IFCC 3Q Interview // Jan Urschel
1. How did you get started in your field and what advice can you offer enthusiasts and beginners?
I got my start in graphic design back in 2000 and did that in various online and marketing companies throughout the years. After attending an industrial design school I was able to change industries and was hired by the now defunct LucasArts studio. One advice that is given to a lot of students is “you have to work hard”. The problem is, everyone works hard. You also have to work smart – meaning, think about what you need to work on, focus, organize, learn about time management etc. It will greatly speed up your learning process.
2. What was your favorite project so far and why?
Rather than a favorite project I have favorite people I worked with. Projects are quickly forgotten but the relationships you build last for a long time. I remember a commercial I was working on. Again the project was mediocre at best but I was able to meet Emmanuel Shiu who is one of the kindest and hard working designers out there and just a really great guy. My favorite art director/production designer I worked for so far is definitely Doug Chiang. He has a great eye for design. He asks for a lot but he’s fair and just about the nicest guy you can imagine.
3. How will you be involved in IFCC 2015 and what do you expect from the festival?
I will be a guest speaker at IFCC 2015. Mainly I hope that the festival establishes itself as one of the go-to events in Europe for the entertainment industry connecting professionals with students/beginners and other professionals as well. Transfer of knowledge is the key for these events so I hope everyone makes this their biggest goal and talk about a wide variety of aspects that touch on the life of professional designers in the 21st century.