Meet the Designers

"Knock, knock!"

We’ve introduced you to the interns and our bosses, now we want you to meet some other groupies! This week we talked to some of the creative force behind Price Group, the designers. This trio can create some crazy stuff, so we wanted you to get to know them a little better.

Meet Annalee, Kaci, and Rebecca!

Annalee

Q: How many years have you been at Price? 

A: Almost 2

Q: Position?

A: Art Director

Q: Favorite thing about working at Price?

A: The cohorts.

Q: If you were stuck on a desert island, which coworker would you bring and why? 

A: David could MacGyver his way outta there.

Q: What's your go-to lunch? 

A: Brown bag and youtube in the board room with the cohorts.

Q: If you weren't working in advertising what would be your dream job? 

A: Miscellaneous crafter.

Q: What are you binge watching right now? 

A: The Killing & Raising Hope (gotta have a balance)

Rebecca

Q: How many years have you been at Price?

A: A little over four years, including my internship.

Q: Position?

A: Senior Designer

Q: Favorite thing about working at Price?

A: It sounds cliché, but the people. I love working with people that know know what they’re doing, dream big, and (most importantly) look out for each other. I love learning from them as well. We work and play hard together. I also like having the opportunity to create and work on unique projects.

Q: If you were stuck on a desert island, which coworker would you bring and why? 

A: Ha ha! Entertainment-wise, I would take any of the groupies. If we’re speaking practically, I would take David. I believe the answer on my last survey was, "That guy could build a working helicopter out of a crate of coconut fibers and one banana peel.”

Q: What's your go-to lunch? 

A: Depends on the day. Usually somewhere close, if it’s a weekday. I visited the BackDoor Diner with some friends recently (had never been before), and really enjoyed it. So good.

Q: If you weren't working in advertising what would your dream job be?

A: As a kid, I had many career aspirations (actress, adventurer, singer, counselor, CIA agent (I liked being sneaky), Supergirl (I wanted to help people…and fly), girlfriend of Superman...).

Q: What are you binge watching right now? 

A: I’m not really binge watching any one show right now (not enough time). I’ve always liked Gilmore Girls, though. New Girl can be inappropriate, but is really funny, too. As far as new shows go, the Grinder is pretty great. Love Ben Savage’s character - bless his heart.

Kaci

Q: How many years have you been at Price?

A: .25

Q: Position?

A: Designer

Q: Favorite thing about working at Price?

A: We work as a team to get a final project to a customer and we aren’t in competition with each other. I also get to laugh a lot at work and that makes all my days better.

Q: If you were stuck on a desert island, which coworker would you bring and why? 

A: I’m pretty introverted so I would kind of like to just be by myself. I might take some of the Communication Arts annuals for some light reading material though. (I also hate hurting peoples’ feelings and this question really stresses me out.)

Q: What’s your go-to lunch? 

A: My mood greatly affects my appetite so it changes daily. I can almost always go for a gyro and baklava though.

Q: If you weren’t working in advertising what would be your dream job? 

A: I would travel the world and take photos of cool places, so kind of like a national geographic photographer but with FAR less pressure. Or be a racecar driver.

Q: What are you binge watching right now? 

A: Parenthood. I just finished season 3 and they played my all time favorite song in a really sad part and I’m still not ready to talk about it yet.

It's Spring Break!

We all know it’s the time of year when college students around the country flock to tropical locations for sunburns, partying with strangers, and forget about their impending finals. After seven months of all-nighters, twenty-somethings are ready to let loose and get down (and maybe become MTV famous) at iconic spring break destinations across the country.

Wait, is this really only for college kids? I mean, we’ve been working hard too. College students aren't the only ones benefiting from spring break though. Advertisers know how to follow this generation (all that buying power and brand alliance is too sweet) and have come up with some interesting ways to reach them.

This is a promotion's paradise; planes fly with aerial banners and brands sponsor everything from frisbees to oxygen bars across the beach. We promote our products, our services, and our discounts. Everyone's favorite word is “FREE,” so advertisers put it in the sky to get the most attention possible from beach-goers.

Seriously, could anyone turn down “FREE”?

MTV isn’t the only brand sponsoring spring break anymore; millennial products are fighting for space to put their logos. Advertising is everywhere, from sponsoring events to putting ads on pillowcases being passed through the crowd. They're reaching their 18-24 year old target in positive and fun ways, putting their brand right into those memories (not all of them are hazy, hopefully).

