Recently I’ve been searching for a new apartment. Partly this is because I like a change of habitat every year or so, but with rising gas prices, I’m also looking to move closer to work.

The other day, I checked out a place that is literally only 10 minutes away. It is a really nice place, in a good neighborhood, and it has relatively cheap rent. Being 10 minutes away from DDA would dramatically increase my free-time during the week - I’d save 2 hours of commute every day. On the other hand, I’d have a roommate again, something that I wasn’t too fond of in the past.

The roommate is nice enough. She is a 49-year old woman with a dog and not too much else. She doesn’t have Internet or a computer, but doesn’t mind if I bring mine so I can work on my personal portfolio of 3d animation, 2d animation, and web interactive projects, or play my video games. The apartment does seem a little small though for the two of us - while I would have my own bedroom, I don’t know how I would feel about sharing such a small living area at this point.

Sometimes we need to accept conditions we wouldn’t necessarily like, just to get by financially. It may only be a temporary thing. I am looking at other places too - there’s a place I’m checking out today that seems promising. Wherever I move, I’ll still be here at DDA doing the best video production, animation, and web design in the Philadelphia area!

Some projects are clear cut, others are not.

As a full-service company, we see a lot of versatility in the work we do — video production, animation, website development, illustration, brochures, catalogs. I could go on but I think my point is clear.

There’s one constant variable throughout it all — the client steers the project. Our ability to provide any service needed, from programming to copywriting services, means that we can go in any direction a client wants.

If they call about a website and through discussion decide a video would also be appropriate, we can do it.  If they want to add a certification or training component to a CD-ROM, we can do it. Tracking usage, logo design, tradeshow banner, video script — we can do all of that too.

A prime example of our ability to meet just about any need, is a client we are currently working with on a variety of projects. They began wanting marketing and branding, and from there it’s mushroomed. We have gone from logo design to video to website development and back to video again. This client’s business is growing rapidly and as his needs and focus shift, we shift with him, providing exactly what is needed to meet his vision.

Not all projects are like this. Some are straight forward.

But regardless of the size or scope, through our vast ability and focus on customization we are establishing relationships, not just providing services.

Whether it’s a DVD or a little bit of everything, our clients are getting a partner not just a vendor.

We won’t tell you what you want to hear.

But that doesn’t mean that you’re not going to like what we say.

It’s common practice in the world of business to say whatever you need to to turn that prospect into a customer or client. Unfortunately this holds true with some marketing and advertising and website development companies — specifically the latter, as I have seen the victims firsthand.

At DDA, there is none of that. I am involved in a lot of conferences as part of New Business Development and if a project is not the right fit for us, we can’t meet a deadline, or if we feel the client is making a bad move, David will tell them.

And no one has complained as of yet. We are upfront with every project we undertake, whether it’s video production, animation, website design and development or illustration. We never try to add on services or additional work unless we feel that it truly needed to help that particular business or client succeed.

As someone who is in the process of buying a car and who has dealt with one too many people promising a whole lot and giving very little, it’s refreshing to know that there is a company that will give it to you straight.

I read recently that a UN Relief Agency (UNWRA) was adjusting its forecast of the number of starving people worldwide dramatically upwards. From memory, I believe the number forecast just a few years ago was less than 600 million, a huge number and about 10% of the world’s population, to a number closer to 1.5 billion. This projection was to occur by the year 2015, again from memory.

The reason was because of the push in some countries, especially in South America and the U.S., to produce Ethanol. That’s correct, in our endeavor to lessen our dependence on foreign oil, we are producing less rice and other crops for food and using the land for growing corn and sugar cane to be turned into fuel. The second impact of this is that land is being cleared from pristine areas, like the rain forest, at a record pace to have more land to grow Ethanol related crops.

The biggest irony is that, especially in the case of corn, it takes almost as much energy to grow the corn, harvest and transport it, and refine it into Ethanol as is gained by the resulting fuel itself. About 90% as much.

So, the upshot is that we are starving people, destroying the ecosystem and producing little or no energy gain all in the interest of reducing our dependence on Petroleum. This is the law of unintended consequence.

