Random Reviews: Should You Be Using Adobe Express?

Adobe has been a household name for decades now (seriously, 'Photoshop' is now a verb, people!). The creative giant is known for its suite of innovative tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. But with the rise of user-friendly platforms like Canva, Adobe has put a contender in the ring: Adobe Express. This online content creation tool aims to streamline the design process for content creators, social media managers, and marketers. 

After diving into Adobe Express and testing its wide array of features, we’re here to share our insights and help you decide if this tool deserves a spot in your creative toolkit. Let's dive in!

The Good Stuff

Don’t let the word Adobe scare you away. While Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro might seem like robust programs requiring years of experience, Adobe Express is designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind. It offers a user-friendly interface that caters to both beginners and seasoned professionals, making it easy to create stunning visuals without the steep learning curve.

Screenshot of Adobe Express homepage showcasing its user interface and features.

Like Canva, the Adobe Express homepage allows users to select from a myriad of options to start creating, including size, format, templates, and more. Let’s dive into a design and explore the specific qualities the platform has to offer:

1. Extensive Animation Customization

Adobe Express makes animating text, images, and shapes easy peasy, making your content more dynamic. A specific aspect of this feature worth noting is the ability to change the animation's personality. This customization provides subtle changes to your animations so you can narrowly tweak to what you want.

But you can go even further than that. The ‘Looping’ and ‘Out’ buttons allow you to tack on different animation styles to the middle and end of your sequence.

Screenshot highlighting animation styles available on the Adobe Express platform.

2. Intuitive AI Generation

Adobe has been on the AI train for a while now, so it’s no surprise that Adobe Express flaunts its text-to-image features. However, the text effect generator is one of the platform’s unique approaches to AI. While some results turned out a little strange, it was extremely fun to use and has the potential for exciting graphics in your design.

GIF demonstration showcasing AI text generation features of Adobe Express.

3. Easy Access Layers Panel

The easy-to-access layers panel in Adobe Express makes designing headache-free. The fact that the layers panel is always present on the screen is SO HELPFUL, making it extremely easy to switch graphics around.

GIF demonstrating the Adobe Express layers panel.

4. Adobe Cloud Sync

Those who do most of their creative work in the Adobe ecosystem will be happy to know they can access all their Creative Cloud files in Adobe Express. That means you can bring in designs from Photoshop and Illustrator into Adobe Express!

GIF demonstrating the Adobe Cloud Sync feature in Adobe Express.

The Not-So-Great Stuff

Not every platform is made equal. While Adobe has had years to revise and refine its more popular programs, the novelty of Adobe Express means that the platform has some downsides. Here’s a few cons that we think are important to note:

1. Sometimes Slow and Glitchy

When creating content, lag and buggy performance can make or break your process. While testing out Adobe Express, we experienced several laggy/glitchy occurrences. At one point, a glitch erased the whole project we had been working on. Where did it go? We have no idea. These minor bugs can lead to major frustrations for those hoping to use this platform for its accessibility and simplicity.

GIF demonstrating the slow loading times of the Adobe Express platform.

2. Limited Graphics

Variety is the spice of life, and the same goes for content creation. Adobe Express has a decent library of graphics, images, and icons, but compared to a tool like Canva, it’s a bit lacking. The limited graphics library can make finding the right graphic for your social post, flier, or video hard. For example, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the results you get when searching for ‘mango’ on both Adobe Express and Canva.

Side-by-side comparison image showing search results for a mango graphic on Adobe Express and Canva platforms.

3. Can't Import SVG Files

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) files are a type of vector image format that allows for high-quality graphics to be displayed at any size without loss of quality. This scalability and crispness make SVG files crucial for maintaining the integrity of designs across various platforms and screen sizes (especially when it comes to web design). The inability to import SVG files in Adobe Express seems like a mistake coming from a design powerhouse like Adobe. This defect may be their way of restricting features so users migrate to Illustrator, but SVG importing seems like a pretty standard necessity. An update for the future, perhaps?

Screenshot displaying an error message while attempting to upload an SVG file to Adobe Express.

The Verdict?