So no, students aren’t the only ones going on spring break anymore; their favorite brands are going with them (and spending a wopping $75 million on average).

Let’s just hope everyone is remembering sunscreen.

Groupies In Space

Scott Kelly returned this week from his year in space and it got the groupies thinking, that's 8160 hours in space! Scott Kelley spent a lot of his 340 days in space doing biology experiments but he also floated around in a gorilla suit and created water ping pong. He even appeared on Jimmy Fallon, making him our new favorite astronaut.

So we asked our groupies, what would you do with your year in space?

AnnaLee is going to run NASA's cutest set of experiments yet.

“I would totally have to experiment on a bunch of cute fuzzy kittens and how they play with catnip laden crocheted mice and balls of yarn and how they react in space… can they still jump nimbly from space tree to space tree? I foresee lots of cuteness uploaded to the youtube featuring space kittens.” 

Brooke needs to make sure she stays busy.

“I’d probably end up going crazy like Jack Nicholson in The Shining. “All work and no play, makes Brooke a dull girl.””

Crystal is going to make some new friends.

"I am not much of a reader but I guess with all that time on my hands, I could be now. I am also a talker so I would need to find a loved object and carry one long in depth conversations with it to keep me sane (kinda like a Wilson).” 

Expect some mail from Rebecca.

“I’d probably do a lot of catching up with friends via email. Ha!…They do have email out there, right? 

Okay, I just looked it up to be sure. We’re good, guys! (*Friends and family beware.)"

Kaci is taking lessons from Mark Watney.

“I would probably grow some potatoes and teach myself how to ration properly and maybe learn some handicrafts.”

Pam is doing the peoples choice, binging Netflix.

“If I had a year in space and no terribly demanding science jobs I would read and watch all the movies I never seem to have time to do here on earth!!!”

Tj is going to become Youtube famous and eat a lot of M&Ms.

"I would spend a lot of time playing my guitar and making a YouTube channel of song covers, Chris Hadfield style. I would avoid alcohol at all costs because the idea of getting drunk in space sounds terrifying. I would probably end up spending most of my time catching M&Ms in my mouth in zero gravity."

And Natalia really has her priorities straight.

"If I had a year to myself I would probably sleep A LOT.  I would also do some flips since I’ve never been able to do that on land or trampoline."

Shell Yeah!

It’s National Pistachio Day and at The Price Group we are going nuts. We’re so excited about it, we’ve been cracking down on work so we can celebrate like we’ve got Saturday nut fever. To honor the Pistachio in all its glory, we have picked some of the nuttiest pistachio commercials that will leave you saying, “SHELL YEAH!” So sit back, pull out a bag of pistachios, and enjoy these videos, because nut-thing goes with advertising more than America’s favorite tiny, green nut.

Meet Our New Interns

It’s springtime and you know what that means; we’ve added some new faces to the group! We have an awesome bunch of interns this semester who are eager to learn about the industry. You met Jeff & Sarah last semester, so let's meet the new Groupies!

Jeff Martinez, Sarah Bohannon, Gwen Wright, Bethany Alexander, and Kristine Jones

Gwen Wright

Hometown: I grew up in a military family so I actually have like 10 hometowns. My favorite hometown has definitely been Hawaii.

Major: Advertising

Plans after graduation: Get a job! I would love to go into copywriting or account services. I’m not really picky about where I live, I just want to enjoy what I do.

What you like about TPG: I love the atmosphere here. Everyone is so helpful and relaxed and it makes for such a great learning environment. I’m excited to have an agency play day so I can spend time getting to know the employees better.

Fun Fact: I’m an expert hula hooper.

Favorite Class: Ad Team, I’ve learned so much and it’s really helped me put myself out there and get involved in the world of advertising.

What are you currently watching on Netflix? I’m currently binge-watching friends while I wait for the new season of OITNB to come on.

Waffles or Pancakes? Pancakes. Everytime.

Bethany Ann Alexander

Hometown: Cowtown (aka Fort Worth, Texas)

Major: Public Relations

Plans after graduation: Get a "big girl job" in Lubbock and pursue my Master's Degree online

What you like about TPG: The atmosphere, employees and clients. For me, those are the most important things in the workplace. 

Fun Fact: I don't know how, but I've never broken a bone 

Favorite Class: Ever? Intimate Relationships my Sophomore year

What are you currently watching on Netflix? Currently, nothing. I typically just stick to my Friends and Sex and the City re-runs, but I've been meaning to watch Making a Murderer after all this Steve Avery-talk

Waffles or Pancakes? That's a tough one. I'm going to have to go with both. My Aunt Jolene's famous homemade waffles and the sweet potato pancakes from the Pancake Pantry in Nashville. Neither are on my diet...

