MEET #1204 JAY QUERCIA

Illustrator / Animator • Brooklyn, NY

WNW Member #1204 Jay Quercia has collaborated with an eclectic mix of clients that include Adobe, Chobani, Google, GE, MOMA, Nickelodeon, Nike, and Wired UK. He's also received accolades from The Webbys, The One Show, FWA Site of the Day, and the Pixel Awards. We asked Jay if his parents understand what he does for a living: "I started my professional career in 2009 at a shop called Big Spaceship. When I told my Mom where I was working, she couldn’t figure out why I spent 4 years in design school to give it all up to be an astronaut." And tips for fellow freelancers? "Start making time to create work for yourself. Book yourself for a week and commit to it. Personal projects let you define your style more than client work generally does. Plus, there are no notes to address at the end of the day!"

Follow Jay on WNW

1. How long have you been freelancing?

I started freelancing October of 2013, so a little over a year now.

2. Is there a time or place that you feel most creative/have the best ideas?

Changing up my surroundings regularly seems to be the best way to jumpstart the old brain. I've been noticing that the limitations of my environment are often more conducive to creativity (especially around tasks that involve ideating or rough sketching). Coffee shops with just a sketchbook, or even confined plane rides without wi-fi seem to do the trick.

3. What's your ideal Working:Not Working ratio?

Although I’d like to believe otherwise, on some level I’m always working, even if I’m not booked. I’m always taking creative cues from my surroundings, or brainstorming ideas with friends. Even travel is a means of gathering experiences which inevitably find their way into my work.

4. Do your parents understand what you do?

I started my professional career in 2009 at a shop called Big Spaceship. When I told my Mom where I was working, she couldn’t figure out why I spent 4 years in design school to give it all up to be an astronaut.

5. What scene from a movie makes you laugh just thinking about it?

This scene from A Mighty Wind is genius. Oh, and pretty much any scene from Fargo with William H Macy in it is just tickling.

6. If you were stranded on a desert island, with your computer, what 3 websites would you take with you?

It’s Nice That, Cartoon Brew, and Working Not Working - brownie points ;)

7. What do you do when Not Working?

I dig going to shows, eating breakfast-y foods, or just staying in and catching up on films I’ve missed. I’ll stop before I get to the long walks on the beach section.

8. Do you have a hidden talent?

I used to play guitar pretty well. I’ve also been crowned a regional Rock, Paper, Scissors champion.

9. Any tips or advice for fellow freelancers?

I’m not sure I’m really qualified to give advice after only a year of freelancing, but I’d say start making time to create work for yourself. Book yourself for a week and commit to it. Personal projects let you define your style more than client work generally does. Plus, there are no notes to address at the end of the day!