Former Springfielder Takes Home 'Big Brain' Award for Design

Artist and Jonathan Dayton class of 2000 graduate Justin Katz just added another award to his growing collection.

On Saturday evening in Phoenix, Arizona, the five-time Emmy winner took home the 2013 Big Brain Award for Design.

"Winning the Big Brain Award in Design feels like the first time I'm getting recognized for my entire skill-set and my design thinking as a whole," the 30-year-old motion design director, producer and editor at Flock of Pixels wrote in an email to Patch. "I do a lot of things, wear many hats and play many roles - way more than people realize. For instance - for American Express I create their videos concept to completion: as Account Exec, Creative Director, Copywriter, Art Director, Animator and Producer. I'm a storyteller and my medium of choice just happens to be motion design and animation."

Katz's interest in animation began during his childhood so it comes as no surprise to his proud parents that he's crafted his career around this lifelong passion.

"As Justin's parents, we never doubted his many talents," said his mom, Sharon.   "We do wonder what his high school 'gifted and talented class' teacher thinks about him now, but his art teacher probably is thrilled. We hope the Big Brain Award for Design doesn't go to Justin's head!"

Katz is actually busy putting that big brain to work. "I currently have several projects going at once including construction of a new studio space for my company Flock of Pixels, several videos for AMEX, a video for a new lifestyle/clothing brand out of Brooklyn and an explainer video for Flock of Pixels itself.

"I am also focusing any spare time on business plans for a few physical products I have designed as well exploring the next level of video on the web and how we can start to engage users with synched dynamic content to further our narrative and create a much more comprehensive experience."

The award-winner, who makes his home in Phoenix, offered the following advice to budding artists:

"You have to be self motivated," he stated. "You need the ability to self-reflect. You must learn to accept critique. Collaboration is the best thing ever. Once you start making a living at this - projects will never be done, just due. Ask professionals for HONEST feedback. Be prepared to hear that you might not have what it takes. Once it becomes a living - it can also become less fun. If you want to study art - pull double duty. Get a real-world useable degree - and study art as well."