by Colleen Miller
For its annual conference this past weekend, CoMotion prepared a full docket of events marking its tenth anniversary. Hosting over forty companies, this student-run motion graphics conference included panels, a student showcase, speakers and portfolio reviews. These events were hosted across the city of Savannah in the SCAD Museum Theater, Arnold Hall, HITCH and the Alida Hotel. The goal of the conference was to provide students in the motion media program with insight from industry leaders, offer showcase opportunities and inspire future designs.
In addition to panels about production value, overcoming adversity and diversity, CoMotion introduced Orion Tate. Tate is the co-founder of Buck production company and this year’s keynote speaker. What began with a simple reply to a Craigslist advertisement has grown into a respected company with locations in Los Angeles, New York and Sydney, Australia. Buck’s portfolio of work now boasts clients such as Facebook, IBM, Apple, David Blaine and more. Tate shared his insight as to how their company approaches stories and projects.
Tate spoke of the collaborative atmosphere surrounding each assignment at Buck. A single moment of animation requires the joint effort of multiple designers. “Going out of your way to help others succeed, that’s really the secret to good work,” Tate said. For practical tips when working in the industry, Tate also imparted philosophical musings about art and storytelling. Why do we love stories? “Essentially, we are pattern seekers,” Tate said. “Stories are
As for art, Tate believes it is an important part of the storytelling process. “What happens when our brains can’t make sense of something like pain or sickness or love or a psychedelic experience or magic?” Tate asked. “I think this is where it gets more interesting. This is where art comes in. I think art is meant to be an intensified form of experience.”
As he addressed the audience, Tate stressed the effort necessary to become a great designer. “To get where you want to go isn’t about brilliance, but it’s about continual effort,” Tate said. “There is a huge gap between a great idea and the realization, and work is the only way that we bridge that gap.”
Tate left the crowd with a final note, “Where you all decide to put your energy decides, ultimately, what you can accomplish.”
