Story teller, advertising consultant, University of Oregon student, photographer, and blogger.

Name: Kim Karalekas
Passion(s): people watching, random knowledge, traveling, music, cultures, taking pictures, storytelling, youtube and stumbleupon, reading, sarcasm, blogging, new experiences, airports, thinking, asking why
Age: 21

Top 3 trend setters across all industries: TED, Russell Davies, Seth Godin, DO Lectures (that’s four, I know…)

Visual art trend to look for in late 2008 – 2009: Any form of art that tells a story, keep an eye out for the digital arts

Technology trend to look for in late 2008 – 2009: Today, people have so many online identities – facebook, flickr, youtube, twitter, del.icio.us, digg, blogs, etc. Time managing each identity accumulates quickly and cuts into the time once spent maintaining “real life” identities. Because of this, the convergence of media and Web 2.0 platforms will be key. Additionally, untraditional means of showing rather than telling will begin to surface – watch out for MEANINGFUL viral-based storytelling trends, (think, the TAP project, not banner ads that tell you to punch the monkey for a free iPod).

What will become of the traditional advertising agency model? The traditional model won’t be just account managers, planners, strategists, art directors and copywriters. It will be all of these, PLUS architects, digital strategists, philosophers, sociologists, poets and anthropologists. All of these “creative strategists” will be collaborating, mind mapping, and brainstorming to tackle the increasing challenge of understanding lifestyles and reaching consumers on a deeper and more personal level. Ethnography, participant observation, thinking both creatively and analytically and problem solving are key in creating brands of value, rather than idiosyncratic, shallow brands. Agencies will build brands to let consumers tell their own stories – think of it like baking – brands will provide consumers with ingredients and consumers can take the ingredients and form their own creation.

2 books and 2 magazines every tastemaker should read: Reading anything and everything – if it features societies, cultures, trends, people, video games, politics, sports, religion, science, music, boating, cooking, gardening or children’s toys and if it sparks inspiration and curiosity, or just has great design – any and all of these are gold. A handful of industry-specific book include: Blink, The Tipping Point and How to Think Like Leonardo DaVinci. Magazines include: good, how, and domino.

What projects are up next for you?: Being a full time student is a project in itself! However, I am currently managing the awareness/communications campaign for the NVC (New Venture Championship) international business plan competition. I am also working with Portland Advertising Federation, helping plan the Rosey Awards (good stuff in the works, keep your eyes up!). I have a handful of freelance blog/social media consulting/strategy projects as well as working on a campaign for the One Show college competition…like everyone else, the list goes on and on…

What should we have asked you?: How does one “get” an idea? Does advertising promote culture or create it? Where to do I go for inspiration? How can someone be an interesting person? What is my favorite people watching experience? What was the last picture I took? Best storyteller I’ve met?

Want to know more about Kim?
http://kimkaralekas.wordpress.com

Apple Evangelist, diverse music connoisseur, creative talent developer, co-founder of Adversi+y, and my newest angel investor (just playing on the angel part). 

Name: Julius L. Dunn, II (successor of Julius Dunn, the great)
Passion(s): Living life, loving music and changing the status quo
Age: 316 months old

Top 3 trend setters across all industries: My top three trendsetters are interchangeable because they’re all influenced by trendsetters that have come before them, so I’ll focus on who’s hand the torch is currently in. Since I love music my three top choices are music related, and in heavy rotation on my music playlist.

I really like what Kid CuDi is doing with the opportunity he has made for himself at Kanye’s record label, GOOD Music. His music is honest, I appreciate how he puts his life in his music and doesn’t hold back or shy away from exposing certain insecurities and thoughts we’ve all had at some point.

Adversity was founded in Atlanta, so I would be wrong not to talk about Atlanta based group Hollyweerd. I like their musical direction and respect their fearless approach to making eclectic hip hop that evokes creative thought.

I like Chicago based group The Cool Kids, and how they have managed to create a major buzz with very little exposure. I also like their swagger and confidence about what they do, because they are in no rush to sell out just to be seen.

