Greetings — Metalab team,
I hope this message finds you all doing well. I wanted to reach out in regards to the Senior Design Director role posted, as I am keenly interested in the position.
Below, I have outlined some reasons why I believe I would be an excellent fit for the role. I would be grateful if you could take a moment to read through them, and I look forward to discussing them with you in person.
Thank you for considering my application, and I hope to hear from you soon.
I've been called many things in my career, but perhaps the most flattering is being referred to as a 'one-person' agency. It speaks to my versatility and resourcefulness as a creative professional. Over the years, I've done everything from hands-on coding of award-winning interactive experiences to brand design, UX/IA, funnel design, video/photo shoots, product design, motion & 3D design, and interactive installations. The list goes on, and what ties it all together is my ability to turn disparate parts into something greater than the sum of its whole. Design isn't just about making things look pretty or function well on their own - it's about using everything at your disposal to create something truly beautiful.
Early on in my career, I had the honor of designing for Def Jam, Universal Music, Fox Search Light, and Puma. In those 8 years, I learned the power of translating ideas into captivating visual experiences, capturing the essence of what makes an artist, a story, or a brand unique.
Later, I ventured into the creative technology space, spending a decade pushing boundaries, reimagining what was possible, and sometimes starting from scratch to create entirely new ways of experiencing the Internet, event spaces, and the workplace.
For the last 5 years, I've been weaving together my diverse experiences to lead design direction, connecting dots that others may not see, breaking down silos that stifle creativity and innovation. Having worked across different mediums, I bring a unique perspective and a felt sense of how to bend, push, or break rules when necessary to create something truly exceptional.
For me, design isn't just about mastering the tools of my trade - it's about mastering the art of communication and collaboration. I've learned through my years of experience that creating exceptional work requires more than just following a basic plan. It requires a deep understanding of the ebb and flow of human interactions - how people are feeling, what their motivations are (along with my own), and how effectively we're able to communicate with one another.
As a perceptive designer, I have the ability to read the room and discern the needs and interests of those around me. It's like blending ingredients in a recipe, carefully considering each element and finding a way to bring them together in a way that's both compelling and effective. Whether I'm working with a team of creatives, collaborating with clients, or just trying to connect with my audience, I find that this is some of the most rewarding and creative work of my career
I believe that empathy is crucial in creating products that are not only functional, but also emotionally impactful for users. Empathy enables designers to understand users' needs, desires, and behaviors on a deep level, to identify unmet needs and opportunities for innovation, and to create products that resonate with users on an emotional level. By prioritizing empathy in the design process, we can create products that not only solve problems, but also provide comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging to our users.
I like to think of the creative process as a journey of discovery, one that begins with an idea floating in the ether and ends with a beautiful, fully-realized design. For me, the key to unlocking that process is to Define, Listen, Digest, Strategize, and Execute - a process that helps to bring those initial ideas into sharper focus.
But this process isn't just about turning a vague idea into a design. It's about really listening to what people want and need, and finding ways to address those needs in a way that's both beautiful and functional. And as a designer, I see myself as a kind of shepherd, guiding good ideas through that creative process and helping to paint a better picture of the world we live in.
I am thrilled at the prospect of joining the Metalab team and working towards creating a beautiful world together. If you require any references, please don't hesitate to ask - I am happy to provide them. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.
mail [at] aaronmcguire.design