Keely O'Connor

Founder of Prosperitas Studio

Phoenix, AZ

prosperitasagency.com
vimeo

 

Q What do you do?

We create powerful and emotionally engaging animated videos for change-makers, innovators and pioneers who make our world a better place.

This includes brand videos, explainer videos and ads for world-changing technology, social impact organizations and more.

"We impact larger audiences and solve the world’s troubles,

And along the way, your joy and prosperity doubles.

We’ll share your mission in a way that’s compelling

Bada bing bada boom - it’s called storytelling."

Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?

It all started with the Japanese term "ikigai", which translates to "reason for being." I asked myself, "What am I good at? What do I love? What does the world need? What can I be paid for?"

I've always loved short-form writing and storytelling, be they short stories, poems or even free-styling. I love them because that means total freedom, no limits and no filter. It's the same with animation. Walt Disney once said animation can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive. To be able to dream up something abstract and downright impossible IRL, and manifest it on screen for viewers fills my soul!

But it's not just about what drives me. Animation is an impactful, superior form of communication that the world needs.

And so be it, Prosperitas was born. In 2020, I took the leap and started this experiment and side hustle. A few months later, I was able to quit my job and focus full time on my dream, purposeful, aligned career.

Q How do you stand out in your field?

There is a huge gap in the industry. It's filled with templates, stock images and overall poor quality productions. But there are also some amazing studios, on the front-page of Google, for example. Those cost you an arm and a leg. $20k for 60 seconds is not possible for all.

That's where we come in. We are a small, hands-on team who does the same completely custom, high quality work for less than half the price of the big dogs. At Prosperitas, your goals are our goals. It's our life purpose and passion to use our creative gifts to tell your story. You'll feel the difference.

Q What are you working on right now?

Our current projects consist of: tech explainer videos, social media videos for Pfizer that promote diversity, education and women's empowerment, a fast-paced ad for an Amazon automation company, a cyberpunk style video for local UX agency and a comedic short for the non-stereotypical IT company.

And personally, I am taking an intro to acting class and comedy intensive. I'm also taking Spanish lessons and next up, I want to learn the melodica. She loves to learn and create 🙊

Q What’s your style?

That's what's cool about us. We don't just design what we want to design. We do what's best for the desired outcome and take a fresh approach for each project. Check out the variety of our work here and see how no 2 videos are the same: https://www.prosperitasagency.com/portfolio

Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?

We want to work with even more companies that are solving the world's most pressing challenges. But we'd also love to get involved in the music video space.

Q What is frustrating you right now?

I'm sure my answer is similar to a lot of fellow creatives. Prospecting! I just want to create and be in flow mode. So thank you ilovecreatives for making it easier on us 😎

Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?

Get in touch with my ideal, future clients!

 

Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?

I would have told my 8 to 18 year old self that it's okay to pursue writing, art or a creative field. That I am smart and unique and don't need to do what society tells me to do. In fact, if I do the opposite and listen to my heart, I'll thrive.

 

Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?

Scaling a service-based business

Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?

Any and all things animated! Extra points if you are cool with us thinking outside the box.

Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.

Similar to the above question, we love it (although not required) when clients let us be free to explore. Our client, Vacante, a share-economy app in Switzerland totally let us do our thing. We opted for bright colors, a unique illustration style and lots of dancing. One could imagine, a park-sharing app video might not always be so fun.

Check out how it turned out here: https://www.prosperitasagency.com/project/parking-vacante

Q What is your rate?

High quality, custom animation is very impactful, but also time-consuming. We charge a flat fee for all projects and price it out based on the complexity and duration. Since we are in complete control of the design, we can simplify the style (while maintaining quality of course) for a lower budget or make it jaw-dropping for a bit more coin.

Q How should someone approach you about working together?

Shoot me a direct email to keely@prosperitasagency.com and we'll set up a time to chat. Bonus points for adding an Austin Power GIF

 
 

Q Who is a creative you admire?

Cool chick Annie Cate Sheedy! She's the best blend of funky, funny and chic. This makes for a good designer. Check out her work here: anniecate.com

*She even won Best Personality in high school

Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?

Whether it's free-styling or crochet, I feel much better in my day, if I make sure to explore and play.


This member profile was originally published in August 2022.