joe lazur

References

Professional assessments

Maybe you stumbled across my resume recently and you're thinking you like what you see so far. Take the next step and see what others say about what I can do and what I am like in the positions I've served.

You might think that performance reviews are a very personal affair. I guess that can be true. I recently dug through an older stack of papers related to the past jobs I've held. While I was taking my trip down memory lane I thought, it might be useful to you (a possible future employer), to read first-hand what my previous managers thought about the job I did for them within the companies I've worked for. So sit back and enjoy a bittersweet cup of joe!

From a gone-by era

This one starts it all off for me. Back in the time when desktop publishing was just getting going. Fresh out of art school— I couldn't wait to break out into the workforce and work in an advertising agency.

June 9, 1994
Prepared by: Carmen Monaco - Studio Mgr.
Company: Torre, Renta, Lazur
Position: Studio Artist The purpose of Joe's six month review is to establish where he fits into the studio. Joe has shown a wider range of computer knowledge than was anticipated. His eager attitude and his determination to learn has made Joe a pleasure to teach. Joe works well with others, and his easy going personality has helped him fit in. Joe needs to start deciding on a direction to go ,(he still has time to choose), either in computers or in art direction, he has many areas to explore. After picking a direction we can help accelerate his learning process in that area. Joe will have a full review in November at which time we will establish goals to reach.


Nothing like a manager dodging the pay raise bullet so early in my career, LOL!

April 4, 1995
Prepared by: William C. Beauchamp & Carmen Monaco
Company: TRL Creative
Position: Sr. Studio Designer Productivity: 
Very good productivity overall. Joe displays a willingness to stay late, work weekends, and do whatever it takes to properly finish a project. Joe has been very resourceful with the computer in concert with his design skills and has made demonstrable contributions with his creativity rather than just executing a job. He demonstrates caring in the work that he does and takes pride in the finished product. Our agency "Stars" ad is a testimonial to his ability to utilize Adobe Photoshop. This is a fine example of his illustration skills. Technical Skills: 
Joe displays an excellent knowledge of the Macintosh System and he is capable of quickly adapting to new Software acquisitions and adding them to his already extensive repertoire. Working closely with Martin, Joe has absorbed quite a bit of Multimedia capability and is working on a stunning Interactive program for 1RL, Inc. He however does have some gaps in traditional print/production technique knowledge. As Joe transitions over to a more design oriented career he will have to go back and work on these basics. Attitude and Relationship: 
Joe has an upbeat, eager attitude and is able to take on just about any job given to him. Peer group respect of his dedication is evident and he readily shares his insight and experience with the less acquainted Computer Artists. The Art Direction group feels that Joe is extremely responsive to requests and criticism offered. What's more is that Joe reciprocates and gives valid, new points of view that are appreciated. Performance Summary: 
Joe has displayed excellent design capability in addition to well honed Mac skills. This combination opens new opportunities to Joe as a capable designer who is ready to take on the job of Assistant Art Director. Effective immediately Joe Lazur should be promoted to the position of Assistant Art Director. These added responsibilities will allow Joe to come closer to the goals he has set for himself and toward his own potential.


Hmmm, no real talk of a raise this time either. I'll just work harder I guess!

Jr. AD: I like the sound of that

Moving out of the studio handling all the other creative moving through, I finally get a crack at being the one who actually comes up with some cool ideas.

April 10, 1996
Prepared by: Michael Hinds 
Company: TRL
Position: Jr. Art Director Joe has improved greatly since coming out of the studio, fully justifying our faith in him. He is hardworking, professional, creative, personable, works well with others, and he works well independently. Joe is appreciated and respected by co-workers and clients alike. His youthful creativity is refreshing and helps to revitalize the Creative Department. Joe is continually honing his skills by seeking advice, keeping up with new ideas, and being involved. I would like Joe to concentrate on sharpening his conceptual and presentation skills. fully expect Joe to continue working hard, with excellent results. Joe has expressed a desire to move out to the West Coast Office as the Art Director. He is ready. I recommend that he be promoted to Art Director, together with a salary increase commiserate with his talents, proactive to his Anniversary Date (May 1, 1996).


California here I come... watch out west coast!

May 1, 1997 
Prepared by: Arthur Nagano 
Company: The BioGenesis Group
Position: Art Director This reviewed has been prepared based on my six month working/supervisory relationship with Joe. Even though it may seem to be a relatively short period of time to make an assessment of one's performance, a great deal of demands and changes have taken place during our growth as an agency and Joe's performance during those times has allowed me to observe him and make this comprehensive review. Strengths & Accomplishments
Upon my arrival to The BioGenesis Group, it was evident that the creative department depended a great deal on Joe's knowledge and skills. He was the "go to guy." During this early development stage of the agency's growth, he was challenged with numerous demands which required knowledge and experience in creative development, computer technology, and studio production. As the agency continues to grow, Joe's position is quickly evolving to where his challenges are higher and more specific to his title. As the creative department was evolving, Joe was dividing his time to accomodate all the demands that were expected from an art department. Being short staffed and not very well knowledged about the local resources, he did whatever was needed to accomplish the tasks at hand and he did so enthusiastically with a smile. Amongst his creative functions were creative concept development, studio production/design, computer technology/network support, and creative department space planning. It was obvious that he possessed the skills to coordinate, supervise, and follow-thru with projects. One of which he was an integral part of, was the agency move. Joe was a "take charge" person and he welcomed any challenges presented to him with enthusiasm, hardwork and effort. Therefore, it seemed clear that he possessed the skills and character of a Senior Art Director. The challenge therefore, was to offer him the title and to create a situation where he could expand his skills in both management and creative development. Presently, Joe is Art Director and manages Agouron's Viracept, Chiron's Proleukin, Chiron Corporate, and the supervision of the computer networking/procedures of the creative department. He is currently following-thru with the successful launch of Viracept all of which is moving along smoothly. Areas for Improvement 
The following are areas of which Joe can concentrate on as he develops himself into his position. In order to grow as a senior creative person, he must open himself up to a wide variety of creative solutions that of which are not the standard solution both in design and in advertisement. Joe's work is sound but could use a touch of excitement. Develop explorations that are not traditionally safe to the medical industry but award winning. He must expose himself to all that is out there in the creative community. This includes books, annuals, design/advertising seminars, etc. This I know he can do. Secondly, Joe's communication skills are clear and articulate. Possibly he could infuse more authority into his delivery in presentations both internally and with the client. By understanding the product more and articulating this knowledge with usage of specific termonology he can develop a presence of being more than just an art director. Summary
Joe has been, and is, an integral contributor to the growth of The BioGenesis Group. He has done a exceptional job in the all-round support to the start-up of the creative department. Now, his role is focused on becoming a solid Senior Art Director and his success depends on his ability to further develop his leadership skills with his creative product and with people.


