W+K PORTLAND

Heavy Metal Artist David Kennedy

Our very own David Kennedy is a man of many talents and tales.
Hang around him for just a bit and you will be treated to many
surprises. Sure he has proven his abilities in the art of advertising, (he is in fact in the Advertising Hall Of Fame) but he is also skilled in the finer arts- as a sculptor. David is a modest man and it took some coaxing but we were fortunate to convince him to share with us his passion for working with metal. The opening night was a splendid affair and many people got there first small glimpse at just what Kennedy is up to in his many daily doings. The show will be up for the month of November, viewing times are M-F from 9a-5p.

   

Hyper Island

This week, 65 lucky WK employees are attending 3-day classes taught by Hyper Island, the acclaimed  Digital Media school based in Sweden.

Hyper customized a curriculum for us based on interviews with employees beforehand. It’s special in many ways... Rarely do so many of us carve out time from our busy schedules to sit together and learn, debate, share and think.  But most importantly the classes will challenge us to become more deeply and creatively engaged in the fast-changing, tech-driven world. Skol! (that’s “cheers” in Swedish!)

WK London launches Plot

Lisa Prince, a planner in our London office, who encounters a lot of data in her day to day job, noticed from sitting in the (occasional) boring meeting that the way in which data was being presented was becoming more interesting, and if you squinted your eye a little, even quite beautiful. Teamed with art director, Nicholla Long and jewelry designer Hanna Havanna, WK London launched Plot. Check it out here

Rocktober Fest

Last week Thursday the W+K Accounting department threw its annual Rocktoberfest party. Due to scheduling conflicts Rocktoberfest turned into Rockvemberfest, and in true recession budget-cut style the theme was a throw back to the age of Prohibition and moonshine.

Poster Design: Paul Levy

The usually quiet and sterile Accounting department was transformed into a glowing red lit Speakeasy with its own pool table and leather padded bar (tended by two lovely flapper girls of course). The drink menu included 1920's era drinks such as Spiced Cider, Rum Scoundrel, Whiskey Sour, Pink Lady, and Orange Blossom. Although not necessarily true to theme, no Rocktoberfest party would be complete without Everclear Jello Shots as well! A buffet of smoked sausage, cheese dip, and bread helped soak up some of the booze and make the morning after slightly more tolerable.

The drinks flowed, jazz music blasted, coworkers mingled, and another Rocktoberfest was put to rest. We're already looking forward to next year!

8lbs 1oz and 22 inches of pure cute.

Please welcome to the world,
Willa Adeline Meyer
Art Directed by Ken Meyer

 

Halloween Jam with Pyramiddd

Fresh off the heels of their US tour (and Target Pharmacy spot sound-tracking), local faves Pyramiddd tear it up with one last Portland show before heading off to Europe.

Deelay Ceelay + Nice Nice + Wampire started off the show.
Photos: Tyler Kohlhoff

First Thursday

New Works in Metal by David Kennedy. Opening November 5, 2009

5:30 p.m. in our very own first-floor lobby. Open to the public.

Halloween 2009

Perhaps Arla said it best in the following email:
I love planning this party more every year! The people that help out with it are AMAZING! I’m so touched by what length’s people go to make this party great.

I mean, DID YOU SEE the Wizard of Oz set up? Or that giant pirate ship?!? Every group that decorated an area, decorated it to the max! And, so many people saved my ass by helping with last minute balloon blowing-upping, color paper hanging, cobwebbing placing, Clifford costume wearing, lunch offering, drink making, and general eager awesomeness!!

I really appreciate all the help and support that you all provided!

And I love how much the kids enjoy it!! When they’re having a complete melt down because they just. don’t. want. TO. LEAVE!!, it touches a little spot in my heart.

You guys are all the best and when I see you, I’m going to hug you. Hard. Real Hard.

 

A big group hug to Arla Wood and Aubrey Dean, Dawn Weeman, Jennifer Hundis, Jessie Simmons, Abby Marten, John Griswold, Brie Spicer, Gina Keough, Peter O'Brien, Alice Baldwin, Jessica Sinn, Brad Simon, Ava Hegedus, Shei'meka Newman, Michelle Evers, Beth Fujiura, Rodney Curl, Connery Wilson, Sky McBean, Mison Henley, Joani Wardwell, Aaron Lee and Guillaume Mathieu for making it so special.

Meet The ManIn The Hat...

At Southwest 2nd + Morrison. Go Forth.

A Visit From John Maeda

John Maeda may have gotten his start as a software engineer at MIT, but his passion for design took his life on a journey where these two fields intersect. Thanks to John Jay- Maeda took the time to visit and speak with us in Portland today. His talk focused on human connections, being present and inspiring people to do more with their lives. It sent us all back to our desks (and lives) with a new sense of purpose. 

John is currently the president of RISD. Check out his book “Simplicity” or view John's profile and speeches for the TED Talks.