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John, Art Director & Motion Designer at Apple: Advize Career Interview
A film studies graduate's journey from analog film to Apple's cutting-edge design team is a story of self-driven learning and evolving roles.
This individual's path, marked by a transition from motion graphics to art direction and back to directing, showcases the dynamic nature of the creative industry.
Success hinges on strong listening skills, a relentless curiosity, and a collaborative spirit, fostering tangible achievements and continuous growth.
The interview reveals the rewarding aspects of a creative career, dispelling the "starving artist" myth and highlighting the importance of building strong working relationships within a tight-knit industry.
The individual's emphasis on a unique creative vision, cultivated through experience and collaboration, inspires aspiring artists to pursue their passions while proactively seeking out opportunities to learn and excel.
Entry-level positions frequently involve demanding internships, highlighting the value of hands-on experience and a proactive, inquisitive approach to learning.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
John Robson
Art Director & Motion Designer
Apple
UCSB
Film, Media Arts, Visual Arts
Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Creative
Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path of an Art Director and Motion Designer at Apple
John's career journey began with a film studies degree at UCSB, transitioning from analog film to the burgeoning digital world and "this really sort of like revolutionary moment" of digital editing. This led to a path marked by self-learning, evolving roles from motion graphics to art direction, and a return to directing, culminating in a current position at Apple where John leverages their diverse skillset in concept design and product identity.
Main Responsibilities of an Art Director and Motion Designer at Apple
John's main responsibility as an Art Director & Motion Designer at Apple is "client relations," acting as a "middleman" between client vision and execution. This involves deeply understanding client needs, translating those into realistic and achievable creative solutions while managing a team of artists and working within budgetary constraints.
A Day in the Life of an Art Director and Motion Designer at Apple
John's workday as an Art Director & Motion Designer at Apple, once solely in-person, now involves remote "team syncs" to maintain project alignment, with "a bit of downtime" for creative work followed by post-lunch check-ins to ensure progress, a change necessitated by and beneficial to the remote work environment. This approach allows for greater flexibility while maintaining productivity through diligent communication, highlighting the importance of "start[ing] and end[ing] the day with communication".
Most Important Skills For An Art Director And Motion Designer At Apple
John, an Apple Art Director & Motion Designer, emphasizes that "the biggest and most important skill is listening," crucial for interpreting and delivering client needs. Success in this evolving industry also demands a "curiosity and a love for what you do," fostering continuous learning and adaptation to stay relevant.
Favorite Parts Of Being An Art Director And Motion Designer At Apple
John, the Art Director & Motion Designer at Apple, appreciates the tangible results of his work, stating that "after six, eight weeks, couple months, you have a product that's finished," fostering a sense of accomplishment. The continuous learning and growth aspect of the creative field is also highlighted, with John emphasizing that "this sort of creative energy just keeps going and going," unlike careers with a defined peak.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Art Director And Motion Designer At Apple
John's biggest challenge as an Art Director & Motion Designer at Apple is overcoming "creative hurdles," a process that requires "getting in touch with nature" and finding solutions that aren't always immediately apparent, a process that is unique to each individual and their creative process. While technical skills can be learned, the ability to generate creative solutions is something that must be cultivated over time.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Creative Industry As An Art Director And Motion Designer
John's enjoyment stems from staying "adjacent to" his initial filmmaking aspirations, a journey involving commercials, music videos, and feature film effects, all building toward a larger creative vision. The continuous learning and skill acquisition across related fields is what fuels John's passion.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Creative Industry According To An Art Director And Motion Designer At Apple
John, an Apple Art Director & Motion Designer, identifies a strong, unique creative vision as key to success, noting that "people who believe in their own creative vision thrive the best". However, he emphasizes the importance of learning from others to cultivate this vision, describing their own journey as developing "a specific narrow view of how things are" through collaboration and experience.
What an Art Director and Motion Designer at Apple Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Entertainment Industry
John, an Art Director & Motion Designer at Apple, wishes someone had told John that a lucrative career in "graphic design, motion design" existed within the entertainment industry, dispelling the "starving artist" myth. The lack of this knowledge, however, inadvertently motivated John to work harder and develop skills without feeling "entitled".
Entry-level positions for aspiring Art Directors and Motion Designers at Apple
Entry-level positions in art direction and motion design often begin with internships at design studios, VFX studios, or tech companies like Apple, where "they're thrown right into big projects," gaining valuable experience alongside professional artists. Junior animator or junior designer roles typically follow after completing formal education.
Significant Career Lesson From An Art Director And Motion Designer At Apple
John, an Art Director & Motion Designer at Apple, emphasizes the importance of positive working relationships, stating that "the industry's small" and maintaining good relations is crucial for career success. Building strong teams requires leaving "excess baggage at home," as project success depends on "the weakest link," making collaboration paramount in a creative field where most people happily work together.
College Experiences That Helped An Art Director And Motion Designer At Apple Succeed
To prepare for a successful career, John, an Apple Art Director & Motion Designer, focused on "what I really loved," actively seeking knowledge by asking numerous questions and volunteering on projects to maximize learning opportunities. This hands-on approach, gaining as much experience as possible during university, proved invaluable in developing skills and setting the stage for future career success.
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