Wild Tales: Storytelling Through Nature

There’s something magical about nature’s quiet moments. A fox padding silently through the underbrush. A deer pausing, ears twitching, before fading into the trees. I’ve always been drawn to these moments, but as a creative director, my days are often filled with digital storytelling and live event production rather than the raw, unscripted beauty of the wild. That changed in 2015, when I set up my first trail camera.
Initially, it was just a curiosity. Who or what roamed the woods around my home when no one was watching? The answers came quickly: deer, foxes, coyotes, fishers, and even the occasional wild turkey. Seeing them on camera felt like a window into another world, one I knew I had to share. That’s how Wildlife of Hanover was born on Facebook and Instagram, so I could share with others how wild life truly is around my hometown.

The Art of Wildlife Storytelling
Wildlife photography and videography demand the same skills I use every day at work – composition, lighting, and most importantly, storytelling. Each clip from my trail cameras tells a different story:
A mother fox caring for her pup as they start their day.
A fisher, a rarely seen predator, gliding through the shadows; its presence both eerie and mesmerizing.
A majestic buck standing in the forest, framed by the early morning light.
I began sharing these moments online and the response was overwhelming. Some videos pulled in over 20,000 views, attracting wildlife enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. People weren’t just watching; they were engaging, asking about the animals, sharing their own sightings, and reconnecting with nature through the screen.

From Trail Cams to Creative Direction
Wildlife tracking and creative direction might seem like separate worlds, but they’re surprisingly connected. In both, I’m curating an experience, whether it’s an event, a brand story, or the image of a twitching ear of a deer. Each clip I post is more than just a piece of footage; it’s an invitation to slow down, observe, and appreciate the wild lives unfolding around us.
Some of my favorite shots – a coyote caught staring at the camera or a wild turkey showing off to the ladies – serve as visual anchors, drawing people deeper into the story. In my day job, we use imagery to evoke emotion; in wildlife storytelling, a single frame can capture an entire world.

A Wild Future
What started as a personal project has evolved into something much larger. Wildlife of Hanover is not just a collection of videos; it’s a growing community of people fascinated by the lives beyond our backyards. It’s also a reminder that creativity isn’t confined to a screen or a stage. Sometimes the best inspiration comes from the woods, in the quiet moments before a fox disappears into the trees.

Observations from the outside by Jamie Tedeschi
 

Wild Tales: Storytelling Through Nature

There’s something magical about nature’s quiet moments. A fox padding silently through the underbrush. A deer pausing, ears twitching, before fading into the trees. I’ve always been drawn to these moments, but as a creative director, my days are often filled with digital storytelling and live event production rather than the raw, unscripted beauty of the wild. That changed in 2015, when I set up my first trail camera.
Initially, it was just a curiosity. Who or what roamed the woods around my home when no one was watching? The answers came quickly: deer, foxes, coyotes, fishers, and even the occasional wild turkey. Seeing them on camera felt like a window into another world, one I knew I had to share. That’s how Wildlife of Hanover was born on Facebook and Instagram, so I could share with others how wild life truly is around my hometown.

The Art of Wildlife Storytelling
Wildlife photography and videography demand the same skills I use every day at work – composition, lighting, and most importantly, storytelling. Each clip from my trail cameras tells a different story:
A mother fox caring for her pup as they start their day.
A fisher, a rarely seen predator, gliding through the shadows; its presence both eerie and mesmerizing.
A majestic buck standing in the forest, framed by the early morning light.
I began sharing these moments online and the response was overwhelming. Some videos pulled in over 20,000 views, attracting wildlife enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. People weren’t just watching; they were engaging, asking about the animals, sharing their own sightings, and reconnecting with nature through the screen.

From Trail Cams to Creative Direction
Wildlife tracking and creative direction might seem like separate worlds, but they’re surprisingly connected. In both, I’m curating an experience, whether it’s an event, a brand story, or the image of a twitching ear of a deer. Each clip I post is more than just a piece of footage; it’s an invitation to slow down, observe, and appreciate the wild lives unfolding around us.
Some of my favorite shots – a coyote caught staring at the camera or a wild turkey showing off to the ladies – serve as visual anchors, drawing people deeper into the story. In my day job, we use imagery to evoke emotion; in wildlife storytelling, a single frame can capture an entire world.

A Wild Future
What started as a personal project has evolved into something much larger. Wildlife of Hanover is not just a collection of videos; it’s a growing community of people fascinated by the lives beyond our backyards. It’s also a reminder that creativity isn’t confined to a screen or a stage. Sometimes the best inspiration comes from the woods, in the quiet moments before a fox disappears into the trees.

