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
Albena Todorova is currently at the New Bulgarian University in Sofia where an innovative semiotics offer includes courses on advertising & consumer culture. In 2009 she wrote a dissertation on Edgar Allan Poe in popular culture. Albena is now doing PhD research on Poe mythology & symbolism globally from Baudelaire through to Japanese mystery writer Edogawa Rampo, 60s horror movies, Lou Reed, Antony Hegarty, contemporary emo, manga & gaming subcultures and online interest groups.
Sofia, Bulgaria
A freelance semiotician and cultural insights expert in San Francisco, Ramona has pinpointed key language and imagery, crafted brand strategy and inspired innovation for established brands in the consumer packaged goods, apparel, technology, spirits and beverages, beauty, healthcare and food categories. Ramona has a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, with a focus on cultural studies and visual communication. Earlier in her career, she worked as a producer for television, and spent almost ten years as researcher, advertising and brand strategist for a global corporation.
San Francisco, US