Seems as I move forward in my career, the reviews get a little bit longer in length. I must have been busy.

See a trend?

I make the decision to change it up a little and focus on digital media. Having thought that I accomplished what I needed in the print realm, I wanted to get ready for the big wave that was surely coming.

May 5, 1999 
Prepared by: Allen Stegall, President/CEO 
Company: The BioGenesis Group
Position: Creative Director, Web Overview:
Over the past year, Joe has done an outstanding job in transforming BioGenesis Interactive from a business concept to a functioning business unit. He has been the driving force in designing and developing significant electronic media projects for Agouron, Chiron, and most notably, Baxter. As a result of the early success ofBioGenesis Interactive, and Joe's demonstrated commitment to making it successful, we are making additional investment in this group. BioGenesis Interactive is expected to be profitable in 1999, its first full year of independent operations. From this base, and with our existing client relationships, the future looks very bright for BioGenesis Interactive. For that accomplishment, Joe deserves the major portion of credit. Strengths / Accomplishments
Joe has many strengths that serve him well in building and organizing the interactive division. Above all, he is technically expert in internet communications, several programming languages, and various software packages. In addition to his own expertise, Joe has identified a network of free-lance talent and support companies that complement his own work, extending our capabilities while controlling obligations. Beyond his technical expertise, Joe is an artist. This allows him to deliver work that is not only functional, but also inspiring. Joe has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to capture the right feel or personality for his various. projects. Two projects that are worthy of specific mention, and which demonstrate Joe's skills, are the BioGenesis website (www.bio-gen.com) and the Hemophilia Galaxy website developed for Baxter (www.hemophiliagalaxy.com). These two sites speak for themselves in terms of creativity and design sense, and Joe was the driving force behind each of these. With the BioGenesis site, he helped us communicate our presence and our capabilities to a broader audience of potential clients. With the Baxter site, he gave a show piece that demonstrates technical expertise and an ability to communicate in a meaningful way with patients. This site is now our premier example of DTP marketing ability. Opportunities for Development 
Having succeeded in the early stages of building BioGenesis Interactive, Joe must now face new challenges. While we have a solid record to build on, there is much that remains to be done before we can declare BioGenesis Interactive an unqualified success. First, Joe needs to participate in the development a plan to insure a reasonably steady flow of projects from a reliable client base. This is easier said than done since many interactive projects are viewed as one-offs that do not necessarily lead to more assignments. Second, Joe will need to help decide how, when, and whom to hire as the business grows. Hiring too late will mean loss of opportunity (that may never come back), hiring too soon will mean diminished profits, and hiring inappropriately will mean misery for everyone involved. Finally, Joe will need to continue to participate in the marketing of the interactive group. While there is now an account executive to manage the business aspects, Joe remains the most credible and effective salesperson and should continue to pursue opportunities to make presentations to as many client prospects as possible. In addition, Joe should participate in the development of other self-promotion ideas for BioGenesis Interactive. Summary
Joe has done a great job this past year in guiding BioGenesis Interactive through its formative stages. He has successfully met some significant challenges and gained credibility for the group. His next challenges involve assuming some management responsibilities for the division, orchestrating his available resources, and marketing the group's services to a broader group of clients.


Some of the best times I remember. Kumbaya!

Leaving the agency life

I came to a point where I wanted to see what else was out there. Perhaps to work directly for the clients I've served so well. It was during a time where I was starting a family and needed a little more security. Right after a quick little stint of freelance opportunity, I found a great biotech company to work for. Who would have known it would be joining forces with a bigger fish. And within a  short 2 years after, things got conglomerate big.