Observations from the outside by Jamie Tedeschi
 

Video That Connects: Authenticity in Recruitment

In today’s job market, big brands need more than a list of benefits to attract and retain talented employees – they need to make a connection. As a creative director, I’m often asked to help make that connection, in the form of recruitment videos. And in complex, regulated industries like financial services and life sciences, video can capture emotion, sincerity, and a sense of a company’s culture – without compromising compliance. 

Our goal is to engage audiences by challenging creative boundaries. The goal of compliance is to create and enforce boundaries, by ensuring companies follow the laws, regulations, and standards of their industry.  And when tasked with creating HR/recruitment campaigns, we’ve found that using actual employees on-camera is a powerful and authentic approach. 

People talking about their own experiences are less likely to make questionable claims and more likely to make a connection with the viewer. When you hear the sincerity in someone’s voice, you want to believe their message. By focusing on the personal rather than the promissory, we’ve found a way to balance creativity with compliance. Real people sharing real stories can often cut through the noise, showing potential hires not only what a company does but who it really is.

Once we’ve decided to put employees on-camera, attention to creative details can turn good videos into great ones. This includes conducting pre-interviews to uncover compelling stories, creating a mood board to establish the unique look and feel for the project, and using quality cameras so people look their best. The more attention paid to the details, the more seamless the storytelling, which allows the viewer to settle in and absorb the experience.

A well-crafted recruitment video doesn’t just communicate a message; it creates a connection. And for brands navigating the complexities of competitive, highly regulated fields, that connection is invaluable. Video, when made with authenticity and heart, can bridge the gap between what a company says and how it truly feels – creating a lasting impact that everyone will approve of, even compliance.    

Wise words by John Lawrence.

Video That Connects: Authenticity in Recruitment

In today’s job market, big brands need more than a list of benefits to attract and retain talented employees – they need to make a connection. As a creative director, I’m often asked to help make that connection, in the form of recruitment videos. And in complex, regulated industries like financial services and life sciences, video can capture emotion, sincerity, and a sense of a company’s culture – without compromising compliance. 

Our goal is to engage audiences by challenging creative boundaries. The goal of compliance is to create and enforce boundaries, by ensuring companies follow the laws, regulations, and standards of their industry.  And when tasked with creating HR/recruitment campaigns, we’ve found that using actual employees on-camera is a powerful and authentic approach. 

People talking about their own experiences are less likely to make questionable claims and more likely to make a connection with the viewer. When you hear the sincerity in someone’s voice, you want to believe their message. By focusing on the personal rather than the promissory, we’ve found a way to balance creativity with compliance. Real people sharing real stories can often cut through the noise, showing potential hires not only what a company does but who it really is.

Once we’ve decided to put employees on-camera, attention to creative details can turn good videos into great ones. This includes conducting pre-interviews to uncover compelling stories, creating a mood board to establish the unique look and feel for the project, and using quality cameras so people look their best. The more attention paid to the details, the more seamless the storytelling, which allows the viewer to settle in and absorb the experience.

A well-crafted recruitment video doesn’t just communicate a message; it creates a connection. And for brands navigating the complexities of competitive, highly regulated fields, that connection is invaluable. Video, when made with authenticity and heart, can bridge the gap between what a company says and how it truly feels – creating a lasting impact that everyone will approve of, even compliance.    

Wise words by John Lawrence.

The Importance of Fiction

We’ve all seen headlines about entrepreneurs and high-level executives touting the virtues of reading – how their secret to success is reading 500 pages a day or multiple books at a time, and they almost always recommend non-fiction. This has always surprised me. Why? I’ll let you in on a little secret…I never read non-fiction books. Ever. In fact, I don’t even pick them up. I’m sure you’re probably thinking, “But Alex, the point of reading is to learn – what’s more jam-packed with information than non-fiction?” While it’s true that non-fiction provides a wealth of factual knowledge, I will always prefer fiction. And not for the reason you may think. 

I’m not saying that fiction is necessarily “better” than non-fiction or vice versa, but to me, they serve different purposes. Non-fiction is full of facts and real-life information, but fiction awakens different parts of your brain, tapping into your emotional intelligence, creativity and ability to make connections.

Fiction is often put in a bucket labeled “escapism” which comes with a certain level of judgement; that it’s a waste of time or that it has nothing to do with the real world. I wholeheartedly disagree. I won’t argue that there is an element of escapism to reading fiction, but I think that is more of a benefit than it seems. “Escaping” into fiction allows readers to dive into imaginary worlds that are often different from their own, offering the opportunity to explore new ideas, experiences and perspectives without the constraints of their own real-world biases. 

Well-crafted fiction also dives deep into the emotional lives of a diverse set of characters. Just like real life, fiction doesn’t spell everything out and very little is “black and white” fact. Fictional stories bring you along the journey with the characters, experiencing their thoughts, emotions, and relationships right along with them. It’s almost unavoidable to see the world through the eyes of the characters – empathizing with their challenges, their struggles, and their joys. And like anything else with repetition, that empathy and emotional intelligence becomes muscle memory, extending beyond the pages of the book and allowing us to relate to others who may be different than us, and form meaningful connections. 

