Jonathan Carmona: Carmonize

• The Struggle for Connectivity

  July 22, 2009
  
  At a time when Carmonize should be posting numerous glimpses into the life of an intern, sadly, the posts have not been forthcoming. Despite what seasoned Blogger's would suggest (They say: Don't post about why you have not written a post) I have decided that I give those of you who follow several reasons:
  
  Numero Uno: June 2 - 20...Finals, numerous papers, and saying goodbye to the friends I made in San Jose. Graduation hits you upside the head - one day you're a student, the next, you're unemployed.
  
  Numero Dos: Finding a job. It's hard I tell you - those of you who have the time to craft your interview skills (which includes the brief, yet compelling emails) I strongly encourage you to do so.
  
  Numero Tres: Moving to San Francisco. Can I just say that living in the city that you've loved since you were a teenager (for me, when "Indie" was Hipster) is completely dream-like.
  
  Numero Quatro: Starting a job with the agency you've jocked since you had a clue. Working for Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners has made the past three years of - well, hell - so worthwhile. I couldn't imagine working with better people & fan-tas-tic clients.
  
  Numero Cinqo: Discovering the joys of a 9 - ... (yeah, sometimes it's 6, lately 8:30pm). I can actually have dinner, go to the gym and enjoy the city.
  
  
  So what's next for Carmonize? I am compelled to continue to track down internships - I mean, that shit is hard and I try to take out the legwork. However, I think that the direction of the blog will begin to take on a new approach: That of a person learning the ropes of working in an ad agency. I think you'll like. I hope you do.
  About Jonathan Carmona | Advertising Internship Info |

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• Drunk-tern: A little advice for the tipsy

  June 02, 2009
  
  
  Dear Intern -
  
  I feel it's my responsibility as a former 'tern to tell you: Do not drink the punch!
  
  Yes - it's true, agency people love to let their hair down, but let me tell you, do not let yours lose its shape.
  
  I know the feeling of wanting to fit in so badly that you sip, Sip, SIP vodka soda after vodka soda because well - it feels great and it's low cal. However, before you down that next glass of fire water, let me remind you of a thing called a REPUTATION.
  
  A reputation, along with your looks, can quickly fade. A good one takes a lot of time and energy to craft, and at the end of your internship is one of the deciding factors if an agency keeps you on. So here are a few tips for surviving the OPEN BAR e-mail:
  
  
  • Do not experiment with your drinks. Nothing says NOOB like someone who orders a Cosmo followed by an Irish Car Bomb. Stick to one drink - preferably something that doesn't scream "I saw this in a TGIF menu."
  • Pretend to drink something that you're not. E.g. I order Non-alcoholic beers and ask the bartender to pour it into a pint glass. Looks like the real thing, feels like your best Sunday dress. I do this when I want to build street cred - Image means a lot in the industry world, but it doesn't mean you need to be a fool. Act smart.
  • Drink a glass of water between drinks. For added affect, ask for it on the rocks in a tumbler with a wedge of lime.
    
  • Don't be the last to leave. Open bars & agency outings are just like parties - you want to make an appearance but you don't want to be the entertainment. Have a drink, perhaps two, but then leave. Always remember to make your rounds and leave people wanting more.
  • Keep your dirty laundry in the laundry basket. Agency life, just like life, is ripe full of people who love the gossip mill. I highly suggest you watch Mad Men and watch Don Draper handle his business - like a well tuned stealth fighter. My hero. Just remember, your secrets can quickly become email fodder the next day.
    
  • Finally, have a Wing-tern. They're that fellow intern you can trust to tell you in private that you're nearing the edge baby...step back from that ledge my friend! A good one is hard to find since many interns see each other as competition and would like nothing more than for you to show the ECD just how good you are the Lambada. If you find a Wing-Tern, keep them close.
  Readers, feel free to share your tricks of the trade in the comments section - drinking wiser is the name of the game.
  About Jonathan Carmona | Advertising Internship Info |

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• Internship: Continuum Crew

  June 01, 2009
  
  
  Continuum Crew is looking for two part-time interns NOW.
  
  They're the new kid on the SF block and specialize in the 40+ demo - Boom-Baby-Boom. They are currently looking for (A) 1 Account Services intern and (B) 1 Media intern.
  
  If you're still looking for an internship this summer, send your resume along with a cover letter to Shelby (dot) Jones (at) continuumcrew (dot) com
  About Jonathan Carmona | Advertising Internship Info |

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• Internship: Pop Art

  June 01, 2009
  
  
  So lets say you missed out on the COLABORATORY bus - not to worry, because now, you can apply straight to the source (at least one of them).
  
  Pop Art is an interactive marketing agency in Portland. Their portfolio includes work for Leatherman, Portland Institute for Contemporary Arts, and Freightliner Trucks.
  
  Here's a snapshot of what you could be doing with Pop Art:
  
  • Interactive Design
  • Editorial
    
  • Interactive Advertising Media
  • Software Development
    
  • Interactive Project Management
  There are a few requirements for the internships, my favorite being: "College age or older." Lets assume you need to be 18+ to ride. Check out the other requirements and more on their website.
  
  Oh - did I mention, they give you the option for a PAID or Unpaid internship? How novel (like, seriously awesome). Positions are currently open - so run, run fast.
  About Jonathan Carmona | Advertising Internship Info |

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• My First Time

  May 17, 2009
  
  Yesterday afternoon, I saw the tv spot for the campaign I had worked on while interning at Campbell Mithun for the first time.
  
  Watching the commercial for Nature Valley, I couldn't help but become really emotional - it was as if those 10 weeks I spent working alongside some of the most hard-working people just came flooding back.
  
  What I remember most, is showing the spot to the client and thinking to myself how great it felt to work as part of the team that created such a moving spot. I want to feel that again.
  
  
  About Jonathan Carmona | Advertising Internship Info |

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