We were lucky to catch up with Patrick Butler recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Patrick thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?
When I was growing up I didn’t think it was possible to be creative for a career. To be honest it never even crossed my mind. I sort of figured when I grew up I’d be doing some job that I really don’t like.
For me, the most important thing to do in education is to keep young people feeling inspired and excited about learning. As an adult, I’ve rediscovered a love of learning. The things I’m most interested in and good at can be channeled into a successful career. That realization is invigorating.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a freelance motion designer. I mostly work with creative agencies and studios to help produce animation for marketing material. I’ve been doing this since 2016 and it’s been a blast. The motion design industry is very welcoming and open. I’ve made many good friends in this industry over the years, both near and far. It’s always a huge treat to meet these friends in person at industry conferences around the US and also to get together with some of the local artists as well.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building real relationships has been a key part of my success as a motion designer. I’ve gotten pretty lucky with the people I’ve met and worked with. A lot of it has come from reaching out to artists I admire and having meaningful conversations. I try to engage with the things they post and talk about on social media, and then ask if they are interested in having a video call, or if they are close enough to meet up for coffee. Most of the people in the motion design industry are happy to talk shop and share about their experience. I also try to be responsive to other people who reach out to me.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Making stuff can be very hard. For me, it’s the starting that’s most difficult. So any time I am actively making something it feels really satisfying. And then if I actually finish something and put it out there, that is a really good feeling.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.prbmotion.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prbmotion/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-butler-84786632/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/prbmotion