Job Title: Junior Web Designer

Department: Creative, Mandalay Baseball Properties

Location: Fifth Third Field, Dayton, OH

Reports to: Director of Creative Services

Hours: Unpaid Seasonal Internship (College credit available if applicable), 20-25 hours per week

Start Date: Feb 13, 2012

Mandalay Baseball Properties currently owns and operates five Minor League Baseball teams, in addition to numerous consulting agreements that focus on various aspects of ballpark construction, ticket sales, and sponsorship sales. In 2009, Mandalay Creative Services was formed as an in-house creative group to provide a one-stop shop for various creative needs—including newspaper ads, brochures, website design, logo creation, print collateral, digital signage creation, radio and television production, and more.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Mandalay Baseball Properties (MBP) is looking for a candidate to serve as a Web Design/Graphics Intern for their in-house creative department. A candidate for this position will work closely with the Director and will be involved with various projects from inception to completion. Duties and responsibilities may include working within the provided content management system (CMS), designing and updating page layouts, graphic creation for various promotions or events, rebranding team newsletters, brainstorming new ideas for use on the web, involvement in discussion and implementation of social media strategies, and more as determined.

CHARACTER TRAITS:

The best candidate will be proactive and a self-starter that can maintain an upbeat, positive, “can do” attitude. He or she will possess the ability to work closely with an industry professional, be excited and ready to grow in the field, have a calm demeanor, be flexible to change, and possess the ability to adapt and adjust to a variety of situations. The ideal candidate is a problem solver, a troubleshooter, a creative thinker and is detail oriented, organized, and resourceful. He or she should have a basic understanding of the creative process, but be willing to adapt to new systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support the creative group in executing the vision and strategy for improving MBP team sites.

Develop custom web advertisements supporting both sponsor and team initiatives.

Assist in maintaining the club’s e-newsletters and marketing emails.

Stay current with developments in HTML email marketing to improve campaign strategies.

Edit and optimize photos.

Ask questions and come ready to learn.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Good written and oral communication skills, as well as visualization skills.

Demonstrate ability to work as a team player.

Proactive self-starter that can maintain an upbeat, positive attitude.

Must be able to solve problems in an efficient and professional manner.

Possess a strong work ethic and take pride in quality work while being open to constructive criticism.

Knowledge of HTML 5, CSS 3 and emerging web trends.

Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver).

Experience with Adobe Flash and Javascript is a plus.

Knowledge of the creative process is preferred, but not required.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Has received or is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree or design school certification in visual communications, web design/development, or a related field. Previous experience within a creative agency or marketing environment is preferred, but not required.

To apply, send your resume and a link to your portfolio to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or mail your resume to:

Fifth Third Field

Attn: Mandalay Creative Services

220 North Patterson Blvd

Dayton, OH 45402

Job Title: Junior Video Production & Motion Graphics Animator

Department: Creative, Mandalay Baseball Properties

Location: Fifth Third Field, Dayton, OH

Reports to: Motion Graphic Designer and Video Production Specialist

Hours: Unpaid Seasonal Internship (College credit available if applicable), 20-25 hours per week

Start Date: Feb 13, 2012

Mandalay Baseball Properties currently owns and operates five Minor League Baseball teams, in addition to numerous consulting agreements that focus on various aspects of ballpark construction, ticket sales, and sponsorship sales. In 2009, Mandalay Creative Services was formed as an in-house creative group to provide a one-stop shop for various creative needs—including newspaper ads, brochures, website design, logo creation, print collateral, digital signage creation, radio and television production, and more.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Mandalay Baseball Properties (MBP) is looking for a candidate to serve as a Video Production and Animation intern for their in-house creative department. A candidate for this position will be responsible for working closely with a motion graphics designer and will be involved with various projects from inception to completion. The scope of the work is broad, and includes marketing and PR communication materials, concepts and designs for digital signage content, and editing highlights clips. Other work may include 3-D logo illustration and animation, animated TV spots, and audio for radio commercials. This position will also learn about brand guidelines and how to deliver projects on time and under budget.

