Arief is a budding cultural researcher and semiotician, with a BA (Hons) in International Media & Communications from the University of Nottingham, focusing on cultural studies. Aiming to grow as a communications analyst by applying cultural insights toward consumer engagement and brand development strategies, his Third Culture Kid upbringing has led to particular interest in the negotiation of transnational identities, intercultural relations, and the nuances of cultural meaning. He is also fascinated by popular culture phenomena and emergent cultures.
Bucharest, Romania
Born in UK & resident in New Zealand, Jake splits his time between NZ, Australia and Europe.
His obsessions are understanding the future, new stuff and meaningful communication. Two websites reflect Jake's current interests:
1. Generation C (digital natives) & innovation at www.jakepearce.com
2. Referral Marketing www.thevillagesq.com
Jake worked at Added Value (the first dedicated brand strategy company), moved to Amsterdam to help set up 'consult, specialist marketing arm of Y&R, then to NZ which, with its cultural vibrancy and can do attitude, he sees as a global incubator for innovation.
Auckland, New Zealand
Matthew Campanella is a bohemian, writer and educator and living in northern Italy. He recently settled down long enough to complete a Master's in Semiotics from the University of Tartu, specializing in tourism and the cognition of place. Matthew hopes to expand his academic interests into other fields, notably the Semiotics of genre fiction. He is currently a teacher in Udine.
Udine, Italy