In Conversation With Isobar’s Justin Novak

Welcome to DENTSU CREATIVE US's employee spotlight series, where the team showcase the exceptional talent from across the company. Meet Justin Novak, a Sr. Computer Graphics Artist who started as a VR intern.  

We spent some time with Justin to learn about his favourite projects, what inspires him and advice he’d give his younger self.  

How would you explain your job as a Computer Graphics Artist to a small child? 

Justin> I'm a bit like a magician that uses technology to create illusions. Not only do we use those illusions to introduce new ideas and products, but also to educate and inspire.

What was the most interesting job you’ve ever had? 

Justin> I've had the opportunity to run many VR demonstrations during award shows, industry events and even Bring Your Kids To Work Day. I love seeing the reaction of people experiencing great VR and AR, the spark they get after is great. 

Tell us about your favourite project you’ve worked on and why?  

Justin> ​I really love the recent work we've been doing with virtual production and digital doubles. Combining art and physical is a passion of mine so being able to reproduce a physical installation and enhance it with virtual is great. 

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What is something that inspires you? 

Justin> I'm inspired by peers and media around me. I look towards film, art and blogs to learn and find interesting things and see how many of them I can incorporate into my professional work. 

How is your job uniquely creative? 

Justin> I get to find problems and come up with solutions using any idea that comes to mind. I can't think of any other more creative work than that. Each month, we’re presented with many different problems and get to use our creativity to solve them.  

What TV show are you currently binging? 

Justin> Brooklyn Nine-Nine's last season. 

What is your biggest career accomplishment thus far? 

Justin> My biggest career accomplishment is expanding my skill set and building the 3D portfolio of work for Isobar. I've carved out and get to continue building a department that didn’t exist before. The demand for our skill sets helped to keep many working through the pandemic, and has only continued to grow through the tough times.

What is something on your bucket list? 

Justin> Travel off planet 

Tell us about your career path:

Justin> I started as an intern at Isobar! Now I'm helping to build and manage the 3D discipline within the agency. 

What was your dream job when you were younger? 

Justin> I wanted to work in film, creating visual effects for the likes of WETA or ILM. I'm happy to be building my skills in an evolving area that competes and crosses over with those pillars.  

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received? 

Justin> My team all chipped together and gifted me a very nice treat for the work and hours I put in on our recent GM work. I think that was the greatest compliment I could get. 

One thing that makes you happy: 

Justin> My cats pawing my chair after a long day at the desk reminding me to get up and play. 

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Justin> Keep at it on the personal projects, it's been amazing to see how a discovery on personal work can evolve into a solution for professional work.