CHARACTER TRAITS:

The best candidate will be proactive and a self-starter that can maintain an upbeat, positive, “can do” attitude. He or she will possess the ability to work closely with an industry professional; be excited and ready to grow in the field; have calm demeanor; be flexible to change; and possess the ability to adapt and adjust to a variety of situations. The ideal candidate is a problem solver, a troubleshooter, a creative thinker and is detail oriented, organized, and resourceful. He or she should have a basic understanding of the creative process but be willing to adapt to new systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work with a Creative Content Designer on all aspects of our projects from concept, storyboard, preproduction, voice-over sessions, shooting, and acquisition though editing, post-production, motion graphics, distribution, and review.

Create motion graphic content in various sizes and formats for LED video walls, video boards, and LCD displays at our five stadiums.

Assist with graphic design, animation, audio, and video editing requests.

Meet with clients to determine their specific needs and explain concepts and ideas.

Establish and work within timelines and budgets.

Gain knowledge of not only motion graphics and production, but also design for print, digital and press publishing processes, concepts, and techniques.

Ask questions and come ready to learn.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Good written and oral communication skills, as well as visualization skills.

Demonstrate ability to work as a team player.

Proactive self-starter that can maintain an upbeat, positive attitude.

Must be able to solve problems in an efficient and professional manner.

Possess a strong work ethic and take pride in quality work while being open to constructive criticism.

Strong knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite CS4 (After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash) and Final Cut Studio (Final Cut, Soundtrack, Compressor) is preferred.

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.

Knowledge of the creative process is preferred, but not required.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Has received or is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree or design school certification in multimedia design, animation, visual communication, or a related field. Previous experience within a creative agency or marketing environment is preferred, but not required.

To apply, send your resume and a link to your demo reel to Creative Services at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or mail your resume and a DVD to:

Fifth Third Field

Attn: Mandalay Creative Services

220 North Patterson Blvd.

Dayton, OH 45402

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer

Department: Creative Services, Mandalay Baseball Properties

Location: Fifth Third Field, Dayton, OH

Reports to: Graphic Designer

Hours: Paid Seasonal Internship, 25 hours per week

Start Date: February 13, 2012

Mandalay Baseball Properties currently owns and operates five Minor League Baseball teams, in addition to numerous consulting agreements that focus on various aspects of ballpark construction, ticket sales, and sponsorship sales. In 2009, Mandalay Creative Services was formed as an in-house creative group to provide a one-stop shop for various creative needs—including newspaper ads, brochures, website design, logo creation, print collateral, digital signage creation, radio and television production, and more.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Mandalay Baseball Properties (MBP) is looking for a candidate to serve as a Junior Graphic Designer for their in-house creative agency. The Junior Graphic Designer will be responsible for project work from inception to completion of marketing and PR communication materials. Projects include developing concepts in addition to designing and producing print collateral, signage, web/digital communication, logo illustration and original design. Project designs must follow brand guidelines while delivering within defined timeliness and set budgets.

CHARACTER TRAITS:

Proactive, self-starter that can maintain an upbeat, positive, “can do” attitude; ability to work with minimal supervision; calm demeanor; flexible to change; and possess the ability to adapt and adjust to a variety of situations. The ideal candidate is a problem solver, troubleshooter, creative thinker, detail-oriented, organized, resourceful and understanding of the creative process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and present drafts and ideas to clients.

Create logos for various initiatives and events.

Assist with other graphic design requests, sponsorship presentations, and PowerPoint templates.

Develop publication projects, including print advertising in newspapers and magazines.

Design stadium signage that often includes large format pieces.

Possess a knowledge of design for print, digital and press publishing processes, concepts, and techniques.

Meet with clients to determine their specific needs and explain concepts and ideas.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as visualization skills.

Demonstrate ability to work as a team player.

Proactive self-starter that can maintain an upbeat, positive attitude.

Must be able to solve problems in an efficient and professional manner.

Possess a strong work ethic and take pride in the quality of their work.

Ability to work in a supportive role and take direction.

Must have a flexible schedule to accommodate unpredictable deadlines.

Willingness and ability to do what it takes to see projects through to completion and meet deadlines.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.

Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite CS5 (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) in a Mac environment.

Experience in motion graphics using After Effects, Flash, and/or Final Cut preferred, but not required.

Ample knowledge of the creative process is preferred, but not required.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A study of design, visual communications, or equivalent in graphic design experience. Previous experience within a creative agency or marketing environment preferred, but not required.

To apply, send your resume & portfolio to Creative Services at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or mail to:

Fifth Third Field

Attn: Mandalay Creative Services

220 North Patterson Blvd

Dayton, OH 45402

Job Title: Junior Copywriter

Department: Creative Services, Mandalay Baseball Properties

Location: Fifth Third Field, Dayton, OH

Reports to: Copywriter

Hours: Unpaid Seasonal Internship (College credit available if applicable), 20-25 hours per week

Start Date: Feb 13, 2012

Mandalay Baseball Properties currently owns and operates five Minor League Baseball teams, in addition to numerous consulting agreements that focus on various aspects of ballpark construction, ticket sales, and sponsorship sales. In 2009, Mandalay Creative Services was formed as an in-house creative group to provide a one-stop shop for various creative needs—including newspaper ads, brochures, website design, logo creation, print collateral, digital signage creation, radio and television production, and more.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Mandalay Baseball Properties (MBP) is looking for a candidate to serve as a Junior Copywriter for their in-house creative agency. The Junior Copywriter is responsible for the conception and execution of innovative copy for integrated, cross-channel initiatives including print advertising, digital marketing, online advertising and direct mail. The Junior Copywriter will partner with the copywriter of Creative Services and designers to ensure the art direction supports the concept.

CHARACTER TRAITS:

Proactive, self-starter that can maintain an upbeat, positive, “can do” attitude; ability to work with minimal supervision; calm demeanor; flexible to change; and possess the ability to adapt and adjust to a variety of situations. The ideal candidate is a problem solver, troubleshooter, creative thinker, detail oriented, organized, resourceful, and understanding of the creative process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and present drafts and ideas to clients.

Vary a message based on medium, target audience, and product.

Edit or rewrite existing copy as necessary and submit for approval.

Write newspaper advertisements, sales letters, and other related marketing, informative, and promotional material.

Create names and slogans that appear on brochures, packaging and other miscellaneous items.

Develop advertising campaigns.

Meet with clients to determine their specific needs and explain concepts and ideas.

Proofread existing copy and design drafts.

Brainstorm ideas for print, video, and design.

Communicate the status of all projects by means of daily updates and status reports.

Research services or products associated with an advertisement’s focus.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Excellent written and oral communication skills as well as proofreading skills.

Demonstrate ability to work as a team player.

Good interviewing, listening, and visualization skills.

Must be able to solve problems in an efficient and professional manner.

Possess a strong work ethic and take pride in the quality of their work.

Must have a flexible schedule to accommodate unpredictable deadlines.

Willingness and ability to do what it takes to see projects through to completion and meet deadlines.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel and Outlook/Entourage in a Mac environment.

Ample knowledge of the creative process is preferred, but not required.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

A study of English, journalism, communications or related field, or equivalent experience. Previous experience within a creative agency or marketing environment preferred, but not required.

To apply, send your resume & writing samples to Creative Services at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or mail to:

Fifth Third Field

Attn: Mandalay Creative Services

220 North Patterson Blvd

Dayton, OH 45402

Design students -- why waste time with generic reviews for your portfolio? In this economy, an outstanding portfolio will help you rise to the top of job applicants. Outshine the competition and get one-on-one feedback from local design experts who will help you polish your portfolio until it gleams!

Start the night out with a panel discussion and gain valuable insight to the creative industry from local experts. Bring your curiosity and and open mind so you'll be ready for the open Q&A session that follows. Reviews begin around 7 p.m.; portfolio review participants will be matched with an expert who shares their interests. While you wait for your one-on-one session, join our discussion group with recent grads and other burgeoning pros as they share what it's like to transition to the creative working world.

Make your reservations now. Early sign-up fees are $10; $15 at the door. DCS members who are not getting their portfolio reviewed are invited to attend the panel and discussion groups free of charge.

