Most of the creative professionals we speak with prefer going with the flow when working on a brief. Not Giuseppe Forestieri.
Giuseppe is a freelance motion designer and has been one for almost 2 years, after half a decade working full time in various agencies across the UK. His creative process doesn't simply involve research, concept and execution – nope. Giuseppe has come up with a 6-stage process that helps him get going with each project. Which sounds pretty fascinating to someone used to the dynamism of the creative process.
For this Member Spotlight, we are learning about Giuseppe and his freelance business, Motion Aptitude. More on his creative process below!
How did you get into the industry?
I have always been passionate about art-related activities, as a child I could spend hours creating characters either by drawing or by modeling them out of clay.
As a result, I went to Art college first and later on, I graduated in Fine Arts and subsequently I specialised with a MA in Visual & Motion Design.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
After five years working full time as a Motion Designer for various creative agencies in the UK, in 2018 I've embraced the freelance career working mainly remotely in between Oxford and Italy, with clients from all over the world.
Can you explain your creative process?
As a student I always found frustrating to start a new project, a blank piece of paper used to intimidate me.
However, over the years I learnt to follow a specific structure that allows me to have a clear vision no matter the kind of project.
I have defined my creative process in 6 stages:
- Understand the brief.
- Ask questions.
- Do your research.
- Stay away from the computer during concept creation. Brainstorm using only a notebook and a pencil. (Use your computer only after you come up with two or three solid ideas. Do not think about visual style at this stage)
- Define a visual style by experimenting and explore different solutions
- Production (believing or not, to me this is the easiest part, as you have already established your concept)
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
Surely reading is an activity that helps me as a creative and above all as an individual. I also find meditation useful to clear up your mind.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
Recently I designed an animation for The Blue Cross, an animal welfare charity that helps sick, injured and homeless pets.
It was a volunteer project, I would advise anyone to volunteer for a charity, especially if you can help them with what you are good at.
It is such a nice way to enhance your skills while supporting someone else. Doing projects for a great cause feels pretty good!
The Blue Cross - Pet Heroes from Motion Aptitude on Vimeo.
How do you recharge away from the office?
Sport is definitely my escape button from the everyday life.
I am a Snowboard and Kitesurf addicted, but I also enjoy horseback riding with my father when I am in Sicily.
What’s your one big hope for the future of the creative industries?
I hope more agencies will allow their employees to choose whether to work from the office or anywhere else.
Reducing travel is one of the positive impacts this could have, it could cut commuting time and reduce carbon footprint. Due to this pandemic, working remotely is now a requirement.
Hopefully, from now on more people will consider this as an advantage rather than a constraint. Long live work from anywhere!
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
Well, if I wasn't in the Motion Design industry I would have probably considered opening a Kitesurf school in Sicily or a Snowboard school in the Alps.
Maybe designing the graphics for my equipment as well.
