ad: Annual 2024 Now Open For Entries!
*

Learning the top tools of a motion designer in the gaming scene - #MemberSpotlight

Published by

If there is one thing that Art Director Ferdinand van As wants you to take out from his interview below, it is that there is nothing more valuable than listening in this industry.

Ferdinand is a skilled motion graphics designer and art director who's had the chance to work with some major brands from all around the world. After studying fine arts, Ferdinand moved to Cape Town, then to France, where he learned more about the secrets of the craft and how valuable it is to listen, learn and pay attention in every corner of this beautiful industry.

For this Member Spotlight, we are learning more about Ferdinand and his journey as an art director for UbisoftRiot GamesEA and more, as well as incredible insights into his personal creative process.

*

How did you get into the industry?

After studying fine arts and graphic design, I started working at an advertising agency. A year later I became interested in interactive design and creative development, moved to Cape Town and went to work for two of South Africa’s top digital agencies. From there I moved to Paris where I’ve been working as an art director in digital and advertising agencies doing branding, motion and web design.

Where are you based now and who do you work for?

We live in the French countryside not too far from Paris where I work freelance from my home office.

If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?

Some form of storytelling, probably documentaries.

*

Can you explain your creative process?

It depends on the kind of project, but it would always start with listening to the client and doing research to gain insight to what they’re trying to achieve or perhaps even helping them articulate it. Then I try to see if we can arrive at a shared point of view using moodboards and references so we’re speaking the same language. From there it’s a question of producing something that fits within that framework and once some mockups have been produced, it starts to take on a life of its own which may evolve more or less depending on a number of factors.

How would you describe your style?

I’ve worked for a variety of brands from fashion to gaming, moving between graphic design,  UI/UX design,  motion design etc. I always try to produce crafted visuals that help to communicate an idea while doing so in the design language of the brand I’m working for. Having said that, some projects I’ve worked on are closer to my style, like League Of Legends, Game Of Thrones and Ubisoft’s The Division. 

*

Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?

Some of my early inspiration came from Gmunk, Eric Jordan, Pushead, Jim Phillips and Drew Struzan. These days with all the work that’s being produced around the world, it could come from anywhere, one name that comes to mind for motion graphics is Raoul Marks (Westworld titles, The Division 2 Aftermath).

If you had to pick one ideal client/employer, who would that be and why?

In the past, Riot Games. The variety and quality of the work that I was able to produce as well as the ease of communication that allowed it to happen.

*

How has technology affected the way you work?

When I was a student, I hardly used a PC until my 2nd year. I welded, sketched with charcoal, did oil painting and ceramics. When I discovered Flash, I taught myself to program and changed my career path because of it, then learned After Effects after winning a training course in a web design competition and I started doing 3D with Cinema 4D. I have produced work using all of these tools for some of the biggest brands in the world, so it has played a major role. 

What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?

I am active on a number of platforms like Creativepool, Behance and Dribbble, I also have been a judge for the FWA since 2016 and looking at the amazing work that gets submitted is a constant source of inspiration. It can be discouraging and motivational for the same reasons.

*

What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?

My first instinct would be to name some award. But, I think it would have to be the French national esports tournament for League Of Legends (Open Tour) that I worked on for Riot Games. I was able to use pretty much all of my skills from branding, motion and web design to create the various assets from print to streaming and live events. That felt like an achievement.

How do you recharge away from the office?

Spending time with my wife and children, playing guitar and renovating our house bit by bit.

*

What is one tip for other aspiring creatives looking for work?

Invest time developing your craft and promoting yourself. No graphic, motion or web designer will struggle to find work if they’re really good. 

Also, if you’re just starting out, go intern at the best agency that will have you and pay attention to what they tell you.

What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?

If enough people could start being honest with themselves and with each other, we could get more done and do it better.

*

Any websites, books or resources you would recommend?

Watch Jodorowsky's Dune to see how some of the best artists didn’t achieve what they wanted to and how that led to other great and unexpected things. Visit artofthetitle.com for details breakdowns behind the making of some of the best titles. Check out the book Surf Skate & Rock Art of Jim Phillips.

Comments

More Inspiration

*

Inspiration

Rebranding "God's waiting room" #BehindTheBrand

Hallmark Luxury Care Homes, the family-owned group of 22 care homes in England and Wales, relaunches with an all-new brand positioning and identity created by The Corner London. The work sees a complete overhaul of Hallmark’s brand strategy,...

Posted by: Creativepool Editorial
*

Inspiration

#MemberSpotlight on freelance writer and director Katerina Sfaellou

How did you get into the industry? I started on the corporate side of things many years ago, working on events and marketing activation campaigns. But I always wanted to be hands-on and combine my communications degree with the more creative side of...

Posted by: Creativepool Editorial
*

Inspiration

Phillips #ShareTheCare for mums across the world #BehindTheIdea

Philips Avent, in collaboration with LePub, is launching an empowering new campaign called #ShareTheCare. This initiative aims to address the challenges faced by moms and put a spotlight on the importance of their well-being and self-care. To raise...

Posted by: Creativepool Editorial
ad: Annual 2024 Now Open For Entries!