If you'd like to learn more about the DCS educational programs, or have ideas to share for an upcoming educational event, contact Education Coordinator This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

By Rebecca Bernard

Our featured sponsor for March is Four Ambition! Founded in 2007 by native Daytonian Shannon Thomas, Four Ambition provides services mainly focusing on screen printed apparel but also featuring screen printed posters, promotional materials, embroidery, and graphic design to assist customers in achieving their final look. Joined by partners Mitch Baker and Jessica Bostelman in 2008, Four Ambition is located just a few blocks from downtown and is a proud member of the community.

1. What unique skill/feature/product/service do you bring to the Gem City?
We believe Four Ambition brings a type of enthusiastic service not many other screen printing companies offer. Being a younger company, we are always open to new techniques or services to offer and different ways to make a better end product. I know not many other apparel printers offer screen printed posters, discharge and dye discharge printing or water-based printing. We also offer oversize printing that can cover the majority of a t-shirt. We also have several small to medium sized companies who don’t have an actual logo or brand established and we help get them in the right direction to grow their business and that's what we're all about. We want to see ambitious people succeed with their business or organization in Dayton.

2. Are you or the company a “Dayton original”? If not, what brought you/your company to this area?
Yes, I was born and raised here and I don't ever plan on leaving. I see so much potential here and love seeing Dayton's progression and trying to be a part of that.

3. When you were growing up, what did you want to be? How did that path change? What steps did you take to get to where you are today?
Actually when i was younger, I used to ride bmx bikes with Mitch Baker and I really just wanted to own a bmx parts and apparel company cause it's what we loved. So I took the "digital design" tech program at Fairmont High School where I learned graphic design, screen printing and offset printing. I put that knowledge to work for me and just really took to the printing of things. Even in high school I was staying after school to print orders for other people. And ever since, I've been screen printing even while working during the day at Oregon Printing (a commercial offset and digital print shop). Mitch and Jessica both graduated from the School of Advertising Art and when I had the idea to for this company we joined forces.

4. In your creative career, have you encountered a challenge or face adversity, and how did you overcome that obstacle?
There will always be challenges when starting and growing a company. Whether it's building the clientele or just establishing yourself. I think the hardest part was trying to get the company off the ground while still working a full time job. You end up working 16 hours a day, 7 days a week and trying to balance all your responsibilities. It was a struggle but it grew it to the point where it just wasn’t possible to keep doing both and you have to take a risk. Turned out to be the greatest decision I've ever made because once you dedicate yourself 100% to something, it allows things to really flourish.

5. Why do you feel cultivating a creative community is important?
I think it pushes things in a positive direction and its pretty amazing to see how it's grown here in Dayton. We believe it's especially important for us since a lot of our clients are design firms or freelance designers. Having a growing creative community I think really unifies Dayton as well.

6. In what ways does your company contribute to the creative community?
Almost anything that would help or benefit Dayton, we do. Whether it be donating our services for event t-shirts or helping a new company get off the ground. I think I get a call from Richard Kaiser, of The Ohlman Group, once a month with a new exciting idea and it's always something that would benefit Dayton. We recently just donated the printing of the shirts for the Big Hoopla, which is about the March Madness here in Dayton. I’ve also seen or read about what an organization is doing, like an event, and called them up to tell them how much we liked it and want to help by providing our services. Four Ambition just does those types of things regularly. Since we're all designers here as well, we take extra caution to details and color matching so our clients know their order is in good hands.

7. What creative industry leaders do you think have a great positive influence, or are there any creatives that you admire?
I think Judd Platenburg and Bob Allbery of Oregon Printing are great of course. We learned so much about the business side of things that were able to apply to Four Ambition. They really are great mentors. Also we love seeing Chris Wire and everyone at Real Art Design Group do the things they do over there. They really have evolved and they are all about pushing the boundaries! Always excited to see what they come up with next. Matt Sears of Little Lines and everyone at Forge Ideas, they always put out some amazing work. Honestly there is so many amazing creative professionals that we look up to!

