Afton Scheinfeld – Brand Strategist

Leading us off is Afton Scheinfeld, who joined Gigasavvy’s strategy team after 12 years with the LA Dodgers. Go Dodgers!  Afton and her husband Nathan love road trips and this past August they hit the road with their dog Cali for a belated anniversary trip. Their destination – Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. 

Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks: We left early in the morning to avoid the crowds – the sunlight hitting the canyon was breathtaking. We’re still reeling from hiking the Narrows in Zion!

The drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon was an adventure in itself. Hiking the Navajo Trail in Bryce Canyon felt like we were frolicking in a fairytale land among the impressive hoodoos and evergreens.

Every part of the journey seemed to get better.  This road trip was a welcome escape from covid lockdowns and I can’t wait to return!

Pro Tip: Size up on your boot rentals. I ended up with a toe injury after our 6hr hike!

Angie Guevara – Sr. Media Strategist

If you know Angie, then you know that nothing is going to stop her from fulfilling her mission to set foot in every single national park, not even a global pandemic! Over the past year, she’s checked quite a few of them off her bucket list. Here some of her favorites. 

Glacier National Park: Being outdoors with nature, experiencing glaciers for the first time ever was epic!

Ice Castles in New Hampshire: The ice castles were so cool that I even loved being at -27 degrees for the first time ever!

Acadia National Park: Let me introduce You to Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park in Maine. This mountain peak is the first place in the US territory to get sunlight in the morning. A must-visit! And, if you ever visit the park but don’t have enough time to see it all, I highly recommend you fly over it – For $99 you get a 25 min flight and can see it all!

Brittany Davis – Designer

Brittany is one of those people that radiates calm. She’s always rocking a smile that puts you at ease no matter the number of design projects on her plate or the seemingly impossible deadlines facing her. And the hero graphic she designed for this blog – doesn’t it just make you want to go on an adventure! 

Mammoth Lakes: One of my best friends from college moved up to Mammoth a couple of years ago, and my friend Jenna and I try to get up there every so often to see her. This year was my first time in Mammoth during the winter and it was magical. The best part of the trip was waking up early to watch the sunrise from a hot spring. We were the only ones in the area, and it was incredible to watch the world wake up around us!

Big Sur / Carmel: My mom, sister, and I have always wanted to do a ‘girls trip’, and quarantine gave us the opportunity to do exactly that. So in June, we decided to drive from Riverside up to San Luis Obispo, and then along the coast through Big Sur, all the way up to Carmel! The whole drive was incredibly beautiful, and it was so cool to be able to make small stops along the way, to find a cute little spot for a meal or take in the view!

Daniel Reizes – Marketing Director

A 600 square foot beach cottage with two people working remotely and an energetic rescue pup proved to be quite the challenge. Never one to shy away from an adventure Daniel and his wife Samantha reached out to all their friends and scoured the internet for house swaps in search of a remote working environment more suitable to the current state of the world. With their dog Frankie in tow, they packed up their car and made their way all over the country with stops in Portland, Sundance, Lake Tahoe, Sedona, Santa Fe, and the Jersey Shore.

Sundance: Utah is one of the most beautiful states in the country. The diverse landscape there has something for everyone. On this trip, we got a house at Robert Redford’s famous Sundance with our cousin Jordan and her new pup Summit. We hiked some incredible trails, took in the fall foliage, and even had separate rooms with desks to get our work done in peace and quiet.

Sedona / Santa Fe: Mystical and magical is all I can say. Blue skies, red rocks, fresh air, incredible hikes out the front door, and almost no one in sight made this road trip one of the best yet. Santa Fe was a real stand out and Frankie fell in love with the snow. She seriously couldn’t get enough! There is a special energy in both of these places that will surely keep us going back for more.