Fiction also helps you flex your creative muscles without even realizing it, by compelling the reader to use their own imagination and come to their own conclusions. It’s natural for our minds to “fill in the blanks” when not every detail is spelled out for us. And when you read a lot of fiction, you can actually “train your brain” to apply that level of imagination to all aspects of your life.

Reading fiction is a powerful way to explore the complexities of human emotion, relationships, and experiences. And by engaging with diverse characters and narratives, readers can strengthen their emotional intelligence, empathy and understanding, while jumpstarting the part of our brains responsible for creativity. So, on your next trip to the library or bookstore, consider picking up a fiction book. And if you need recommendations, I have loads. 

Interesting insights by Alex Miller

The Importance of Fiction

We’ve all seen headlines about entrepreneurs and high-level executives touting the virtues of reading – how their secret to success is reading 500 pages a day or multiple books at a time, and they almost always recommend non-fiction. This has always surprised me. Why? I’ll let you in on a little secret…I never read non-fiction books. Ever. In fact, I don’t even pick them up. I’m sure you’re probably thinking, “But Alex, the point of reading is to learn – what’s more jam-packed with information than non-fiction?” While it’s true that non-fiction provides a wealth of factual knowledge, I will always prefer fiction. And not for the reason you may think. 

I’m not saying that fiction is necessarily “better” than non-fiction or vice versa, but to me, they serve different purposes. Non-fiction is full of facts and real-life information, but fiction awakens different parts of your brain, tapping into your emotional intelligence, creativity and ability to make connections.

Fiction is often put in a bucket labeled “escapism” which comes with a certain level of judgement; that it’s a waste of time or that it has nothing to do with the real world. I wholeheartedly disagree. I won’t argue that there is an element of escapism to reading fiction, but I think that is more of a benefit than it seems. “Escaping” into fiction allows readers to dive into imaginary worlds that are often different from their own, offering the opportunity to explore new ideas, experiences and perspectives without the constraints of their own real-world biases. 

Well-crafted fiction also dives deep into the emotional lives of a diverse set of characters. Just like real life, fiction doesn’t spell everything out and very little is “black and white” fact. Fictional stories bring you along the journey with the characters, experiencing their thoughts, emotions, and relationships right along with them. It’s almost unavoidable to see the world through the eyes of the characters – empathizing with their challenges, their struggles, and their joys. And like anything else with repetition, that empathy and emotional intelligence becomes muscle memory, extending beyond the pages of the book and allowing us to relate to others who may be different than us, and form meaningful connections. 

Fiction also helps you flex your creative muscles without even realizing it, by compelling the reader to use their own imagination and come to their own conclusions. It’s natural for our minds to “fill in the blanks” when not every detail is spelled out for us. And when you read a lot of fiction, you can actually “train your brain” to apply that level of imagination to all aspects of your life.

Reading fiction is a powerful way to explore the complexities of human emotion, relationships, and experiences. And by engaging with diverse characters and narratives, readers can strengthen their emotional intelligence, empathy and understanding, while jumpstarting the part of our brains responsible for creativity. So, on your next trip to the library or bookstore, consider picking up a fiction book. And if you need recommendations, I have loads. 

Interesting insights by Alex Miller

The Great Circus of the Digital Age

Attention! 

Now that I have it, let’s talk…or perhaps just listen, as my monologue begins. I promise to keep it brief, because in today’s digital world, attention is like gold – everyone wants it, and lots of people and platforms are competing for it. It’s called the Attention Economy for a reason, the Great Circus of the Digital Age, where every pixel is a performer and content creators pop their top hats and twirl their mustaches, each vying for the title “Master of Attention.” 

In this carnival of publicity and promotion, one thing is clear: the constant flood of information can leave us feeling scattered and unfocused, with much of what grabs our attention lacking substance or depth. But who’s to blame? Shouldn’t we demand more from content creators? Isn’t it up to them to deliver meaningful content that rises above the noise and earns our attention? But who truly controls our attention? Aren’t we the ringmasters of our own focus, capable of deciding where our spotlight shines? 

As we wobble on the tightrope between content supply and demand, I wonder… how do we perform this delicate balancing act? Fortunately, it doesn’t require daring feats of acrobatic skill. A treasure trove of meaningful content exists – it’s up to us to find it. Let’s be deliberate about how and where we invest our attention by setting boundaries, opting for quality over quantity, and nurturing real-world connections. By valuing our focus, we turn it into a precious asset. 

But take heed, content creators – adapt or perish! The era demands more than just noise – it craves substance. Craft content that resonates, by telling captivating stories, and creating authentic connections with your audience. After all, in this digital circus of limitless imagination, those who truly captivate are crowned “Best in Show.” 

