Anderson Silva is a lot of things - a 3D artist, a ‘motion designer’, a teacher and a dedicated coffee enthusiast. He’s also a man with an incredibly diverse portfolio of work. That’s why we’re shining the #MemberSpotlight on him this week.
How did you get into the industry?
In 1996 my mom bought a super computer that came with some programs including Adobe Photoshop 4.0. From that moment on, I started using it for fun and in the early 2000s I started working in a big broadcast studio in my city because I was one of the few people who used programs like Photoshop, Avid, Adobe Premiere and After Effects. I really started early.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
I'm working at the Record TV branch in Fortaleza - Brazil and am also keeping busy with freelance work. I’m also currently teaching an online course in motion graphics, video editing and 3D.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
I would probably own a pizzeria or a coffee shop. I love cooking Italian and Brazilian food. And the coffee? coffee is my passion and addiction so I could definitely work with it.
Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?
I've always been very technical. I study the tools I use as much as I can. This way I can use all the innate power of the tools in a creative way with a focus on content that impacts people. And of course I always look for references.
How would you describe your style?
I always get attached to the details and always try to do more with less. I have a style where clarity is in the details, eliminating everything that takes the focus off the end goal - a minimalist style where less is always more.
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
There are two people who had different lifestyles but won in their own way. Ayrton Senna for his talent, charisma, way of treating people and determination and Steve Jobs for his leadership, vision of the future and focus on projects and goals. In the industry, I admire Dennis Muren, Shane Olson, Carlos Saldanha and Steven Spielberg.
What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?
Always have your information up to date such as: resume and demo reel. Always be on the lookout for opportunities on job sites like Creativepool. And one last tip is having an interactive presentation in Adobe's portfolio with your work flow, it sure helps a lot.
What tips would you give to other professionals to get more clients?
When we go to a bar, a small business or meet a service provider, I always look for what is missing for these potential clients to get more clients.
So when I go to negotiate I always ask what my client's consumer needs. I always work with a focus on my client's client. who is going to consume his product or service. Trust me, my clients love that I have this kind of concern because it's their focus.
What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?
Illustrator, photoshop, After Effects, Premiere-pro, Element 3D, Cinema 4D and Zbrush.
I always have a good workstation, and I love working with two or three monitors and a comfortable chair, it improves the work flow a lot.
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
Love for my work, when you love what you do everything is easier and more fun. I love to get involved in problems and solve them with a lot of coffee of course.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
I managed to create the entire graphic package for a TV station and 6 radio stations with a team of 4 people in 6 months. It was insane and challenging work.
What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?
Maybe this is happening, having more work from home hours. I've always had equipment at home since I was a kid so it was easy for me. But some people may not be able to.
Companies can work with employees from anywhere in the world and employees could look for work all over the world without leaving their home. It's a long way to go but I think it's the future in this very connected world.
Any websites, books or resources you would recommend?
These books are essential for me:
The Naked Presenter: Delivering Powerful Presentations with or Without Slides - Garr Reynolds
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration - Ed Catmull
Becoming Steve Jobs: The Evolution of a Reckless Upstart into a Visionary Leader - Brent Schlender
Websites
My tutorial channel on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AndersonSilvaart/videos
