Brewmaster Spotlight: Beau Benson

Name: Marcellus “Beau” Benson Nicknames: Beausifer, Beauseefus, Rambo, Bean (one time in middle school my teacher wrote my name sloppily so the substitute teacher called me Bean the whole class) Instagram / Dribbble / Twitter

When did you start at Digital Brew?

I started in December 2011. I was actually the first employee working out of Mike’s spare bedroom back when we were “Market Match Media.”

What the heck do you do here?

I make all the stuff move. Character animation, motion graphics, 3D animation. I also enjoy storyboarding and making artwork on occasion.

What are you listening to?

The new Thundercat record Drunk, Run the Jewels, Animals as Leaders. (Click here for a playlist of Beau’s favorite tracks so far this month!)

What is your favorite movie of all time? Why?

2001: A Space Odyssey. Its depiction of space flight and technology was revolutionary at the time and in many ways has yet to be surpassed to this day. Kubrick’s methodical filmmaking is dialed up to 11 in this film, and the hidden themes and symbols make for endless rewatching.

What’s your favorite thing about working at Digital Brew?

Waking up and skating to work to animate all day is not a bad way to live.

Favorite podcast?

Overall it’s Comedy Bang Bang but lately Hollywood Handbook.

Favorite place for design inspiration?

Sites like Dribbble and Motionographer and studios like Animade and Giant Ant.

What made you decide to study animation?

I always messed around with free trials of 3D software when I was young. Pixar movies and all the weird and crude animation on adult swim were big influences on me, as well as random animation channels on YouTube. Once I learned After Effects at Full Sail I knew that’s the space I wanted to work in.

What time of day are you most creative?

After lunch!

What’s your biggest tip for getting better at character animation?

Learn how to rig in a way that makes your life easier when animating. Learning how to use tools like DUIK and Rubberhose is extremely valuable. Don’t be afraid to record reference footage of yourself or somebody else acting out the scene.

Best advice you’ve ever been given?

Don’t be afraid to suck. You will never become skilled at something if you aren’t willing to be terrible first. Want to keep up with all of Digital Brew’s adventures (and bad jokes)? Make sure to follow us on Instagram!