So grab your popcorn and prepare for the greatest magic act of all – the art of reclaiming focus in the mesmerizing spectacle of the “Attention Economy”. Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, the performance is about to begin and you’re the stars of the show. 

Words of wisdom by Mark DiTondo

The Great Circus of the Digital Age

Attention! 

Now that I have it, let’s talk…or perhaps just listen, as my monologue begins. I promise to keep it brief, because in today’s digital world, attention is like gold – everyone wants it, and lots of people and platforms are competing for it. It’s called the Attention Economy for a reason, the Great Circus of the Digital Age, where every pixel is a performer and content creators pop their top hats and twirl their mustaches, each vying for the title “Master of Attention.” 

In this carnival of publicity and promotion, one thing is clear: the constant flood of information can leave us feeling scattered and unfocused, with much of what grabs our attention lacking substance or depth. But who’s to blame? Shouldn’t we demand more from content creators? Isn’t it up to them to deliver meaningful content that rises above the noise and earns our attention? But who truly controls our attention? Aren’t we the ringmasters of our own focus, capable of deciding where our spotlight shines? 

As we wobble on the tightrope between content supply and demand, I wonder… how do we perform this delicate balancing act? Fortunately, it doesn’t require daring feats of acrobatic skill. A treasure trove of meaningful content exists – it’s up to us to find it. Let’s be deliberate about how and where we invest our attention by setting boundaries, opting for quality over quantity, and nurturing real-world connections. By valuing our focus, we turn it into a precious asset. 

But take heed, content creators – adapt or perish! The era demands more than just noise – it craves substance. Craft content that resonates, by telling captivating stories, and creating authentic connections with your audience. After all, in this digital circus of limitless imagination, those who truly captivate are crowned “Best in Show.” 

So grab your popcorn and prepare for the greatest magic act of all – the art of reclaiming focus in the mesmerizing spectacle of the “Attention Economy”. Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, the performance is about to begin and you’re the stars of the show. 

Words of wisdom by Mark DiTondo

The Art of Work: 4 tips for balancing mindfulness and productivity

Can you imagine a world where productivity meets peace, deadlines interact with deep breaths, and where being mindful and well become everyday priorities? In today’s cluster of deadlines, meetings, and constant connectivity, it’s easy to lose sight of the importance of nurturing our mental and physical well-being. Yet, within our busy work week, there lies an opportunity to cultivate a lifestyle that prioritizes mindfulness and wellness.

Mindfulness isn’t just a trendy “buzzword;” it’s a powerful proactive intention that anchors you in the present moment, making you focused and resilient. Wellness isn’t about going to the gym daily and eating organically; it’s about holistically nurturing your physical, mental, and emotional health. Creating a workplace environment that prioritizes mindfulness and wellness will pave the way to a happier, healthier, and more productive team.

Here are 4 tips to help you cultivate a lifestyle of mindfulness and wellness at work:

Encourage Physical Wellness: Incorporate movement into the workday, whether it’s a brisk walk during lunch break, stretching routines at your desk, or team yoga sessions to invigorate the body and mind.

Tip: Remember to breathe – deep breaths help clear your head along with releasing stress.

Create a Supportive Work Environment: Infuse the workplace with positivity and camaraderie by creating a culture of support, appreciation, and open communication. A nurturing environment fosters creativity and collaboration within a team.

Tip: Never underestimate the power of positivity. It’s amazing to see how a positive attitude can motivate people.

Check-in Regularly with Your Team: Take a genuine interest in your team by checking in regularly, both formally and informally. Encourage open dialogue by actively listening. Offer your support when needed.

Tip: Small gestures can make a world of difference.

Celebrate Everyone: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, both big and small. From successfully completing a challenging project to showing up every day with a smile, every contribution deserves some applause.

Tip: Celebrations cultivate motivation and unity within a team.

Cultivating a lifestyle of mindfulness and wellness shouldn’t be approached as an overwhelming task – but rather a journey of small, intentional steps taken each day. By prioritizing physical wellness, nurturing a supportive environment, staying connected with our teams, and celebrating every success, no matter how modest, we can create a workplace that thrives on a foundation of mindfulness and wellness.

Practical pointers by Mary Poluikis

The Art of Work: 4 tips for balancing mindfulness and productivity

Can you imagine a world where productivity meets peace, deadlines interact with deep breaths, and where being mindful and well become everyday priorities? In today’s cluster of deadlines, meetings, and constant connectivity, it’s easy to lose sight of the importance of nurturing our mental and physical well-being. Yet, within our busy work week, there lies an opportunity to cultivate a lifestyle that prioritizes mindfulness and wellness.

