Andrew Nam
Why did you choose to attend OCAD U?
I wanted to be an engineer at very young age but was always better at drawing than math. I admired engineer’s work process but drawing was what I was good at. I decided to be in creative industry. I took my thought between Sheridan and OCADU. At the time I felt OCAD had more creative freedom explore and find what I want.
Please briefly describe your current job / practice.
I'm Senior Motion Graphic Designer at Bell Media. I create and lead any design needs for company. From redesigning a channel to launching new app is my job to suggest and create perfect graphic direction. My recent project was creating new branding for projects such as M3, BNN, Space and CraveTV. I also redesigned shows like CTV's Marilyn Denis Show and Kevin Newman Live.
How did you get started in your career?
I got into motion design while I was in third year. I found myself more comfortable when trying to lay ideas on storyboard. Designing on screen felt like less restriction with endless possibilities. Idea of designing time was very interesting because I was able to play around with more dimension.
Around that time I met a few directors from CTV who came to our motion graphics class to do presentation. I kept in contact with them for around 2 years sending portfolio and resume. I was able to get in as freelancer after graduation.
Did you volunteer or work in your field while you were a student?
I’ve done many freelance works with ad agencies and personal clients.
I did internship at design studio called "Reactor Art and Design"
I also worked in Print shop as part time designer.
What were your policies regarding internships, volunteering, and paid work?
As a student, learning is important but many times its relevant work experiences and portfolio that gets you the job. During my school year, I strongly believed any related work experience will be a gain. I tried to take on many volunteering and design project as possible and not worry about the rest. Important thing to remember is your experience needs to be relevant.
What do you enjoy most about your work? What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
I enjoy my work because I am able to work in variety of channels and project.
Usually as an in-house designer, experiences can be limited to certain styles but luckily I was able to keep pushing my creative boundary because there were multiple channels with different design styles. Most challenging thing about my work is finding balance between corporate goal and aesthetic in design. I believe both are equally important.
What skills or relationships developed at OCAD U helped you participate in your field? Is there anything you would have done differently?
I had lots of experiences in ideation process. Conceptualizing storyboards and being able to present it in effective manner was biggest asset I gained in school. Nonetheless being proficient with technical skill is equally important. I would have learn more of that if I would done something differently. I would research what are most important techniques in your desired field, get familiar with all the software shortcuts and etc.
What are the key responsibilities you maintain for your practice?
For Motion design industry there are certain software you must learn.
Adobe After effect and Maxon Cinema4D is no doubtfully must learn software.
I would recommend to do video tutorial in regular basis but set a goal to make any project you have in mind. (Kinetic Typography, 3D Modelling, Videography, Animation, Stop Motion, and anything you feel its cool to make)
Some design can be stand alone animation piece and some can be full broadcast package. (Open Animation, Bumper, Lowerthird and etc.) Keep all the process file valuable as your final file and archive it well.
It is good to know best motion design studios around the world (Also in your desired Country) Do your best to make your motion reel ready before graduation.
Meet and ask around any people who works in the industry, Show your reel and ask what could be done to improve. You just need to repeat this process and make the best reel you can make. Once you have good reel and connection it become much easier to start your career.
What are your personal and professional goals for the coming years?
I'm trying to expand my skills in 3D motion design and create short motion piece that's scripted and designed by me. I am also getting my hands of some UX motion design field. Me and my wife are planning a trip to Europe this September and hope to find us travel more in the future.