8. What do you like most about living/working in Dayton?
The community and atmosphere here in Dayton is wonderful. Always something to do or events to attend. Fifth Third Field is right down the street, as is RiverScape MetroPark, and the Oregon District and Brown Street offer tons of restaurants and bars. Our favorite thing here lately is going to a new place for lunch at least once a week. You can't deny Dayton is a wonderful, beautiful city when driving around downtown on a sunny day.

9. What’s your best piece of advice to Dayton Creative Syndicate members?
DCS is a great organization that has really brought creative professionals together. Get involved and be open to new things, meet new people, and go to some of the wonderful events that DCS puts on.

By Rebecca Bernard

This month’s sponsor focus is on Insignia Signs and Daytonian founders Elizabeth and Michael Riley. Founded in 2003, Insignia is a locally-owned company specializing in large format digital printing, vehicle advertising and display graphics. Recognized several times by AAF-Dayton for their outstanding work with and for customers, the Insignia team is who you go to make creative plans a reality.

What unique skill/feature/product/service do you bring to the Gem City?
We're a production house; it's our job to take the creative person's idea and make it a reality, whether that's a banner, a trade show display or a vehicle wrap. The physical products we offer aren't always unique, but our approach to helping our customers is. We take tremendous pride in our ability to think outside the box, to figure out how to make the impossible possible, to come up with new ways of doing things, new applications for otherwise "old" materials and media, and to meet impossible deadlines. We sell solutions to problems.

When you were growing up, what did you want to be? How did that path change? What steps did you take to get to where you are today?
Michael: As a youngster I wanted to be an architect, but growing up my family owned a golf course, and we started making welcome banners and outing sponsor signage (albeit crude by today's standards) in house. That experience led me to a job in the sign industry and eventually to owning my own wide format print shop.
Elizabeth: Growing up, I wanted to be a journalist. I married Michael and the sign industry, all in one day! ;)

In your creative career, have you encountered a challenge or face adversity, and how did you overcome that obstacle?
When we first started our company I was 20 years old and Michael was 21. We knew what we were doing and we knew how to deliver what the customer wanted, but it's hard to be taken seriously by larger companies or seasoned professionals when you're that young. That meant we had to work harder, faster, smarter and more efficiently than other people just to be noticed. Eventually that hard work and dedication paid off. While we originally thought our age was a limiting factor, the fact that it forced us to think outside the box became our biggest market advantage.

Why do you feel cultivating a creative community is important?
Well for one thing, the Dayton creative community keeps us in business. But Dayton is no longer a powerhouse of the industrial and manufacturing world; it's slowly evolving into a technological and creative hub. Creativity breeds creativity, so the more active and participatory the entire community becomes, the more that fuels innovative and creative thinking, and the better off the whole Dayton region will be as a result.

In what ways does your company contribute to the creative community?
Well, we have the humbling and sometimes intimidating job of outputting the visions of the Dayton creative community. It is so fun and fulfilling to see a designer stand by one of our printers and watch something that they designed come to life! In terms of community involvement, our staff has chosen the K12 Gallery for Young People as our company non-profit to support in 2012.

What creative industry leaders do you think have a great positive influence, or are there any creatives that you admire?
It's hard to admire or single out just a few individuals or companies, as that's counter to what creativity really is all about. For us, we tend to be enamored by the people behind the curtain making the whole machine work. The Steve Jobs, Tony Hsiens, Jeff Bezoses and other industry leaders and obscenely innovative thinkers. At Insignia, our job isn't necessarily to be the creative, but rather to support the creatives and bring their visions to life -- so the people who are always striving to do it better, faster, more efficiently, more cost effectively, etc., are the ones that get us excited.

What do you like most about living/working in Dayton?
Dayton has so much to offer. The more I travel, the more I realize that we are so lucky. We have so much great art, great food, an awesome park system and some really amazing companies in town. For as small as we are, we pack a pretty good punch!

What’s your best piece of advice to Dayton Creative Syndicate members?
Michael: Ask questions and learn; don't assume you know everything; assume you know nothing. This opens the door for innovation.
Elizabeth: Approach each work day as if it is your first day on the job!

Many thanks to Insignia and all they do for DCS!