Your 3FO All-Star: Meet Hector
December 16, 2024
written by
Mari Aipa
Say hey to Hector, our Motion Graphic Designer who thrives on creativity, collaboration, and a killer sync between visuals and vibes. From jamming on the guitar to orchestrating seamless designs in motion, Hector brings that all-in energy to everything he touches. We sat down to ask him about his passions, his journey to 300FeetOut, and what fuels his relentless drive. Let’s dig in.
- Tell us a bit about yourself. What are your passions outside of work?
I’ve always been passionate about music, and I’ve noticed that many people in my field share a similar interest. While we’re used to expressing our creativity visually, there’s something powerful about channeling emotions through sound. I play the guitar and keyboard, and years ago I played the trumpet. My appreciation for music blossomed when I saw a jazz band perform at The Green Mill in Chicago. Watching a group of musicians on stage, perfectly in sync and almost reading each other’s minds without a word—it’s fun to see/listen.
- What led you to join 300FeetOut?
I’ve worked in midsize to large companies, but I often felt like just another cog in the wheel. While I encourage young designers to experience different company sizes to find their fit, those larger environments never felt right for me. I missed being part of a small but mighty team.
I thrive on the energy and enthusiasm of close-knit groups, which is often more prevalent in smaller companies. So when I saw that 300FeetOut was hiring a Motion Graphic Designer, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. I believe our team is robust and capable of tackling anything our clients throw at us. Plus, being part of a smaller team makes it easier to remember everyone’s name. (I’m kidding)
- Can you describe your role and what you love most about it?
My background is rooted in graphic design. For the first half of my career, I focused solely on traditional design mediums. Over time, as more clients requested motion design, I began developing those skills. I hated saying no to opportunities, so I dove in and honed my abilities over the years. Strong visual design combines graphic design principles to communicate effectively, and motion design enhances storytelling by adding another layer of engagement.
In my role, I wear both hats: I create clear, visually compelling designs and then animating them to make them dynamic and impactful. I love collaborating with my peers, challenging myself to bring their ideas to life through motion.
- How do you collaborate with other team members to ensure client success?
Having trust in your peers and being able to riff on ideas on the fly is something I enjoy when working with a team. Sometimes I’ll have a half-baked idea or experience designer’s block, and having a fresh pair of eyes look at it and move or delete things brings the idea closer to completion. I sometimes get overwhelmed with variety, so it’s best to show ideas to my peers to mold and form them into something even better than I initially thought of.
- What have you learned or how have you grown since joining 300FeetOut?
I’ve been thrown into the deep end of UX/UI design, where I’ve had to take the principles and knowledge I’ve built over the years and apply them in a completely new environment. I believe everyone encounters situations like this in their career, where you can either sink or swim. Personally, I embrace diving into unfamiliar territory because I consider myself a problem-solver.
I’ve experienced many “aha” moments along the way—like understanding why a particular component was designed a certain way or realizing how I can use my limited coding background to enhance collaboration. My goal is to become a stronger liaison between designers and developers, fostering better communication and effective teamwork.
Whether he’s strumming chords or animating pixels, Hector brings clarity, rhythm, and a collaborative spirit that defines our culture here at 300FeetOut. He proves that diving headfirst into challenges—whether it’s motion design or mastering UX/UI—is where growth happens. We’re all about daring a lot, and Hector? He’s the kind of teammate who makes sure we never stop pushing the limits.