The place was at River Valley, which as usual, I had no idea where it was ( I've no sense of direction at all :P). Thus was glad that several of my classmates chose the same design firm as me. We decided to meet up first before heading to Yolk together. However, we still got lost eventually. After a few rounds of searching and asking around (as well as getting wet paint on my sleeve as I accidentally brushed against a newly painted pillar while finding our way there), we decided to take a cab instead.
The firm was totally different from the inside compared to the outside. I didn't expect to see such a nice and cosy place judging from the exterior of the buliding. Inside, the ambience was great, the colour were nicely coordinated, and the interior furnishings were sophisticated. It looked like a cafe (an artsy fartsy one of course) more then an office. I liked it alot.
Met our host for that day, Kelveen, one of the founders of Yolk. He had prepared a slideshow for us, with lots of their work. First, he asked us where and what course were we from. Then he asked why we chose Yolk( so I told him that I've heard about Yolk somewhere before (although I can't remember exactly where :P).
He continued to introduce more about what they usually do, their cliente profile, the basics of graphic design etc etc...they had also organised an international graphic design competition online. He also showed us a really cool website that they did, with a storyline and cool graphics which the story is to be continued by the other netizens.
After that, he brought around his office. It was two storeys high - the ground level was for the account servicing team. It had a super cool touchscreen table there, containing all their works they have done over the years, such as the animated Mv of one of the songs of local band Electrico. You can even play around with the different channels of sounds in the songs (eg. you can "take out" the guitars and vocals to just listen to the bass and piano etc.) They even design games out of it! I was really impressed.
Then, we went upstairs. It was a different kind of setting - the ground floor was classy and sophisticated. The second floor was creative, interesting and "artsy fartsy" (if there's such a word heehee :D)
Yes, it was the creative department. The work desks were messier (well, creative people tend to be a little messier =D)and the whole wall was written and drawn on with different coloured chalks. Professionally hand-drawn graphics were pasted all over the walls too. AND, the best thing is, the webcams that they were using were 3-D!!! They had to put on the 3-D glasses when using it. SO COOL RIGHT!!!
The next room was the directors' office, were the founders' work desks are. The room looked more like business office now, except that there was an ENORMOUS bunk bed with a workspace underneath. The displayed all their certificates and plagues on the "bed" which I doubt they would sleep on. (it's too dangerous, too high without any safety handle). And also a yard for them to smoke and discuss ideas.
Then, as we were still overwhelmed by fascination (not exaggerating; the technology they used were like so advanced, like things you can find from Doraemon's pocket!!! lol), Kelveen introduced us to Social Media, something new that the company is moving into. He emphasised that Social Media is a new area of media that is full of potential; an area which more and more companies are looking into. They also started a Freshlook "Beautiful Eyes" campaign for their client on Facebook. Thus, I feel that it is essential to be able to catch up with the latest trends involving social media such as Facebook, Twitter etc. since people who are moving into social media are on the rise. It can be a very powerful and effective tool to reach out to the masses.
All in all, I have learnt so much from the trip to Yolk. It had opened up my perspective of the industry and broaden up my knowledge. I've picked up many vital pointers to note which are all very relevant to the media industry; not only restricted to the graphic designing area. It was a memorable trip that I'm glad to have attended. I'm really impressed.
So long,
Tata!!!
Camellia =D
