David Gray

David Gray came in to speak with us today. Another grad of the Web Design program at Sheridan College, he is now a Digital Sales Producer at CTV News & Entertainment, Bell Media Interactive. You can find him on LinkedIn or check out his personal website, www.davidgraydesign.com. He's also a singer, songwriter and music producer :)

This one gets me every time.

When David graduated in 2007 it was around the pinnacle of Flash banner design and he was able to land a job an Interactive Designer / Flash Developer, (aka banner bitch) position at Publicis Modem Toronto. He warned us of the hours we can expect to work at an agency, and it sounds like he was worked to the bone in this role. Basically, if you love it, you will thrive, otherwise it's easy to burn out. Projects got pushed out daily, and in this way he was able to learn quickly and soon became a producer.

When the recession hit, David was laid off, and he started out as a freelancer. This is where his network came in handy and he was able to pull in enough work, but the hours became erratic. A common scenario would be to get a job in the late afternoon that need to be ready for the morning, so he'd be up all night to get it done. Freelancing is all about your contacts, being organized and learning how to manage your money. Feast or famine.

After a quick stop at Digital Percent, (now Q Media) he was back freelancing when an opportunity at TBWA came up. There he looked over maintenance of Visa.ca, a huge account with really quick role over times. Each morning started in a meeting with the accounts team to discuss the changes that needed to be implemented that day.

Next, budget cuts, and again he was laid off. David's stressed that you can't take it personally, this is just the way business goes. Soon after he landed his current position at CTV Bell Media where he works on a lot of co-branded units. He got this job through a contact otherwise he wouldn't have even known it had been posted. As a Publisher he's responsible for making sure that everything gets done by the launch date. He needs to keep people happy and motivated while ensuring that the client gets what they asked for on time. He is an organizer, and a delegator.

Tips for survival:

1) Network and make contacts

2) Use LinkedIn to connect and find out about job opportunities

3) Do research at home and stay ahead of the curve

4) Keep your cool and be organized

5) Learn as much as you can about mobile

6) Get to know your browsers

R.I.P Pan Am