May, 2011 
Prepared by: Robin Flaum / Director of Marketing (The Agency) 
Company: Life Technologies
Position: Sr. Creative Design Manager Overview:
Joe has been leading the Creative Team for almost a year. During this time, he has recruited, hired and trained a team of very talented designers. Joe and the team have built a great reputation for excellent quality creative. In addition, Joe has led the development of the evolving brand expression for the entire brand experience, from the style guide for print and events, to the packaging, corporate identity and has also provided input to the development of the online presence as well. Strengths:
Passion, commitment and engagement: Joe is truly passionate and committed to his role, the team and the company. His energy is contagious and positively impacts our entire team. He has a very clear idea of where the creative needs to be and is always willing to stand behind his ideas. A peer commented: "Two ofJoe's biggest strengths are his enthusiasm and passion for what he does. He's driven to continually deliver the best possible product, even when faced with frustrating obstacles (e.g., Ion Torrent). He also takes the time to stop and compliment his team and others for a job well done. He's always open to discussion and other points of view." Another peer commented: "Joe has come a long way toward being more at ease in his role. He seems to be more fluid and comfortable in his decision-making. He is also consistent in keeping the focus on design craftsmanship, and makes himself readily available for input and review. His demeanor is generally calm and thoughtful, and he displays a flexibility in understanding the unique demands of any given project. We look forward to continued growth in his role as a key creative influence in the organization." Leadership: Joe provides fantastic leadership presence to his peers, employees and leaders. His enthusiasm, and clearly articulated vision, helps others better understand the brand, and the Creative direction for the company. He is always willing to give open, honest, but non-confrontational feedback to any discussion. I look to Joe often to work through issues. He is a natural mentor and peers, who seek him out for guidance. Fantastic Creative talent: Joe can proudly say he has contributed to some of the most beautiful, and impactful creative this company has seen to date. He was responsible for the development of the look/feel of our company and brand. Currently, he and his team are developing the next evolution of the look and feel, and already, there is mounting excitement about the direction the Marquee brands will take, and I strongly believe this will have a huge positive impact on revenue and building brand equity in the coming quarters. Another peer commented: "Joe's design skills and ability to quickly react to a request and deliver concepts and ideas. Examples include his ideas for the new Web site home page (lifetechnologies.com)." A comment from another peer: "Very responsive to emails and calls and provides good insight and solutions to creative issues/campaigns (ie Probes campaign creative)". Team player: Collaborative and always willing to contribute. He takes accountability for his role, his team, and often responsibilities of others, where there is a gap. Peers, employees and leaders comment regularly about what a pleasure it is to work with him. Joe brings a great presence to the team and always checks his attitude even when having a frustrating day. A peer commented: "Overall, I enjoy working with Joe and I appreciate that we can joke and laugh our way through stressful situations." Development opportunities: 
Leadership: As Joe has evolved to a people manager role, he sometimes still struggles to balance and taper his desire to do the work vs. lead other creative team members and direct them to achieve the creative vision. This is partially due to the fact that Joe is such a hands-on manager, has a great pulse on the team on their workload. I believe Joe can lean more heavily on his team, and he will need to continue to focus on delegating more of his key responsibilities in order to take his team and himself to the next level. I also expect Joe to conduct weekly team meetings and 1:1s with his team. Although, I don't believe this is done consistently, I strongly believe Joe has a day to day interaction with each member of his team. Last dialog, I encouraged Joe to take management courses, e.g. Leading people, assessing talent etc:., that are available at LIFE. I don't believe he has taken any of these, but would like to include this in his development plan. Strategic/Creative thinking: Joe is an incredibly valuable resource to the company. Thus, being able to free up time for him to be able to bring his creativity into other areas of our business is important. Joe has a strong future at Life Technologies, and I am committed to providing him opportunities to be involved in areas that extend beyond his current role. He will need to give himself time to be effective by improving his time management, delegation and prioritization of his current responsibilities. A peer commented: "Communication on creative - high level. I don't know what creative direction changes are happening unless I ask. I'd love to see more active communication, which would require better time management (above point). He's great ... we'd all just like more of his time." Creative and brand-building: As the brand expression evolves, there are many key stakeholders that need to understand the changes and what are the expectations of them. Joe will need to ensure he documents, communicates and continues to hold people accountable for delivering to the expectation. A peer commented: "Provide more information on branding changes and the rationale behind these changes (ie email/web banner templates)". Time management & communication: Follow up and follow through will be key for Joe. With all the changes, it's natural that these two things may suffer, but Joe will need to find ways to keep commitments and not overpromise what he will not be able to deliver. Joe will need to focus on pro-active over-communication to ensure expectations are managed and met. Prioritization is key and this is something Joe will need to continue to strengthen, in order to identify the key things he will need to deliver. When asked how Joe could improve, a peer commented: "Ability to manage his time and confidently communicate it. When getting asked to do a project, he has a hard time reacting. I often see him conflicted - he'd love to do it all, but clearly he can't (no one can do everything we ask them to!). If he's stressed, he then gets frustrated, which is hard to get beyond in a discussion." Comment from another peer: "While Joe is consistent in his desire for visual craftsmanship across the board, it is often viewed in "silo" rather than as an integral component of an overall creative strategy, concept and copy messaging. Part of this is due to the demands on his time, leaving little for high-level reflection. But part is also due to his background and "comfort zone". Growth in this area - creative strategy - will also make him a more confident presenter and defender of the work." Summary:
Star performer: Joe is a truly passionate and committed superstar. His energy is contagious and inspires my entire team. He has a very clear idea of where the creative needs to be and is always willing to stand behind his ideas. From a design standpoint, Joe has great talent and can solve any creative challenge. He has truly stepped into his role as a Creative Leader, willing to demand the highest quality from our team, as well as marketing leaders in the business. Joe will continue to develop his ability to manage priorities, and over-communicate the status of projects he is working on. In addition, Joe will want to focus on continued development as a manager. Joe has a very strong career outlook at LIFE, and he is definitely a "go-to" person for me, Joe Lee and Anna. I am committed to working with Joe to continue to gain visibility and opportunities that leverage his excellent talents to positively impact our team and our company.


Invitrogen turned into Life Technologies through a merger with Applied Biosciences and Life was bought out by ThermFisher Scientific not long after. They were turbulent times to go through, but the creative work we accomplished as a team was second to none. My sincerest thanks to the team I was surrounded with during those years. It was a blast!

Next chapter?

I look forward to the next chapter in my professional career. I hope I am lucky enough to find a place that serves its customers and clients the only way I really know how. If you happen to still be reading this, please take a look at some the more recent AD-VENTURES I've had in continuing my career filling it everyday with highs and lows, creativity and joy,in order to solve new business challenges!

AD-VENTURES!

