Designer Interview
10 questions
Ben & Anvil is a Creative Post Production studio, specialising in Visual Effects, Motion Graphics, Animation and VFX Consultancy. It was set up in 2015 by husband and wife team, Daniel & Ailbhe Cantwell.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Ben & Anvil is a Creative Post Production studio, specialising in Visual Effects, Motion Graphics, Animation and VFX Consultancy. It was set up in 2015 by husband and wife team, Daniel & Ailbhe Cantwell. The team have many years' experience in the animation and visual effects industry. The studio has helped national and international clients to visualise their ideas, whether it is a corporate logo animation, a special effects shot or an explainer video. Daniel's background in design has given the new business an edge in the market, contributing to their recent spate of design and animation awards.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
All motion projects excite me, from animation to special effects shots for the film and tv industry.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I love to work with Autodesk's Maya software for 3D modelling and Adobe's After Effects for compositing and effects. With those two programmes I can do just about anything.
What makes a design successful?
Balance and simplicity. It is as much about what you leave out as what you put in.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
Another of our animation projects, The Story of Gin, has been selected for the Global Irish Design Challenge Exhibition in Dublin, in collaboration with ID2015. The animation will be screened all through summer 2016 at the exhibition in Dublin Castle.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
I live in Dublin, and it felt right to set up my business there. Ireland is starting to take design seriously, and there are some great studios and design works being created here at the moment.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Stay true to your vision and do work that feels right for you. Your best work will come from within, not from outside influences.
What skills are most important for a designer?
A good eye for balance in both composition and palette.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
The Adobe Creative suite, and Autodesk's Maya. Astropad for the iPad to use the desktop versions of Adobe, and an Adonit Jot stylus. Sometimes just a pencil and paper.
How can people contact you?
Drop me an email to info@benandanvil.com
