Set change in motion | Alex J. | Motion Designer

A Motion Designer has the ability to change the status of things: from static to motion. Alex is adding another layer to that, by building change through his work. His mission is to spark disruption through sustainable innovation. He loves to empower for-profits, nonprofits, and social enterprises alike with the most effective, integrity-driven video marketing for a more synergistic, healthy, and diverse planet for all.

As a member of our community, we had the chance to ask him some questions about his work and vision.

I specialize in the intersection of Sustainability and Motion Design. This involves crafting animated videos for ethical, sustainable brands and nonprofits to help them market, fundraise, or educate their audience.

After working full-time as the Creative Director of a nonprofit for several years. I had the opportunity to move to Nashville, TN, where my wife was starting a company. That gave me the runway to go out on my own. While we have moved locations since, I haven't looked back from the freelance life for almost 5 years now and have no plans to go back to full-time.

I really enjoy the variety that comes with freelancing. It gives me the opportunity to meet so many more folks who are doing such inspiring things in the world who I never would have met otherwise. That fuels me to keep doing the work that I love. 

I don't know if I could do anything else. But I would probably try and work for 1% for the Planet or look into working for Pixar or Disney. 

My professional goals are to continue doubling my revenue each year while maintaining a 100% Ethical Sustainable Client Base. Underneath that goal, is that the more revenue I'm making, the more opportunity I am building for my clients to make far greater impact on the world. This increased revenue will allow me to provide a living for other artists who are passionate about the planet and its people. I want to make impact profitable is how I've been saying this lately since it's a Win-Win-Win.

Another big goal is to become a B-corp as a business.   

Personally, I would like to obtain my Sustainable Excellence Associate credential from the International Society of Sustainable Professionals, within the next 6 months. I would also like to get out on the slopes a bit more this season (skiing and snowboarding) and get back into music more.  

The world is primed for disruption and I want to play my part in sparking it. I feel I am best equipped to do this by empowering truly sustainable and regenerative companies. I love to increase their presence in the world by helping them market, fundraise, and educate through video. We are also a member of 1% for the Planet, I feel we are contributing to a better world, by giving back financially to the largely underfunded environmental nonprofits. 

Outside of that, I am currently mentoring refugees and asylees through a beautiful organization called MENTEE. I also volunteer as an Animation Mentor & Creative Director at ClimateScience. As well as co-lead Climate Designers Midwest and am an active member of the Climate Reality Leadership Core.

B Lab is one of my favorite organizations. Since it brings together both my passion for entrepreneurship and making a positive impact. I think they're doing a tremendous job at unifying those in the business sector who are also passionate about using their business for good and providing consumers a trustworthy seal to look out for in their daily lives. I know Work for Impact just achieved full B Corps certification (Congrats!) and I hope to join you in that shortly!

If you want to learn more and you need support from a motion designer, connect with Alex at Work for Impact. If you want to share your story as a freelancer, you can reach us at community@workforimpact.com.

Read more stories from WFI Freelancers here.