 

MORNIN' JOE

 

AD-VENTURES

June 9, 1994
Prepared by: Carmen Monaco - Studio Mgr.
Company: Torre, Renta, Lazur
Position: Studio Artist The purpose of Joe's six month review is to establish where he fits into the studio. Joe has shown a wider range of computer knowledge than was anticipated. His eager attitude and his determination to learn has made Joe a pleasure to teach. Joe works well with others, and his easy going personality has helped him fit in. Joe needs to start deciding on a direction to go ,(he still has time to choose), either in computers or in art direction, he has many areas to explore. After picking a direction we can help accelerate his learning process in that area. Joe will have a full review in November at which time we will establish goals to reach.
April 4, 1995
Prepared by: William C. Beauchamp & Carmen Monaco
Company: TRL Creative
Position: Sr. Studio Designer Productivity: 
Very good productivity overall. Joe displays a willingness to stay late, work weekends, and do whatever it takes to properly finish a project. Joe has been very resourceful with the computer in concert with his design skills and has made demonstrable contributions with his creativity rather than just executing a job. He demonstrates caring in the work that he does and takes pride in the finished product. Our agency "Stars" ad is a testimonial to his ability to utilize Adobe Photoshop. This is a fine example of his illustration skills. Technical Skills: 
Joe displays an excellent knowledge of the Macintosh System and he is capable of quickly adapting to new Software acquisitions and adding them to his already extensive repertoire. Working closely with Martin, Joe has absorbed quite a bit of Multimedia capability and is working on a stunning Interactive program for 1RL, Inc. He however does have some gaps in traditional print/production technique knowledge. As Joe transitions over to a more design oriented career he will have to go back and work on these basics. Attitude and Relationship: 
Joe has an upbeat, eager attitude and is able to take on just about any job given to him. Peer group respect of his dedication is evident and he readily shares his insight and experience with the less acquainted Computer Artists. The Art Direction group feels that Joe is extremely responsive to requests and criticism offered. What's more is that Joe reciprocates and gives valid, new points of view that are appreciated. Performance Summary: 
Joe has displayed excellent design capability in addition to well honed Mac skills. This combination opens new opportunities to Joe as a capable designer who is ready to take on the job of Assistant Art Director. Effective immediately Joe Lazur should be promoted to the position of Assistant Art Director. These added responsibilities will allow Joe to come closer to the goals he has set for himself and toward his own potential.
April 10, 1996
Prepared by: Michael Hinds 
Company: TRL
Position: Jr. Art Director Joe has improved greatly since coming out of the studio, fully justifying our faith in him. He is hardworking, professional, creative, personable, works well with others, and he works well independently. Joe is appreciated and respected by co-workers and clients alike. His youthful creativity is refreshing and helps to revitalize the Creative Department. Joe is continually honing his skills by seeking advice, keeping up with new ideas, and being involved. I would like Joe to concentrate on sharpening his conceptual and presentation skills. fully expect Joe to continue working hard, with excellent results. Joe has expressed a desire to move out to the West Coast Office as the Art Director. He is ready. I recommend that he be promoted to Art Director, together with a salary increase commiserate with his talents, proactive to his Anniversary Date (May 1, 1996).
May 1, 1997 
Prepared by: Arthur Nagano 
Company: The BioGenesis Group
Position: Art Director This reviewed has been prepared based on my six month working/supervisory relationship with Joe. Even though it may seem to be a relatively short period of time to make an assessment of one's performance, a great deal of demands and changes have taken place during our growth as an agency and Joe's performance during those times has allowed me to observe him and make this comprehensive review. Strengths & Accomplishments
Upon my arrival to The BioGenesis Group, it was evident that the creative department depended a great deal on Joe's knowledge and skills. He was the "go to guy." During this early development stage of the agency's growth, he was challenged with numerous demands which required knowledge and experience in creative development, computer technology, and studio production. As the agency continues to grow, Joe's position is quickly evolving to where his challenges are higher and more specific to his title. As the creative department was evolving, Joe was dividing his time to accomodate all the demands that were expected from an art department. Being short staffed and not very well knowledged about the local resources, he did whatever was needed to accomplish the tasks at hand and he did so enthusiastically with a smile. Amongst his creative functions were creative concept development, studio production/design, computer technology/network support, and creative department space planning. It was obvious that he possessed the skills to coordinate, supervise, and follow-thru with projects. One of which he was an integral part of, was the agency move. Joe was a "take charge" person and he welcomed any challenges presented to him with enthusiasm, hardwork and effort. Therefore, it seemed clear that he possessed the skills and character of a Senior Art Director. The challenge therefore, was to offer him the title and to create a situation where he could expand his skills in both management and creative development. Presently, Joe is Art Director and manages Agouron's Viracept, Chiron's Proleukin, Chiron Corporate, and the supervision of the computer networking/procedures of the creative department. He is currently following-thru with the successful launch of Viracept all of which is moving along smoothly. Areas for Improvement 
