Dec 23
3D: Delightfully Digital Dallas
For some, the word “Dallas” conjures up images of oil wells, cowboy hats, cheerleaders, and J.R. Ewing.
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.
Vitamin T: What are some odd factoids you can share about the city that newcomers wouldn’t know?
Mike:
Looking to learn more about living and working in Dallas? Connect with our Dallas office to get the local scoop!
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.
Vitamin T: Why is Dallas a great place for interactive talent?
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:
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)
Vitamin T: Who are some of the hottest ad agencies in the city?
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:
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!