Now you might ask, how does this law apply to DDA’s immediate world and our drive to produce high quality and affordable state-of-the-art custom marketing and advertising for clients in the corporate, medical, financial, manufacturing and educational arenas?

On a grand scale, and with a birds-eye-view, I can safely say that everything an individual does in life, and at work, begins with an intention. At DDA, we try hard to avoid unintended consequences by always encouraging and maintaining the best of intentions. Wanting to produce the best website design, video production, photography, animation, print design, catalog, custom programming application, illustration or copy writing, at the lowest cost, in the most efficient and client-friendly manner may not totally eliminate the law of unintended consequences, but it sets a course that is more clear, more fair, and more likely to get both DDA and the client organization to the place we all want to be.

It’s a Thursday, which for me means wrap-up day. All of the tasks that we have been working on for the week, or proposals that need to be sent out, inquiry e-mails that have follow-up questions, or any other general loose ends that need some tying have to be complete, addressed, or otherwise handled.

As a writer at DDA, a large portion of my job is in communicating with clients, prospective or existing, as I know I have mentioned so many times before. This holds true in project coordination, New Business Development, or in my writing tasks. What this ultimately means is that it is my responsibility, as it is for the three other degreed writers on-staff, to make sure that each client is fully aware of what’s going with his or her project or inquiry at all times.

We take this very seriously. We try not to have too much time lapse between an e-mail or phone call sent and our response. This often means running (in my case sometimes literally) around to get the answers I need from those assigned to the project — animators, videographers, graphic designers, programmers, etc. That’s one of the coolest things about this company — the fact that we are full service and do offer everything needed for a marketing and advertising campaign under roof, so oftentimes there are multiple people involved one project, bridging the gap between departments — programming, design, video, websites, search engine marketing and optimization.

It’s not always keeping track of everyone and everything. People make fun of my handwritten list which I tape to my monitor. It might look a little archaic in this age of spreadsheets, software to keep you organized, and Blackberrys. But it works for me.

Like right now I am looking at the list of nearly 20 items, with only four crossed out, and I am thinking it’s time to get a move on on wrapping it all up.

I spend a lot of my free time playing video games. Like, a real lot. Games have been my passion since my Dad brought home my first system, the original Nintendo Entertainment System. Games have been my motivation and inspiration for becoming an animator - by learning 3D programs and basic scripting languages, I am building myself the necessary tool-set to go into independent game development on my own.

At Dynamic Digital Advertising,  I have been given numerous opportunities to work on web interactives that have tested my game design and programming skills. Between creating simple platforming games, point-and-click interactions, and even basic 3d to Flash integration, I am quickly building a portfolio of skills that I can apply to my own personal work. And the best part? I get paid for it too!

Games can greatly increase or intrigue your company’s customer base. You can have educational games, training tools that help explain something your company does or train employees. You can also have games for entertainment, that keep customers coming back to your site again and again to complete the next addictive puzzle. There are even social interaction games, that allow customers to interact with each other and your business, forming a close community that can be an asset for any small or large company.

Let DDA work on your website’s next big idea for a game or interactive.  With our diverse skill set and creative and efficient talent, we can make games that entertain, educate, and excite!

Back in the day, when someone asked what I did for a living, well, it was an easy answer, reporter.

Since joining Dynamic Digital Advertising (DDA), however, it’s not so easy. To say that I am a writer doesn’t exactly encompass everything I do and to say that I work for a digital advertising agency doesn’t either.

The truth is DDA isn’t that easy to explain in just a few words. I can describe us as a web development company, a video production studio, graphic design, programming, illustration, you name it. If it relates to anything design, digital, or technical, chances are, we can probably claim that name as well.

And then you have to consider our approach to projects. It’s not typically what you think of when you hear the words advertising or marketing. We take an entirely different approach than any other agency, or search engine marketing company, or marketing firm out there.

Ours is a holistic approach, a full-bodied solution in an age where our industry still remains so fragmented. A look at our Executive Summary gives a glimpse at what makes us different but it’s our work that speaks volumes. In all that we do, whether it’s website design and development, integrated video, search engine optimization, or even copywriting, DDA strives to bring innovative and unique solutions to fully meet the needs of our clients.

