Kevin Gautraud is govt artistic director at Kentucky-based artistic studio OddBeast, which focuses on movement design/animation and manufacturing for client manufacturers and companies globally. OddBeast’s consumer roster consists of Procter & Gamble, Visa, John Frieda, Sazerac, Think about Dragons and extra.
We reached out to Gautraud to speak about his path, how he likes to work, and what conjures up him. Get pleasure from.
What’s a mean day within the lifetime of an OddBeast govt artistic director?
There are 1,000,000 issues that demand consideration and pull you in a number of instructions, however I attempt to concentrate on the principle issues. My days encompass assembly with producers and artists about ongoing initiatives, creating artistic decks for upcoming initiatives and dedicating time to look additional down the highway to verify we’re pushing our creativity in a path that may proceed development and success.
Half Rez
What would shock individuals essentially the most about what falls underneath that title?
I can’t converse to different studios, however since we’re a small, nimble store, all of us put on a whole lot of hats. However at its core, the position is much less about being the “greatest artistic” within the room and extra about being the one who can allow the most effective creativity to occur. Additionally, simply how a lot writing is concerned in being a artistic.
How lengthy have you ever been working in movement design and manufacturing, and in what sort of roles?
In 2010, I landed an internship at a branding agency in Cincinnati, which then transitioned right into a full-time place. I used to be very pumped to have a wage and advantages proper out of faculty. However it wasn’t lengthy earlier than I noticed my movement pursuits had been a lot better aligned with leisure experiences and high-end visuals, so I made a decision to make a transfer in 2011 to work at Lightborne in Cincinnati.
Over the subsequent 9 years, I honed my craft and discovered rather a lot about nice processes, working rapidly at a excessive degree however, extra importantly, what it meant to assume conceptually. Throughout this era, I used to be slowly constructing expertise freelancing and working jobs solo for a wide range of shoppers who discovered my work by way of Vimeo and Behance.
My subsequent transfer was to affix OddBeast (previously Polymath) in 2021 as co-owner and lead 3D animator. This journey has been essentially the most rewarding part of my profession by far; success has been regular and hard-won. Because the crew and firm have grown, my position has advanced. At instances I take the lead on artistic work, and different instances I concentrate on supporting the crew and constructing consumer belief.
Are you able to level to a challenge that has impressed you over rthe years?
So many initiatives have been the catalyst for exploring pursuits and satisfying my very own curiosities. I at all times search for a side of a challenge that offers me an excuse to study one thing new or check out a brand new know-how if it serves the story/communication targets.
One particularly from some time again, and executed by Lightbourne, was the Offf Cincinnati 2016 sequence. I’ve at all times beloved the custom of title sequence design and animation. In fact, the good ones make viewers enthusiastic about what comes subsequent whereas cluing them in to the occasion/present’s themes and ideas Title sequences can tackle so many flavors; it’s actually simply countless.
The place do you discover inspiration now?
I like discovering inspiration by way of Pinterest, previous books, documentaries, file covers. The world is so filled with curiosity; you simply must open your eyes.
What are your favourite and least favourite components of the job?My favourite a part of the job is the early levels of a challenge, after we get to discover concepts, artistic ideas, kinds and methods after which begin creating and experimenting.
My least favourite is coping with any notes which have international implication late in a challenge. It’s as much as our crew to information shoppers by way of a wholesome design and overview course of. Irrespective of how well-prepared and detail-focused one is, there’ll inevitably come a time when one thing wants to vary on the final minute. It’s simply a part of the job… and a great likelihood to follow a spirit of gratitude and serving to.
What are the latest initiatives you’re most enthusiastic about?
On the time of this writing, we had been simply wrapping up the opening animation for Half Rez 2025. Impressed by the uncertainties and anxieties not solely within the motion-design subject however globally, we handled the challenge as a chance to precise the straightforward concept of what it’d seem like if life began over. We experimented with unusual however acquainted landscapes, illuminating and revealing them with vibrant gentle projecting animated patterns that construct in complexity and vitality. We had been impressed by the brand new branding for the Half Rez occasion.
Half Rez
The ensuing movie brief takes the viewer on an ever-climbing story till we arrive at a climactic second. We wished to make certain we had been giving the viewers an expertise that may elevate and encourage them, as this animation kicks off the entire convention. We had the privilege of working with the good composer Bent Stamnes, whose music gave us a basis to work towards.
What’s one large development taking place — or on the verge of taking place — in your subject? And the way do you are feeling about it?
It’s malpractice to say something apart from AI workflows are infiltrating all facets of the artistic course of. I’m like most individuals: It’s thrilling to consider accelerating mundane duties and growing the standard of our product, however then again, the speed of change appears so quick that it genuinely appears like there received’t be sufficient time to adapt.
How do you prefer to work with shoppers? Any greatest practices you’ll be able to share?
It’s important to start every challenge with an angle of collaboration and understanding. They’re the specialists on what they need to talk, and we’re the specialists on how greatest to speak visually. I believe upfront discovery and asking numerous questions are so necessary. We discover that typically there are hidden assumptions or unquestioned premises that want somewhat extra inspection so as to discover the core drawback we have to resolve.
Title some know-how you’ll be able to’t stay with out.
Dropbox, PureRef and a strong PC.
In the event you didn’t have this profession, what would you be doing as a substitute?
I like constructing issues usually and making what’s round me practical and delightful.
What’s your favourite solution to de-stress?
When it’s chilly out, I like taking my children snowboarding. It’s a kind of duties the place a move state of being fully absorbed retains you secure. In case your thoughts is engulfed in moments exterior of the one in entrance of you, you then may eat it.
Additionally, listening to nice music that displays my temper has a method of taking me out of that temper and right into a extra balanced place.
Any suggestions for creatives who’re simply beginning out?
Chase what’s authentically you, regardless of how unusual or area of interest it may appear. You’ll be able to solely maintain doing this kind of work if the work provides you life and vitality.