So, should you hop on the Adobe Express train? If you're a fan of Adobe's ecosystem and looking for a tool to create content quickly and easily, it's worth giving Adobe Express a spin. While the platform has a few downsides, the straightforward and uncomplicated features assuredly outweigh the cons.

Ready to elevate your content creation game? Our team at That Random Agency is always here to help you navigate the ever-changing digital marketing landscape. Reach out to us!

Random Presents: 2023 Social Media Wrapped

As we bid farewell to 2023 and head into 2024, it's time to reflect on the whirlwind of events that shaped the social media landscape this past year. From the rise of artificial intelligence to new social platforms, the year was plenty noteworthy (and a bit hectic if you ask us).

In this blog post, we'll delve into the defining moments of 2023 and offer a glimpse into what we can expect in the upcoming year.

Against a black background, red text says "Random Presents:" and white text as a subheading says "2023 Social Media Wrapped." Around the sides and bottom of the graphic, a collage of images includes photos of Elon Musk, the McDonald's Grimace Shake, the Threads logo, a brain, the X logo, and Margot Robbie as Barbie.

These Events Were the *Moments* 

AI Takeover

Are robots taking our jobs?? Not yet, but AI’s development has been nothing short of something out of a sci-fi movie. Generative AI, like ChatGPT, displayed amazing capabilities in writing natural-sounding language.

Sure, some of the writing sounds like a high schooler who is overusing a thesaurus, but the potential is there and growing.

We also witnessed the visual capabilities of AI based on simple text prompts from users, prompting a now common question: "Is this real, or is it AI?"

Here’s a post we made that sums up AI’s impact in 2023:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by That Random Agency (@thatrandomagency)

New Apps! (more screen time…😮‍💨)

In 2023, we witnessed the rise and fall of several new social platforms. This year's most noteworthy new app was Threads – Meta's X (formerly Twitter) contender.

In the midst of X’s ongoing drama, Threads came at a pertinent time, reaching more than 100 million users in the first five days.

But despite the initial excitement, Threads’ hype slowly died down, losing 80% of its active users and dropping to just 8 million by the end of July.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mark Zuckerberg (@zuck)

There were also several other social media platforms that received some hype this year, but they quickly faded away into the land of forgotten apps. Notable mentions include Lapse and Lemon8.

Goodbye Twitter. Hello X?

In 2023, Elon Musk continued his reign over Twitter, hoping to bring significant changes. However, his gradual alterations to the platform resulted in the downfall of the iconic social media site in ways no one could anticipate.

First of all, we said goodbye to Larry the Bird, Twitter’s late mascot. Sad, we know.

Musk's additional changes made Twitter less valuable as he restricted features to paying users, placed a ban on third-party client apps, flooded timelines with “verified” users, and rebranded the company as "X" in a controversial move.

Musk's bold actions with the platform and other controversies surrounding the app led to a mass exodus of users and advertisers. This left Twitter merely a shadow of its former self, raising questions about the future of the once-thriving social media giant.

Currently, it seems to be struggling despite Musk's vision of creating an "everything app" under the name X.

UGC Was King 👑

In 2023, we saw just how far user-generated content (UGC) can take a campaign. The Grimace Shake trend was a golden example of this.

The trend was unexpected (we’re still trying to wipe our memories of the horrors we saw), but the UGC that came from it was more than McDonald’s could have ever hoped for.

@thefrazmaz

R.I.P Grimace (and me) #mcdonalds #grimace #milkshake #grimaceshake #birthday #fakedeath #yummy

♬ original sound - ‍r7ptor

Surprisingly, some random cultural happenings got people talking online about a brand in ways we never saw coming.

One of these events was thanks to none other than Taylor Swift, whose romantic relationship with Travis Kelce led to tons of online conversation surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs.

Almost overnight, people who had never watched football in their lives were tuning in and creating content about the NFL team. We’re not sure this will help them win a Super Bowl in 2024, but they’ll at least have the popular vote.