As expected, when you work for a company that is on the cutting-edge, your job is going to be a bit different as well. Working with so many services under one roof, I am constantly learning about different mediums and technologies and learning how to explain and describe those to my clients.

But perhaps my favorite part is in New Business Development where I get to see the ideas for this innovation just starting to form.

There’s a lot of complexities to DDA and in my job, but that’s OK. Now, I’ve learned that answering the “What do you do for a living?” question will require four more words than before, “Well, let me tell you.”

At DDA, I have been able to make various 3D animations, flash animations and applications, and numerous website updates. No matter how much I have made, I still can’t help but show every new finished product to everyone I know. My parents, siblings, relatives, girlfriend, and family friends have all been given a glimpse at the projects I have been able to work on.

The fact that I love to show off the finished products is a tribute to DDA and its innovation, creativity, and ability to push the envelope. If I was constantly making generic, cookie-cutter animations that were just adjusted to match a new company theme, I would have no reason to show anybody. It would be like saying, “Hey, look at this thing I already showed you” or “Look at this thing I made that you’ve probably seen on numerous websites before.”

The things I get to show them I know they’ve never seen before. The DDA Power Pyramid for instance is a really new concept for showing off some portfolio work and there is nothing else like it out there. Plus, it’s just flat out cool to play with. That one always gets shown if I know you haven’t seen it before. You can tell by people’s reactions too that these things are new to them and that they are impressed because of the “wow” that comes out of their mouths. The wow factor is always a good indicator.

I know there are more creative projects on the horizon to work on and when they are finished I will be proudly showing them to everyone.

Adding an animation, whether it be flash, an animated gif, or a video clip, is a great way to grab a user’s attention on a website. It is also a way to give visual representation that may make understanding a concept easier than with just text or a static image. Motion from the animation will attract the user’s eye and will get them to at least notice it. What you want to convey when you get their attention is the key.

My first task in Flash here at DDA was actually to make a text item do a quick spin at set intervals. This was because it was a key link on the site and we wanted to make sure that people noticed it and knew where it was to click on.

Currently, we are using animation to get a message across more easily. We have some product spins on a site and we want to let the user know that these are available to view if they click. So we are adding little flash animations of an arrow circling some “360 degree” text. This grabs attention and gets the message across quickly and easily once the focus is on the animation. The alternative was just standard text which isn’t very attention grabbing at all in comparison.

Some animation, when carefully thought out, can add a great deal to your website in the area of usability. Try using them in your own site, but don’t overdo it either. Too much animation can actually add confusion. Aim for a delicate balance and ask yourself if every animation has a purpose before you decide to add it.

Over the last few weeks, I have become a bit of a conference call connoisseur and thanks to our live video feed, I’ve also been sharpening my on-camera skills.

What I’ve learned more than anything, is that the majority of projects — regardless if it’s video,website, animation or illustration — all begin in similar ways, an idea, a need, a void to be filled. Once that is discovered, it’s flushed out, mulled over, and eventually a way to fix, enhance, or fill it is discovered.

But what’s next? You have a project that you’re ready to take to the next level. Which steps will best help you go from concept to reality?

There’s a number of factors to consider — budget, timeframe, what you’re looking to achieve, the audience you are attempting to reach, the multiple options that exist within the medium you chose. It’s not an easy task and one that calls for significant consideration. Because what you are looking for and what you put as your top priorities will determine the company you choose.

At DDA, we get a lot of inquiries, some we know aren’t the right match for us from the beginning, others take a conference call or further e-mails to figure out. But that’s exactly what it is when you are looking for any kind of company, whether it’s full-service like ourselves, marketing or advertising agencies, or web development and design companies — a match.

During our initial conference call, we walk through the details of the project. If it’s video we discuss length, actors needed, animation, editing, etc. Brochures or other print work we go through dimensions, specs, illustrations, and so on. If a project is not right for us or vice versa, David will let the prospective client know.

So make sure when you are ready to take get your project started that you not only know what you would like to do –3D Modeling, Search Engine Optimization, Webcasting — but what it is you want to accomplish. Determine your goals, what’s of the utmost importance to you, whether you’re money, timeline, or detail driven and that will lead you to the company that’s best for you.