New Position open at MTL

[C855B]

Hmm. I know (as a repentant graphic artist) I would feel hamstrung if I did not have independent access to research materials on the spot. For example, when font matching - sometimes the "approved" reference images may not be at the correct angle to accurately determine a particular character's shape.

This may be a case in point why they (the MTL "they") would not want a knowledgeable MRR in this position. Just speaking for myself, I would be unable to simply follow the instructions out the window - I might be able to build trust that the source of the references knew what they were doing, but I would still want to verify, and I'm not being paid for that.

[bbussey]

Your last sentence is to the point: in this scenario, you are not being paid (or contracted) to worry about such details.  It's always a plus or course to point out details you feel to be wrong, but it is at the discretion of TPTB whether or not to first consider and then incorporate them.  If TPTB are satisfied with the work as it stands and you get paid, it would not be appropriate for you to be concerned with the "correctness" of the work.

[reinhardtjh]

I don't know if Bryan or Mike read it, but this quote is taken from the linked Craigslist ad.  Requirement #2 would seem to indicate that research is part of the job and it's not just a do what you're told type of thing.  At least that's my take on it.  So using MTL's in-house research materials would seem integral to the position.  Unless the applicant had a substantial personal or nearby source of information.

Essential Job Duties:
1.   Produce to-scale detailed computer-generated artwork of railroad cars and locomotives and output to film for use in the decorating department.
2.   Conduct research to support artwork using in-house and online resources and industry contacts to ensure accuracy of the artwork and supporting information.
3.   Compose written technical copy on car history and product description for use in various materials.
4.   Must be able to work with film and related equipment such as Film Image Setter and Developer.
5.   Work directly with the Marketing Director with new product art design, various advertisement and promotional materials.

[Chris333]

I still laugh that it is called Creative Services when they are supposed to be based off a prototype. You shouldn't be creative, you should be exact.

[eric220]

I still laugh that it is called Creative Services when they are supposed to be based off a prototype. You shouldn't be creative, you should be exact.

But when the model can't be exact due to physical limitations, it takes a lot of creativity to make it look exact.

[C855B]

I don't know if Bryan or Mike read it, ...

Mike did, but conveniently forgot it in the course of discussion. I was pretty wound up in my point that following the client's supplied samples out the window would be very odd for a small graphics operation like MTL would have. It's not like I've been there or anything like that... prob'ly same thing for Bryan...

[C855B]

But when the model can't be exact due to physical limitations, it takes a lot of creativity to make it look exact.

Bingamundo.

Matching a supplied sample with any manner of precision takes all the creative neurons you've got. And then some. Plus coffee.

Also, note that the position also asks for creating marketing materials, so if you get bored copying art on boxcar after boxcar, you can exercise your creativity on sales literature. And 50 states boxcars. And "Happy Birthday!" boxcars.

[JoeD]

I think you'd be better suited for a moderator on a forum 

If I can telecommute, and you wanna hire someone with absolutely no formal training, and minimal experience, I'm game!!!

[JoeD]

I'm always amazed at the twists and turns of the threads on this forum...even simple ones like a job posting.  "squirrel??"   

The job is far more complex than phoning in artwork and there is a fair amount of research for all sorts of  other things.  C855B so far seems to be alone in a realistic assessment of this kind of position.  I also want the duties and responsibilities of this position to be more focused so we can target areas for improvement...this of course depends on who applies and what their skills are.  I'd love to see a model railroader in this position.  It can be a great job really.  We are small enough so that everyone contributes, even Graphic Artists come up with ideas for new cars or body styles that make it to plastic.

Joe

[wcfn100]

I thought this seemed familiar.

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=26774.msg272705#msg272705



Jason

[Lemosteam]

All kidding aside, opening the position to telecommuters would widen the net greatly.  Attendance and punctuality is less important than getting the work done correctly and hitting deadlines.

Bryan, are you looking? 

[bbussey]

I have enough on my plate with ESM and other ventures looming.  The Oregon job wouldn't be a good fit for me or for them, and I'll just leave it at that. 

[C855B]

I thought this seemed familiar.

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=26774.msg272705#msg272705

Yup. You 'membered right. I immediately recalled that thread when Joe posted this latest announcement.

Two years later I have the same angst about the job I did back then. Very Nice Fit and I would love to return to the West Coast especially given the insane winter we just had in downstate Illinois. However, I'm enjoying my early retirement too much, have too much real estate to sell in a difficult market, and...

...besides, Talent is only a half-hour drive away from my brother's place near Merlin, and I've spent the past 50 years doing my damnedest to avoid him. Once Mom caught wind that we were that proximate it would be all over but the cryin'. 

[delamaize]

I don't know if Bryan or Mike read it...

I did, I was being a smart a$$. Hince the troll face. 

I think you'd be better suited for a moderator on a forum 

Are you looking for a forum moderator?  lol

[JMaurer1]

I would love a job like that but the commute from Sacramento would be a little long for me and I doubt if the pay would be as good as my current employer otherwise I would have applied then and now.

SQUIRREL...

SQUIRREL...

Where's the squirrel!!!