Keri Birmingham
Q What do you do?
“I craft content that moves—literally. Using the magic of design and animation, I tell visual stories that brands love to share. Making ideas come alive across screens, print, and real-world experiences. I deliver visuals that not only look great but get the job done.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
After hitting pause on my media planning and strategy career, I dove headfirst into the world of motion design—think YouTube tutorials, online courses, and a lot of late-night creative binges. I built a portfolio with passion projects, nonprofit collabs, and freelance gigs, eventually landing a role at Billie as a motion designer/video editor. There, I teamed up with designers, producers, and creative heavyweights to sharpen my skills and get deep into the production pipeline. Now, blending my marketing savvy with a creative flair, I’ve launched my own business.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I’m a resilient and innovative self-taught motion designer forged through a unique background in media strategy at big agencies, in-house design processes and systems, and a freelance career that spans across a wide range of industries and clients.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m teaming up with regulars like The Travel Agency and Very Great, while sneaking in some wild projects with Super Evil Genius Corp, Factory 360, and Glowbar. But even when the hustle’s real, I still find time to tinker—whether it’s messing with CRT monitors, circuit bending displays, or pushing the envelope with AR. Because why not break a few boundaries while you’re at it?
Q What’s your style?
I try to pack my style into every project, mixing in retro vibes and playful color whenever I can. That’s why I’m selective about the brands and studios I work with—it’s all about the right creative chemistry. Take the Billie Moonbeam Razor launch video, for example. It’s a fun mashup of old-school video games and anime, delivering a nostalgic, joyful ride you’ll want to watch again and again.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I’m itching to dive deeper into rising tech like AR and VR, especially in the entertainment space. Whether it’s crafting video game cinematics, movie trailers, or music videos, the potential to create truly immersive experiences is massive. It’s the kind of work that not only blows minds but would be an absolute blast to bring to life.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Ask any freelance designer about the least creative part of the job, and they’ll probably say, “the operations side.” And they’re right. From drafting contracts and sending invoices to client outreach, it’s not the most exciting work—but it’s the backbone of any successful design business. Without it, all the creativity in the world won’t pay the bills.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
For just $4 above California’s minimum wage, I’m looking for someone to assist with billing and, if they’re up for it, learn my design process and software. Together, we can build out my design studio to take on more work and set them on a path to a career in motion design.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
If I could turn back time, I’d tell myself one thing: go to art school. Sure, I taught myself design without spending many thousands, but I can imagine how much more fun it would’ve been taking classes that lit me up and hanging out with like-minded creatives. Plus, building a strong network of designers and artists could’ve given my career an even better launchpad.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I’d love to chat with a pitching pro to unlock some secrets on opening doors to new opportunities. Whether it’s snagging new clients, landing larger-scale projects, or simply rallying the right people, I know there’s a world of insight waiting to be discovered.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m on the lookout for exciting collaborative projects with talented and seasoned creatives in sound and video editing, graphic design, and production. Think big budgets, longer timelines, and ambitious goals.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal clients? They’re the brilliant art directors and designers who spark creativity and camaraderie. I thrive on that chemistry, eagerly anticipating their thoughts and feedback on my work, knowing it’ll elevate the final product. Together, we can dive into brainstorming sessions that are not only productive but a blast!
Q: What is your rate?
I typically charge $75 an hour, but I always provide a detailed estimate for project costs and timelines before we kick things off. That way, we’re all on the same page, and there are no surprises along the way.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Drop me an email with a little about yourself and the project at hand. After that, let’s set up a chat to dive into the details together.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Fellow creatives and new experiences
This member profile was originally published in October 2024.