vizwerker

I’ve been working as a contractor at a retail design firm in [downtown] NE Portland since July. It’s a great office with huge vaulted ceilings and delightfully raw cement floors. I’ve primarily been involved in print production and design with a dash of web work and conceptual confabulation. Earlier this week the Principal, Shauna, pulled me aside and said it she felt it was about time we had a conversation about a few things— it turns out they were actually serious when it was mentioned that they were considering bringing me on staff. Being a freelance contractor for nearly 10 years has taught me that I should always take these sorts of things as a vague possibility at best. I’ve had a great tenure with Aquent and it will sadden me to write them the thank you letter I know I am now compelled to write them.

This is the part I love— vizwerks does great work, it’s a small company with the feel of a startup, the energy of a youthful team, and the experience of a old pro. Everyone there is incredibly intelligent, hard-working, and though strangely quiet, I know these people know how to have a good time. With a staff of about 13 people, decisions are democratic and execution of work is fast and agile. I was told at the beginning of the week that they would like me to come on board and if possible wrap it up by the end of the week. This week.

Today, I happily signed their offer. For the first time since 1999, I will be an official employee of a company I have great respect and admiration for. Caveat to that, Aquent is a great company to work for and they have kept me gainfully and sometimes very lucratively employed for the last 10 years. I also have admiration and respect for this company and highly recommend that you look into them if you need a job.

For me this new opportunity affords me the possibility of growth, compatriots, and the satisfaction of being grounded with a company that takes care of it’s people. I was excited a few days ago, but after today I’m ecstatic. Monday next, I will be an official vizwerker, Designer II. And we’re talking growth, so there’s another title on the horizon and, well, it’s just damn cool to be on paper again for the first time in 8 years.

Interestingly, vizwerks does a combination of architectural design, retail design, print design and branding. I’m bringing web design to the table as well as my experience with worldwide branding and media implementation. It’s pretty much a perfect combination of everything I’ve been interested in since I was 10.