Exactness and sketchiness – these the two main aspects that Creative Director Joe Blaxland loves to mix in his work.
A highly organised creative professional and a clear lover of textures and colours, Joe works freelance while leading his own motion design company, Crazy Paving, and has been in the freelance game for over 10 years now.
In this Member Spotlight, we are learning more about Joe's style and what makes him love the industry so much – as well as his quite driven disgust for unpaid internships in the sector.
How did you get into the industry?
I studied at the Arts Institute at Bournemouth doing animation production and gradually found my way into freelancing from there.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
I am based in Bramley, Hampshire and I work as a Creative Director for Crazy Paving.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
Since I spend a lot of time in front of a computer I would love to work with my hands doing cabinet making or cinematography— these also both marry the technical and the artistic.
Can you explain your creative process?
I keep a list of ideas on my phone that I would like to work on. If I am tasked with a brief I do lots of drawing until I find an angle that feels right.
How would you describe your style?
Textural and colourful.
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
Nick Park!
How has technology affected the way you work?
I can plot things out exactly in a computer and then mix it up by rendering it in whatever non-computerised medium I choose; I like combining exactness and sketchiness.
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
Resting: spending time with friends and family, keeping active and doing hobbies that have nothing to do with my work.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
Getting featured in the Creativepool's Member Spotlight!
How do you recharge away from the office?
Movies, reading, lino cutting, running (a bit), spending time with my lovely wife and our two delightful children.
What is one tip that you would give to other aspiring creatives looking for work?
Don’t try and do it by yourself.
What’s your one big hope for the future of the industry?
That animators, illustrators and designers are better paid across the board.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would that be?
I would make unpaid internships illegal.
Do you have any websites, books or resources you would recommend?
I really enjoyed ’A History of Pictures’ by David Hockney and Martin Gayford.