And lastly, another notable mention was the Barbie movie. The nostalgic, quirky film saw momentous numbers at the box office as well as a copious amount of Barbie-related UGC during the release. We even made our own Random + Barbie post during the hype!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by That Random Agency (@thatrandomagency)

Buckle Up: What We Expect to See in 2024

Want 2024 to be your breakout year on social media? Shoot us a message, and let’s talk social!

Contact Us

5 Food Brands That Just Get Social Media in 2023

As social media nerds, our team at Random loves browsing social media for brands that post unique and engaging content. Lucky for us, many of these brands just happen to be food-related. We're either really hungry at Random, or food brands have unlocked the secrets to social media success. Probably a little bit of both.

Join us on this scrumptious journey as we dive into the profiles of five food brands that are showing success on social media.  From mouthwatering visuals to ingenious pop culture tie-ins, these brands know how to capture your attention and keep you craving for more.

Pop-Tarts

Pop-Tarts has something absolutely crucial on social media: Relevancy. 

Creatively and seamlessly tying a brand's product to pop culture is no easy task. But hey, if Pop-Tarts can do it with their product, anyone can. Through clever and timely content, they manage to capture the attention of their target audience and beyond.

Here's an example of how they tied their brand to New York Fashion Week:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pop-Tarts (@poptartsus)

A few days after Apple announced its revolutionary VR headset, Pop-Tart announced its version of VR on social:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pop-Tarts (@poptartsus)

And finally, here's Pop-Tart's extraterrestrial targeted post in the wake of Congress' UFO hearings:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pop-Tarts (@poptartsus)

By aligning with pop culture and current events, Pop-Tarts not only keeps its product at the forefront of consumers' minds but also fosters a sense of relatability and authenticity. This connection with trends and cultural references enhances the brand's relevance and resonance with its audience, ultimately driving brand loyalty and sales.

Alter Eco

Alter Eco, an organic, fair-trade chocolate brand, has mastered standing out by embracing what sets it apart. This attitude is apparent in their brand identity as well as content strategy. This alignment resonates with conscious consumers who seek products that align with their values. It's a shining example of how a brand can thrive by embracing what makes it different and making it the centerpiece of its messaging.

The method that Alter Eco uses to set themselves apart takes many different forms. Here is a more direct way the brand distinguishes itself from others in the market:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alter Eco Organic Chocolate (@altereco_foods)

And here is a less direct way Alter Eco differentiates itself. By choosing to post raw or underproduced imagery, the brand shows its audience a more authentic side of its product:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alter Eco Organic Chocolate (@altereco_foods)

Kraft Mac & Cheese

Of course, what you ate every lunch as a kid is popping off on social media. Kraft Mac & Cheese does a great job at keeping up with the trends going around social media. Not only does Kraft Mac & Cheese find ways to relate trends to their products, but they also actively search out trends that fit their brand and product. This makes the execution of their posts seamless and less desperate for relevancy.

Here's Kraft Mac & Cheese's spin on a popular TikTok sound from last month. I think we can all agree that a trend like this would be a no-brainer for a brand like theirs:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kraft Mac & Cheese (@kraft_macandcheese)

Chobani

Chobani's approach to social media marketing is a textbook example of how to engage with an audience without the hard sell. Rather than bombarding their followers with constant product promotion, Chobani focuses on providing valuable content in the form of how-to guides, hacks, and tips. By sharing content that caters to its audience's interests and needs, Chobani establishes itself as a trusted source of information and inspiration.

This post, in particular, showcases Chobani's skill in going the extra mile to provide valuable content:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chobani (@chobani)

And check out Chobani's artistic direction in this post! By using vibrant shapes, duo-toned imagery, and organic textures, Chobani ‹‹follows design trends that other proactive brands are starting to incorporate. Embracing current design trends helps Chobani stay in touch with the tastes and preferences of its target audience.

OLIPOP

OLIPOP, a "healthier" soda brand making waves, has crafted a social media strategy that's not just about the soda but the people sipping it. Far too often, brand content execution falls flat by not showing real people using, tasting, or enjoying their product. By featuring the beaming smiles of happy soda lovers, OLIPOP has brewed up an emotional connection that's as effervescent as their beverages.

