When my company (Anthem) and I decided to start calling me their Digital Innovation Specialist, there was a lot of discussion about what that means. Innovation is a tricky word, because it simultaneously means a whole lot of different things and absolutely nothing, depending on your perspective. For me, it’s inextricably bound to creativity, but not necessarily in the making of stuff; more in the way we think about things that are and things that can/will be.
Today, I was impressed by fellow Brandeis graduate Ari Teman’s response below, in an interview with DesignBuzz.com back in 2007 (thanks to my wife for sending this to me). “Innovation is making people?s lives easier by thinking differently.” That’s pretty much what I try to do every day. Well done, sir.
4. What is innovation to you – design, technology or the creative processes itself?
Teman: Innovation is making people?s lives easier by thinking differently. I don?t think you can separate design from technology. Is great design the coolest abacus you can draw? No, I think it?s the latest computer nobody has even considered yet. Design is about advancing society. Throughout history people have thought they could make the world better just by making it prettier – that doesn?t work (and most of those people are considered dictators and war criminals now!). There?s a place for pretty things, but real beauty is one with function – and the creative process becomes obvious if the product is elegant.
About Tarah
Ever since I founded my college TV station, I’ve aspired to tell relevant, engaging stories. Seeing digital platforms as a powerful tool with which to facilitate interactive conversations, rather than passive entertainment, I have worked throughout my career to merge my entertainment sensibilities with the combined needs of advertisers and audiences to create inspiring content experiences.
As Digital Innovations Specialist & Chair of the Social Media Council at Real Branding (recently merged with Schawk/Anthem! & Brand New World), I drive creative direction and strategy, working directly with brands to develop engaging consumer experiences across the entertainment, advertising and digital media industries. As a strategic partner of NBTV Studios, I work with the management team to help them find new clients, develop and produce industry-leading film, video and entertainment products.
Before joining Real Branding, I held the position of VP, Creative & Digital Strategy on the executive team at Big Fuel Communications, where I crafted innovative distribution strategies and producing award-winning branded entertainment, interactive and other campaigns for partners such as Neutrogena, AOL and Fox Interactive Media.
From 2005-07, I was a founding member of the NBC Universal Digital Studio, as Manager of Program Development, where I created, developed and oversaw the production of series and entertainment products for digital and traditional platforms.
Prior to NBCU, I worked in Marketing and Original Programming at HBO, as well as running my own independent production company, producing and directing a number of short films, documentaries, music videos and other entertainment products.
As a member of the Producer's Guild of America, NATAS, NAMAS, IFP and other associations, I maintain regular involvement with industry organizations and have enjoyed speaking on panels for the Producer’s Guild, IFP, NYU, NALIP and others. Additionally, for several years, I served as the Executive Producer of the website and managed the marketing efforts for Stellar Network, a trans-Atlantic organization for professionals in film, television and theater.
I grew up in the green mountains of Vermont and graduated from Brandeis University, while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Film Studies. When I’m not working, I’m sharing my life with my wife Anjali, a brilliant foodie, and our dog, Taj, in Brooklyn.
For my full professional details and to connect professionally, please join me on LinkedIn: http://linkd.in/tarahf
Tarah's Digital Voice 