3Blackdot Influencer Marketing Agency
Los Angeles, California
In my first 2-weeks here in Los Angeles I’ve learned two important things besides the fact that the food in amazing: (1) You never know where you will go/who you will meet and (2) be prepared to take on roles you didn’t expect. At 3Blackdot I’ve met and worked with some of the biggest gaming influencers in the world including VanossGaming, a YouTube comedy gamer that has over 2.3Billion Views on his channel. After showcasing some of my design skills for the company, Vanoss independently contracted me to design a new logo for his YouTube channel that will represent his brand to 12.6 million subscribers/viewers. While working for 3Blackdot as a Content Development and Talent Management Intern, I received additional contracted work by networking around LA including designing marketing materials for Undertow Films, a production agency with shows on a variety of networks such as AMC, Discovery Channel, and ESPN. Choosing to Intern for 3Blackdot with the SBIF, instead of another internship program, was one of the best and hardest decisions of my life. I was in a tight situation where another Internship offered extremely competitive wages in Carmel, Indiana which made me think about what I wanted to get out of my last Summer as an Undergrad. Ultimately it’s not about the money. It’s about what you take from the experience. My professional development thus far cannot simply be described in a one page blog, but let me give it a shot.
For starters, I live in Pasadena and commute the 1hr 30mins twice a day to and from work. I live with Clinton Jones, or Pwnisher, a YouTube Short Film Director that you would recognize if you watch the RocketJump YouTube Channel. I’ve learned from Clint that California pizza is worth having 3 nights in a row and that having a full on Nerf Battle with 5 guys in their mid twenties is still acceptable.
In my second week working for 3Blackdot, Luke Stepleton, Wabash class of ‘03 and President of 3Blackdot, schooled me in YouTube101 and the power of organic marketing. It’s incredible to see just how influential YouTubers are when it comes to driving traffic to certain campaigns and events. My job at 3Blackdot (as an intern) is to visualize the success and impact that these Influencers have made on millions of subscribers/followers around the world through dynamic proposal decks for companies like YouTube, Facebook, and Vimeo. I had a chance to socialize with thousands of Influencers at this years E3 Convention, even sharing a drink with Comedian Andy Milonakis at the YouTube Ace Hotel rooftop party. Other events that I attended was the red carpet Walking Dead E3 exclusive party, and the Xbox/Twitch VIP party where I networked with Nintendo employees and celebrated with MiniLadd, a YouTube comedy sensation. In LA, the work pays off.
To date, I’ve designed agency proposal decks for integrations with companies such as Verizon, 29/29, Legendary Films, Youtube, Facebook, Vimeo, Chideo, ZigZagZoom, and many more. In the past week, I’ve learned to not only design effective proposal decks but I’ve also taken on the task of designing, modeling, and animating additional video game characters for a new multiplayer PC game.
When It comes to describing this internship, the best way to put it is that I have a big role to play as an Intern, in working on not just one project, but all projects. I do believe that I will be coming back soon. If you have any questions about what it’s like to live, work, and play in LA feel free to email anytime! Consider taking an internship in LA despite the cost. It is well worth it.