Mindfulness isn’t just a trendy “buzzword;” it’s a powerful proactive intention that anchors you in the present moment, making you focused and resilient. Wellness isn’t about going to the gym daily and eating organically; it’s about holistically nurturing your physical, mental, and emotional health. Creating a workplace environment that prioritizes mindfulness and wellness will pave the way to a happier, healthier, and more productive team.

Here are 4 tips to help you cultivate a lifestyle of mindfulness and wellness at work:

Encourage Physical Wellness: Incorporate movement into the workday, whether it’s a brisk walk during lunch break, stretching routines at your desk, or team yoga sessions to invigorate the body and mind.

Tip: Remember to breathe – deep breaths help clear your head along with releasing stress.

Create a Supportive Work Environment: Infuse the workplace with positivity and camaraderie by creating a culture of support, appreciation, and open communication. A nurturing environment fosters creativity and collaboration within a team.

Tip: Never underestimate the power of positivity. It’s amazing to see how a positive attitude can motivate people.

Check-in Regularly with Your Team: Take a genuine interest in your team by checking in regularly, both formally and informally. Encourage open dialogue by actively listening. Offer your support when needed.

Tip: Small gestures can make a world of difference.

Celebrate Everyone: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, both big and small. From successfully completing a challenging project to showing up every day with a smile, every contribution deserves some applause.

Tip: Celebrations cultivate motivation and unity within a team.

Cultivating a lifestyle of mindfulness and wellness shouldn’t be approached as an overwhelming task – but rather a journey of small, intentional steps taken each day. By prioritizing physical wellness, nurturing a supportive environment, staying connected with our teams, and celebrating every success, no matter how modest, we can create a workplace that thrives on a foundation of mindfulness and wellness.

Practical pointers by Mary Poluikis

Learning, teaching and giving – oh my!

Like most of us, I spend my days on multiple devices, making calls and taking meetings, leaving little room for the basics like eating, breathing fresh air or giving back to the community that surrounds me. Taking a step back, I compiled a list of all the community and educational activities MK3 has been participating in over the past few years, and I was struck by our growth: from 4 events in 2022 to over 13 last year!

2023 found us on the production team for the Embrace Boston unveiling, enjoying a few music history lessons from Dr. Emmitt Price at Berklee School of Music, welcoming guest speakers on topics like antisemitism, Hispanic heritage, people with disabilities and improving diversity in the workplace. We volunteered our time on Thompson Island, taught presentation and sales skills at Junior Achievement organization and hosted students from the Fresh Films educational program to learn more about what we do at MK3. 

How did we do it?  First we made a plan, then we made it a priority and involved everyone on our team.  Basically, you have to make a commitment to breathe a little fresh air.  And it’s not about “fun time” out of the office, it’s about bringing your team together and opening up everyone’s perspective – exercising and strengthening your values and learning about yourself and others. 

Our goal for 2024?  Transition from education and learning to action and participation. To put it simply: show up and help. And we’re already off to a great start by serving lunch at the New England Center and Home for Veterans and planning events for Black History Month. There’s always more we can do, and we’re building out a 2024 plan with the hope that it brings us all closer together. Now if I can just get outside…

Life lessons by Alexandria Hunter-Whalen

Learning, teaching and giving – oh my!

Like most of us, I spend my days on multiple devices, making calls and taking meetings, leaving little room for the basics like eating, breathing fresh air or giving back to the community that surrounds me. Taking a step back, I compiled a list of all the community and educational activities MK3 has been participating in over the past few years, and I was struck by our growth: from 4 events in 2022 to over 13 last year!

2023 found us on the production team for the Embrace Boston unveiling, enjoying a few music history lessons from Dr. Emmitt Price at Berklee School of Music, welcoming guest speakers on topics like antisemitism, Hispanic heritage, people with disabilities and improving diversity in the workplace. We volunteered our time on Thompson Island, taught presentation and sales skills at Junior Achievement organization and hosted students from the Fresh Films educational program to learn more about what we do at MK3. 

How did we do it?  First we made a plan, then we made it a priority and involved everyone on our team.  Basically, you have to make a commitment to breathe a little fresh air.  And it’s not about “fun time” out of the office, it’s about bringing your team together and opening up everyone’s perspective – exercising and strengthening your values and learning about yourself and others. 

Our goal for 2024?  Transition from education and learning to action and participation. To put it simply: show up and help. And we’re already off to a great start by serving lunch at the New England Center and Home for Veterans and planning events for Black History Month. There’s always more we can do, and we’re building out a 2024 plan with the hope that it brings us all closer together. Now if I can just get outside…

Life lessons by Alexandria Hunter-Whalen

Everything I know I learned in 4th grade.  From Spider-Man.

