Creator Science #50: Nick DenBoer aka Smearballs – From construction to early YouTube remixing, working on Conan, and selling NFTs
Mar 30, 2021
Nick DenBoer, known as Smearballs, is a versatile director and animator with a flair for remix art. He shares his unique journey from a construction worker to a creative powerhouse, exploring how his background shaped his innovative style. The origin of his playful name is a humorous highlight. He discusses the chaotic yet exhilarating environment of producing political satire for Conan and dives into the transformative world of NFTs, revealing how they empower artists and change the dynamics of the art market.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Generic Versatility
- Nick DenBoer's company, Generic Versatility, originated from a conversation with his uncle in 1998.
- His uncle advised him to choose a generic and versatile name, which he took literally.
From Construction to Art
- Nick's path to animation started unconventionally, with a year of art school followed by 10 years in construction.
- He continued dabbling in art, creating collages and videos, eventually finding his niche in remix art on YouTube.
Learning from Dad
- Nick learned Premiere from his dad, who made home videos.
- He later learned After Effects through a DVD course his dad bought, demonstrating a familial influence on his video editing skills.