We were lucky to catch up with Abel Zhang recently and have shared our conversation below.
Abel, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Growing up in China, I was instilled with a strong sense of responsibility from an early age. Chinese culture places great emphasis on values such as diligence, discipline, and hard work. These cultural influences have played a pivotal role in shaping my work ethic, driving me to be dedicated, reliable, and persistent in my professional pursuits.
In the advertising industry, where close collaboration with clients and agencies is paramount, a commitment to exceeding expectations and ensuring client satisfaction further reinforces my strong work ethic. Building long-term relationships and going the extra mile to meet their needs are key priorities for me.
While external pressures certainly exist, it is my genuine passion for creativity that truly fuels my motivation and unwavering dedication to achieving outstanding results. It is one thing to simply complete a job, but it is far more challenging—and rewarding—to strive for perfection. An illustrative example of this dedication can be seen in my involvement with the Nebraska Capitol Art Experience – The Story of Nebraska project. Despite being given ample creative freedom and relatively straightforward requirements by the clients, our team invested countless hours, including some late nights, in refining the motion and enhancing the creative and visual storytelling elements. The clients were elated with the final outcome, so much so that they showcased the motion during the press release event with Governor Pete Ricketts and First Lady Susanne Shore of Nebraska. This positive feedback affirmed the value of our diligent efforts.
The recognition and rewards that come from witnessing the fruits of my hard work and strong work ethic serve as significant motivators, propelling me forward to strive for even greater achievements.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Over the course of my career, spanning more than five enriching years, I’ve had the privilege of wearing different hats as a multidisciplinary designer. I began my journey in a traditional agency, where I immersed myself in the world of print ads. Designing booklets and posters for clients such as 3M, Diageo, and Schneider allowed me to hone my skills and uncover the potential of motion graphic design within our industry. It was a pivotal moment that sparked a desire for a more dynamic path in my creative journey.
As I ventured into the realm of motion design, an exciting opportunity came knocking on my door. I had the honor of collaborating with Nebraska Impact and the Governor of Nebraska, Pete Ricketts, along with the first lady, to embark on a project that aimed to bring the captivating artworks of the Capitol to life for all Nebraskans. Through the project titled “In Our Bones – The Story of Nebraska’s Heritage,” we breathed new life into the stunning artwork adorning the Capitol building, harnessing the power of motion design to showcase its beauty and significance.
And now, as the Senior Motion Designer at Comcast, I find myself standing at a monumental milestone in my career. In this role, I have the incredible opportunity to amplify the voices of the forgotten and shed light on those who have endured unique situations. One recent project that holds a special place in my heart is the celebration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Day at Comcast. Through this initiative, we had the privilege of casting the spotlight on individuals who have unique stories to tell, allowing their voices to be heard and their experiences to resonate with audiences far and wide.
With each new project, I’m reminded of the power of design to create meaningful connections and provoke change. It’s a constant source of inspiration and a driving force behind my commitment to using my creative skills to champion important causes and shed light on the human experience.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Certainly, to excel as a multidisciplinary designer and as an individual, there are numerous aspects to consider. However, I agree that three fundamental elements have shaped my career and personal life.
The art of storytelling is crucial for me, as it allows me to captivate audiences, evoke emotions, and effectively convey messages. By crafting compelling narratives, I create engaging and memorable experiences that make our work impactful and resonate deeply with viewers. While proficiency in the necessary software and design tools also is essential. Being adept at industry-standard software like Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, or others empowers motion designers to bring their creative visions to life and are valuable skills for creating polished and professional motion designs. Lastly, strong collaboration and communication skills are inescapable as designers frequently collaborate with teams, clients, and stakeholders. Strong interpersonal skills and effective communication are essential for understanding project requirements, translating feedback into design iterations, and collaborating seamlessly. The ability to articulate ideas, provide and receive constructive feedback, and adapt to project goals and constraints is vital for delivering successful design projects.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
Ideal clients for me are those who have trust in my expertise and professionalism. When clients respect and trust my abilities, they acknowledge the value of my experience and allow me to apply my professional judgment. This trust enables me to create designs that are more effective and impactful. Moreover, the freedom that comes from trust empowers me to push boundaries and deliver exceptional work. By fostering open dialogue and maintaining a mutual respect, clients and I can better understand the project goals and collaborate effectively to solve any challenges that arise. This creates a smoother and more successful working relationship. Ultimately, the client-designer relationship is a partnership built on respect and trust. When clients value my expertise, respect my creative process, and trust my professional judgment, we establish a positive working dynamic that leads to outstanding design outcomes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abelzhang.co/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abelzhangdesign/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkCYwfzBl64
