Joshua Lundquist
3D Artist / Editor / Composer
Los Angeles, CA / Venice, CA
joshuaslundquist.com
instagram @_joshlundquist
Q What do you do?
“I create weird / fun / cool / engaging experiences, usually in video, combined with 2D animated graphics and/or 3D characters / environments.”
And then I compose music & do sound effects for said videos.
I like to handle all the parts of a video and wrap it up in a nice content pita and never leave out the tzatziki, that’s key.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I studied art in college, dove deep into artists from past to present, and as a result every week had a new work done in a new style. I moved to Japan and ended up there for 8 years, where I learned life skills, how to be on time, active listening and software stuff like Ableton Live, Adobe Premiere, After Effects, Illustrator & Photoshop.
After I moved back to the states I got work in advertising, which allowed me to use all these skills and talents for clients like Nike, Apple TV+, EA, LA Dodgers & Hulu, among others.
After 7 years of that I’m now freelance.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I’m a swiss army knife when it comes to production & digital, but what I bring to the table is caring about what people want to make happen. It sounds simple but caring is key. We can make fluff or we can make art.
I love to know the motivation behind the idea. I back this up with experience directing, editing, doing motion graphics & 3D, as well as sound design & music.
Even AI / AR / VR, It’s all the same to me in that it all serves an idea.
Q What are you working on right now?
Worked on a few projects lately that include a brand-level 360 video for 3M, a 3D animated caricature for Hulu and original music for a FIFA campaign for Electronic Arts.
..Also a promo animation for a record on a vinyl label I run with a friend.
..And I made a 3D avatar for the music alter ego I have on Twitch.
Q What’s your style?
While I would say I have no single visual style, I think I have a vibe. Everything I’ve done has a soulful, playful, nostalgic aesthetic.
I directed the LA Dodgers in a virtual dugout, staged an iguana’s birthday party for Facebook Stories, an ‘80s Whitney-esque disco music video for Nike, an ESL music video for Amazon Prime TV’s Sound of Metal and a throwback public access TV studio for weed brand Harvest. Among other things.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I want to focus more on making immersive, interactive stuff in 3D/VR/XR. Also wish I could do some more directing.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Trying to find those special niche clients who want to do future-y / fun / weird stuff. Fortunately, those clients are starting to show themselves more and more since going freelance. The task at the bottom of the to do list is going out and finding new agencies / clients.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Doing random non-work related stuff that distracts me on any given day. Maybe randomly call me for some idle chatter, as I seem to get a lot of tedious stuff done while idly listening to someone talk. It's just a thing about me.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would’ve told myself to pursue a career in advertising earlier, like when I was living in Tokyo. In the ad world you meet tons of great people and there’s nothing better than making great work with friends.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would talk to Code Miko or Citizen MetaOne, learn their secrets for 3D avatars / XR / virtual production and be friends and nerds together.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
While I can do any post-production stuff under the sun, I’m looking more for opportunities to create some forward thinking, immersive experiences with people. People tend to hit me up for those kinds of projects.
I'm looking to take what I know from advertising and create work for people who want to expand into more new areas. From experiential VR stuff to 3D avatars to interactive music videos. A video game, even…
I also want to collaborate on a variety show for Twitch.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
You, the ideal client, are one who values my take on things bc you want to collaborate, and are willing to let down your guard.
You value what good work is worth of course, and fight for that on your side.
You want to make good work and have fun doing it.
*An ideal past work experience I had recently was doing weekly long-form live streams for the Nike SNKRS app last year with the Blondie Beach House crew.
Q What is your rate?
I try to figure out a fair project price when possible, but ok with whatever makes sense for the scope of work.
Otherwise, my day rate is $800 - $1k, depending on how many things I’m actually doing for you (just 3D or 3D + animation / video + sound / music =-) either way).
*I do longer contracts for a reduced rate
**I do custom 3D avatars for $2k (can also animate them)
***For $3k I’ll make custom music for your project
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Send me a deck / storyboard / reference of what you want to do.
If you don't know exactly what you want to achieve, I can help iterate / concept / visualize ideas in those early stages.
Aim for the sky and then we can always cull back. Knowing the scope of work ensures everyone is happy, of course.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Lauren Fisher
Josh Clancey
Kristin Wellmer
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Day Trips / the beach /Good conversations
This member profile was originally published in October 2022.