The following post not only features a real person with the OLIPOP product but also references Taylor Swift in the caption?! What more could social media ask for?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by OLIPOP (@drinkolipop)

Referencing a significant player in pop-culture conversation, such as Taylor Swift, is a brilliant choice from OLIPOP. It shows your audience that you understand something beyond your brand and empathize with your audience's interests.

These five brands aren't just satisfying our cravings but are also giving us a glimpse at what effective social media content should aim for. From Kraft Mac & Cheese's trend-chasing expertise to Chobani's value-packed approach, you can pull a lot of social inspiration from just these brands. So, we hope this deep dive has left you inspired (and hungry) for success in your social media endeavors.


Is your food brand lacking social media direction? We can help! Shoot us a message and share all your wildest dreams with us.

Should Your Brand be Using Reddit?

In 2023, you might feel like your brand is adding a new social media channel to your social strategy every month. Apps like Instagram's Threads is one of those new channels that brands have had to adopt pretty quickly.

However, there are several social platforms that have been around for years but are rather underutilized by brands. One of these platforms is Reddit. 

Reddit isn't usually considered as influential as other popular social media platforms, although it deserves to be. The network has over 500 million monthly active users and is one of the most engaged communities on the internet.

What Is Reddit?

To those who have never used Reddit, the platform might look like a confusing mess. But inside that mess lies a world of community and conversation.

Reddit has a forum-style structure, where users can create topic-based posts that other users can interact with. These posts are published in topic-based communities called subreddits. And let us tell you, there is a subreddit for pretty much everything. We even found a subreddit called r/TVTooHigh, where users share pictures of TVs they come across that are too close to the ceiling. The subreddit has over 130k members. It's important work they're doing. 

Each subreddit provides a rich ecosystem for brands to connect with individuals who share similar interests and lifestyles.

How Does Reddit Work?

Here's the bare basics of how Reddit works: every post is published by an OP (original poster) who started it. Users can upvote or downvote posts or comments on Reddit.

Reddit's user-driven nature allows the community to decide what content rises to prominence or falls to unimportance. This system encourages the most engaging and relevant content to reach the top of each subreddit, fostering organic discussions and interactions. Brands can participate in these discussions by posting content, replying to comments, and engaging with the community. However, it's important to approach Reddit with authenticity, transparency, and a genuine desire to contribute to the conversation.

3 Ways Brands Can Use Reddit

Now that we have a grasp of Reddit's essence, let's explore three effective ways in which brands can utilize this platform:

Understanding Your Audience

Like we've mentioned before, Reddit is full of user-driven opinions and conversations. A lot of these conversations could be relevant to your brand. But you have to know where to look.

Many subreddits on the platform are geared towards users asking questions. This is a great opportunity for brands to learn what pain points their audience or potential audience has. For example, let's say your brand is a financial institution. You could visit subreddits adjacent to your brand, such as r/FinancialPlanning, to see what questions users are most commonly asking.

Running Ask Me Anything (AMA) Sessions

AMAs are very popular on Reddit. These posts are designed as a live Q&A format with the purpose of connecting an expert on a particular subject with a community of individuals who share a common interest. As users post their questions in the thread comments, the AMA host can reply. It's a simple yet amazing way to increase brand visibility and humanize your brand.

Here's an example of an AMA the CEO of Nissan and Renault did. The AMA resulted in over 4,000 comments!

Discovering User-Generated Content

If you're mining for user-generated content (UGC), Reddit just might be your gold mine. Because of Reddit's structure, it's the perfect home for product photos, testimonials, and reviews.

For example, check this post from a happy customer on the r/Fender (Fender Guitars) subreddit:

Is Reddit Worth It?

While this blog post lists several advantages for brands, it's smart to consider the potential challenges when it comes to Reddit. Because the site is very user-driven, brand interaction on the platform can often come across as inauthentic. While brands reign supreme on platforms like Instagram and Twitter (and now Threads), many Reddit users see their platform as one of the last unblemished spots on the internet. No pressure.

Our suggestion is to use Reddit as an opportunity to listen to your audience, rather than promote. Who knows? Perhaps Reddit is the key you need to truly understand what and how your audience thinks.

