Adrian Rubin is a native New Yorker that currently resides in Brooklyn and works as a creative director. Born in Beacon, he grew up in the Dutchess County before moving for work. Most of his current projects operate on a freelancing-basis as he continues working with old clients.
In his youth, Adrian Rubin often expressed a lot of interest in art. After completing his education successfully, he spent some time doing customer service. Soon enough, however, he discovered that he was not passionate about this field and decided to look elsewhere. Armed with limitless creativity and excellent knowledge of teamwork, Rubin decided to try his luck in creative directing.
Presently in his mid-30s, Adrian Rubin has been in this field for over a decade. Most of his projects are strict on deadlines and come as a derivative of some part of the music or entertainment industry. Having successfully completed virtually all of his engagements, he was able to form a client base that now keeps him busy full-time.
The most important skills that facilitated an enormous growth over the course of Rubin’s career are persistence and reliability. People who worked with him in the past have been able to rely on his services without worrying about potential issues arising. Thus, it comes as no surprise to witness extraordinary longevity that Rubin’s career echoes with.
Q: First of all tell us about the start of your professional career?
A: I always knew I was meant to be in the creative industry. Since I was a small child I started carrying a sketchbook with me and I’ve always viewed the world around me through the lens of design. When it came time to attend college it just made sense for me to pursue a degree in art and design. After graduating I worked a few odd jobs like so many others before me have done, but it wasn’t a right fit for my passion. I eventually decided to go all in and start my own book of clients as a freelancer.
Q: What’s your motto or the advice you live by?
A: Whatever life sends your way, accept it and make the most of it. I think too many people try to spend all their energy changing things instead of making the most of the cards they’re dealt. There’s a quote from Bob Ross that I really appreciate. He said “Put light against light – you have nothing. Put dark against dark – you have nothing. It’s the contrast of light and dark that each give the other one meaning.” I try to apply that philosophy in my everyday life.
Q: In your experience, what is the key to developing a good team? (Look for how they build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation.)
A: When building a team, I think it’s critical to surround yourself with dissenting opinions. If you look for only team members who agree you run the risk of creating an echo chamber. To make any real progress and give yourself longevity you need to embrace disagreements and be willing to change when presented with new information.
Q: How do you plan details as director such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound, and actor movement for each shot or scene? Share an example?
A: I try to always start with the end result in mind and segment my work from there. Say for example I want a shot to end by panning up from the base of the statue of liberty and finishing zoomed in on her torch. Once I have that end in mind, I can decide on the direction and angle for the movement of my camera, and from there I can direct the movements of any actors in the shot.
Q: Can you please tell us about your latest work?
A: I try to keep things as confidential as I can for the sake of my clients, but I think I can share some details in very general terms. I’ve been working with this startup company here in Brooklyn who are really making some incredible changes in battery charging technology. The thing holding them back was their branding and lack of creative direction, so I’ve been heavily investing my time and energy into providing this direction for them
What I’ve done is tried to focus on two things: minimalism and electricity. When most people think of electricity they just see this invisible force that travels through wires and powers machinery. What I think of however, is a very real and very fluid natural force that’s present in all things. It’s almost like the wind. I try to capture that constant flowing force and harness that feel in all the branding for their startup. Lots of blues and yellows, wavy images, details radiating from the background. I want their imagery to feel alive and active.
Q: What inspires you?
A: I take inspiration from the world around me. It’s easy to take things for granted, but when you really stop and think about why things look the way they do it unlocks this level of creative energy that just can’t be beat. Think about changes in building design for example. In a large city like Brooklyn almost everything is a big rectangle. The focus is on function over form, and the design follows the function. Now if you compare that to many churches or museums you see more of an emphasis on curves and arches and vaulted ceilings. The emphasis is on appearance.
Q: How can we follow you on social media?
A: You know honestly I’m a very private person when it comes to social media. I don’t think I even have an account worth mentioning. I spend all my time either working, or out in the world enjoying what life has to offer.
