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Jeffrey Blum
Global Director Digital Innovation at M.A.C Cosmetics
Professional Background
Jeffrey Blum is a distinguished Swiss/American Digital Creative Director who has been enriching the creative landscape since relocating to New York in 1998. With a remarkable 18 years of experience, Jeffrey has collaborated with a plethora of renowned brands, enhancing their digital presence while crafting compelling stories through innovative design and creativity. His professional journey has taken him across various vibrant cities globally, including Paris, Geneva, and Los Angeles, where he has worked on high-profile international projects that have shaped his artistic vision.
His career is characterized by a unique ability to weave together the intricate threads of design, product development, user experience, and brand storytelling. Jeffrey approaches each project with a holistic perspective, integrating all aspects from strategy development to art direction and final production. His versatility has made him a sought-after partner not only for his creative genius but also for his collaborative spirit, as he thrives in team environments, inspiring those around him to strive for excellence in every endeavor.
Education and Achievements
Jeffrey's educational background sets a solid foundation for his career in the digital creative realm. He began his artistic journey at the prestigious Académie De Meuron in Switzerland, where he studied art history, perspective, painting, sculpture, and color theory. This diverse education was further complemented by advanced training in Flash 5 Action Script at Motion Overtime in New York City, as well as an evening program in web design at the School of Visual Arts. Finally, his time at Académie Charpentier honed his skills in advertising, design, identity, illustration, layout, packaging, photography, storyboarding, and typography.
Jeffrey’s accomplishments are remarkable, having held pivotal roles such as the Director of Global Digital Innovation at MAC Cosmetics. His leadership in this role has been instrumental in driving digital strategies that resonate with consumers worldwide. Additionally, as a former Director of Global Digital Design at the same reputable brand, he showcased his ability to blend creativity with strategic vision to enhance brand identity in a digital-first market.
Notable Brand Experience
Throughout his illustrious career, Jeffrey has had the privilege of working with an impressive roster of clients and brands. His portfolio includes collaborations with industry giants such as Disney, Dreamworks, Bulgari, and Chanel. He has skillfully directed creative projects that not only elevate brand recognition but also engage consumers through thoughtful and engaging digital experiences. His experience spans across multiple industries, from luxury fashion and cosmetics to entertainment and technology, further emphasizing his versatility and adaptability as a creative leader.
Some of the additional brands he has collaborated with are eBay, Microsoft, Montblanc, and Swatch, contributing to projects that push the boundaries of innovation and creativity. Each collaboration has added depth to his understanding of global markets and consumer behavior, enhancing his ability to craft solutions that resonate with audiences.
Skills and Specialties
Jeffrey is recognized for his multifaceted skill set that encompasses a wide array of disciplines within the realm of digital creative direction. His specialties include:
- Multidisciplinary Creative Direction: Leading projects that require a comprehensive understanding of various creative processes.
- User Experience (UX) Design: Focusing on creating intuitive and engagement-driven digital experiences that prioritize the user journey.
- IA/UI Design (Web/Mobile/Tablet): Developing user interfaces that are not only visually appealing but also functional and user-friendly.
- Art Direction & Visual Design: Guiding the visual narrative of projects to ensure a cohesive and impactful representation of brand identity.
- Motion & Animation: Incorporating dynamic elements into design to enhance user engagement and storytelling.
- Creative Concept Development and Interaction Design: Conceptualizing innovative ideas that captivate audiences and drive brand loyalty.
- Assembling & Leading Multidisciplinary Teams: Fostering collaboration among diverse groups of creatives to elevate project outcomes.
In addition to these specialties, Jeffrey is deeply committed to details and is known for his remarkable sense of humor, which he seamlessly integrates into his work culture. His inspiring leadership style not only enhances project efficiency but also nurtures a positive and creative environment for all team members.
Conclusion
Jeffrey Blum's journey as a Digital Creative Director is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and passion for innovation in the creative industry. His ability to navigate and contribute to various aspects of digital design has allowed him to build meaningful partnerships with iconic brands while enriching the user experience. In an ever-evolving digital landscape, Jeffrey remains a formidable force, continuously inspiring creativity and driving excellence across all his projects.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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