Need more help connecting with your brand's audience? Shoot us a message to crush the social media game!

A Random Twitter Update - Recent Changes to the Platform

Twitter right now is kind of like that one freeway you drive on that's always under construction. No matter how much work is being done, it's hard to see an end in sight. And a lot has happened on Twitter since our last update.

Some of these updates might actually seem like good features, while others seem like an attempt to stay relevant (or make money). One thing is for sure: changes to Twitter will not be stopping anytime soon. Early last month, Elon Musk, current CEO of Twitter, announced that Linda Yaccarino, NBCUniversal's former advertising chief, would be Twitter's new CEO, while he would focus on product development. This gives Musk plenty of extra time to concoct new additions to the app.

But for the meantime, there's plenty of change to talk about. Read on for all the latest features and news surrounding the ever-evolving platform:

Video Updates

Musk has been talking about bolstering Twitter's video content for quite some time now, and the first few updates to support this goal have already been implemented.

One of the more significant updates was giving Twitter Blue subscribers the ability to upload videos up to two hours long on the app. For reference, free users can only upload videos up to 140 seconds long. This seems like an amazing feature, but time will tell if it's incentivizing enough for users to subscribe to Twitter Blue, which is an $8 per month subscription. Back in December, Twitter added hour-long uploads for Twitter Blue, and since then, only about 0.3% of Twitter users have subscribed to the exclusive service.

Other features that Twitter has implemented in an attempt to match other video-sharing platforms are video playback speed and picture-in-picture video playback (meaning you can keep watching a video while scrolling through the app). This means that you can watch clumsy cat videos and read up on celebrity feuds at the same time!

API Access

It seems as if Musk can't decide what he wants to do with the Twitter application programming interface (API). At first, Twitter announced that they would be cutting off all access to the API (which used to be completely free). This caused an uproar, so Musk changed his mind and instead offered tiered access to the API, where each tier gives different capabilities.

Naturally, this also caused an uproar (taking away something that once was free will do that) because this meant that third-party platforms like Sprout Social and Agorapulse would be paying a large fee to maintain their Twitter connection. A few apps have already fallen at the hand of the API restriction, including Twitteriffic and Tweetbot.

As of right now, these are the current access tiers that Twitter has in place:

DM Updates

One of Musk's major initiatives with Twitter has involved improving security for its users. Seems like a worthy mission for a platform that has been exploited in the past. This goal has resulted in Twitter launching encrypted direct messages. Or at least, trying to launch direct messages. 

Here's what Musk tweeted when encrypted messages were released:

Seems like something you wouldn't want to hear when launching a security measure! Encrypted direct messages would ensure that users have full privacy control over their DMs and won't have to worry about info being shared with Twitter. Here's the predictable catch: only verified users can encrypt their DMs. Shoulda seen it coming.

Advertising Updates

Incentive to subscribe to Twitter Blue seems to be a theme for a lot of these updates. As of April 21, running ads on Twitter is now a feature only available to paying users, or those who are verified by other means. 

Here's the official notice that pop-ups on the Twitter ads dashboard:

This update might mean nothing for those already exceeding $1,000 in ad spend, but it means extra costs for those who rely on Twitter for advertising.

Other Notable Updates:

While these new changes might be exciting to some, a new study shows that 25% of users don't see themselves using Twitter 12 months from now. Will any of these new updates entice users to stay with the iconic app, or will more tweeters start to jump ship? 

Wanting your brand to stay on top of social media trends? Shoot us a message to see how we can help!

5 Ways YouTube Shorts Can Grow Your YouTube channel.

Do you ever feel like your YouTube channel is stuck in a virtual traffic jam, with no hope of ever reaching its destination? You're posting quality content, but you get the same pity comments from friends and family members on every video.

Smartphone with YouTube Shorts loading.

Well, worry not, because in this blog post, we're going to be exploring YouTube Shorts and how they can help you break free from the gridlock and accelerate your channel's growth. YouTube Shorts are short-form, vertical video content that resembles and rivals Instagram Reels and TikTok.