Emily Jones – Sr. Account Manager

While most of us sport sweatpants and hoodies on our morning zoom calls, Emily seemingly just walked off a photo shoot, clever joke in hand, making us all jealous of her effortless style and sense of humor. And if you were wondering, yea she did just crush a bunch of gamers at their best game while blasting K-Pop and solving a myriad of impossible client challenges leaving you with one question to which the answer is undoubtedly: Yes, Hermione-Granger is indeed based on our very own Emily Jones! So what does she do in her free time?

Wine Country – Los Olivos & Los Alamos: Three of my best friends – Alyson, Erica, and Mia planned this trip months in advance, hoping the world would be in a safer place to allow us a nice road trip and escape…or at least drink wine somewhere other than our living rooms. These girls are my ride or dies, especially during quarantine. It was wonderful to be able to take some time off together, move at a slower pace, explore new places, and enjoy so many good wines! Our favorite winery was Liquid Farms.

Kyle Johnston – President & Co-Founder

After years of tirelessly growing and shaping Gigasavvy into the creative agency it is today, the silver lining of the year was the time Kyle got to spend with family. With late nights at the office and a rigorous travel schedule on hold, Kyle finally had a moment to breathe, take stock of what we’d achieved as an agency, and thoughtfully plan our future. One of the biggest changes on the horizon was making a move to Boise, expanding our footprint beyond Southern California. Check out Kyle’s latest adventures as he makes Idaho home.

Payette River: Now that we’re getting settled in Idaho was time for a family trip into the woods. We had an amazing view of the Payette River from our cabin, played tons of card games with the fire going, and had a blast crashing into each other at the ice bumper car track.

Tyler Oslie – Sr. Art Director

Tyler’s high-energy, high-impact campaigns are matched only by the nature of the man himself. At peace when pushing himself to the limit on the trails, Tyler opted for a solo mission. And pure adventure it was. His photos are spectacular, but make sure you watch the video highlights!

Sedona / Zion National Park: This was originally planned as a mountain biking trip but I fractured my hand (mountain biking) just weeks before. I was on the fence but decided to go anyway. I’m really glad I decided to go for it because I managed to pack in 10 hikes and 30+ miles of amazing scenery and places I had only heard about and was able to really reflect out in nature.

Hiking up to Angel’s Landing in the dark was incredible. The wind was crazy and I was all alone on the chain section, but somehow it was very calming and I knew I was doing something I’d never forget.

Do you need to breathe some life into your brand? Perhaps you’re in search of a creative agency that produces campaigns that deliver excitement and emotional connections. We’re looking for adventurous marketers and brands who lead with purpose and aren’t afraid to leave their mark. Give us a call if that sounds like you!

Today we’re sitting down with Gigasavvy Art Director, Nicole Pawloski, to learn about her process, what makes her tick, and how she came up with the fantastic, Well-Read Libations.

Butterfly Pea Flower Margarita 🦋
Pairs Well With 📖: Untamed by Glennon Doyle
—
This cocktail is an easy riff of the Classic Margarita. Simply infuse your Tequila in Butterfly Pea Flower overnight and watch the magic happen when you add lime.

DR:  It goes without saying that we all love the concept. The recipes, pairings, and artwork are delightful. How did you come up with this idea?

NP: The idea came to me during lockdown. I realized I was spending a lot of my free time reading books and creating cocktails at home. It was then that I decided I wanted to create a book club among a group of friends and challenge myself to create an original cocktail based on every book we read together.

DR: Speaking of books, what books are you currently reading or excited about picking up? Any all-time favorites?

NP: Currently, I am reading a book called “From Scratch” a memoir about Sicily & cooking. You can expect a new recipe inspired by this book soon!

I definitely lean toward Fiction books as a preference and if you have not read “Where the Crawdad’s Sing” it is one of my all-time favorites.

DR: Your recipes are truly original. What goes into developing and testing this – how do you know when you’ve got a winner?

NP: R&D is very important! – Haha. Usually, I will try and base each cocktail around a specific character in the book or around locations in the story. I note any character attributes or potential flavor profiles as I am reading and then put them to the test afterward. The key to creating good cocktails is a balance of ingredients, so it usually takes a few variations before finding the best recipe.

