My design life: Jordan Scott, motion designer

Computer Arts (CA): Who are you and what do you do?

Jordan Scott (JS): "My name is Jordan Scott, but some might know me better as J-Scott and designer, 2D animator and time traveler (forward only). I’m drawn to all facets of design especially the physics behind how things move in space. I'm obsessed with the challenge of recreating these real-world movements and exploring this in my personal and professional work."

CA: How would you describe your motion design style?

JS: "When people ask me what I like to do, it can be a difficult question to answer because: a) there are so many different combinations of style and technique and b) there are probably a million other things that I have yet to discover.

"If I were to narrow it down based on where I'm at currently as a designer, I would describe my style as playful, colourful, energetic, story driven, and experimental. The most consistent aspect of my animation style over the last few years has definitely been the movement, I'm constantly trying to understand how things move and what way to best replicate that or even go in the opposite direction."

CA: Tell us about some of the projects you've done and clients you've worked with?

JS: "Well, as with most people there are some projects that I wish I could talk about or even mention but doing this would most likely result in a Jason Bourne-type person and I crossing paths - and nobody wants that.

"One of the projects that was a great experience was a piece that was done at Digital Kitchen for the 100th anniversary for L.L.Bean, where we were tasked with coming up with an ode to the legacy of the company using just about 100 years of material including magazine covers, paintings, old footage, commercials, internal stuff, design type, and customer material. It was a great test to create something cohesive from so many different mediums, and combine a lot of different talents that might not regularly get to work together.

"Another project that was great was a recent one I was lead animator on was for a new program for UNICEF called Enterprise. It is intended to make philanthropy easier for larger companies and entities and was a great way to use a colorful piece to tell a positive message. Some other clients I've worked for include The Autism Network, Burger King, Pillsbury, Microsoft, Intel, NBC, Les Schwab, The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, Comcast, Xbox and Dodge."

CA: What work are you most proud of?

JS: "Some of the work I'm most proud of is stuff that's either been experiments to teach myself a new technique or approach and smaller illustrative pieces. I've done a few this past year that turned out really fun! I'm really finding a place within the 2D illustrative/vector style of animation. There are just so many uses and ways to experiment while creating great playful stories."

CA: What inspires you?

JS: "I have a thing for street art, which if you've ever been around me when I know there is something close by I can get into bloodhound mode to try and find it.

"I've recently moved to New York so there are lots of opportunities here to chase down pieces that I've read about or seen others posting on. I really like Banksy and have yet to see one in person but I am constantly on the look out and have a few sources I check in with to see if he's returned to New York.

"I have a Banksy canvas print in my living room of a cute older mother in an apron helping her anarchy supporting son tie up his bandana and give him a packed lunch. I also really like Invader and have seen four or five in my life, always looking for more.

"The big one for me is Shepard Fairey, I've got a few signed prints, books, and a piece of a wall posting he did that I came across in Seattle. I'm a bit of an Obey clothing whore, which is the line of clothing he has.

CA: What kind of projects would you like to work on next?

JS: "I am always looking for projeocts that are lending a hand to a greater cause, things that are bigger than the work itself but allow me to contribute in a small way. If this happens to be in the 2D style that I'm jamming on then even better!"

CA: What are your hobbies / what do you like to do in your spare time?

JS: "Like I mentioned before I really like street art. I am a real softy for dogs, I have been planning on getting one for a few years now and just waiting for the right place to have one, as I want a pitbull mastiff so they need enough space to be a dog, you know?

"I love the art of tattooing and am fairly covered so I'm always looking for more when my wallet can spare it." I have a few TV shows that I am quite into including The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, and Gold Rush on Discovery.

"Finally, when I am able I love play hockey. I'm a Canadian at heart so hockey is in my blood. The Vancouver Canucks are my team."

You can see more of Jordan Scott's work on his website.

Would you like to be featured in My Design Life? Write in and let us know at the usual address...