We were lucky to catch up with Andrew Bui recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Andrew thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How do you think about spending on things like coffee when times are tough?

Thinking back on my journey, especially during the early challenging days, why go to the gym if managing expenses was a daily exercise to burn off my calories. During the frustrating time in Oregon, I made a huge career impact decision to leave behind many long invest years in pharmacy, facing family pressure, relationship strain with my current partner, and a mountain of debt, to pursue a new goal for motion design.

In those lean times, every penny counted. I learned to home-cook all my meals, transforming basic ingredients into sustenance. Coffee, my daily fuel, was brewed at home, often without cream or sugar—just the pure, bitter essence to keep me going. It really makes me appreciate a good cup of homemade coffee over a luxurious, overpriced cup of coffee outside to this day.

Working two jobs while re-attending school was exhausting but necessary. I scouted every possible campus resource, from food aid programs to utility support for low-income students, making phone calls after phone calls to get aid qualification not only for myself but for my other housemates. I remember attending as many campus events as possible to obtain as much food and take leftovers back home.

These experiences taught me the value of perseverance and resourcefulness, traits that have become central to my career as a motion designer. In motion design, creativity often means finding innovative solutions with limited resources, much like I did during those tough times. Whether it’s creating high-impact visuals on a tight budget or developing engaging animations under strict deadlines, the resourcefulness I developed in those early days has been invaluable.

Moreover, the ability to thrive under pressure has become one of my greatest strengths. Motion design projects can be intense, with multiple stakeholders and high expectations. My background has equipped me with the resilience to handle these pressures and deliver high-quality work consistently while still being able to maintain a positive outlook in life haha!

Each cup of coffee I brew, now with cream and sugar, reminds me of the journey I’ve undertaken and the strength it took to get here.

My journey from pharmacy to motion design has been about more than just a career change; it’s been about finding a path that allows me to express my creativity and resiliency. It has taught me that with enough passion and perseverance, I can overcome any obstacle and create something truly impactful. And most importantly, it did paid off my debts!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve had a passion for visual storytelling since I was a kid. I’ve always loved breaking down complicated instructions into easy-to-digest pieces, using visuals like cutout images, drawings, or 2D vector art to make things clear. I thought to myself: This would be so much more interesting and fun if everything moves. And so things led me to make the bold decision to dive into motion design.

As a motion designer and video editor, I create dynamic content like animated explainer videos, logo animations, ad campaigns, and post-production treatments. I help brands communicate their messages effectively, engage their audiences, and enhance their identity. Sometimes these messages are as lofty as ensuring plastics never become waste—something I had the chance to animate for a client. One of my proudest moments was creating educational videos for E-campus during the Covid-19 pandemic. Knowing that my work helps make complex knowledge more digestible for students is incredibly rewarding.

What sets me apart is my unique blend of analytical and creative skills. I’m confident in learning new materials and breaking them down so viewers can easily absorb them. I thrive under pressure and always seek out creative solutions to deliver high-impact results. With every project, I aim to create polished, professional work that perfectly aligns with my clients’ visions.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Honestly, trust is the main component that has helped me build my reputation in the motion design world. After setting expectations with my clients, I always make sure to hit deadlines, under-promise, and over-deliver. I’m always honest about what I can and can’t do. Being present and responsive is crucial in building trust.

Besides that, I put a strong emphasis on my technical skills and the quality of my work. I’m all about delivering polished, professional, and impactful results that align perfectly with what my clients envision. Sometimes it’s not about what I want to make, but what the clients want to see and feel.

I apply this approach not just with my clients, but also in my personal relationships and with any other creatives I work with. This consistency helps me earn their trust and loyalty.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

I found that one-on-one check-ins are crucial for ensuring open communication, defining goals, and aligning expectations. Clear communication for every project helps keep everyone on the same page and reduces misunderstandings, especially for long projects, which should have written documentation rather than relying solely on spoken communication. Encouraging work-life balance is essential for maintaining a healthy, happy team. Additionally, maintaining a positive attitude, even during challenging times, can inspire and motivate your team to stay engaged and committed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.andrewnbui.org/
• Instagram: bui_inmotion