IMG originated almost by accident. Founders Rob Gillies, Aaron Leventhal, and Laura Ackerman had recently come back from traveling abroad and were looking for an outlet to share their experiences with others. Seeing the growth potential and cost effectiveness of publishing on the web, they developed The Global Traveler in order to share their tales. In doing so, they developed both the skill and passion for integrated Internet design.
It is clear there is a real need for high-quality, well organized and designed web "plans." Where a well conceived, visually appealing site has the potential to engage and excite, a poorly designed page can confuse and frustrate a visitor.
We believe there is value gained in today's business world by taking the time and effort to develop a marketing approach which involves an integrated Internet presence. We also believe that the Internet is growing and changing at overwhelming speeds and thus it is very difficult for a small company to devote personnel full-time to the Internet. That is where IMG can help.
our philosophy
At Innovative Media Group, we believe there is room in the marketing and Internet design industry for companies that cater to small and medium sized business. Although it is true that anyone can "design" a web page, the templates and "what-you-see-is-what-you-get" programs available offer only limited design capabilities. In order to create an integrated web presence, a designer must be able to bring advertising, marketing, graphic design and page layout skills together with a knowledge of HTML, JavaScript, and CGI, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of the Internet and its most effective use.
IMG uses our Integrated Design Concept to create content rich websites at reasonable prices.
our profiles
Rob Gillies
What the heck does carpentry, world travel, mountaineering and an economics/business degree from UCLA have to do with the Internet? Considering there was no such thing as a web designer three years ago, it's as good a background as any. Rob has been designing websites for two years. He brings a wide variety of experiences to IMG along with the ability to see problems from many differnent angles. He provides new and creative solutions for the Internet from his worldly travels, educational background, and understanding of the mindset of the Internet user.
Among his notable experiences, Rob spent one year traveling solo throughout Europe, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and New Zealand and was highly successful as a lacrosse player at UCLA. His hobbies include fine woodworking and climbing, activities where a combination of creativity and attention to detail are of great importance. Rob holds a B.A. in Economics and Business from UCLA. He is experienced in project management, website design and interface, HTML and graphics.
Laura Ackerman
In addition to her love of travel and photography, Laura is an accomplished graphic designer. Long fascinated with creativitiy and the art world, Laura taught herself computer design, and then put her skills to work in a variety of professional positions. In addition to her B.A. in Art History, Laura has three years experience as a professional graphic design, and two years as a freelance graphic artist. Notable projects including art direction for an independent magazine, the layout and design of a travel book, the design of an academic journal, and a host of client-based brochures, letterheads, newletters and web pages. She has particular acuman in graphic manipulation, Photoshop, typography, design conceptulization and implementation.
Laura is also an accomplished photographer. She traveled for 8 months on a world trip and took over 5,000 photographs during the period. Recent shows have presented her travel photography, and on a website, she presents her photos to friends and businesses for viewing and purchasing (On-Line Photography Gallery). Web design and photography are perfect compliments which allow Laura to play and work in the two fields she most enjoys.
Aaron Leventhal
Aaron has a passion for creativity and a penchant for business success. Aaron is an accomplished consultant and businessman, with a Masters degree in Technology Innovation from The George Washington University. He has four years experience as a management consultant, currently working with LECG, Inc.. He previously ran the Sales and Marketing division of a small manufacturing company in the Bay Area. These "hard" business skills, combined with the more creative endeavors of traveling, writing, graphic design and photography, position Aaron well in the world of integrated marketing and Internet design concepts. He also has experience in programming, editnig (I caught that!), management and rollerblading.
Aaron enjoys web layout and implementation. He has designed a number of websites and Internet concepts and enjoys all aspect of web creation, from programming to the finished product. Like his colleagues, he constantly strives for creative solutions to business and marketing questions that include a passion for quality and detail orientation.
The Team
Aaron, Rob and Laura are the perfect compliments, combining business, marketing, graphics, web expertise, attention to detail and creativity, bringing it altogether to an increasingly crowded web design industry that is too often plagued by mediocrity.
our future
Our future is the Internet, and we are very excited by what that future presents. The ability to get information anytime, anywhere. For business, there is a distinct competitive advantage to marketing your skills or products to desktops, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And the reality of web commerce will make desktop transactions commonplace in the next few years.
We live in the most Internet-active region in the world. For us, the future is now, and only looks brighter everyday the internet reaches more people.