How Did He Do That? Interview with: Gerry Hernandez

Portfolio Magazine

(Art Institute of California - Orange County, Winter 2009)

With the heavy work load and demanding schedules we have here at The Art Institute, it’s hard to imagine finding the time to pursue creative projects outside of school, but Web Design and Interactive Media student Gerry Hernandez makes it look like a piece of cake.

Gerry’s jobs outside of school have varied from general photo shoots to full-scale video productions over the last three years. He is currently working with Roland ASD (Advanced Solutions Division) to produce a few promotional tutorials for some of their more popular equipment lineup. “It’s been a rather large job between that and trying to graduate,” Gerry says, “but I still find time to squeeze in smaller jobs when I have the time.”

About a year into the Web Design and Interactive Media program, Gerry began the process of starting his own business. “In summer 2004, I picked up a real video camera and found that combined with my knowledge of photography and design, I had the potential to really make great steps in the direction of my interactive media business,” he says. Gerry started Indigoverse Productions in late 2004 with his business partner David Paul Paige and eventually became official in August 2006. “Ever since, with the help of friends and fellow students, we have worked on a multitude of projects for both the school and industry based clientele.”

As part of his multiple extracurricular ventures, Gerry has had the opportunity to travel all over the Western half of the U.S. as well as New York in the name of various projects. His international projects have taken him to the U.K., France, Germany, Greece, Turkey, Australia, and New Zealand. When asked how travelling has benefitted him, Gerry says, “Travelling both locally and abroad has expanded my absorption of the world both creatively and influentially. It has definitely given me much larger goals to shoot for.” So how can the rest of us start preparing for exciting, creative careers? Should we begin working creatively while still in school? “Yes!” Gerry would say. “You should be doing that from day one. It builds your confidence as a seeking professional in your field and most importantly, it constructs networks which are the mainstay and foundation to your new future. If you have difficulty finding these opportunities, then make your own projects outside of school. It will only make you better at what you love and ensure a much heavier portfolio.”