January 19, 2010
MARYVONNE FENT SPEAKS TO: GLENN KUROMI
1. What brought you to production, and how long have you been a Creative Services Manager?
I’ve been in advertising for more than 23 years. I was first introduced to the industry when a family friend asked me if I wanted a job at a graphic arts company. I had a background in design and wanted a career in advertising, so I said “of course” and went on an interview the same day. When I arrived, they gave me a tour and to my surprise there weren’t any drafting tables, colored markers or drawing pads. Instead, there was a sea of light tables and a lot of Rubylith and film separations. Definitely not what I was expecting, nor did I know what any of that was. I’m not sure what happened next, but I got the job and found myself in the proofing department the next day.
I spent the next nine years working in every department, from stripping and scanning to production and sales. I was eventually promoted to manager and, later, VP of Manufacturing. I enjoyed the learning experience, but it wasn’t my career of choice. Then one day, I heard that one of our clients was looking for a print production manager. I had always wanted to work at an ad agency, so I decided to apply for the job. I got it, and I’ve been involved with print production management ever since.
Although most of my career has been focused on print, I’ve spent the last seven years as a Creative Services Manager, responsible for interactive projects and integrated marketing campaigns. It’s been a great experience so far, and I’m looking forward to whatever the future has to offer.
2. Did any prior job prepare you to manage interactive projects?
I can’t say one specific job prepared me. It’s more like bits and pieces of every job have contributed to my perspective about interactive project management.
I was also fortunate to work at an agency where print and interactive projects were produced together as integrated campaigns. I was given the opportunity to manage print and online jobs from creative concept through development and production. Although the documentation and deliverables for print and online projects can be vastly different, both can be approached in a similar fashion. I believe a lot of it has to do with your mental approach and project management philosophy.
3. How many ad agencies have you worked for?
I’ve worked for five ad agencies, including in-house creative departments. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to work in both types of environments, and I’ve learned a lot from each and every company.
4. What was the hardest job you ever did?
Many projects come to mind, but the one at the top of my list has to be the indoor waterfall. The architect designed a waterfall to flow down the outside of an office constructed out of a two-story shipping container. The concept was good, but the engineering was… let’s just say it wasn’t thought through as well as it should have been. I inherited the project in mid-stream. It was far behind schedule and in total chaos. For starters, they tried to test the waterfall before the paint was set and the lettering applied. Water was splashing everywhere, and there were electrical issues. It was also leaking under the pool and seeping up through the walkway. It needed to be functional for the grand opening two weeks later. They worked on it nonstop until the doors opened, but were unable to fix it on time. So there was no water show during the grand opening. Probably a good thing – someone might have slipped and sued us.
5. Tell me something about your life. What are you passionate about?
Jane and our dogs, family and friends are all priorities for me. And, our planet – I’m trying to live a greener and more sustainable lifestyle these days. I like to do my part when I can, so I volunteer on the weekends with Heal the Bay, cleaning up our beaches.
6. Are you involved in a sport? Any hobbies?
The most involvement I have with sports these days is watching them on TV. Other than that, I try to go hiking or ride my mountain bike as much as possible. A few years ago, I fell off my bike, which resulted in a plate and six screws in my wrist. Needless to say, I tend to ride a little more cautiously these days.
I’m also a pro-staff representative for a fishing rod manufacturer. I work several trade shows throughout the year and represent the company on fishing trips, some of which require me to be on the water for over two weeks without seeing or touching land. I also like to get lost hiking and fly-fishing in the Sierras.
7. Last, but definitely not least, what’s playing on your iPod?
Nothing exciting, probably a podcast about UX design or usability. I only listen to it when I’m going to sleep, which definitely puts me to sleep – and then I don’t remember anything!