Was there something or someone who influenced you towards motion graphics?
I was always interested in motion graphics but my path to pursuing a career in it was an interesting one. I graduated from RIT with a degree in graphic design, but the internet had just come out so I taught myself how to design and build websites. CDROMS were also hot at the time and I taught myself Macromedia Director, thinking I might want to make digital comics. Like that’s where I thought I was gonna go. I moved to SF during the initial web boom and thatʼs when things really took off. Flash started to become a big thing and I left my agency job to start Piledriver and focus on flash animation. Then after I got married, an opportunity opened up at a studio which allowed me to learn After Effects and work on really cool, high profile projects. Iʼve been lucky to have these opportunities and meet so many inspiring people. Itʼs been an interesting trajectory. Iʼm really happy to be where Iʼm at today and Iʼm excited for whatʼs in store for the future.
Whatʼs behind the name Piledriver?
I’ve been a huge fan of wrestling, especially during the 80s. That period had a lot of over the top characters and action. It was dramatic and also very, like goofy, at the same time. I feel like a lot of my design energy is pulled from my youth and I wanted a name that reflected my style and thinking. I like to believe my work can be fun and energetic but also dramatic when it needs to be. So I kinda thought that was a good fitting name.
Wow! That’s a great, great description too, and I think you really do embody a lot of that energy in your work and in your personality. Yeah, so that’s super cool. I love that.
Yeah, you know there’s partly a symptom of like—there’s a part of me that just hasn’t grown up—but it’s also a job requirement, you know, you gotta bring some fun & energy to things. It’s like oh, it’s perfect!
