When Erik Gillberg is in town he can often be found sitting at a tall table in NextSpace working quietly on his MacBook Pro creating solutions for the global marketplace. Erik joined the NextSpace community in September of 2009 after relocating from Idaho to Santa Cruz. Avatar Labs (http://www NULL.avatarlabs NULL.com/sites/2009/), colocated in Encino, California, recently launched their new iPhone game Rhythm Racer (http://itunes NULL.apple NULL.com/us/app/rhythm-racer/id336718222?mt=8). This game is beautifully designed – I particularly like the retro feel of the graphics – and for a non-gamer I found it easy to play. Perhaps that’s why Avatar Labs had close to 150k downloads in the first month after launch. As we chat about his projects Erik’s love for his job is obvious in his wide, easy smile. His enthusiasm is catching, and fits so well with the NextSpace vibe. As a part of this community of vibrant entrepreneurs and freelancers Erik has a chance to make connections and even friendships that he might not have access to if he were working from home.
Ns: Describe your business and it’s core offering.
EG: AvatarLabs is an award-winning, full-service digital agency. Since 2001 our mission has been to push the boundaries of interactive design and technology. We are pioneers in the interactive advertising space and have worked on marketing campaigns for many of the biggest entertainment properties including AVATAR, STAR TREK, THE DARK KNIGHT, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, and several films in the HARRY POTTER franchise. We have also developed our mobile offerings and have had over 2 million cumulative downloads of iPhone apps we’ve created for clients and for ourselves.
Ns: What is your role in your company?
EG: I help with corporate strategy, creative consulting, and business development.
Ns: Name your favorite recent project/product.
EG: AVATAR! What a fun movie! We worked closely with the producers to craft some really neat rich ads and are now working on the home video campaign, which like the movie itself will be the biggest in Hollywood history.
Ns: Do you prefer to work with clients from a specific vertical, or do you work with all? Why?
EG: We have specialized in entertainment, but work with a variety of clients and enjoy the opportunities and challenges of working with major brands in many verticals, from consumer goods to government agencies.
Ns: What criteria do you use when deciding whether to take a project?
EG: We like to work on projects that challenge us and demand innovation in design and technology.
Ns: What compelled you to move your business to Santa Cruz?
EG: AvatarLabs is based in Los Angeles. I love Santa Cruz for it’s natural splendor, but am also excited by the creativity, innovation, and opportunities in the business community locally, and “over the hill”. And I like the cool people here!
Ns: How has the current economy affected your business?
EG: We have actually grown this year. Our savvy CEO, Rex Cook, has kept costs in check and focused on quality and customer service. Of course we might have grown faster if things were different in the macro-economy.
Ns: What was the initial reason you decided to join NextSpace?
EG: I heard “innovative”, “co-working” and “high tech”, and had to check it out. The flexibility and community have kept me here. And the charming staff, of course.
Ns: Is NextSpace your first experience with co-working?
EG: Yes.
Ns: What, if any, challenges and or benefits have you experienced as a result of co-working?
EG: I think the challenges are the same as in any office. The benefits too. The difference is in rubbing shoulders with people in different lines of work and tapping the resultant network for opportunities, community, and friendship.
Ns: How has working at NextSpace changed the way you do business?
EG: More surfing. Does that count? Honestly, I think the collaborative environment is where I’m finding value.
Ns: What benefits have you seen to your professional life/business/product as a result of the NextSpace Effect?
EG: I have had some success with finding talent for projects and finding leads for jobs.
Ns: What is the best way for people to get in touch with you?
EG: Erik Gillberg
erik@avatarlabs.com (erik null@null avatarlabs NULL.com)
cell 818.312.0491
main office 818.784.2200
http://www.avatarlabs.com (http://avatarlabs NULL.com)
16030 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 102
Encino, CA 91436