Kya Cobbler 🌿
Inspired by 📖: Where the Crawdad’s Sing
—
1.5 oz Bourbon 1/4 oz Bruto Americano 3/4 oz Blackberry Syrup .5 oz Lemon Juice Dash of Cinnamon Dash of Angostura bitters 1 cinnamon stick, charred

DR: Not only do your drinks taste incredible and look amazing, but the artwork you’ve created is also beautiful. Can you share a bit about your process and the tools you use to bring these to life?

NP: To be honest, there is nothing fancy involved. After getting a “thumbs-up” approval by my designated taste testers (aka my roommates) I set up a little backdrop and snap a photo with my iPhone. Then I take the photo into Lightroom and cut the background and tweak the colors ’til I have something ready to share.

DR: What’s your favorite recipe at the moment and why?

NP: I would say I am leaning into Gin cocktails at the moment. Most people write off Gin as their least favorite spirit but you can really create some of the best-tasting cocktails with a gin base. One of my favorite recipes I have made combines Gin and Bell Pepper Juice. An unlikely duo, but extremely refreshing and delicious!

Green Afternoon (2 recipes) 🍵
Inspired by 📖: Normal People
—
Recipe 1: (refreshing) 2 oz Gin 1/2 oz lemon 2 oz Matcha Tea Latte (cooled) 1 egg white Honey (to your liking) Matcha Powder on top
—
Recipe 2: (sweet dessert) 2 oz Gin 3/4 oz Creme de Cacao 1 egg white 1/2 oz vanilla simple syrup 3/4 tablespoon Matcha Powder on top

DR: Yea, that sounds amazing! I’m a pretty big Gin fan so definitely count me in as a taste tester on this one.

I also think this cocktail is representative of your overall design aesthetic. In contrast to an always-on, 24/7 world that seems so loud and in your face, you have a decidedly nuanced approach.

Can you share a little about your background, your path to becoming a designer/art director, and the things that inspire you?

NP: I have always had a passion for creating, whether that be in fine art or advertising I have always made sure it was a part of my day-to-day life. I think finding ways to stay creative even outside of the work environment is important and I think that is why I love having creative outlets like “Well-Read Libations.”

DR: Well, I think I can speak for the rest of the team in saying that we’re loving this creative outlet and can’t wait to see what’s next.

I really appreciate you taking the time to sit down with me and providing our readers with a sneak peek into the process of your wonderful project, Well-Read Libations. While the world feels like it’s screaming at full blast, your work remains subtle, drawing people in with a whisper that cuts through the noise. It’s something to be admired and we truly appreciate all you bring to your work with Gigasavvy and our clients like, Flame Broiler, HI-CHEW, and Toshiba.

To stay up-to-date with Nicole’s latest cocktail and book pairings head over to Instagram and follow Well-Read Libations.

Nicole Pawloski is an Art Director at Gigasavvy working in both digital and traditional mediums. She is an innovative thinker who transforms brands with strategic vision and designs memorable campaigns that connect with consumers through a playful aesthetic. A Graphic Design and Advertising Alumni of Chapman University, Nicole is a design enthusiast, masterful calligrapher, and craft cocktail connoisseur.

Erin Naterman, Account Director

Who is a woman role model in your life and why?

EN: My grandmother, mother to my mother, Reba Yarborough. She had a high-profile title with a big office in a male-dominated industry (finance) back when it was very uncommon for women to hold those types of positions. She worked 9-5 in her business suit and came home to take care of her family, while her husband worked the graveyard shift at the factory. She always made sure there was a homemade meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with my grandfather’s lunch pale was adequately filled all while juggling a successful career and staying super positive and balanced. By watching her, I learned the value of hard work, prioritizing while still juggling and that women can do anything – just like men – if they really want it enough.

What is the most empowering thing someone else has done for you?

