When I pictured my first post-grad job, I expected to just be sitting in on calls or meetings, and working at a computer all day. The thought of running all around downtown Buffalo, decorating for a fake Gender Reveal or Dinosaur-themed Birthday and becoming a regular at Party City never once crossed my mind. However, my first week at a full-time job, and at Mirror Matter included all of that and more, and it is something that I will never forget.
When I was welcomed into the agency I was introduced to SweetWorks Confections, a candy and chocolate manufacturer in Buffalo, and one of our clients. The concept of my first project with them was to create several Do-It-Yourself (DIY) videos of candy buffets for various occasions. Thus began my journey through town to find the perfect props and decorations. I was almost immediately given the opportunity to look up ideas and create moodboards for each of the themes. Having just started, I was surprised but grateful to be given the freedom so quickly to input my own thoughts and ideas, and the ability to pick out certain materials that we could use. While the week leading up to the shoot day was eventful enough, the day finally arrived and I realized just how much work goes into making two-minute videos!
The most rewarding part of this experience was that I was not only able to participate in the video itself, but I had a chance to see all the behind-the-scenes work to determine what is working and what isn’t. Helping to set up the shot, attempting to nail down the set-up and break-down process, and contributing my thoughts made me really feel like I was part of the team even if I had only been there for a short period of time. While I thought I was organized before, I learned that it truly is key in order for things to go smoothly. Our day would not have been as successful as it was if we didn’t have a plan already in place, props where they needed to be, and storyboards written.
My relationship with SweetWorks has since grown, and I am glad that I learned early on that client relationships expand much further than just a quick phone call or a meeting. It includes constant communication and collaboration, and the opportunity to be able to bounce ideas off of each other to get the end product they would be excited about. This specific project taught me that there is a lot more room for creativity and interpretation on certain projects than I anticipated, which can offer a fun and new way to approach things.
If there was one thing I wish I had known before I started this job is that a job description is not as cut and dry as you think, especially at a small company. In just my first few days on the job I realized that I was being offered many more opportunities for collaboration and sharing opinions on things that do not even fall under my job title than I would have gotten anywhere else. Although my first week at Mirror Matter really was a whirlwind, it set me up for a great year and I can’t wait to see what they challenge me with next.
