029- Terry Soleilhac
In the latest episode of The 13th Hour, we’re thrilled to feature Terry Soleilhac, a talented motion and graphic designer with a passion for storytelling through design. Based in France, Terry has carved out a niche in the sports industry, collaborating with iconic brands and institutions like the French Open, NBA2K, PUMA, and the French Soccer Federation. His dynamic animations and striking visuals redefine how sports are communicated in the digital age.
In this interview, Terry delves into his creative process, starting from mood boards and benchmarking to crafting designs in Photoshop and After Effects. A lover of cinema, he shares how movies inspire the emotions and narratives woven into his work, always aiming to craft designs that resonate like a great film. He also reflects on a career highlight—his dream-come-true collaboration with NBA2K—and offers advice for aspiring creatives to stay patient, consistent, and always ready for opportunity. Beyond the studio, Terry unwinds by immersing himself in the countryside, gaming, or indulging his passion for finance. He also gives us a glimpse into exciting future plans, including launching a new venture outside the sports and creative industries. Join us as we dive into Terry’s journey and explore the creativity and drive that fuel his work.
1 - At 13AM, we aim to celebrate and showcase a broad range of creative roles, disciplines and skillsets. How would you describe yourself and your role within the creative world to those unfamiliar with your work?
I’m a freelance motion designer and graphic designer specializing in the sports industry. I help my clients break boundaries in their social media communication and make their identities vibrate through dynamic artwork and animations. I’ve been working for the past six years with significant sports institutions such as the French Open, NBA2K, PUMA, the FFF (French Soccer Federation), and others.
2 - Another aspect that sets 13AM apart is our commitment to diversity and representation among our artists. Could you share a bit about your background and where you call home?
Born in Saint-Étienne (France), I moved to Lyon for my studies and then to Geneva. I attended a business school preparatory class for two years before studying graphic design. After studying abroad at UCLA Extension in Los Angeles for three months, I dropped out of school to start working as a freelancer because I wanted to gain professional experience as quickly as possible. I wasn’t made for school and theoretical lessons. This was when I started working with a digital agency in Lyon as a freelance contractor.
3 - How would you define your creative style? Has it evolved or undergone any changes over time?
I would say I love cinema, watching movies with deep stories and underlying emotions. I’m trying to replicate that in the aesthetics I’m reproducing through my artworks. Conveying emotions and a sense of storytelling are my main goals when designing. I always want to craft pieces that tell a story like a movie. As I get older, my style evolves, and I understand things differently.
4 - Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you transform an idea into a tangible piece of work?
The main starting point for my creative process is benchmarking and seeking inspiration. I focus on exploring colors, aesthetics, and patterns before diving into Photoshop or After Effects. I also look for high-resolution imagery to create a mood board that I can reference while designing or animating. This significantly enhances my creativity and prevents me from repeating the same ideas.
5 - In terms of inspiration, where do you go to find this? Who were your main influencers and inspirations as you were growing up?
I find inspiration in various places, including movies, books, and the work of other artists. It’s amazing how many references and sources of inspiration there are! I draw a lot from Chris Do at The Futur and Joey Korenman at School of Motion, who have taught me invaluable business and creative skills. I’m also grateful to Ash Thorp, Matthew Encina, Somei, and Andrew Kramer for paving the way in these fields.
6 - What advice would you offer aspiring creatives looking to establish themselves in the industry?
Stay consistent and patient. Success in the creative industry often demands hard work and, at times, a bit of luck. However, hard work always pays off. Focus on mastering your craft and consider taking courses to improve your skills. A potential project or ideal client could be just around the corner, waiting for you to publish your work, so don’t hesitate—go for it!
7 - Creative roadblocks affect many individuals in our field. How do you unwind and revitalize your creative energy? Are there any hobbies or passions you pursue outside of your work?
It can be frustrating to feel stuck for many hours or even days, so I tend to “disconnect” by going outside or playing video games to recharge my energy and shift my focus. I’m fortunate to live near the countryside, which helps a lot. I’m also passionate about finance and always on the lookout for new topics to read about. I’m very grateful to my girlfriend, who helps me unwind, especially by watching Harry Potter together (even if The Lord of the Rings movies are better…).
8 - Reflecting on your career, could you share a standout project or collaboration that you consider a highlight? How did the opportunity come about?
One evening, I received an email from an art director in the US congratulating me on my NBA series that I had just posted on Behance. It seemed he genuinely liked my work and suggested we collaborate on the NBA2K license. At first, I could hardly believe it, and I now consider this my biggest project to date. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, as it has always been a childhood dream of mine to work with a company connected to basketball and the NBA!
9 - Can you provide a little insight into your current projects and any upcoming plans you have in the pipeline? Is there anything we should be looking out for in the not too distant future?
Currently ending the year with small projects, crafting artworks for teams and federations. I’m in the process of expanding my client list to include new faces. I’m also on the brink of launching a new company at the beginning of next year, away from sports and creativity. I can’t give more details at the moment, but I promise this will be exciting!
10 - What has your experience been like collaborating with 13AM thus far, and what motivated you to join forces with us?
I was intrigued by George Ripton’s LinkedIn post about the creation of 13AM Crowd and the opportunity to join a group of talented creatives. The impressive skills of the team members were the main reason I wanted to be a part of it. I believe in the power of creative individuals coming together to form a cohesive team, combining our strengths and diverse personalities to build a dynamic and efficient group. Although I haven’t had the opportunity to collaborate directly with 13AM yet, I’m sure an opportunity will arrive soon.
11 - Looking ahead, what would be your dream project or client to tackle in the future?
I’ve been watching basketball since I was a kid, and I believe I’m getting closer to working with the NBA every day. It’s only a matter of time before my dreams come true, and this will be the ultimate achievement when it happens.
12 - To conclude on a lighter note, imagine hosting a dinner party where you could invite four individuals, living or deceased, who would they be and why?
First, I would like to talk with Michael Jordan about his killer instincts in basketball and business and the hard work he put into every game he played. Next, I would love to sit down with Stephen Curry, my basketball idol, to discuss his game, what motivates him, and his journey with the Golden State Warriors. I would also love to speak with J.R.R. Tolkien about his creativity and his remarkable storytelling talent in The Lord of the Rings and beyond. Finally, I would invite Morgan Freeman, one of my favorite actors, as I believe I have so much to learn from him about his movies.
13 - If you were granted the power of time travel, which historical event would you choose to witness firsthand, and what intrigues you about it?
The 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games that showcased the “Dream Team,” featuring legends like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson. It’s incredible to see such a remarkable combination of pure talent and explosive skills all in one team. They truly are the greatest team of all time, across all sports.