Wonky (Jack Reed+Liza Nelson)
WONKY (JACK REED + LIZA NELSON)
Set Designer / Animator / Content Creator
Echo Park, Los Angeles, California
www.wearewonky.com
Instagram @wonkywonky
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“Wonky is a multi-format design studio specializing in commercial and editorial imagery and animations.”
We are composed of Los Angeles-based artist/set-designer Jack Reed and graphic designer/art director Liza Nelson.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Before WONKY we worked independently in different realms of the commercial/advertising sphere. Jack spent 5 years in commercial video production, while Liza mastered both product and print design as a young creative director. After a chance encounter at a house party, we decided to have a coffee date. We hit it off, decided to shoot a spec campaign, loved working with each other, and formed our own design studio. When you meet somebody who inspires you, it's important to recognize that.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Courage and Commitment. It's not easy to be a creative, but if you have the tenacity to trust your gut and the drive to keep going, you will succeed.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
We are about to send off our first look-book, which is very exciting! We are also in the process of producing holiday content and animations for new clients.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Bored with the monotonous landscape of often-too-perfect commercial imagery, we joined forces to form a new disruptive voice--one of pure dizzying eye candy. We're ripping through the seamless to bring craft, wonkiness and hand-built sweetness back into the advertising and editorial world.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Making imaginative set designs for product and fashion shoots.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
The business of doing business. Seriously. It's very time consuming! We'd like to focus our energy on the creative aspect of our job. Unfortunately, thats not how it works... yet!
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Client-management and scheduling.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
We are too excited about the work we are doing now to worry about the past. : )
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
How to network better. Los Angeles is saturated with creative people and opportunities. We'd love to find a better balance between work and socializing. We'd also like to know how to maximize those chance encounters to form inspiring friendships, collaborations, and new clients.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Product, fashion and editorial photography projects. Product-focused stop motion animation projects.
WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
Creatively, we love working with bold brands that embrace humor, color and craft. It's easy to be conservative and understated, but we enjoy the challenge of creating something really unique and inspired for our clients.
WHAT IS YOUR RATE?
Our rates vary depending on the project. Feel free to email us for a price list.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
E-mail us about your project. : )
hello@wearewonky.com
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Unplug and go analog.
This member profile was originally published in September 2016.