Everything I know I learned in 4th grade. From Spider-Man. And Captain America, Batman, Iron Man, Superman, Green Lantern and the Hulk. Let me explain. I’m a creative director and I’ve been “directing creative” in one form or another for almost 40 years (not a misprint). And while I am not a designer and have had no design training, I have a love for directing design, with a specific focus on typography and logos. Over the years people have asked me where this comes from, and for most of my career, I didn’t have an answer. Like many things in life, it was just always…there. One of the few benefits of age (emphasis on few) are the occasional moments of clarity that allow you to connect a few dots and identify patterns in what always seemed like a long life of lucky breaks and random occurrences. And one such moment of clarity hit me a few years ago.

I was an avid comic book collector as a kid. Not just a reader, but an invested collector – appreciating the comics that appreciated in value, learning who buys them, how to save them and when to sell them. But most importantly, I just loved the comics themselves. You’d be surprised at how well some of them were written, often sending me scurrying for a dictionary or an adult.   

“Hey Dad, what does Armageddon mean?” 

I liked the stories and characters, but most of all, I loved the covers and their bold artwork and typography. Every hero not only has a name, but their own dynamic and dimensional logo! There’s usually a headline and subhead laid out with powerful type treatments. It’s all skillfully designed together with the cover art to create imagery and messaging that literally pops off the page. Every cover is a “promo” for the book itself, a marketing tool, depicting an over-the-top version of the actual plot within. And much like some TV promos or movie trailers, the cover is often better than the rest of the comic itself.  

Fast forward decades into my adulthood – I bought three poster-sized stretched canvas replicas of classic ‘70s comic covers and hung them in the new TV room. And one day while gazing at them, it hit me…POW! Look at those logos! BAM! Look at that typography! BOOM! Look at that artwork! This must be my inspiration! There has to be a connection!

For the first half of my career, I worked in broadcast promotion, making TV promos that were often better than the shows themselves. And for my entire career, I’ve been obsessed with typography and how to make text pop off the screen. Sound familiar? 

The power of the art and style of superhero comics from my childhood has always energized me, and now, apparently, inspired me as well. With great power comes great responsibility – the responsibility to use my design powers for good and not for evil. Just thinking about it gets my Spidey Sense tingling…how about yours?

Deep thoughts by Jonathan Markella

Images property of Marvel/Walt Disney Co. and DC/Warner Bros. Discovery

Everything I know I learned in 4th grade.  From Spider-Man.

Everything I know I learned in 4th grade. From Spider-Man. And Captain America, Batman, Iron Man, Superman, Green Lantern and the Hulk. Let me explain. I’m a creative director and I’ve been “directing creative” in one form or another for almost 40 years (not a misprint). And while I am not a designer and have had no design training, I have a love for directing design, with a specific focus on typography and logos. Over the years people have asked me where this comes from, and for most of my career, I didn’t have an answer. Like many things in life, it was just always…there. One of the few benefits of age (emphasis on few) are the occasional moments of clarity that allow you to connect a few dots and identify patterns in what always seemed like a long life of lucky breaks and random occurrences. And one such moment of clarity hit me a few years ago.

I was an avid comic book collector as a kid. Not just a reader, but an invested collector – appreciating the comics that appreciated in value, learning who buys them, how to save them and when to sell them. But most importantly, I just loved the comics themselves. You’d be surprised at how well some of them were written, often sending me scurrying for a dictionary or an adult.   

“Hey Dad, what does Armageddon mean?” 

I liked the stories and characters, but most of all, I loved the covers and their bold artwork and typography. Every hero not only has a name, but their own dynamic and dimensional logo! There’s usually a headline and subhead laid out with powerful type treatments. It’s all skillfully designed together with the cover art to create imagery and messaging that literally pops off the page. Every cover is a “promo” for the book itself, a marketing tool, depicting an over-the-top version of the actual plot within. And much like some TV promos or movie trailers, the cover is often better than the rest of the comic itself.  

Fast forward decades into my adulthood – I bought three poster-sized stretched canvas replicas of classic ‘70s comic covers and hung them in the new TV room. And one day while gazing at them, it hit me…POW! Look at those logos! BAM! Look at that typography! BOOM! Look at that artwork! This must be my inspiration! There has to be a connection!

For the first half of my career, I worked in broadcast promotion, making TV promos that were often better than the shows themselves. And for my entire career, I’ve been obsessed with typography and how to make text pop off the screen. Sound familiar? 

The power of the art and style of superhero comics from my childhood has always energized me, and now, apparently, inspired me as well. With great power comes great responsibility – the responsibility to use my design powers for good and not for evil. Just thinking about it gets my Spidey Sense tingling…how about yours?

Deep thoughts by Jonathan Markella

Images property of Marvel/Walt Disney Co. and DC/Warner Bros. Discovery

Happy Earth Day!

As we focus on keeping our planet clean and sustainable, let’s not forget the amazing work being done right here in the Boston area. Thompson Island, one of 34 islands and peninsulas in the Boston Harbor, has been a hub for educational and environmental programs since the 19th century.