The following are areas of which Joe can concentrate on as he develops himself into his position. In order to grow as a senior creative person, he must open himself up to a wide variety of creative solutions that of which are not the standard solution both in design and in advertisement. Joe's work is sound but could use a touch of excitement. Develop explorations that are not traditionally safe to the medical industry but award winning. He must expose himself to all that is out there in the creative community. This includes books, annuals, design/advertising seminars, etc. This I know he can do. Secondly, Joe's communication skills are clear and articulate. Possibly he could infuse more authority into his delivery in presentations both internally and with the client. By understanding the product more and articulating this knowledge with usage of specific termonology he can develop a presence of being more than just an art director. Summary
Joe has been, and is, an integral contributor to the growth of The BioGenesis Group. He has done a exceptional job in the all-round support to the start-up of the creative department. Now, his role is focused on becoming a solid Senior Art Director and his success depends on his ability to further develop his leadership skills with his creative product and with people.
May 5, 1999 
Prepared by: Allen Stegall, President/CEO 
Company: The BioGenesis Group
Position: Creative Director, Web Overview:
Over the past year, Joe has done an outstanding job in transforming BioGenesis Interactive from a business concept to a functioning business unit. He has been the driving force in designing and developing significant electronic media projects for Agouron, Chiron, and most notably, Baxter. As a result of the early success ofBioGenesis Interactive, and Joe's demonstrated commitment to making it successful, we are making additional investment in this group. BioGenesis Interactive is expected to be profitable in 1999, its first full year of independent operations. From this base, and with our existing client relationships, the future looks very bright for BioGenesis Interactive. For that accomplishment, Joe deserves the major portion of credit. Strengths / Accomplishments
Joe has many strengths that serve him well in building and organizing the interactive division. Above all, he is technically expert in internet communications, several programming languages, and various software packages. In addition to his own expertise, Joe has identified a network of free-lance talent and support companies that complement his own work, extending our capabilities while controlling obligations. Beyond his technical expertise, Joe is an artist. This allows him to deliver work that is not only functional, but also inspiring. Joe has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to capture the right feel or personality for his various. projects. Two projects that are worthy of specific mention, and which demonstrate Joe's skills, are the BioGenesis website (www.bio-gen.com) and the Hemophilia Galaxy website developed for Baxter (www.hemophiliagalaxy.com). These two sites speak for themselves in terms of creativity and design sense, and Joe was the driving force behind each of these. With the BioGenesis site, he helped us communicate our presence and our capabilities to a broader audience of potential clients. With the Baxter site, he gave a show piece that demonstrates technical expertise and an ability to communicate in a meaningful way with patients. This site is now our premier example of DTP marketing ability. Opportunities for Development 
Having succeeded in the early stages of building BioGenesis Interactive, Joe must now face new challenges. While we have a solid record to build on, there is much that remains to be done before we can declare BioGenesis Interactive an unqualified success. First, Joe needs to participate in the development a plan to insure a reasonably steady flow of projects from a reliable client base. This is easier said than done since many interactive projects are viewed as one-offs that do not necessarily lead to more assignments. Second, Joe will need to help decide how, when, and whom to hire as the business grows. Hiring too late will mean loss of opportunity (that may never come back), hiring too soon will mean diminished profits, and hiring inappropriately will mean misery for everyone involved. Finally, Joe will need to continue to participate in the marketing of the interactive group. While there is now an account executive to manage the business aspects, Joe remains the most credible and effective salesperson and should continue to pursue opportunities to make presentations to as many client prospects as possible. In addition, Joe should participate in the development of other self-promotion ideas for BioGenesis Interactive. Summary
Joe has done a great job this past year in guiding BioGenesis Interactive through its formative stages. He has successfully met some significant challenges and gained credibility for the group. His next challenges involve assuming some management responsibilities for the division, orchestrating his available resources, and marketing the group's services to a broader group of clients.
May, 2011 
Prepared by: Robin Flaum / Director of Marketing (The Agency) 
Company: Life Technologies
Position: Sr. Creative Design Manager Overview:
Joe has been leading the Creative Team for almost a year. During this time, he has recruited, hired and trained a team of very talented designers. Joe and the team have built a great reputation for excellent quality creative. In addition, Joe has led the development of the evolving brand expression for the entire brand experience, from the style guide for print and events, to the packaging, corporate identity and has also provided input to the development of the online presence as well. Strengths:
Passion, commitment and engagement: Joe is truly passionate and committed to his role, the team and the company. His energy is contagious and positively impacts our entire team. He has a very clear idea of where the creative needs to be and is always willing to stand behind his ideas. A peer commented: "Two ofJoe's biggest strengths are his enthusiasm and passion for what he does. He's driven to continually deliver the best possible product, even when faced with frustrating obstacles (e.g., Ion Torrent). He also takes the time to stop and compliment his team and others for a job well done. He's always open to discussion and other points of view." Another peer commented: "Joe has come a long way toward being more at ease in his role. He seems to be more fluid and comfortable in his decision-making. He is also consistent in keeping the focus on design craftsmanship, and makes himself readily available for input and review. His demeanor is generally calm and thoughtful, and he displays a flexibility