I know you said three but I have four. Hey you never get any where just following the rules, so my last choice is a group entry of producers. As a whole the following artist have changed my view on music completely by making the sound track for those that think different. I have been a long time fan of producers Madlib, Danger Mouse, 9th Wonder and the late James Yancey (J-Dilla) because the music they produce has a timeless quality that’s not bound by trends.

If you’re really into music beyond just hip-hop I can go there too, and my top pick to watch for in that arena would be Columbia grad group Vampire Weekend.

Fashion trend to look for in late 2008 – 2009: Ahmm…. That’s hard because I don’t like fashion trends. I don’t think people should dress based on trends others set, they should set there own. I believe fashion is a personal thing, a reflection of how you feel day to day. So, I can’t say what others should look for because I’m not them. Best fashion advice, trust yourself.

Technology trend to look for in late 2008 – 2009: My only response to this is keep your eye on Apple. I am the biggest Apple fan ever, having had three iPhones since 2007, an iPod touch and shuffle, an iMac complete with iLife and a MacBook Pro. Just call me i-Ju because I have gladly given Apple tons of money for the latest technology, but if you work in advertising you can’t seem to avoid them. Yet and still, it’s one of my guilty pleasures.

What will become of the traditional advertising agency model?: It will never be the same… It’s already not the same just comparing it to where it was five years ago. Gamers have changed the game. YouTube has changed the game. Facebook and MySpace have CHANGED, THE, GAME! It’s a new day for advertisers and their clients because the consumer attention span just got “that” much shorter, and with technology being so accessible they have no problem letting you know how much you and your products suck.

Then you factor in Patricia Gatling and all that she has done in office as the NYC Commissioner for Human Rights, and the attention she has brought to the lack of diversity in the advertising industry. It’s clear to see things have changed, are changing and will change even more, and we hope to be one of few catalyst for tomorrow’s change.

2 books and 2 magazines every tastemaker should read: I’d rather not say, because my books and magazines are inappropriate. (((Laughing)))

What projects are up next for you?: The One Club–Adversity program is my current project for Adversity. This joint initiative will produce a program that provides resources for all students interested in pursuing advertising as a career. The most important thing to highlight in that last sentence is the word “ALL”, meaning although we are targeting creatives of color now it’s a diversity initiative that is rooted in educating everyone seeking guidance related to creative advertising. I am targeting the multi-cultural community right now, because there are certain races underrepresented in this very influential industry and their voices are needed when speaking to such a diverse country. Truthfully diversity initiatives are the future of this country’s vitality, because the idea of democracy opposes uniformity and in such trying times we have to embrace the idea of working together.

What should we have asked you?: You should have asked me for some money, but its too late. Sorry you missed your chance homey.

Want to know more about Julius?
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/9/758/4a0

Founder of the Marcus Graham Project (stay tuned), former advertising account executive, seeker of advertising talent, Rock the Vote’s Chicago street team leader, and purveyor of soul @ http://www.neosoulcafe.com/

Name: Lincoln C. Stephens
Passion(s): Training The Next Generation for Leadership, Cooking, Soul/Blues/Funk, and Fashion
Age: 27
Top 3 trend setters across all industries: Kenard Gibbs (for being a leading pioneer in preparing urban/AA magazines for the future in digital media) Tom Joyner (for showing how far you can take hosting a radio show) and my dad Calvin Stephens – for making being a black republican cool, because at your core, you’re still a Panther)

Technology trend to look for in late 2008 – 2009: Touch screen computers in your home
What will become of the traditional advertising agency model?: It will be the way that kids learn about advertising in grade school and high school as a training ground.
2 books and 2 magazines every tastemaker should read: The Hummer and the Mini: Navigating the Contradictions of the New Trend Landscape by Robyn Waters and Little Black Book of Connections: 6.5 Assets for Networking Your Way to Rich Relationships by Jeffrey Gitmore
What projects are up next for you?: The Marcus Graham Project and Rock The Vote
What should we have asked you?: What are some of the trends in the way that people eat that will become increasingly popular.

Want to know more about Lincoln? https://twitter.com/LincolnStephens