This month, we’re shining a light on the creative minds at TPN. Arthur Ung is our talented Motion Graphic and Video Editor, but that title only scratches the surface of Arthur’s contributions to our team. We sat down with him to discuss his interesting background, his multifaceted role at TPN, and what fuels his creativity.
Arthur, can you tell us about your role at TPN?
While my official title is Motion Graphics and Video Editor, my role has expanded a bit. Lately, I’ve been doing more graphic design work, especially in the environmental space. On top of that, I do a lot of motion design, where I take a company’s branding and add layers of interest through motion. Then, there’s video editing, which usually involves editing footage I receive, but lately, I’ve also started shooting video myself, where I’m given a shot list that was produced for me, and I’m shooting and editing. That’s where it gets a little more fun.
Your background is quite unique. Can you share a bit about it?
I actually studied landscape architecture at the University of Washington, where I received my Bachelor’s degree. My big senior project was designing a garden for vets at the VA Hospital. After graduating, I spent about a year in residential design, mainly working on private gardens. It was a great experience, but I realized my passion lay elsewhere.
During college, I picked up a camera for fun. Inspired by YouTube and video blogging, I taught myself how to shoot and edit videos. When TPN needed a part-time editor for a project, I jumped in, and as the video department grew, I eventually joined the company full-time.
How did your education in landscape architecture prepare you for your current work?
In a few ways, actually. First, a lot of the software I used in landscape architecture—The full Adobe Creative Suite, a bit of AutoCAD, and 3D rendering tools—are the same ones I use now for design. The technical skills I gained from those programs have directly translated to what I do today.
Secondly, landscape architecture taught me how to communicate ideas. Whether you’re designing a park or a graphic, you need to sell your vision, both visually and verbally. As I’ve become more client-facing at TPN, I’ve had the chance to present my ideas and help bring them to life.
Lastly, the spatial awareness I developed in landscape architecture helps me think through event designs. Understanding how people move through spaces allows me to enhance our event layouts, making sure they flow efficiently and purposefully.
What inspires your designs?
I spend a lot of time online to stay connected with what’s visually interesting and trending. I’m on Pinterest, dribble, awwwards, and other random design sites, tracking visual trends and doing keyword searches. I also find inspiration in the content being produced by individual creators on YouTube. It’s amazing to see what one person with a camera and a computer can create.
I also draw from physical forms, especially nature. In motion design, it’s important to think about how things move and interact in the real world. That sense of physicality influences how I design motion.
What design trends are you keeping an eye on?
AI is obviously huge right now. The most significant trend I’m seeing is the focus on refining taste. AI can generate content, but it’s still up to humans to determine whether it’s good. I’m really focused on how we can curate that AI-generated content to fit our vision.
AI allows for quick iteration, but to use it effectively, a designer needs to be part art director, creative director, and strategist. At the end of the day, we’re still the tastemakers, and the human touch is crucial.
What’s been your favorite project at TPN so far?
The Flight Simulator project for Microsoft stands out. It was my first time creating something on that scale, and being involved from the strategy stage to the environmental design was really rewarding. I even went onsite to help with the installation, which was a fantastic experience. Hearing attendees say, “This is so cool!” “You guys don’t mess around!” “This is amazing!” made all the hard work worth it.
If you want to learn more about the Flight Simulator project, click HERE.
