Christie Morgan
CHRISTIE MORGAN
Director of Pitch Studios
Melbourne, AU
http://pitch-studios.com
Instagram: @pitch_studios
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m the Director slash Creative Director of the progressive and future-forward studio Pitch Studios.”
We focus on the creative direction of visual experiences and mostly work across 3D animation, interactive design, creative activations/installations, boutique apps and more!
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Hard work really pays off! I think it’s also really important to be amongst your industry, reach out to peers and potential collaborators, stay up to date with trends and encourage others to be involved in the industry too.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Motivation is usually a big one that I've noticed. A lot of people are happy and comfortable doing the same thing over and over but I really feel like I've embraced change over the years and am constantly trying to up-skill.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
We just launched an interactive project earlier this year called Mood Machine that we exhibited live in VR when I spend a month in L.A. between April/May. We’re working on an immersive lighting installation, a few 3D animation videos and we’re about to launch our new website.
We’ve got a few other exciting projects launching later this year but you’ll have to wait and see!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I think the project that best suits my personal style is our first foray into trend reporting — we wanted a way to discuss Internet culture and humans relationship with technology through an opinionated editorial piece and decided to launch a series of ‘PITCH PAPER’s to do this. Our reports will always come with 2 x free downloadable wallpapers for mobile and desktop too.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Physical installations using innovative technologies! We’re already doing this, but I’m aiming to push a focus on this kind of output this year.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
The old-as-time problem that comes with running a design studio — no lead time and constant education with clients. As an industry we’re getting to a good place where design and experience is being respected and valued more than ever before but it’s taken it’s sweet time.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Say thank you because you took a relatively low hourly rate and maybe give me some critical responses to what we’re working on. It always helps to have a fresh set of eyes!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I think I would have told myself in college that “it's ok to break the rules”. I DEFINITELY played it too safe and am only in recent years accepting that this is part of my practice.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would love to talk to an astrophysicist! I think there's a huge link between science and art that I'd love to explore more.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Creative collaborations with brands and designers. I want to work on projects that are both creatively fulfilling and functional but particularly to work with brands that are pushing the boundaries within their respective industries.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
An immersive brand experience shown at a large-scale gallery or activate a huge architectural space.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Hourly rate is $50-60 p/hr, but normally I would charge a day-rate for freelance work and large projects are usually quoted based on the complexity of the project and the team that’s required. It really depends.
I’m not currently interested in full-time salaries.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Reach out and let’s chat — there are so many possibilities with the work we’re doing to enhance or elevate your vision!
HOW Do you Stay Creative?
Surround yourself with like-minded people.
Last one, Who's your go-to squad?
Chris Golden (thestudiogold.net) for 3D animation
GUCK (https://www.linkedin.com/company/guckinc/) for UX/UI, AR/VR, digital products
This member profile was originally published in October 2016, Updated May 2018.