Motion Design Love -

So, tell us a little about yourself, who you are, where you work now and how long you’ve been in the industry?

I was first introduced to design through the skateboarding industry and punk rock which helped shape my D.I.Y. attitude. I’ve been rocking the motion scene in Chicago for a little over five years now and I loved every pixel pushing moment. For the last three years I have been on staff at Daily Planet ltd. as one of the motion designers. Besides doing motion graphics I am a craft beer lover, traveler and video podcaster. I have been co-hosting an online video series about craft beer for two years entitled, Hop Cast. Through both design and craft beer I have met a large number of interesting and creative people both in-person and online. These connections have allowed me to brainstorm and collaborate with other passionate and motivated people.

What made you go into motion graphics/ how did working in Motion graphics come about?

I got into motion graphics in high school. I was taking some video editing classes, learning Adobe Premiere and Avid. Then in the last few months before graduating I was introduced to After Effects version 5.5 and pretty much fell in love. After high school I went onto Columbia College Chicago and took any class that related to motion graphics that I could.

What do you enjoy most about working in motion graphics?

I love the variety of projects I’m able to work on. From five second end tags to 30 second commercials to two minute videos promoting the latest start-up. Each day ends up being something different.

What do you enjoy least about working in motion graphics?

When you put everything you’ve got into a project and the clients end up pulling the plug at the last moment and no on is able to see what you created.

What has been you biggest highlight in motion graphics.

I don’t really have a single moment that shines over the rest but I always get a thrill when I turn on the television or go to the movies and see my work on the screen. I’ve also been able to meet a ton of amazing people in the industry, many who are close friends that I likely would have never met without doing motion graphics.

What skill do you think a Motionographer needs?

Design & Typography Skills. Knowing the software can only get you so far.

Is there any advice you’d give to an aspiring Motion graphics artist?

Do not stop learning and meet as many people as you can. You never know maybe that next person you meet at a meetup or open house could end up referring you or even hiring you for work.

What are your future plans in Motion Graphics?

Right now I’m pretty happy in Chicago but I’m always open for change.. you never know where life can take you.

So, After Effects is your main software of choice, what do you like about it?

The program just does so much. It’s insane some of the things you’re able to create with it. Basically a swiss army knife that just continues to get better and better.

Is there a particular motion graphic piece you would recommend to someone else?

The latest piece that blew me away was Something Left, Something Taken and then you have to go read the blog and see everything that went into it.

Want to know more about Brad?

Want to find out more about Brad?  Visit his website ‘Digital Hitchhiker’ or view his showreel on Vimeo