3D: Delightfully Digital Dallas

But that’s selling short the ninth largest city in the US that’s home to 24 Fortune 500 companies and the largest, independently-owned ad agency in the country (see below).
And even though an early group of artists known as the La Réunion packed it up after a series of droughts and severe winters in the late 1850s (wimps), Dallas is a city that prides itself on a vibrant arts and culture scene.
We visited with Mike Monnat in our Dallas office to find out if The Big D is a great spot for interactive talent.
So put up your spurs and get ready for the next stop on our Vitamin T Global Office Tour!
Vitamin T: What do you love most about Dallas?
Mike: There's lots to love about this tech-savvy town: mild winters, southern hospitality, tons of entertainment and sports, an amazing revitalized arts district downtown, and a bevvy of retail shopping and restaurants in uptown.
Mike: Right now is a great time to be a digital creative in Dallas, as many agencies are trying to stay on top of current trends as client budgets continue to shift towards digital initiatives (interactive/mobile sites, mobile apps, social media, etc.). Experienced visual designers, front end and mobile app developers, UX talent, and social media consultants are in very high demand.
Vitamin T: What advice would you have for talent moving to Dallas?
Mike: Network, network, network. Dallas has a strong and tight-knit agency community. Everyone knows everyone. Make friends, do great work, and your name will become known all around town!
Vitamin T: What are some great networking organizations to connect with in Dallas?
Mike:
- Dallas Society of Visual Communication (DSVC)
- AIGA DFW
- Big Design Conference (EVERYTHING User Experience)
- Social Media Club of Dallas (SMC Dallas)
- DFW Interactive Marketing Association (DFWIMA)
- Digital Dallas
- Dallas Ad League (AAF)
Mike: From the largest, independently-owned ad agency in the country (The Richards Group) to a small, industry-recognized boutique agency (Firehouse), the agency community in Dallas is flourishing and holds tons of opportunities for the best creative and digital marketing freelancers.
Here are a few of the most awesome:
- Bottle Rocket Apps -- Awarded Best iPad Apps in 2011 by Gizmodo
- Rockfish Interactive -- 2010 OMMA Agency of the Year
- Moroch -- Winner of 13 Addy Awards in 2011
- Blockdot -- Great client roster including Kraft, LEGO, Visa, GM, Universal Pictures, and Lands’ End
- Slingshot -- Named the Best Place to Work in 2011 by Ad Age
- Tractorbeam -- Terrific high-end design agency, with clients such as Levi’s, PetSmart, and Sprint, and C.O. Bigelo
- The Matchbox Studio -- An award-winning print and interactive design firm
Vitamin T: What are some odd factoids you can share about the city that newcomers wouldn’t know?
Mike:
- Dallas has more restaurants per capita than New York City—in fact, almost 4 times more
- Home to the the largest fair in the U.S. by attendance, The Texas State Fair boasts a 52-foot tall cowboy named Big Tex that greets its visitors to award-winning deep-fried goodies each year
- With the roof enclosed, the entire Statue of Liberty could fit into Cowboys Stadium
- The Dallas Arts District is the largest urban arts district in the United States
- The frozen margarita machine was invented in Dallas
Looking to learn more about living and working in Dallas? Connect with our Dallas office to get the local scoop!