Hey everybody-
My name is Cody and I’m a 2D and 3D motion graphics designer here in Denver. I moved here back in October for the mountains, the music, and of course- the motion graphics. While a lot of people might not list Denver as a top city known for its creative workforce, I came here in hopes of finding like-minded people to work, create, and develop relationships with.
I dove headfirst into Colorado, moving here with only what could fit into my compact sedan. I arrived to a lavish living situation set up for myself- a month-long stay on an air mattress, in a basement AirBNB with a peculiar smell in sunny Northglenn.
Upon arrival, I got to work networking, animating, and working odd jobs. I found my best connections were made through mild bribes- often in the form of baked goods. So I began mass-producing chocolate chip cookies and delivering them in boxes I branded as ‘Mograph Munchies.’
That’s where my story intersects with One Floor Up. I first brought a box of my deal-sweetening cookies to OFU back in December, where I met Robyn- who warned me her team was away on a shoot, and if I left the cookies with her they might not be shared. On my second trip to the studio, I met Rachel, Andrew, Daniel, and Alex, hard at work but friendly enough to talk to their neighborhood cookie-wielding freelancer.
A few weeks later, I was called in to help out on some extra projects. I was only supposed to be in the studio for a few days, but my contract was extended for 8 weeks. I was sad to leave when my tenure was over, but in early April they asked me to be a permanent part of their team.
And that’s where I get to the kicker- In the midst of an unprecedented pandemic and a parallel recession, I got a job working with people I love. Now each week I get the opportunity to work alongside wildly talented animators and editors under the direction of the best producers and business managers a designer could ask for, on an exciting variety of projects. Coupled with the talent and optimism and unyielding perseverance of this group of people, I get to work with individuals I genuinely enjoy spending time with. I don’t know how I can get much luckier than that.
So here’s to hoping the world returns to normal (with a touch of extraordinary). Here’s to good coworkers keeping us sane. Here’s to challenging projects keeping us sharp. And here’s to chocolate chip cookies.
Hope to see you all out there.
Cody