Reach New Audiences

Utilizing YouTube Shorts will unlock a whole new demographic of viewers - one that still values quality, but appreciates short-form and highly consistent content.

Since Shorts are easy to consume, the content reach is significantly different from regular, long-form YouTube videos. Additionally, shorter-form content has a higher tendency to be shared, helping to attract new viewers to your channel. With YouTube Shorts, you no longer have to rely on the YouTube search bar for people to find your content. In fact, according to Pierce Vellucci, A YouTube Product Manager, Shorts get recommended based on a user's watch history and their engagement with different accounts.

Promote Regular Channel Content

YouTube Shorts is a great tool to promote your regular channel content. Think of YouTube Shorts as a teaser trailer for your longer-form content.

Let's say you're a fitness influencer with a YouTube channel. You could create a 30-second Short that highlights one specific exercise or move, with a call-to-action (CTA) encouraging viewers to check out your longer workout videos for a full routine. Additionally, you could include a CTA asking viewers to subscribe to your channel for more fitness content, helping to grow your audience and brand.

Repurpose Regular Channel Content

Any time you post a long-form video on your YouTube channel, it's an opportunity for you to repurpose that content into shorter-form bits for YouTube Shorts. You can take a snippet or highlight from your longer video and create a short clip that showcases the most exciting or interesting part. This could be a key point you made, a funny moment, or a visually stunning shot. Here an example of long-form content being repurposed into a Short from Wired:

It's double the exposure for the price of one! What a deal, right? Plus, it gives new audiences on YouTube Shorts a taste of what your long-form videos are like.

Easily Jump on Trends

Following trends plays a huge role in growing your following on social media, and utilizing YouTube Shorts is a great way to do just that. When you participate in popular trends, you increase the likelihood of your content being shared and discovered by more people. By keeping up with the latest trends, you can showcase your brand's personality and creativity, while also building your audience and establishing yourself as a relevant creator in your niche.

But why do you need YouTube Shorts to do this? Well, as you probably already know, producing long-form YouTube videos often takes time and planning. Trends on social media sometimes live and die in just a few days. Because YouTube Shorts are easy to make and can be less-polished, it lends itself better to following trends in a timely manner.

Grow Monetization Opportunities

For creators, any new opportunity to make money on social media is good news. YouTube finally introduced monetization options for Shorts earlier this year through the YouTube Partner Program. By enabling ads to appear in-between their videos, creators can earn revenue from their Shorts content and boost their income stream. This is just one more way to bring in a few extra dollars on top of the revenue your channel might already be gaining.

Need help growing your social media presence? We're good at that. Shoot us a message today!

What Should I Post on LinkedIn? Engaging Post Formats to Try

LinkedIn is no longer a simple networking site where you only post when you're looking for a job. Today, in 2023, LinkedIn is used to share ideas, information, and useful content from all types of industry.

But with over 900 million users, posting on LinkedIn can be intimidating. New users often struggle figuring out what to post. If that's the case for you, we're here for you. Here are a few engaging post ideas to help you stand out!

Carousel Posts

Carousels work great on LinkedIn because it's a simple, digestible way to share your expertise on something. Not only are they simple to consume, but they're more interactive than a typical image post. LinkedIn influencers have been using carousels for a while now, but these posts are just as engaging as ever.

Carousels are a great way to showcase products, ideas, tips, and any other helpful information in a visual format.

Text-Only Listicles

Text-only posts have a huge impact on LinkedIn. Even in a world where videos and branded images are meant to catch our eye, text-only posts seem to perform very well on LinkedIn. Maybe it's because these posts seem more authentic and intimate to audiences.

Whatever the reason, breaking up text-only posts into listicles is a great way to share tips, hacks, or something you've learned recently.

LinkedIn Polls

LinkedIn Polls are probably the most simple posts to interact with. In essence, it's just a post with a question and some buttons. Everyone likes sharing their opinion on topics whether they be controversial or trivial. This is not only a great way to get increased engagement, but also a great tool to learn what your LinkedIn network thinks about a certain topic.