Kristine Jones 

Hometown: Rockwall, Texas 

Major: Advertising 

Plans after graduation: My goal is to go to graduate school to get my MBA, and then eventually work at large ad agency in a big city as an account manager. 

What you like about TPG: Other then the fact that their logo is a dog, I love the fun filled environment. I have met some of the most friendly people, who are encouraging and motivating to each others success. 

Fun Fact: I am obsessed with criminal investigation shows. I am convinced I was actually born to be Olivia Benson from Law & Order.  

Favorite Class: Mass Communication Law & Advertising and Society     

What are you currently watching on Netflix? Criminal Minds, of course.
Waffles or Pancakes? Pancakes, because they have the best gluten free option 

Treat Yo Self!

Alas, the age-old question: “Where should I eat tonight?” Making another home-cooked meal tonight would be admitting one’s defeat. Plus, you’ve been staying in all week. It’s time to treat yo self! And don’t forget how great it would feel to not have to clean the dishes tonight. So lets put an end to this inner debate. Maybe you are in the mood to escape to an Italian night, but it’s Thursday and you’re in Lubbock. Orlando’s chicken lasagne will make you forget about booking that trip to Rome. Perhaps you want to watch the big game while you enjoy the coldest beer in town. Also let’s not forget about the mouthwatering queso. Caprock has you covered!

We turn now to the Groupies to shed some light on the subject.

What is your go-to restaurant and meal in Lubbock?

Mike Meister:

We don’t eat out much at all, but we’ll occasionally order Chef Lin’s Orange Chicken or General Tso’s Chicken. When we do go out, we like On the Border (pretty much anything on the menu).

Pam Sharpe:

My go to restaurant is Orlando’s with their meat lover’s salad and a cup of Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese soup!!!

Amanda Patterson:

BJ restaurant and it’s a toss-up between their Kale salad with blacken shrimp or the Beer battered fish and chips.

Scott Zajicek:

Tex-Mex - Durangos

Pizza – Orlando’s or Capital Pizza

Burger - Green Chili Cheese Burger at Mean Woman Grill (get the ghost pepper cheese)

Schooners of Blue Moon & bottle caps at Caprock Cafe

Annalee MacFie:

Picantes! Breakfast Enchiladas… mmm… that green habanero sauce…

Kaci Barlett:

My “go-to” meal is the Mediterranean Lite Bite Cafe. I always get a gyro supreme and chocolate Baklava!

David Barnett:

I would say Cancun on 80th and University. Really great food and nice people there!  Pollo Mexican - Fajita grilled chicken with veggies. Mmmmm…..

Natalia Lawson:

My favorite place in Lubbock is Triple J’s.  I always get the chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and Caesar salad. And those rolls…so good!

Brooke Blackwell:

Although this isn’t just a restaurant, my go to place in Lubbock is Alamo Drafthouse. It’s the great place to unwind after a long day or stressful week. You can sit back, watch a movie, and eat some dinner. I always get the tomato basil pesto pizza. It’s delicious!

Rebecca Fuller:

It depends on the situation. If I need something quick, I’ll grab something like Chick-fil-A.

If I have a little more time, change and/or calories to spend, or are with friends, there are several great places. This list is not in any way extensive, by the way.

Arrogant Texan - Chopped brisket sandwich with the house primer. So good.

Crafthouse Gastropub - I haven’t had too many meals here, but everything I’ve tried has been delicious. Tasty, unique flavor combinations.

Caprock Cafe - Queso burger with twisted taters.

Orlando’s - Chicken green chile pizza with wheat crust…or down-n-dirty tortellini!

Capital Pizza - So good, too.

I could go on forever… and now, I’m hungry!

Jared May:

Orlando’s DOWN-N-DIRTY TORTELLINI [hot & a full order to save some for leftovers]

MAFIA QUESO

SMOKED TURKEY BREAST SANDWICH WITH PESTO-HABANERO MAYONNAISE

Although there have been many a time that I’ve made a meal out of just the tortellini. Can’t beat it! Yum!

Crystal Coppedge:

We are creatures of habit. We usually stick to Texas Roadhouse. That is our go to choice usually 90% of the time. A 6 oz sirloin with mushrooms and green beans. Side salad with ranch dressing and of course rolls.

Melissa Smith:

Twisted Root