True, most who live in Jacksonville might recognize local, top-gun marketing and advertising agency, The Shepherd Group. If not an association can be made, get cozy, because we’re talking with some of the faces and personalities behind this savvy full service firm.

With an extensive list of clients, The Shepherd Group has stood the test of time. A fellow from across the pond, Robin Shepherd, founded the agency in 1984, with beliefs creativity should have a heavy hand in marketing. Robin’s mindset and passion (A commonality among Shepherd employees) has continued to shape and persist the growth, of this unique agency.

Beginning as an intern with Shepherd in 2011, Amanda Langenbach moved into full-time territory as Print Production Specialist and Junior Graphic Designer, in 2012. With a fondness for paper crafting, watercolors and photography, Amanda embraces these skills when certain projects at Shepherd allow. “For the latest “Creative Pillar” internal project, I used my paper cutting, hand render type, and photography to create the final piece.”

Being born and raised in Jacksonville, Amanda’s membership to AIGA reignited her passion for the city and has introduced her to new faces. “Being a part of the AIGA events exposes me to their work and creative processes which in turn expands my knowledge and gives me new inspiration to drawn from. I feel more involved in my community, which I was not before.”

Like Amanda, Digital Designer and Developer Brad O’Donnell enjoys being a part of the AIGA Jacksonville community and is a “… huge supporter of everything local and loves getting future generations excited about design.” Brad admits, “ I stalked AIGA for about two years before officially joining about a year and a half ago.”

Brad has been with Shepherd for a little over a year now and explains the company culture as “Super creative, collaborative and inventive. We also work hard and play hard.” Being able to draw and doodle gets the creative juices flowing for Brad, but what about dealing with a creative block? “I drink beer and collaborate. It’s amazing how much creativity you can get from just talking about something creative.”

Caroline Zwicker, Art Director and Intern Coordinator, is an 8 year veteran at Shepherd; she reveals thoughts on breaking into the ad world and staying there. She says, “Come out to local events and don’t be afraid to talk to us! We don’t bite and believe you me, we were all there not that long ago. It will also happen a lot quicker if you don’t give up and use your new found AIGA contacts to your advantage!”

Caroline had joined AIGA as a student at Flagler College, and explains, “Sadly, I graduated from school and “Forgive me, AIGA Father, for my membership has lapsed…” I came back to the fold a year ago and I already feel more connected with my local design community.” So connected in fact, she also serves on the AIGA Jacksonville board as Design for Good Director. When asked how becoming a member of AIGA has impacted her career she says, “Being able to come to Jax AIGA events, speakers, and meet professionals was an eye opening experience. I’m still friends with the same professionals who leafed through my portfolio almost 8 years ago.”

Attending said speaker and other AIGA Jax events, you most likely have run into another Shepherd veteran, Mike Barnhart. He says of our events and being a member, “It is definitely great to relate to and learn from other creative in your profession. We all understand the dedication and perseverance our careers require and we can be great inspiration to one another.” Mike is also an Art Director at Shepherd and has years of experience in the ad world. He says having patience and keeping your ego in check is very important when upholding a career in the advertising and marketing field. “Developing creative solutions is vital, but equally so – taking the time to know and understand your client in building a working relationship.”

It’s obvious the Shepherd Agency has a full house of talented designers and wonderful personalities. We’re certainly excited to see what the gang will be getting into next, and are very thankful for their continued contributions to the design community!

For more information about the Shepherd group, check ‘em out at www.shepherdagency.com