Patrick Flaherty
Patrick Flaherty
Director, Producer, Animator & Collaborator
Seattle, WA
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a video media specialist with an interest in creating the most compelling content possible. ”
For over 10 years, I’ve been helping businesses and individuals push the boundaries of visual communication. I specialize in video production, motion graphics, and really love collaborating on anything video related.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I started making videos when I was in high school and I never seemed to have stopped. In fact, I first started animating with After Effects in 1998 and since then I've been a bit hooked.
Right out of college I oversaw the production of 12 TV episodes, before landing a job as a Video Producer for an eye care company in Texas. I worked there for 5 1/2 years where I would oversee 300 - 500 video projects a year.
A little less than 3 years ago, my wife was offered a job in Seattle and because of this I quit my job and began freelancing. I bounced around a few agencies before eventually landing at Microsoft where I worked as a contract Motion Graphics Designer and Editor. Eventually, I was hired to replace my boss who moved to another team. And the past year I was working as the Post-production Supervisor for the Microsoft Brand Studio where I oversaw 4 contractors.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a restructure within the company, our studio was disassembled, and my position was eliminated. It's because of this that I'm now back out in the freelance field.
How do you stand out in your field?
One could argue that I'm a motion designer or an editor, but I firmly believe that I am a video generalist. I've worn all the hats, from project management, studio lighting, camera operating, live-event editing, interviews, post-production sound mixing, motion graphics, producer and so so much more. Really, I've really done it all.
For most of the in-house jobs I've worked we really never had the opportunity to say 'no' to any job, and thus I've had to figure out how we would make a video come together. So I guess that's why I stand out. I can think on my feet, and in most cases, I've probably made a similar video at some time or another.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I just finished working on updating my reel and now I'm transitioning back to working on some 3D passion projects in Cinema 4D. I've been considering making some dynamic videos that automatically render themselves with text and graphics from forms that individuals fill out. More or less I always try to research and find ways to stay on top of current trends, and whenever possible I try to interject that into my work.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I feel like my style and perspective seems to change with the season, but one of my passion projects that I think represents me and my work is the video I did for the International Rescue Committee. This video contains original artwork, animation, and more importantly storytelling. I love telling meaningful stories. You can see that in a lot of my work.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I'd enjoy working on videos and projects that I feel really make a difference for the world or the way that people live. I also enjoy working on projects where I have the creative freedom to try things I've never had the chance to do before.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Like many, it's sometimes hard to push pause and ship a video when you'd love to keep noodling on it. I've spent hours and days working with others to provide direction to get a video in a better spot. I've learned that sometimes you need to just let go and let it happen. It all can't be perfect.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I am the biggest advocate of time management and finding ways to simplify tasks that we do day to day. If I had someone helping me out, then I'd put them to work finding areas where we can streamline the process of which we do things. When we're able to free up our day from the meaningless tasks, that's when the magic happens.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
If I could go back in time I would have told my self a long time ago to just stick with it. Thinking back, it's was never easy to get to where I am today. The advice I would have provided would probably have been around time management and software I should have focused on. Chin up, and push through it.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I'd love to learn more about the design process from some of the greatest artists. I find it interesting how someone breaks down a problem and how they arrived at their eventual masterpiece. I feel that most art is that way. It looks amazing at first glance, but when you look into it further and understand how they arrived at their finished piece, it begins to take on a new form.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Right now I'm interested in anything video related. I'd be really interested to help out with something that is for a good cause and where I have the room to creatively explore a subject.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Ideally, it would be something like I've listed above. I'd love to work with a team of designers and animators on a project that allows us to creatively run wild.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
If you're interested in partnering with me to help tell your story, please reach out via email.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Never stop creating.
This member profile was originally published in August 2020.