Digital Drag Race User Battle: Joe Mason talks!

posted by Michael Brito on February 10, 2009

We launched Digital Drag Race over three months ago; and just when I thought things were winding down; here comes more user battles and this one was beyond awesome. Before we get into the interview with the winner Joe Mason, check out the video and you will see why he prevailed.

 

1. Who are you?  Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a video producer/editor for a nonprofit religious organization. I shoot, edit, and create graphics in order to raise awareness and raise money for our missionaries around the world.

2. How did you get started and what interested you in digital design?

I began creating motion graphics in 1997. I particularly enjoyed creating graphics in After Effects, and giving our videos that extra "spice" that they needed to grab a viewer's attention. From that point, I just started exploring all that could be done through motion graphics, and I'm still learning.

3.  What is your creative process in creating this video?  What was the inspiration?

My process in a competition like this, where speed is involved, is to take the assets and just start experimenting with different ways that I can manipulate them, and at the same time, trying to convey the theme, which was "Power" in my case. I rendered out close to ten compositions, and then took the ones that I liked the best, and pieced them together with the music so that they made sense. It seems a little random, but given the time constraints, this works best for me. Working on a Mac with an Intel processor definitely helped me get this all done in a short amount of time.

4. What other creative endeavors do you enjoy?  What are your influences?

I enjoy shooting video. I enjoy music, and play the drums when I get the chance, but those opportunities are few and far between right now. I would love to work on music videos someday.

5.  What is in the works for now?  Anything you are interested in trying?

Right now I'm just busy shooting and editing, as well as creating the graphic looks for our videos. I'd love to experiment more with camera tracking. I'd love to be able to create a really cool music video someday.


6.  Do you have any links you would like to share?

Here are the links I go to: AE Freemart, Motion Works, Creative Cow.

--END OF INTERVIEW--

A big "thank you" to Joe for answering these questions. Congratulations on the win.

Also, a new user battle just launched, so please go check it out and vote.  You can also subscribe to our feed if you like!