Sparkman
Q What do you do?
“I make movement magic.”
Whipping up 2D animation in aftereffects, cutting a social video, sourcing footage for multi-media layering, or getting hands on with scans and frame by frame doodles.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Lots of self-discipline to learn my craft, and simply being kind to others. Anytime I wanted to push myself I would seek out a project for hands on experience and pitch adding motion for a chance to build my portfolio. These little freelance gigs and passion projects with friends have almost always led me to something more fruitful including my full-time agency positions.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
By bringing techniques I've learned in fine arts, graphic design, coding, and filmmaking into motion graphics. I'm always brainstorming how different ways of making can elevate the narrative and set it apart from competition.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm currently the in-house motion designer and editor for Studio A, the boutique internal agency of Adidas. Outside of the 9-5 I'm working on a couple different music videos for friends, and am planning on opening an online shop for digital assets from my personal archive and library.
Q What’s your style?
Vintage style and mixing high and low brow are the biggest influences in my work.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I'd enjoy doing some projects that are just creative and art direction for motion and video.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
My personal projects are always getting pushed back, balancing full time work with rest while also maintaining my own practice is difficult.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Running my social media. After working on a brand all day, I haven't had a desire to stay on the computer and keep editing content for myself even though I always imagine running a fashion or design based account.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Jumping into the job market right as the pandemic kicked off was horrifying. I recently found a list I made my last term in college of my top picks for jobs, and I've actually worked at both my top picks and freelanced for several others on that list. I wish I could go back and give myself a hug and tell her that she's gonna land both of those dream roles back to back.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How to streamline workflow to keep yourself more sane.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I'd love to take on more fashion or luxury space focused projects, but I also enjoy the challenge of working with a client from a new field.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I love when we can both bring some inspiration and research to the table and get a chance to have a meaningful conversation about the direction to set up a project for success.
Q What is your rate?
My day rate is typically $650, I am also open to flat project fees. However, don't hesitate to reach out if you've got a cool project or something small scope and we can negotiate.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Shoot me an email, preferably with a timeline and budget. Bonus points if you have any mood boards or inspo.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Currently loving Casey Helmick's work. They are running their own merch shop, tattooing, a fabulous production designer and set builder, their Y2K inspired illustrations are very on trend for the right brands.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Dressing up and going out, putting on a character.
This member profile was originally published in May 2023