Sweet FA 2020 Winner: Hashmukh Kerai

Hashmukh suffered with anxiety during the lockdown, so decided to make a mini-series on how to manage your mental health and self-isolation during this time.

The calming series helped people stop thinking about the virus and take a step back from the crazy times they were all going through.

More details of the series can be found here: https://www.hashmukh.com/breathe

We met with Hash to see how he feels about being a Sweet FA 2020 winner and to learn a little more about him.

How does it feel to be a Sweet FA 2020 winner?

I am over the moon with the win, I didn’t expect to be a finalist let alone a winner. Overall I am most happy to have been able to shine a light on the project and the win will only give it more reach to help others.

Why did you create the calming series?

Knowing, unfortunately, there was a limited amount of help I could offer during COVID/lockdown, I thought the best thing to do was to use my talents as an artist to spread awareness for peoples mental health during the difficult times.

Let's learn some more about you:

What do you do?

I am a Motion Graphic Designer and 3D Illustrator. Working as a freelancer I work with agencies and studios, helping them breath life into their campaigns and designs using animation.

How did you become a Motion Graphic Designer?

I was really into Final Cut back in the early days when I used to study Film at college. I came across After Effects and was blown away by how I could level up from my editing skills and turn them into learning how to animate. I went to study Motion Graphics then at university but I really learnt the core of motion and animation using the internet and youtube tutorials.

Hash is one of those rare freelancers who can not only produce outstanding creative work but also knows how to provide an excellent service. His motion graphic work is outstanding and he continues to push and developed his skills too. Highly recommended.
emma@myww.co.uk, Founder & Creative Director MAKE YOUR WORDS WORK™

How long have you been freelancing?

I've been freelancing since 2013, so about 8 years now.

Why did you decide to go freelance?

I kind of fell into it. I was spotted at my University design degree show and a week after leaving, I was freelancing at a studio. I have never looked back since and have been bouncing around the industry all this time.

What's the best thing about freelancing?

The freedom is the best thing, I think knowing I can work with whoever I want is the best feeling. Also in general, being in charge of my own career and what I do next, what I want to explore and learn more of, is super important to me and my personal growth.

What's the hardest thing about freelancing?

The hardest thing is the hustle and loneliness of it. The hustle of finding your next client, doing your own accounts, having to push yourself because you have no manager or boss is tough at times. Also not working with a team all the time can be lonely, so I do really treasure the relationships I create with my regular clients and the agencies/studios I work at.

What's one thing no one ever told you about freelancing you wished you'd known at the beginning?

Know your worth! I think understanding your place and worth is something you only learn over time and experience. But I think, if I knew some of the things I know now earlier on, I would have been able to level up faster.

How has YJ helped you as a freelancer?

I got some of my first gigs through YunoJuno. As I got into freelancing straight out of university, it was extremely hard to meet new clients and find work. YunoJuno had a network and gave me a spotlight to find my first gigs.

Can you tell me about a project you're proud to have worked on?

I made a Freelancer Guide last year as a side project and it's been my most treasured project.

I've had the incredible opportunity to work on brands from all around the world and work with biggest agencies and clients, but knowing I could create something to help others in my own way was very special. The feedback has been amazing, and I loved how many people it helped out.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to become a Motion Graphic Designer?

Constantly add to your armoury. I think learning as much as you can, finding as many tutorials, and putting out as much content is super important. Making sure you can show a range of talents within Motion Graphics is very important for your potential clients.

If a client was reading this, why should they hire you?

I would say once you see my work, if there's a style or technique you like, you can hire me to collaborate with you to make the best stuff we can together. Through years of experience, I've learnt being a freelancer isn't a one size fits all kind of career. I also make sure potential clients see the kind of stuff I've already produced, before working together.

Hash is quick to understand a brief and also quick to execute, without sacrificing on quality of design and animation. He is very able to work independently or within part of a larger team, working on one or multiple projects. He comes to the table with creative ideas that complement existing briefs and can create great visuals from a blank canvas. Dedicated and hard working, the fact that he is an extremely nice chap is a lovely bonus!
Benjamin Dawson, Client & Creative Director Blonde Films

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Meet Hash

Inspired by his experience of film and production as an undergraduate and by his lifelong passion for visual imagery and design, Hashnukh really enjoyed establishing his professional career in motion graphics and animation. His strengths are in 3D design and animation and he is always looking into new technology and techniques to better his work and keep on top of new trends, pushing the boundaries of his work.