EN: One of my previous bosses hired me onto her team right as she was heading out for her 4-month maternity leave. I was terrified, but she encouraged me, had faith in me, and trusted me fully to step up in her absence. While it was certainly a sink or swim situation, she empowered me to do the job in her absence and instilled confidence that allowed me to do the job well, even to my own surprise. I learned something about myself in those four months and built my own confidence to mirror what she had already seen in me.

What piece of career advice (or book recommendation) would you share with another woman?

EN: My advice to all leaders (not just women) is to be a servant leader. You can’t manage others or lead well unless the people you lead see you serving along with them.

My advice specifically for women is to create your place and your platform not by speaking loud and often, but by demonstrating your value through your contributions first. Actions speak louder than words and women are often accused of speaking out too much, which can be seen as overcompensation for getting noticed. Quiet wisdom can lead to leadership with a big voice – even if it’s not loud. And, let’s face it, It’s the quiet ones that get underestimated all too often.

Sara Gwin, Sr. Production Manager

Who is a woman role model in your life and why?

SG: My grandmother Rosemary White. She was taken out of school at 13 to work on the family farm while her brother’s served in the military. She got married at 18 and had three children by the time she was 24. The marriage was very abusive and in 1970, she decided to leave and take care of herself and her children alone. She worked three jobs for many years to stay afloat but somehow she never lost her caring spirit. She’s a dedicated woman of faith and anyone would be lucky to have a woman like her in their life! She reminds me that hard work pays off and that strong-willed women make the world go round.

What is the most empowering thing someone else has done for you?
SG: The Vice President of my last agency was my direct supervisor and she helped me shake off some of the misguided career advice I had received previously. She worked to remind me that there is a way to be professional without losing your own personal spark and that work is just that – WORK! “Real-life” matters more. It helped my confidence immensely and I owe a lot of my success to her.

What piece of career advice (or book recommendation) would you share with another woman?
SG: Well-behaved women rarely make history. KIDDING-ish.

Being direct doesn’t make you annoying. Don’t feel the need to apologize for a small misstep. Save the apologies for when you really need it.

Samantha Pacheco, Human Resources Director

Who is a woman role model in your life and why?
SP: One of my role models is my cousin Brittney. Not only is she a very successful hairstylist to the stars, but she is a kind friend and loving mama. Brittany manages to take on every obstacle with grace and dignity, always showing kindness to those around her. She has set some very high goals for herself since she was a child and she has achieved every one of them while raising two great kids. I admire her drive, the confidence she works on daily, and her ability to keep her priorities in check. I’m lucky to call her family.

What piece of career advice (or book recommendation) would you share with another woman?
SP: Perception matters. Your intentions might be solid, but if it’s not being perceived in the way you hoped then you have failed to get your point across. Always make sure that you are representing yourself in a way that reaches your audience/team/boss. I had to learn early on in my career that tone of voice can turn someone towards you for help or make them never return, even if your intentions are always to help.

Kristy Gulsvig, Strategy Director

Who is a woman role model in your life and why?
KG: My grandmother, Maria. Despite having everything taken from her during WWII when she was forcibly relocated to a Japanese internment camp, she was able to pursue her college degree and eventually began a Masters in Social Work. By the time I came along, I knew her as a glamorous working woman: a travel agent arranging worldwide excursions for her clients, and even traveling the globe herself. She was truly a renaissance woman, eternally curious but soulfully kind.

What is the most empowering thing someone else has done for you?
KG: It’s really the little things that have impacted me the most: especially those who were willing to listen. A lot of times in business situations, you have to fight to be heard. But it was the coworkers, bosses, clients, and others who encouraged me by acknowledging me and listening to the things I had to contribute – rather than making me fight my way into a conversation – that really helped build my confidence. I always try to return the favor by avoiding interrupting others – especially when they’re starting out in their careers.

What piece of career advice (or book recommendation) would you share with another woman?
KG: Fight for yourself, but don’t forget to encourage others! Dole out respect and acknowledgment like it’s confetti. Your connections and contacts will remember it and will lift you up in return.

Thank you to all of our Leading Women. We celebrate you today and always.