Personal Stories

Sharing a story from your own life is a great way to connect with your network on LinkedIn. You just need to make sure that it is something that offers value to whoever reads this. Posts like this don't even have to be centered around employment or work-related things.

I have seen dozens of personal story posts that deal with subjects about family, community, personal struggle, etc. The purpose of these posts is to show your values and personality, all while inspiring/entertaining your network.

Need additional help beefing up your LinkedIn game? Shoot us a message to get started!

Meet Stefany, Our Newest Account Executive

Say hi to Stefany, Random Agency's newest Account Executive! We can't wait to get to know her and what better way to do that than a Q & A?

First, the obvious question: Why did you choose Random Agency?

It's funny because, throughout the process of being laid off and trying to rediscover myself and what I wanted, I realized that at the rate I was going, I wasn't exactly growing to my fullest potential. I was a Jack of all Trades, but a Master of None to an extent. So, I needed to guide my path toward a specialized category of Marketing/Advertising to then grow that specific skill set.

Through my search, I found myself being drawn more and more toward the world of social and paid media. Then, That Random Agency came up on my LinkedIn! Since the moment of applying, it was a chain of fortuitous events that lead me here and I can't be more thankful. 

Tell us three cool things about yourself.

Get ready for this

  1. I am a first-generation American of Romanian immigrant parents. 
  2. I have a love for the pop-culture world “ especially when it comes to movies, actors, and artists.
  3. I have a personal goal to tour and hike at all the U.S. National Parks. 

Bonus: I have a small interest in fitness and nutrition “ all about those micronutrients! 

Favorite TV show?

Favorites for different reasons

If money was no object, where would you go and what would you do?

If money were no object, I would take myself, my husband and our two dogs on a tour of the Netherlands mountains and valleys during the summer. Where we could hike, have fun in tulip fields and possibly live happily ever after. 

What's in your refrigerator right now?

Oh. Uh this is awkward, I have hardly anything in there right now since I just got back from a trip. But there is some salmon defrosting for dinner tonight and some fried rice leftovers. (likely to go together this evening)

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Walking through walls like Kitty Pryde in the X-Men. I mean, just the coolest. 

What's your favorite childhood memory?

My parents would take my brother and me on camping trips all the time as kids. I remember one time we went out on one of these trips with our boat hooked up to my Dad's truck, so you know it was at least somewhere with water. Throughout the trip, it happened to be my brother's birthday and so my parents look into a restaurant down the lake across from our campsite for dinner that night.

We made reservations, cleaned up, and took the boat to the old marina that I could only imagine as anything else but cool at the time. I must have been about 6 years old, so anything is cool honestly. I remember seeing turtles and fish come up to the surface in the boat bays. I guess people would feed them often because they were NOT scared of us. 

We walk up the hill from the marina and get into what I could probably paint as a local little dive diner by today's standards, but back then it was a fancy place that we'd never been. We sit down for a while and when it comes to getting our orders, the waiter asks me what I want. Of course, I haven't even glanced at the menu. I mean how could I? I was so young, I didn't know what was going on. So, then I tell them, Spaghetti! 

They didn't have that on the menu. 

I'm pretty sure this place was a burger bar. They probably didn't even stock noodles for pasta. The waiter looked at me and to my surprise to this day, said, Okay, sweetie. 

You know, it was my brother's birthday, but when they came out with a plate of poorly made noodles and sauce, it felt like my birthday. 

Name one thing you wish you could do better.

I wish I could run faster per mile but with my stubby short legs, every 2 steps for me is 1 step for any person of average height.

Which three things would you take to a desert island?

  1. The food: Endless supply of peanuts 
  2. The friend: My dog, Dotson
  3. The escape plan: The police phone booth from Dr. Who to transport out of there

What is the last book you read?

In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollen

It's basically about all of the foods and food-like substances we eat, where they come from in nature, as well as what to look out for nutritionally in certain food items.

What is your favorite account to follow on Instagram?

Ooooh, this is a new one for me actually, but @bigmootoo. It's a dog influencer from Thailand that is the funniest meme-like dog I have ever seen. I mean look at him as a little cop.