans. I even work on a Twilight blog with some of my Twitter friends.

My daughter, Samantha, and I also participate in a haunted trail at a local farm. I’m one of the trail bosses in charge of the actors. I play the Grim Reaper. You can find me lurking in the cornfields in the dark on the weekends throughout October scaring people. I absolutely love Halloween and all things spooky. It’s so much fun!

Also, I like to face my fears – because if I don’t, I feel like I’m not living life. I’ve done this by riding a mechanical bull, having 30,000 gallons of water dumped on me, walking a tightrope, bungee jumping out of a hot air balloon and a number of other things my husband thinks I’m absolutely nuts for doing.

OJ: I want to thank you for all you do and for taking some time to talk to me. Is there anything you’d like to add?

CG: I do want to thank you so much for shining the spotlight on me and my job. It’s always nice to know you are appreciated, no matter how “behind the scenes” you are.

Featured employee: Kurt Matthews

Since we created the JK Design blog last year, it has served as a great source of  information about our company and the work we do.

While it’s always exciting to spotlight our best projects, we recently realized we were overlooking something: the important role our incredible employees play in making every project a success.

At JK Design we have more than 45 employees in a variety of positions – and we also have plenty of stories to tell about them. This new blog series will highlight some of the most interesting ones.

We’re kicking this new series off with Kurt Matthews, one of our account executives. JK Design’s blogmaster, Omar Joseph, sat down with Kurt to discuss his unique experience at JK Design. (more…)