in understanding the unique demands of any given project. We look forward to continued growth in his role as a key creative influence in the organization." Leadership: Joe provides fantastic leadership presence to his peers, employees and leaders. His enthusiasm, and clearly articulated vision, helps others better understand the brand, and the Creative direction for the company. He is always willing to give open, honest, but non-confrontational feedback to any discussion. I look to Joe often to work through issues. He is a natural mentor and peers, who seek him out for guidance. Fantastic Creative talent: Joe can proudly say he has contributed to some of the most beautiful, and impactful creative this company has seen to date. He was responsible for the development of the look/feel of our company and brand. Currently, he and his team are developing the next evolution of the look and feel, and already, there is mounting excitement about the direction the Marquee brands will take, and I strongly believe this will have a huge positive impact on revenue and building brand equity in the coming quarters. Another peer commented: "Joe's design skills and ability to quickly react to a request and deliver concepts and ideas. Examples include his ideas for the new Web site home page (lifetechnologies.com)." A comment from another peer: "Very responsive to emails and calls and provides good insight and solutions to creative issues/campaigns (ie Probes campaign creative)". Team player: Collaborative and always willing to contribute. He takes accountability for his role, his team, and often responsibilities of others, where there is a gap. Peers, employees and leaders comment regularly about what a pleasure it is to work with him. Joe brings a great presence to the team and always checks his attitude even when having a frustrating day. A peer commented: "Overall, I enjoy working with Joe and I appreciate that we can joke and laugh our way through stressful situations." Development opportunities: 
Leadership: As Joe has evolved to a people manager role, he sometimes still struggles to balance and taper his desire to do the work vs. lead other creative team members and direct them to achieve the creative vision. This is partially due to the fact that Joe is such a hands-on manager, has a great pulse on the team on their workload. I believe Joe can lean more heavily on his team, and he will need to continue to focus on delegating more of his key responsibilities in order to take his team and himself to the next level. I also expect Joe to conduct weekly team meetings and 1:1s with his team. Although, I don't believe this is done consistently, I strongly believe Joe has a day to day interaction with each member of his team. Last dialog, I encouraged Joe to take management courses, e.g. Leading people, assessing talent etc:., that are available at LIFE. I don't believe he has taken any of these, but would like to include this in his development plan. Strategic/Creative thinking: Joe is an incredibly valuable resource to the company. Thus, being able to free up time for him to be able to bring his creativity into other areas of our business is important. Joe has a strong future at Life Technologies, and I am committed to providing him opportunities to be involved in areas that extend beyond his current role. He will need to give himself time to be effective by improving his time management, delegation and prioritization of his current responsibilities. A peer commented: "Communication on creative - high level. I don't know what creative direction changes are happening unless I ask. I'd love to see more active communication, which would require better time management (above point). He's great ... we'd all just like more of his time." Creative and brand-building: As the brand expression evolves, there are many key stakeholders that need to understand the changes and what are the expectations of them. Joe will need to ensure he documents, communicates and continues to hold people accountable for delivering to the expectation. A peer commented: "Provide more information on branding changes and the rationale behind these changes (ie email/web banner templates)". Time management & communication: Follow up and follow through will be key for Joe. With all the changes, it's natural that these two things may suffer, but Joe will need to find ways to keep commitments and not overpromise what he will not be able to deliver. Joe will need to focus on pro-active over-communication to ensure expectations are managed and met. Prioritization is key and this is something Joe will need to continue to strengthen, in order to identify the key things he will need to deliver. When asked how Joe could improve, a peer commented: "Ability to manage his time and confidently communicate it. When getting asked to do a project, he has a hard time reacting. I often see him conflicted - he'd love to do it all, but clearly he can't (no one can do everything we ask them to!). If he's stressed, he then gets frustrated, which is hard to get beyond in a discussion." Comment from another peer: "While Joe is consistent in his desire for visual craftsmanship across the board, it is often viewed in "silo" rather than as an integral component of an overall creative strategy, concept and copy messaging. Part of this is due to the demands on his time, leaving little for high-level reflection. But part is also due to his background and "comfort zone". Growth in this area - creative strategy - will also make him a more confident presenter and defender of the work." Summary:
Star performer: Joe is a truly passionate and committed superstar. His energy is contagious and inspires my entire team. He has a very clear idea of where the creative needs to be and is always willing to stand behind his ideas. From a design standpoint, Joe has great talent and can solve any creative challenge. He has truly stepped into his role as a Creative Leader, willing to demand the highest quality from our team, as well as marketing leaders in the business. Joe will continue to develop his ability to manage priorities, and over-communicate the status of projects he is working on. In addition, Joe will want to focus on continued development as a manager. Joe has a very strong career outlook at LIFE, and he is definitely a "go-to" person for me, Joe Lee and Anna. I am committed to working with Joe to continue to gain visibility and opportunities that leverage his excellent talents to positively impact our team and our company.

