Stefan Falconer, Creative Director at Golden Wolf
Could you walk me through a typical day in your role?
My day usually begins with a reluctant dog walk whilst catching up with emails/slack on my phone, and then heading to the nearest coffee shop before I can even think about properly starting my day (General Store Peckham always hits the spot).
My day’s then broken up into a few different chunks. On a studio day, I’ll spend the first chunk of the day being distracted by the studio dogs (there’s at least 2 at any given moment) and catching up with the team. It’s an unspoken rule that the first hour or so in the studio isn’t for working…
What was your early career like?
My early career was a lot more illustrative. I started my career as a design intern for studio Ilovedust, so was heavily influenced by graphic design and illustration. I began experimenting with animation and motion graphics, and found a lot more satisfaction and excitement in that area. Over time my interest in this area grew and I became more confident and curious, exploring new motion graphics techniques and developing my style. I eventually made the step fully into motion design, and following that moved into creative leadership and direction.
Tell me about a tricky work-related challenge and how you approached it
Inopportune client feedback is probably the most prevalent work-related challenge I face as a creative lead. But it’s always important to maintain a level head and remain impartial, for the sake of the client and the team. There’s always a solution or a compromise to be made, so it’s really beneficial to be as flexible as possible – some of the best creative solutions can arise out of these moments.
How do you find your ‘voice’ as a creative?
I really value time spent thinking and problem solving. Quiet and calm moments where I can just sit with my ideas and prepare my thoughts. I’ve never been the loudest voice in the room, and hate being the center of attention – it’s really important for me to find creative solutions in my own time and on my own terms. Collaboration is obviously very important, and working with other creatives is key to elevating your ideas, but that can’t happen without being in my own head a little and preparing my own creative perspective.
What sparked your interest in 2D/3D motion graphics?
I’ve always loved how flexible motion graphics can be – it isn’t a rigid process by any means, and there’s endless ways to communicate an idea; there’s no one solution. And that’s what interests me, that freedom and flexibility to create something in your vision that feels bespoke to you.
How inclusive is the design industry in 2024 and what does it need to improve?
There have been improvements, with a lot more increased awareness of diversity and inclusion issues – but there’s still work to do.
Diversity and inclusion have always been priorities for our studio, and I believe it’s essential to maintain a strong focus on these values across the industry. There are still plenty of challenges and barriers – Leadership roles within the industry remain unevenly distributed among different demographics. There needs to be a continued commitment to fostering inclusive design methodologies, and prioritizing inclusive hiring practices to create a more representative industry.
What are your favorite tools?
It changes from week to week depending on what I’m working on – Since I’ve been working on a lot of pitches recently, it’s currently Google Slides… sorry, not the most exciting answer…
What’s your dream project/dream client?
Would love to see our work on the Vegas Sphere – can’t think of a better way to amplify our work!
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Keep exploring, pivoting, and trying new things. You won’t just find one thing you’re good at and stop there, and it doesn’t have to be right the first time – it’s all part of the process, so keep meandering as much as you need to and find satisfaction in the journey.
Conclusion
Stefan Falconer is a creative force to be reckoned with, with a passion for pushing the boundaries of motion graphics and animation. With a background in illustration and a wealth of experience in the industry, he has developed a unique style that blends the irreverent with the intensely dynamic.
FAQs
Q: What is your typical day like?
A: My day is divided into different chunks, with time spent catching up with emails, meeting with the team, and working on projects.
Q: What was your early career like?
A: I started my career as a design intern for studio Ilovedust, and later transitioned into motion design and creative leadership.
Q: How do you approach difficult client feedback?
A: I try to remain impartial and find a solution or compromise that works for both the client and the team.
Q: How do you find your creative voice?
A: I value time spent thinking and problem-solving, and believe that collaboration is key to elevating your ideas.
Q: What sparked your interest in motion graphics?
A: I love the flexibility and freedom of motion graphics, and the ability to communicate ideas in a unique and creative way.
Q: How inclusive is the design industry in 2024?
A: While there have been improvements, there is still work to be done to foster a more representative and inclusive industry.