Boston is a unique city that offers a variety of natural sanctuaries to explore, and as a part of our ongoing community involvement efforts, MK3 is hosting a community service day in August to help with Thompson Island Outward Bound’s cleanup efforts! When it comes to empowering and educating our next generation, it’s important to encourage the island’s educational programs designed to help area children find their own path to success.

We’re excited to support Thompson Island Outward Bound’s historic mission and help ensure its ongoing learning opportunities.

 

Happy Earth Day!

As we focus on keeping our planet clean and sustainable, let’s not forget the amazing work being done right here in the Boston area. Thompson Island, one of 34 islands and peninsulas in the Boston Harbor, has been a hub for educational and environmental programs since the 19th century.

Boston is a unique city that offers a variety of natural sanctuaries to explore, and as a part of our ongoing community involvement efforts, MK3 is hosting a community service day in August to help with Thompson Island Outward Bound’s cleanup efforts! When it comes to empowering and educating our next generation, it’s important to encourage the island’s educational programs designed to help area children find their own path to success.

We’re excited to support Thompson Island Outward Bound’s historic mission and help ensure its ongoing learning opportunities.

 

MK3 & The Embrace

MK3 played a crucial role in the production of The Embrace unveiling on Boston Common! The Embrace is a sculpture dedicated to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King. The two first met in Boston while in college and spent many formative years here, including leading Boston’s first civil rights march from Roxbury to Boston Common. The sculpture recognizes not only King’s legacy but also a number of Boston’s civil rights leaders throughout history. Check out a behind-the-scenes look at the production and hear from Joel, Alexandria and Mark on this historic event!

MK3 & The Embrace

MK3 played a crucial role in the production of The Embrace unveiling on Boston Common! The Embrace is a sculpture dedicated to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King. The two first met in Boston while in college and spent many formative years here, including leading Boston’s first civil rights march from Roxbury to Boston Common. The sculpture recognizes not only King’s legacy but also a number of Boston’s civil rights leaders throughout history. Check out a behind-the-scenes look at the production and hear from Joel, Alexandria and Mark on this historic event!

four tips for successful storyboards

The storyboard is the blueprint for live action and animated videos. It’s important to create one that captures the essence of your video in tone and content, so your client can appreciate (and approve!) your vision, and your team can execute your ideas.

Here are four tips I’ve developed over the years for creating efficient and effective storyboards.

Tip 1 – Work fast

I don’t labor the on first few frames – I throw lots of images and ideas into my storyboard and clean it up later. This approach keeps me on my toes – creative and spontaneous. And I know I’ll spend 80% of my time tweaking the last 20% anyway, so there’s no need to get bogged down at the beginning. Working fast helps me keep the creative process moving.

Tip 2 – Don’t send it

Just when I think my storyboard is ready to send to the client…I don’t. Instead, I share it with colleagues, friends and family…other MK3 creative directors and often, my wife and kids. I usually get great input and discover new ways to look at things from the audience’s perspective.

Tip 3 – Send it with a “friend”

When I’m finally ready to deliver the boards to the client, I sometimes send it with a “plus one” – another creative element like a music track I’m considering, a voiceover audition I’m leaning towards, or an animation test I’m playing with. I don’t always have choices like these made in the storyboarding process, but when I do, they really help communicate the creative tone I’m looking for.

Tip 4 – Be ready for feedback

I used to “cling” to my storyboard ideas. Now I’ve learned to be more open to feedback, even if it means rethinking some of the creative. Client feedback means they’re invested in the content and care about the vision, so relevant actionable feedback helps ensure they’ll get the video they’re looking for. And that doesn’t mean you can’t surprise them. I always try to overdeliver with unique effects and enhancements – so the project springs from the storyboard but takes on a life of its own.

There are lots of ways to make a great storyboard, so whether you’re creating one or receiving one – hopefully these tips will provide a bit of insight on building the blueprint for a successful video.

 

four tips for successful storyboards

The storyboard is the blueprint for live action and animated videos. It’s important to create one that captures the essence of your video in tone and content, so your client can appreciate (and approve!) your vision, and your team can execute your ideas.

Here are four tips I’ve developed over the years for creating efficient and effective storyboards.

Tip 1 – Work fast

I don’t labor the on first few frames – I throw lots of images and ideas into my storyboard and clean it up later. This approach keeps me on my toes – creative and spontaneous. And I know I’ll spend 80% of my time tweaking the last 20% anyway, so there’s no need to get bogged down at the beginning. Working fast helps me keep the creative process moving.

Tip 2 – Don’t send it

Just when I think my storyboard is ready to send to the client…I don’t. Instead, I share it with colleagues, friends and family…other MK3 creative directors and often, my wife and kids. I usually get great input and discover new ways to look at things from the audience’s perspective.

