Objectified

...and what about design ? What about it ? I often ran into questions like these. I never got the reason why, after explaining about a particular design aspect in The 4Th Floor's works (and I bet this is not the only case, you probably ran into them also), the following question that pops out is : "why's it so expensive ?". I guess, because nothing comes for free in this world, I keep saying to myself. Dumb answer you might say, but what other suitable answer would satisfy someone who always wants to see the final product delivered. It's like he refuses to believe that there is actual sweat and talent and work hours, various creative approaches and most of all that omnipresent passion that became your inner life drive. I know that passion for being concerned about pixel-like details or colors, or even angles, for being really focused on following the aesthetic principles of contexts and situations, might seem unmeasurable or uncategorized, thus unsuitable to have a value. This assumption will always be the climax of being wrong in my opinion. There is always a small example that always pops out in my head on such occasions : how will people look at you when you show up at an important meeting in a sharp suit with your shoelaces untied ? Everyone will expect you to trip and fall down. It's common psychology, and, most of all it always works. My conclusion through this example would be : take your time to analyze your need to be in the spotlight, with all eyes on you, those eyes always looking for that small detail you forgot to repair and give it the proper finish. Try to picture that those eyes are your consumer's eyes and from time tot time, in the back of the room, the eyes of your competitors. If this makes you sweat a bit, don't panic, take a deep breath...there's no guns pointing to your head...Only eyes

When small things make you fell and think big

I bet all of you felt great when achieving things in your life that you've longed for. Those tiny gestures or behaviors that may have no meaning for some people, yet a tremendous one on others. Yeap, I'm talking about those aspects of life that make you feel you're sitting on the top of the world even for a short time. 

Today I felt that my life as a normal person, as a friend, as a professional, or, even, as a common passing by individual, got a well deserved boost. And what I mean by this is that I finally got my E.U. trainer's degree. This means much more than words could explain. It's another mean of expressing my passion for advertising and the creative industry. It's a new chance of extending the building process of my dream as a constantly growing professional and, last, but not least, it's a chance of showing how proud I am being part of this work field, a way of giving back some knowledge to those who choose or have already chosen the path I, a few years ago, took. 

Today's exam was hard, serious and extremely rewarding. It all began with a written knowledge test which "took" us through each and every chapter of the last week's training. But, the really fun, yet hard part was the presentation part : team training simulation on a team-chosen topic. We had to present in front of a specialized jury a training session. The topic our team chose were build upon planning and creative strategies (objectives, training methods, creative strategies, achieved skills, exercises, role plays, case studies and evaluations). It all took 2 hours. Some of the best 2 hours of my life I might say. 

This was another worthy example that sums up the mantra I always "preach" on behalf on my passion : just enjoy thinking. Today, during those 2 hours, I did that on a high level. See ya out in the wild ;)

Oh yes

Hello people ! First of all, I'd like to apologize for being absent this weekend, but I have a really strong reason which I'm really eager to share with you :)

Finally, after waiting for almost one year and a few months, the most awaited "Trainer training" took place this weekend. Yupee, haha. I've been on the waiting list from the first moment after they made the public announcement. Who's "they" ? The "Ruhama Foundation". I dreamed for a while to participate at such an event and it came true after actually loosing a bit of faith that this training would ever take place. The reason it was postponed twice was that there were not enough trainees. They finally made it. 
The training was split in 3 days / 9 hours a day Friday-Sunday. The trainers were members of the Ruhama Foundation : Monica Suciu  (Career Center Manager) and Marian Daragiu ( Foundation Chairman).

What were the benefits of this training ? Oh boy...a lot, amongst which : communication abilities, group dynamics, group management, evaluation processes, conflict management, training abilities and tips & tricks all seasoned with tons of practical exercises, team simulations and so on. 

The hard part is about to come : the exam, that will take place next Monday in front of a specialized jury. Our task will be to actually simulate a specific training session on a chosen topic. The subject of the workshop will be presented based on team work (every team member will stand in front of the jury and "teach& train" a part of the topic). Our team : Bianca (senior psychologist), Lia (audit expert), Nadir (communications & PR graduate), Saj (medical resident) and myself, Bogdan (creative director). Exceptional team, great team communication, team work at full throttle :) 

Here you have some pix from the "crime scene" :))

Training Weekend