Derek Chesnut
Q What do you do?
“I am a motion graphics designer and video production specialist with experience in the fields of entertainment marketing, live events promotion, digital advertising, and more.”
I use After Effects, Cinema 4d, Redshift, and everyday materials to create engaging and dynamic work.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I have always done illustrations and in high school I started manipulating my drawings on the computer and then making animations. This led to being the multimedia director of the arts and culture magazine on campus at University of Oregon and as the graphic designer for the school's libraries. As an art major I specialized in sculpture and video art. Once out of school I was able to use my skills with computers and mixed media to work as a motion graphics designer and producer for a marketing company. Since then I have gone on to be in-house motion graphics designer at an entertainment marketing, in live sports media, and as a freelance designer.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
My work has a multimedia bend to it. I am not afraid to get my hands dirty and scan clay for a 3d texture or film ink bleeds for a logo reveal. I do not want to be limited or indebted to any particular software. Technical expertise is important to an extent, but software is always changing. Solid design skills and an artistic eye is something that will always be more valuable.
Q What are you working on right now?
The department I was working in at my previous job was recently shut down and I am now focusing on growing my freelance network and applying to full time positions.
Q What’s your style?
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Entertainment marketing
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Networking is not something that comes easily to me. I know that I have the requisite skills the jobs that are out there, but reaching out can be daunting.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would hire someone to help clean my apartment.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Keep in touch with people you work with and consistently maintain your portfolio. There are a lot of people I had good working relationship with at my last job and it would be nice to be able to easily speak to them again, but it's been a few years. Plus there is a lot of work that I did that I cannot find high quality copies of because I did not think I would need it later.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would love to speak with a creative director at an ad agency who could tell me what they see in my work and how to better present myself.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am looking for positions, freelance or otherwise, that advance my portfolio and challenge me as a designer. I once read, "If you want better clients, you need better clients.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I was the motion graphics designer for the San Luis Obispo Film Festival. I created their interstitials and other media for the event and advertising. The provided assets and a clear direction with enough room for me to interpret in my own way.
Q What is your rate?
$38-$45 an hour
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Please email me with the project details, company you're representing, and timeline of the project.
derekchesnut.com | derekmchesnut@gmail.com
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Rob Raguse is an excellent trailer editor from Australia. He is able to quickly get to the heart of a story and showcase it's best elements without giving too much away
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Experiment until something sticks!
This member profile was originally published in July 2023