June 9, 1994
Prepared by: Carmen Monaco - Studio Mgr.
Company: Torre, Renta, Lazur
Position: Studio Artist The purpose of Joe's six month review is to establish where he fits into the studio. Joe has shown a wider range of computer knowledge than was anticipated. His eager attitude and his determination to learn has made Joe a pleasure to teach. Joe works well with others, and his easy going personality has helped him fit in. Joe needs to start deciding on a direction to go ,(he still has time to choose), either in computers or in art direction, he has many areas to explore. After picking a direction we can help accelerate his learning process in that area. Joe will have a full review in November at which time we will establish goals to reach.
April 4, 1995
Prepared by: William C. Beauchamp & Carmen Monaco
Company: TRL Creative
Position: Sr. Studio Designer Productivity: 
Very good productivity overall. Joe displays a willingness to stay late, work weekends, and do whatever it takes to properly finish a project. Joe has been very resourceful with the computer in concert with his design skills and has made demonstrable contributions with his creativity rather than just executing a job. He demonstrates caring in the work that he does and takes pride in the finished product. Our agency "Stars" ad is a testimonial to his ability to utilize Adobe Photoshop. This is a fine example of his illustration skills. Technical Skills: 
Joe displays an excellent knowledge of the Macintosh System and he is capable of quickly adapting to new Software acquisitions and adding them to his already extensive repertoire. Working closely with Martin, Joe has absorbed quite a bit of Multimedia capability and is working on a stunning Interactive program for 1RL, Inc. He however does have some gaps in traditional print/production technique knowledge. As Joe transitions over to a more design oriented career he will have to go back and work on these basics. Attitude and Relationship: 
Joe has an upbeat, eager attitude and is able to take on just about any job given to him. Peer group respect of his dedication is evident and he readily shares his insight and experience with the less acquainted Computer Artists. The Art Direction group feels that Joe is extremely responsive to requests and criticism offered. What's more is that Joe reciprocates and gives valid, new points of view that are appreciated. Performance Summary: 
Joe has displayed excellent design capability in addition to well honed Mac skills. This combination opens new opportunities to Joe as a capable designer who is ready to take on the job of Assistant Art Director. Effective immediately Joe Lazur should be promoted to the position of Assistant Art Director. These added responsibilities will allow Joe to come closer to the goals he has set for himself and toward his own potential.
April 10, 1996
Prepared by: Michael Hinds 
Company: TRL
Position: Jr. Art Director Joe has improved greatly since coming out of the studio, fully justifying our faith in him. He is hardworking, professional, creative, personable, works well with others, and he works well independently. Joe is appreciated and respected by co-workers and clients alike. His youthful creativity is refreshing and helps to revitalize the Creative Department. Joe is continually honing his skills by seeking advice, keeping up with new ideas, and being involved. I would like Joe to concentrate on sharpening his conceptual and presentation skills. fully expect Joe to continue working hard, with excellent results. Joe has expressed a desire to move out to the West Coast Office as the Art Director. He is ready. I recommend that he be promoted to Art Director, together with a salary increase commiserate with his talents, proactive to his Anniversary Date (May 1, 1996).
May 1, 1997 
Prepared by: Arthur Nagano 
Company: The BioGenesis Group
Position: Art Director This reviewed has been prepared based on my six month working/supervisory relationship with Joe. Even though it may seem to be a relatively short period of time to make an assessment of one's performance, a great deal of demands and changes have taken place during our growth as an agency and Joe's performance during those times has allowed me to observe him and make this comprehensive review. Strengths & Accomplishments
Upon my arrival to The BioGenesis Group, it was evident that the creative department depended a great deal on Joe's knowledge and skills. He was the "go to guy." During this early development stage of the agency's growth, he was challenged with numerous demands which required knowledge and experience in creative development, computer technology, and studio production. As the agency continues to grow, Joe's position is quickly evolving to where his challenges are higher and more specific to his title. As the creative department was evolving, Joe was dividing his time to accomodate all the demands that were expected from an art department. Being short staffed and not very well knowledged about the local resources, he did whatever was needed to accomplish the tasks at hand and he did so enthusiastically with a smile. Amongst his creative functions were creative concept development, studio production/design, computer technology/network support, and creative department space planning. It was obvious that he possessed the skills to coordinate, supervise, and follow-thru with projects. One of which he was an integral part of, was the agency move. Joe was a "take charge" person and he welcomed any challenges presented to him with enthusiasm, hardwork and effort. Therefore, it seemed clear that he possessed the skills and character of a Senior Art Director. The challenge therefore, was to offer him the title and to create a situation where he could expand his skills in both management and creative development. Presently, Joe is Art Director and manages Agouron's Viracept, Chiron's Proleukin, Chiron Corporate, and the supervision of the computer networking/procedures of the creative department. He is currently following-thru with the successful launch of Viracept all of which is moving along smoothly. Areas for Improvement 
The following are areas of which Joe can concentrate on as he develops himself into his position. In order to grow as a senior creative person, he must open himself up to a wide variety of creative solutions that of which are not the standard solution both in design and in advertisement. Joe's work is sound but could use a touch of excitement. Develop explorations that are not traditionally safe to the medical industry but award winning. He must expose himself to all that is out there in the creative community. This includes books, annuals, design/advertising seminars, etc. This I know he can do. Secondly, Joe's communication skills are clear and articulate. Possibly he could infuse more authority into his delivery in presentations both internally and with the client. By understanding the product more and articulating this knowledge with usage of specific termonology he can develop a presence of being more than just an art director. Summary
Joe has been, and is, an integral contributor to the growth of The BioGenesis Group. He has done a exceptional job in the all-round support to the start-up of the creative department. Now, his role is focused on becoming a solid Senior Art Director and his success depends on his ability to further develop his leadership skills with his creative product and with people.
May 5, 1999 
Prepared by: Allen Stegall, President/CEO 
Company: The BioGenesis Group
Position: Creative Director, Web Overview:
Over the past year, Joe has done an outstanding job in transforming BioGenesis Interactive from a business concept to a functioning business unit. He has been the driving force in designing and developing significant electronic media projects for Agouron, Chiron, and most notably, Baxter. As a result of the early success ofBioGenesis Interactive, and Joe's demonstrated commitment to making it successful, we are making additional investment in this group. BioGenesis Interactive is expected to be profitable in 1999, its first full year of independent operations. From this base, and with our existing client relationships, the future looks very bright for BioGenesis Interactive. For that accomplishment, Joe deserves the major portion of credit. Strengths / Accomplishments
Joe has many strengths that serve him well in building and organizing the interactive division. Above all, he is technically expert in internet communications, several programming languages, and various software packages. In addition to his own expertise, Joe has identified a network of free-lance talent and support companies that complement his own work, extending our capabilities while controlling obligations. Beyond his technical expertise, Joe is an artist. This allows him to deliver work that is not only functional, but also inspiring. Joe has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to capture the right feel or personality for his various. projects. Two projects that are worthy of specific mention, and which demonstrate Joe's skills, are the BioGenesis website (www.bio-gen.com) and the Hemophilia Galaxy website developed for Baxter (www.hemophiliagalaxy.com). These two sites speak for themselves in terms of creativity and design sense, and Joe was the driving force behind each of these. With the BioGenesis site, he helped us communicate our presence and our capabilities to a broader audience of potential clients. With the Baxter site, he gave a show piece that demonstrates technical expertise and an ability to communicate in a meaningful way with patients. This site is now our premier example of DTP marketing ability. Opportunities for Development 
