With the weekend over it is time to get back to work. I am slowly starting to become familiar with the other work colleagues which is nice as it isn't as intimidating going into work anymore. Looking at my week ahead it consists of developing the web design for Soundbrenners 3Y Birthday promotion, creating an animation for James (videographer) and getting ready for Soundbrenners birthday party on Friday! Lots to do!!
Starting with the website I initially designed the web banners to be very graphic design/imagery based. Yet after having a meeting with Per (head of marketing) he said it isn't quite right from a marketing/sales perspective. He went on to explain how from a graphic design point of view it is awesome but the complex imagery takes away from the main message of a sale/promotion. It makes perfect sense. Coming from university we are taught how to sell an idea yet not how to sell a product. Talking to Per and learning the ways consumers react to effective marketing design was incredibly interesting. I took that knowledge/advice and I went forward to alter my designs to be more sales friendly. Just from this one meeting it has completely changed how I look at design from a marketing point of view. I am now more aware of the message that needs to communicated compared to complicated/complex image. My next task was to create an animation of a ballon blowing up... I am no expert at After Effects but, challenge accepted. After hours of Youtube and I mean HOURS, finally I made a ballon explode. Even though it is simple and only 3 seconds long... it was an accomplishment for an After Effects moron like myself. The rest of the week flew by and before I knew it, it was Soundbrenners third birthday party! After setting up the venue, the live music began accompanied with a beverage or two to celebrate Soundbrenners Birthday and the end of a working week. After the official party was over we continued to celebrate with colleagues taking us to experience Lan Kwai Fong. With the night still young(ish) so we explored different bars, danced to terrible music and bounded as a team. To summarise the night lets fast forward to the next morning. I was feeling a little more worse for wear so decided to enjoy the comfort of my room for the day. So in conclusion it was loose. Overall though going out with colleagues outside of work was awesome! You get to see a different side to them and start to make a stronger connections.
Feeling like a new person, on Sunday we thought it was time to burn off the thousands of noodles we had eaten. With the game plan to go hike 'Monkey Mountain,' we soon discovered that the monkeys were super aggressive and stole things, so we gave it miss for now. After discussion, walking up the famous Peak was decided. With the air thick and my questionable fitness ability, taking the tram seemed like the better idea at the time. Yet with the threatening possibility I might turn into a noodle myself, it was time to do some exercise. One hour later, red faced and sweaty we made it. The views looking over Hong Kong's concrete jungle were a little lost in the smog but still very impressive.
Week two had come to an end, wow that went fast!!! Somehow I have not lost any of my belongs or myself so far in this hectic place, yet can feel myself falling in love with this city more and more everyday. With the endless places to go and people to meet it is an exciting place to be. Although I hate the humidity and the overpriced coffee ($8NZD!?!) I can start to imagine myself living here in the future. So with this in mind and only 10 weeks to go of work, I know I need to make the most of opportunity so I can make this one of the best 3 months of my life. Challenge accepted.
Local bird man