500 Degrees Burning Questions: Ken Gifford Interview

To attain the level of success we’ve achieved here at 500, we have to know our clients pretty well. On the flip side of that equation, we want all of you to learn about well…all of us. In our latest teammate profile, we’re sitting down with production artist, Ken Gifford.

500: Where are you in birth order (oldest? middle? youngest?), and do you think it affects your personality?

Ken Gifford: I’m the oldest brother by about two years! It takes a lot to really bother me since I’ve had years of building defenses against a younger brother’s attention span. I’d say being an older brother is a big part of my personality since I think it's important for me to take responsibility for whatever is asked or expected.

500: How many different states have you lived in??

KG: I’ve lived in six states in total since I moved around a ton as a kid! Ohio for 12 years total, Indiana for two, Wisconsin for two, Virginia for four, Michigan for seven, and Kentucky for two. A real tour of the Midwest, but we’ve actively settled in Columbus and really like the area!

500: What kind of pet do you have and how did you choose its name?

KG: I currently have a Gray American Shorthair Tabby. His name is Marble for his little M on his forehead and the gray marbled patterns that his fur makes. He’s very adventurous at almost two years old, but he actually knows some tricks and can even be walked on a leash.

500: What’s your favorite famous or inspirational quote?

KG: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky (– Michael Scott)

I know this comes from a place of parody, but it’s almost a reflex to say when someone expresses a failure or attempt. In a genuine sense, you need to put yourself out there if you want anything to happen.

500: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

KG: Traditional bone-in chicken wings. I judge most places by how good their wings are, and I use a rating system from “The Great Chicken Wing Hunt,” which is a documentary about finding the perfect wing in New York around the Buffalo area. (Oil quality, meat quality, overall flavor.)

It's such a versatile food, and it started out as a free appetizer in a Sicilian-based bar that lead to an entire food shortage recently due to popularity.

500: What did you want to be when you grew up when you were in elementary school? Why?

KG: I really enjoyed animation and art as a kid. I wanted to be an animator/storyboard artist. Something about making animations and helping build stories that inspire others. After elementary school, I transitioned into art and graphic design from suggestions from my teachers and professors.

500: What job would you be terrible at?

KG: Sales would probably be my own personal purgatory since I try to accommodate as much as possible. It’s putting yourself out there and convincing people to buy something from you and being good at negotiating. I’m much more geared for service or asks.??

500: What’s a topic you wish you knew more about?

KG: I honestly wish I knew more about animation/video editing. I’ve always had an interest but never pursued it further than for personal use. There’s a lot of skill in being able to edit a scene or move assets in a way that adds to overall design.

500: Are you more productive in the mornings, afternoons, or evenings?

KG: Strangely enough, if I’m working on a project, it’s always after 10 pm that I’m usually much more zeroed in on whatever I’m working with. Something about that idea of working on a project when no one else is—that makes it seem like the perfect time.

500: Have you ever had to “unlearn” something in your professional life?

KG: Showing up every day doesn’t always mean that we’re able to give 100%. Most places may ask for this and while it would be absolutely ideal, we’re all people, and life occasionally gets in the way.

Forgive yourself and try to be more present going forward, rather than focusing on the little things that pile up.

500: Ken, thanks so much for your time today!

KG: Of course…my pleasure!

?We’re proud to have true visionaries like Ken on our team. Keep following us right here. We’ll be back next month to speak with another talented member of Team 500 and ask more Burning Questions.