Having succeeded in the early stages of building BioGenesis Interactive, Joe must now face new challenges. While we have a solid record to build on, there is much that remains to be done before we can declare BioGenesis Interactive an unqualified success. First, Joe needs to participate in the development a plan to insure a reasonably steady flow of projects from a reliable client base. This is easier said than done since many interactive projects are viewed as one-offs that do not necessarily lead to more assignments. Second, Joe will need to help decide how, when, and whom to hire as the business grows. Hiring too late will mean loss of opportunity (that may never come back), hiring too soon will mean diminished profits, and hiring inappropriately will mean misery for everyone involved. Finally, Joe will need to continue to participate in the marketing of the interactive group. While there is now an account executive to manage the business aspects, Joe remains the most credible and effective salesperson and should continue to pursue opportunities to make presentations to as many client prospects as possible. In addition, Joe should participate in the development of other self-promotion ideas for BioGenesis Interactive. Summary
Joe has done a great job this past year in guiding BioGenesis Interactive through its formative stages. He has successfully met some significant challenges and gained credibility for the group. His next challenges involve assuming some management responsibilities for the division, orchestrating his available resources, and marketing the group's services to a broader group of clients.
May, 2011 
Prepared by: Robin Flaum / Director of Marketing (The Agency) 
Company: Life Technologies
Position: Sr. Creative Design Manager Overview:
Joe has been leading the Creative Team for almost a year. During this time, he has recruited, hired and trained a team of very talented designers. Joe and the team have built a great reputation for excellent quality creative. In addition, Joe has led the development of the evolving brand expression for the entire brand experience, from the style guide for print and events, to the packaging, corporate identity and has also provided input to the development of the online presence as well. Strengths:
Passion, commitment and engagement: Joe is truly passionate and committed to his role, the team and the company. His energy is contagious and positively impacts our entire team. He has a very clear idea of where the creative needs to be and is always willing to stand behind his ideas. A peer commented: "Two ofJoe's biggest strengths are his enthusiasm and passion for what he does. He's driven to continually deliver the best possible product, even when faced with frustrating obstacles (e.g., Ion Torrent). He also takes the time to stop and compliment his team and others for a job well done. He's always open to discussion and other points of view." Another peer commented: "Joe has come a long way toward being more at ease in his role. He seems to be more fluid and comfortable in his decision-making. He is also consistent in keeping the focus on design craftsmanship, and makes himself readily available for input and review. His demeanor is generally calm and thoughtful, and he displays a flexibility in understanding the unique demands of any given project. We look forward to continued growth in his role as a key creative influence in the organization." Leadership: Joe provides fantastic leadership presence to his peers, employees and leaders. His enthusiasm, and clearly articulated vision, helps others better understand the brand, and the Creative direction for the company. He is always willing to give open, honest, but non-confrontational feedback to any discussion. I look to Joe often to work through issues. He is a natural mentor and peers, who seek him out for guidance. Fantastic Creative talent: Joe can proudly say he has contributed to some of the most beautiful, and impactful creative this company has seen to date. He was responsible for the development of the look/feel of our company and brand. Currently, he and his team are developing the next evolution of the look and feel, and already, there is mounting excitement about the direction the Marquee brands will take, and I strongly believe this will have a huge positive impact on revenue and building brand equity in the coming quarters. Another peer commented: "Joe's design skills and ability to quickly react to a request and deliver concepts and ideas. Examples include his ideas for the new Web site home page (lifetechnologies.com)." A comment from another peer: "Very responsive to emails and calls and provides good insight and solutions to creative issues/campaigns (ie Probes campaign creative)". Team player: Collaborative and always willing to contribute. He takes accountability for his role, his team, and often responsibilities of others, where there is a gap. Peers, employees and leaders comment regularly about what a pleasure it is to work with him. Joe brings a great presence to the team and always checks his attitude even when having a frustrating day. A peer commented: "Overall, I enjoy working with Joe and I appreciate that we can joke and laugh our way through stressful situations." Development opportunities: 
Leadership: As Joe has evolved to a people manager role, he sometimes still struggles to balance and taper his desire to do the work vs. lead other creative team members and direct them to achieve the creative vision. This is partially due to the fact that Joe is such a hands-on manager, has a great pulse on the team on their workload. I believe Joe can lean more heavily on his team, and he will need to continue to focus on delegating more of his key responsibilities in order to take his team and himself to the next level. I also expect Joe to conduct weekly team meetings and 1:1s with his team. Although, I don't believe this is done consistently, I strongly believe Joe has a day to day interaction with each member of his team. Last dialog, I encouraged Joe to take management courses, e.g. Leading people, assessing talent etc:., that are available at LIFE. I don't believe he has taken any of these, but would like to include this in his development plan. Strategic/Creative thinking: Joe is an incredibly valuable resource to the company. Thus, being able to free up time for him to be able to bring his creativity into other areas of our business is important. Joe has a strong future at Life Technologies, and I am committed to providing him opportunities to be involved in areas that extend beyond his current role. He will need to give himself time to be effective by improving his time management, delegation and prioritization of his current responsibilities. A peer commented: "Communication on creative - high level. I don't know what creative direction changes are happening unless I ask. I'd love to see more active communication, which would require better time management (above point). He's great ... we'd all just like more of his time." Creative and brand-building: As the brand expression evolves, there are many key stakeholders that need to understand the changes and what are the expectations of them. Joe will need to ensure he documents, communicates and continues to hold people accountable for delivering to the expectation. A peer commented: "Provide more information on branding changes and the rationale behind these changes (ie email/web banner templates)". Time management & communication: Follow up and follow through will be key for Joe. With all the changes, it's natural that these two things may suffer, but Joe will need to find ways to keep commitments and not overpromise what he will not be able to deliver. Joe will need to focus on pro-active over-communication to ensure expectations are managed and met. Prioritization is key and this is something Joe will need to continue to strengthen, in order to identify the key things he will need to deliver. When asked how Joe could improve, a peer commented: "Ability to manage his time and confidently communicate it. When getting asked to do a project, he has a hard time reacting. I often see him conflicted - he'd love to do it all, but clearly he can't (no one can do everything we ask them to!). If he's stressed, he then gets frustrated, which is hard to get beyond in a discussion." Comment from another peer: "While Joe is consistent in his desire for visual craftsmanship across the board, it is often viewed in "silo" rather than as an integral component of an overall creative strategy, concept and copy messaging. Part of this is due to the demands on his time, leaving little for high-level reflection. But part is also due to his background and "comfort zone". Growth in this area - creative strategy - will also make him a more confident presenter and defender of the work." Summary:
Star performer: Joe is a truly passionate and committed superstar. His energy is contagious and inspires my entire team. He has a very clear idea of where the creative needs to be and is always willing to stand behind his ideas. From a design standpoint, Joe has great talent and can solve any creative challenge. He has truly stepped into his role as a Creative Leader, willing to demand the highest quality from our team, as well as marketing leaders in the business. Joe will continue to develop his ability to manage priorities, and over-communicate the status of projects he is working on. In addition, Joe will want to focus on continued development as a manager. Joe has a very strong career outlook at LIFE, and he is definitely a "go-to" person for me, Joe Lee and Anna. I am committed to working with Joe to continue to gain visibility and opportunities that leverage his excellent talents to positively impact our team and our company.