Lessons Learned at Nasuti + Hinkle

Over break I have been interning a couple days at Nasuti + Hinkle as I've been doing over a few breaks since first interning with them two summers ago. It has really worked it's way into my heart. They make good ads and they are wonderful people to work for and with. The other day as I was saying goodbye and talking with Woody he commented on my blog article about Debbie Millman and how I had interviewed him as well but posted nothing. At first it seemed obvious, she's like a deisgn super star while Woody is the owner of a small Bethesda Ad agency. However after thinking about it, logic kind of smacked me in the face. So what if it is a small Bethesda business and not a huge new york company? They have been in business for I don't even know how long, have won piles of award(literally they are piled up in the office), and they, unlike a lot of people, genuinely seem to love what they do. So, in the same style as my interview with Debbie Millman, here is my interview with Woody Hinkle(the creative director/co-owner of Nasuti+Hinkle:

Q: How long have you been in the field, how did you get where you are?
A: 21 years in advertising, started news reporting 8 years, cooperate public relations

Q: What tasks did you preform?
A: writing(ads, brochures, creative writing, strategies plan writing, brand development(creating strategies), work with designer to make sure work is right, work with clients

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: creative writing, especially for radio
do not enjoy managing or running business

Q: Creative directors are seem to be more writers than designers, can they be designers too?
A: Creative directors (tend to be) more writers, but can be designers

Q: What is the worst client experience you have had and what did you do about it?
A: Worst client Comsat, series of ads using illustrations. 3 levels between them and people making decisions. Lower levels trying to figure out what higher ups wanted + they did not want to see sketches. Had to pay artist a kill fee( spent as much on that as the actual art) couldn't really do much except do it.

Q:What do you look for when hiring?
A: The way they think, conceptual thinking( more than experience or portfolio) want to make my words beautiful...ad art directors take basic course but are more focused on advertising( not as good in other areas), designers focused on what looks good, advertising art directors just care about idea behind it

Q: How much should I expect coming into the field?
A: Mid 30s average, more depending on the size of the business and how much they want you

Q:What type of work/tasks should I expect coming into the field?
A: smaller ads, re sizes, take approved work and do it, be part of a team rather than doing it on your own

Q: How do I work my way up in the field?
A: Don't turn down projects, use every opportunity to make something good. Be open to other ideas, don't be thin skinned, always learn, and look at everything around you


That was the interview with Woody, however there are other things I have learned at Nasuti + Hinkle such as:
-Double Check everything( especially spelling for me)
-The hours are as long as you make them, if you get it right the first time you won't have to stay until midnight getting it right
-Don't overload yourself with clients,and if you have any demanding clients( we want a complete identity change in 1 day) make sure they are a good, trustworthy client
-Work with people you enjoy working with, it will make your job and your work better
-Dogs brighten up any office... especially Basset Hounds : P

Currently I am working on a logo with them, and I will post some images when we hear back from the client as to what direction they want us to go... hopefully they'll pick something this time