Crafting Epic Stadium Graphics with Connor Henkle: A Dive into Sports Design
Aug 6, 2024
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Connor Henkle, a motion design expert renowned for his eye-catching stadium graphics, shares his captivating journey from graphic design to sports visuals. He discusses the importance of carving a niche in the competitive design landscape and how online tools streamline client interactions. Connor highlights the financial challenges in sports graphics budgeting and underscores the critical collaboration between in-house teams and freelancers. He also delves into the intricate art of creating graphics for large screens and navigating the volatile creative landscape with resilience.
Success in design involves not just completion, but also an essential 25% effort in sharing work online for visibility.
Self-taught designers often grow through a blend of curiosity and foundational experiences, shaping their distinct creative paths within the industry.
Specializing in a niche allows creatives to differentiate themselves, deepening their expertise and establishing a unique value proposition in their field.
Deep dives
The Post-Project Finish Line
Completing a project is just the beginning; there's an additional 25% of effort required to successfully share it online and secure further opportunities. This phase is critical as it involves distilling the work into a manageable process that makes it easier to promote. By refining this process, creators can elevate their visibility and potential for future projects. Emphasizing the importance of this extra effort helps ensure that finished work reaches the intended audience effectively.
The Journey of Self-Taught Skills
Self-taught designers often trace their skills back to foundational experiences, such as side projects or family businesses, which ignited their passion for design. The path can seem unclear, evolving through various mediums like graphic design, photography, and videography while exploring new industries. Curiosity drives the learning process, allowing individuals to unlock new skills and discover niches that resonate with them. This organic exploration fosters a unique blend of creativity and technical ability that is pivotal in the journey of a self-made designer.
The Value of Specialization
Specialization can present a paradox for creatives, often perceived as limiting, yet it offers depth and distinction. Contrary to the idea that generalists are more versatile, focusing deeply on a niche yields a unique value proposition. Individuals who specialize can become the go-to experts in their field, allowing them to differentiate themselves from a commoditized pool of generalists. As they hone their skills, they discover nuances and complexities within their chosen specialty that enhance their creative output.
From Free Internships to Paid Projects
Beginning with volunteer work and internships allows aspiring designers to gain hands-on experience and build a portfolio. Access to premium assets during these formative years contributes significantly to skill development. As designers acquire expertise, they gather insights and realize the potential to share their knowledge online, which can attract clients seeking similar services. This proactive sharing can create a ripple effect, leading to paid project opportunities and establishing a professional reputation.
The Importance of Sharing Work Online
In an age of social media, sharing work online is crucial for personal branding and attracting potential clients. Creatives are encouraged to develop a 'no' muscle to decline projects that don't align with their interests or goals, allowing them to focus on what truly excites them. Authentic sharing fosters a community of support and can even lead to unexpected collaborations and job offers. Engaging positively online encourages others to connect, share, and respect the work being produced, which benefits the creator in the long run.
In the latest School of Motion Podcast episode, Joey catches up with Connor Henkle, a motion design pro who's found his groove in sports and stadium graphics. Connor gives us a peek into his journey from dabbling in graphic design to becoming a go-to guy for electrifying visuals at sporting events. Check out the corresponding blog post (and more of Connor's work) here: https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/connor-henkle-sports-design
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