Tip 3 – Send it with a “friend”

When I’m finally ready to deliver the boards to the client, I sometimes send it with a “plus one” – another creative element like a music track I’m considering, a voiceover audition I’m leaning towards, or an animation test I’m playing with. I don’t always have choices like these made in the storyboarding process, but when I do, they really help communicate the creative tone I’m looking for.

Tip 4 – Be ready for feedback

I used to “cling” to my storyboard ideas. Now I’ve learned to be more open to feedback, even if it means rethinking some of the creative. Client feedback means they’re invested in the content and care about the vision, so relevant actionable feedback helps ensure they’ll get the video they’re looking for. And that doesn’t mean you can’t surprise them. I always try to overdeliver with unique effects and enhancements – so the project springs from the storyboard but takes on a life of its own.

There are lots of ways to make a great storyboard, so whether you’re creating one or receiving one – hopefully these tips will provide a bit of insight on building the blueprint for a successful video.

 

DE&I at MK3 Creative

Dear Client,

As our commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion continues to evolve, we want you to know that we’re determined to make the crews we hire, the talent we cast, and the voices we record as inclusive as possible. Ensuring that we are tapping into talent and vendors with a wide variety of perspectives is critical to delivering valuable work that’s representative of broader audiences.

DE&I has emerged as a growing concern in our marketplace. Whether it’s building a diverse organization or supporting minority-owned businesses, the work to respectfully engage diverse audiences is expanding. This is part of MK3’s goal of continuous improvement, awareness and education.

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact info@test-mk3.local.

 

DE&I at MK3 Creative

Dear Client,

As our commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion continues to evolve, we want you to know that we’re determined to make the crews we hire, the talent we cast, and the voices we record as inclusive as possible. Ensuring that we are tapping into talent and vendors with a wide variety of perspectives is critical to delivering valuable work that’s representative of broader audiences.

DE&I has emerged as a growing concern in our marketplace. Whether it’s building a diverse organization or supporting minority-owned businesses, the work to respectfully engage diverse audiences is expanding. This is part of MK3’s goal of continuous improvement, awareness and education.

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact info@test-mk3.local.

 

there’s no place like the office

After years of working at your kitchen table, on your couch or in your spare bedroom, many businesses are transitioning from remote working to hybrid and in-person office work. And as “scary” as that may sound, it could also be a great opportunity to rebrand, redefine and reinvent your office “ambience.” The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our perception of what our work environment can and should be – perhaps forever – so now is a great time to refresh your workplace, improve morale and help everyone adjust to the adjustment after the adjustment. 

Updating your office’s interior design is an easy place to start. Giving the place a literal and figurative “new coat of paint” can help welcome returning colleagues and employees. Breathe new life into your workspace by introducing greenery. Bringing in plants or refreshing the ones you have can be a great first step, and colorful succulents are a low maintenance way to brighten up the office. 

Energize your team by planning events like themed group lunches or office breaks and outings. Bringing people together at work for something other than work always boosts camaraderie, and nothing makes people happier than free food. Planning outdoor or out-of-office activities introduces new ways to reduce stress and learn more about each other in ways that work doesn’t always allow. 

Good work starts with a good work environment. It helps make everyone feel more comfortable and confident with themselves and each other. And while a bustling workplace reintroduces the distractions that go along with it (office chatter, ringing phones, hallway interruptions), when it comes to getting work done, nothing beats an energized and enthusiastic workforce.

 

there’s no place like the office

After years of working at your kitchen table, on your couch or in your spare bedroom, many businesses are transitioning from remote working to hybrid and in-person office work. And as “scary” as that may sound, it could also be a great opportunity to rebrand, redefine and reinvent your office “ambience.” The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our perception of what our work environment can and should be – perhaps forever – so now is a great time to refresh your workplace, improve morale and help everyone adjust to the adjustment after the adjustment. 

Updating your office’s interior design is an easy place to start. Giving the place a literal and figurative “new coat of paint” can help welcome returning colleagues and employees. Breathe new life into your workspace by introducing greenery. Bringing in plants or refreshing the ones you have can be a great first step, and colorful succulents are a low maintenance way to brighten up the office. 

Energize your team by planning events like themed group lunches or office breaks and outings. Bringing people together at work for something other than work always boosts camaraderie, and nothing makes people happier than free food. Planning outdoor or out-of-office activities introduces new ways to reduce stress and learn more about each other in ways that work doesn’t always allow. 

Good work starts with a good work environment. It helps make everyone feel more comfortable and confident with themselves and each other. And while a bustling workplace reintroduces the distractions that go along with it (office chatter, ringing phones, hallway interruptions), when it comes to getting work done, nothing beats an energized and enthusiastic workforce.