D'Ara Nazaryan
D'Ara Nazaryan
Motion Graphics Designer / Visual Storyteller / Founder of Papelaria
Los Angeles, California
www.dnaz.tv
www.theshorthand.com
www.papelariala.com
Instagram @dnazty
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I specialize in taking on commercial challenges and finding creative design solutions to help facilitate communication between brands and their customers. Through the implementation of motion design, I am able to create simpler interpretations of more complex ideas.”
Starting my career in motion graphics gave me the discipline that came to inform how I maneuver myself around the many practices I’ve taken up along the way. I've slowly ventured into photography, art directing shoots and content creating for brands like Laura Mercier and Urban Outfitters. My side, side project is Papelaria, a marbled goods brand. Whew!
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
While attending Otis College of Art and Design, I spent some time jumping back and forth between the Fine Arts and Digital Media Dept. until I found my home in motion design. After graduating, I began to craft my path as a motion graphics designer and illustrator by building relationships with different companies. Through the years it's allowed me to collaborate with some of the industry’s top directors and studios.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Instead of criticizing any individuals characteristic I’d like to flip it back on the industry. No matter how satisfying commercial work can be it becomes tedious abiding by unrealistic time constraints while at the same time wanting to create something with depth and substance. A project can take weeks, months, many late nights and weekends to complete but it’s all in vain if people forget about it after the 30 seconds it takes to watch it.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Currently looking on expanding my design skills, taking up some 3D and working on combining my love of travel with working with larger brands.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style differs based off of what I'm creating. But the thread that ties all my work together is the need to channel complex ideas into simpler forms. Other than that, I love experimenting with contemporary styles and trying out new mediums.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Teaching clients that when you want it good, fast and cheap you can only pick two of the above. Making something beautiful with consideration takes time.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I'd love for someone to handle the administrative part of my business to free up more time for creative pursuits. Whoever said adult-ing was easy… well no one ever said that haha!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
All there is to it is just to do it! Don’t inhibit yourself through inaction. You got this girl!
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Negotiating fees, seeking new clients, and pitching projects to larger brands.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Looking to collaborate with brands who want to push design boundaries on projects that are creatively fulfilling. Whether that be through motion graphics or art directing for campaigns.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I’d love to collab with a brand like Airbnb or Adidas Originals on a project that had creative freedom and substance.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Every clients needs are unique so it depends on the type of project, the complexity, and the turnaround time. For motion graphics specific projects the day rates are more standard, but its best is to drop me an email with the project information. This allows me to assess the details and provide said client with a clearer estimate based specifically on their needs.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Emailing me at hello@dnaz.tv is always your best bet. I prefer to jump right into it and have the bullet points upfront i.e. time constraints, budgets, project outlines.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Traveling without question, and recently FilmStruck.
This member profile was originally published in February 2017.