I was first inspired by Magenta when I was fifteen during a high school work experience program. In one fantastic week I collected a kaleidoscope of experiences that opened my eyes to the Public Relations/Fashion/Marketing industry. Some of my most treasured Magenta memories include; helping backstage at a fashion parade sending lambs down the runway and filling a bath with chocolate milk for a photo shoot. For many years to follow I felt inspired and completely enchanted by my first glimpse of Magenta. The experience eventually encouraged my decision to enroll in the Public Relations course at Curtin University with the hope to potentially pursue a career in the industry.
Three years later, I was very near the completion of my degree with the exception of my PR Professional Practice unit. Equipped with a broader knowledge of the industry I was eager to apply the skills I had gained from my studies. Magenta was my paramount preference as a location for work experience in the PR industry. It is widely known as a young, cutting-edge PR agency that has its finger on the pulse of the local, national and international creative scene. I was ecstatic to learn that my request to complete an Internship at Magenta had been accepted.
Magenta was established in 1999 by Public Relations expert Melissa Lekias and her partner, internationally acclaimed street artist Stormie Mills. Together they have designed a boutique communication/marketing studio that delivers innovative creative communication solutions to service an international market.
I had butterflies as I walked into the
Magenta office space for the first time. A set of large glass doors led me
towards an impressive New York skyline photograph that formed the backdrop to
the front of the Magenta office. My initial
nerves were pleasantly halted as I took a moment to absorb the new
surroundings. Instantly delighted by the
incredible collection of artworks that adorned the walls, I was very intrigued
to see more of the Magenta world.
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| Reception at Magenta |
Greeted by my supervisor, I was kindly given
a tour of the office workspace and introduced to the Magenta team. The Magenta
magic took place in a converted warehouse that had been transformed by the
creative talents of Melissa Lekias and Stormie Mills. Large prints of magazine
covers, editorials and photographs framed the office workstations, showcasing
the achievements of the Magenta team. I was thrilled by the thought of working
in such an inspiring environment for the duration of my Public Relations
Internship.
The day commenced with a 9:00am meeting where all
staff came together to discuss current work being carried out for Magenta’s
clients. The Client Services team,
Graphic Designers and Office Administrators were given the opportunity to
examine the agenda for the coming week and review the action plan. The meeting enabled staff to gain a clear
overview of the work they had been allocated and the chance to discuss
implementation of strategies in order to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
The first task I
was assigned involved creating online event listings for one of Magenta’s
national clients. I uploaded event
photographs with their corresponding event descriptions to create the online
event listings. This task enabled me to become familiar with the following four
websites:
- http://my247.com.au/home.aspx
- http://www.eventbrite.com.au/
- http://www.liveguide.com.au/
- http://www.eventful.com.au/
Uploading the online event listings was a relatively
time-consuming task but a valuable one nonetheless. All
four sites offer free event registration and provide an effective online
platform to promote events to a digital audience. Taking advantage of such websites allows
Magenta to make an impact through online exposure, which further assists
clients to participate in a digital media landscape that caters to the needs of
their technologically savvy audience.
The events featured an Australian celebrity ambassador who was chosen for the client’s campaign to enhance the customers’ admiration for the client’s brand. Magenta works extensively with the celebrity market and has access to an unrivalled database of Australian and International stars and contacts. Magenta firmly believes that,
The events featured an Australian celebrity ambassador who was chosen for the client’s campaign to enhance the customers’ admiration for the client’s brand. Magenta works extensively with the celebrity market and has access to an unrivalled database of Australian and International stars and contacts. Magenta firmly believes that,
“having the right ambassador on board also contributes to successful key message delivery to an often more receptive audience and provides increased media opportunities” (Magenta, 2013).
I was feeling very privileged to be involved with such an exclusive and established PR agency and determined to absorb all that I could over the weeks to follow!
Keep an eye out for my next post giving a first hand insight of strategies to combat online trolls!
Jacinta McDonald #13958888
Magenta. (2013). Ambassador Management. Retrieved from http://www.magenta.net.au/ambassador-management
