Your opening question comes from Callum, who seems to be going through another Pokémon phase. His question is this: Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle. Who are you picking as your starter and why?

This is a hard question! I’ve always leant more towards the water-type Pokémon starters, but Bulbasaur has my heart on this one. As to why, it simply stems from the fact that I like the look of him and vine whip is a pretty cool move! 

We have a couple of gamers at Squideo, and I think it’s safe to say you’re one of them! I know you’re excited about Pikmin 4 coming out next year. Do you prefer strategy games like Pikmin, or do you play a variety of games? Got any recommendations? 

I love open-world games mostly, can’t beat running around and exploring an unknown world! But in general, I do play a wide variety of games from Slime Rancher to Elder Scrolls. Recommendation wise, I love this little indie game called Keywe. It’s a puzzle-platform two-player game where you and your friend are a pair of Kiwis working in a post office. It’s a lot of fun!

Unsurprisingly, a lot of our Video Producers are incredibly creative people. Since you were responsible for Squideo’s posts for Artfight 2022, I know you’re pretty involved in the online art and graphic design scene. Did you submit anything for Artfight (if so, were you Team Bloom or Team Wither)? 

I’ve been a part of the online art community for a while and have participated in a few Artfights over the years. This year I was Team Wither! Here are a few drawings I did for other artists and submitted this year:

Did you always know you wanted to end up in video production, graphic design or some other job within the creative industry? How did you wind up joining the Squid Squad?

I’ve always been a creative person but when I was young I wanted to work with animals. In fact, I went to Bishop Burton College and got a diploma in Animal Care. After I graduated I got a job as a groomer, but I wasn’t enjoying it. My dad, who always supported my art, encouraged me to pursue an art career so I went to Hull College and studied Illustration, which then lead me all the way to Northampton University where I got a BA Hons in Illustration.

After I graduated, I moved back to Hull and was looking for a job when I saw an advert for a Video Producer with Squideo. I looked up the company, did my research – even watched some vlogs from the old studio [Fifty Squid] – and decided to apply. The rest is history!

What is one of your favourite projects that you’ve worked on at Squideo?

My favourite project is Ideiio! I’ve done a few videos from Ideiio, and I always enjoy the art style and character animation I get to produce for them.

Squideo is a small team, but our clients might not know about some of our extra members! Hannah’s already talked about Cody (her loveable Dalmatian). Can you tell us a little about your cats? I love seeing them cameo in our morning meetings!

Of course! I have two cats. (Princess) Peach is a 2-year-old Calico with lots of sass who lays in the goofiest positions. She loves to talk and greets everyone who comes into my house!

My other cat is a ginger tabby called Mango, who is only a 1 year old. He is a very affectionate and shy cat. Mango loves to sleep on my lap while I work and has the loudest purr! 

Getting to work from home must be an advantage for a pet owner. What else do you like about Squideo’s remote office? And is there anything you miss about a traditional office?

I love the remote office! Working from home has so many advantages – from the commute (meaning I never have to worry about being late because of traffic) to the fact I can leave videos to render after work without having to stay at an office late. I joined Squideo while the company was remote (because of the pandemic) so I never got to see the old offices, but I have heard a few stories about them!

There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes, and the biggest mystery for our clients is probably the video production stage. What goes into making a Squideo video?

A lot of thought, creativity, and communication! When creating these videos, we use various different techniques and software. We always get feedback from each other and learn where we can. We are a very collaborative team. 

What’s one of your favourite things about working as a Video Producer? 

One of my favourite things is all the new design and animation techniques I’ve been given the opportunity to learn at Squideo from the other video producers! The field constantly evolves, so we all learn different things then share with each other.

We’ve been able to stay in touch as a team really well (despite working remotely) through regular online meetings and the occasional staff outing. Last time was a trip to the bowling alley; where do you want to go next?

I would love to go to a theme park! Rent a minivan and go to Flamingo Land just like you would in secondary school [laughs].

There’s been some wild ideas of an international Squideo outing. Amsterdam, Disney World, Australia and Iceland are the current contenders. If money was no issue, where would you want to go?

If money wasn’t an issue, I would love to go to Japan! Ben would be the perfect guide after all since he’s been before and knows the language. [I’m sure he’d love to show off.] Definitely!

Finally, it’s your turn to choose a question for the next interviewee. Adam Leveson, another one of our fantastic Video Producers, is up next. Can you think of something good for me to ask?

I know Adam is into gaming as well, so I think this age-old question is best: if you could only play games on one system for the rest of your life which would it be: PC, Xbox, PlayStation or Nintendo console?

Check out our next post to hear from Squideo’s Video Producer, Adam Leveson.