Cole
I’m used to seeing Cole in the corner, inputting values into programs I do not understand.
And then he exports absolute heat. I don’t understand it. But I think you’d really dig him. I sure do.
Meet Cole:
you kind of do a lot of stuff: design, editing, motion graphics, you're a drummer, etc.
what got you into making things?
I watched the behind the scenes of Jurassic Park when I was way too young and was blown away that a team of people just decided to make something so incredible. I knew I wanted to do that, too.
do you have a personal design style? who/what inspires you?
I think I’m constantly trying to find my style, which maybe is my style? I’ve heard that every artist seeks the new, but a good artist defines what new is. I love typography and mystery, and I think that’s maybe what I’m chasing.
do you have anything that you'd consider a dream project?
I’ve always thought it would be fun to make my own type face.
hymns
you're a new(ish) father. how do you balance family and creative work?
Being a parent has challenged me creatively more than any other project I’ve worked on. Every day is a new challenge, task, teaching moment, etc.
But as far as balancing work I get paid to do the and work of being a parent: the best thing I’ve found is to give 100% for each in their given time. While I’m at work I am pushing and creating and giving it what I got. As soon as work hours are over, I am 100% with my family.
what is something you've been involved in that you're proud of? what makes you proud of it?
This is not a cop-out, but being involved with my son is truly the best part of my life and nothing will come close.
But to answer the question you’re probably really asking: I’ve recently 3D sculpted the entire alphabet and numbers 0-9 for a client. It was truly one of the more demanding projects I’ve done and it’s been really cool to see it come to life.
what tools do you use on a regular basis? do you have any tips for becoming proficient with them?
After Effects. Blender.
If you want to learn either of these or truly if you want to learn anything: just do it and bunch and search for people that are ahead of you on the journey and copy them.
if someone wanted to get started doing what you do, where would you recommend they begin?
My favorite way to learn is to screen record a piece that inspires you and “trace” the entire thing on your own.
lamb
how do you avoid burnout? do you avoid burnout?
I don’t think I’ve burned out. I try to hold everything really loosely and be proud of what I make. Something that isn’t fun to hear is that someone else can do it and probably better than you. So don’t kill yourself over it, but make it the best you can. Know when to say no and get really comfortable saying no. It’s a muscle you have to practice using: say no more.
what are some tips you have for making connections in creative work?
I think making connections with other artists is super important and can really raise your vision above what is right in front of you.
The best way I’ve found to meet people in your field of work is literally just to DM them, cold call them, etc. I’ve found that people love talking about what they love.
