There's Alex BDH aka DH the photog and Australian jumper. This guy has brought new life into the design team, pushing our creative aperture to the next level, every single game and event. This includes Connect photography and the realtime photo stories (music bed slideshows). DH has the unique ability to always get the shot but also has an even more rare ability to recognize when he missed it - believe it or not, that's a powerful creative characteristic. DH not only makes our squad "global" (he's from down under) but he also brings a winning attitude to every shoot - and that energy is good for the creative soul.
Then there's LAUREN aka the LR the illustrator and zebra jumper. This young lady recently transitioned to the world of independent freelance artistry and is a real vector force to be reckoned with. She brings/brought the party to the room in a moments notice and was a key part of the Connect team and recently the Astros design team. Was a pleasure to have her back on the squad and I am particularly stoked to be a part of her past and future new design endeavors.
Then there's JOE S aka "Snacks" (don't ask) and tongued jumper. This fella creep in tablet pens blazing. He's a "tablet till I die" user. He is also the most recent addition to the squad and has dove in head first and has was a massive player in the Connect crew - hustling to make stuff happen. Joe brings a design smoothness to the team and is always down for the challenge - and thats a clutch facet on the squad.
Then there's LARRY aka LP aka relentless photo bomber (rarely seen in the background of a photo) and chair kneeler. This guy was all the muscle and hustle behind every Connect event. He also leads the team on the traffic control front when he is on the day to day grind with the Astros creative team. In one quick summary, LP makes stuff happen. He is never afraid to get the job done, on time and in a jiff. He is always the first one to say "lets do this" on all levels of creative making and design as well. He is a problem solver at heart and a critical part of the Astros creative/Connect squad.
Then there's RUBEN aka Ru aka "I will be 50% of this photo" and front jumper. This dude was the digital conductor behind the scenes and was a critical part of the Connect team - arrive early and ask questions later is his MO. He's a talented production maker if your in the search for a media ninja.
Then there's "THIS GUY!" aka JOE G and the red shoe jumper. This dude ran point for all Connect media and events. Extremely talented designer for the Houston Rockets but also an Astros design team alum. I literally could not have made Connect happen without this dude. Gnarly tenacity meets one of the most kindest spirits I know. I cant even begin to list the things this guy did to revive Connect and take it to the next levels. Two words: neon sign. This guy's passion is music and people. Joe has the ability to scale a project from 0 to 60 with ridiculous speed and insane attention to detail. Definitely value his drive to maximize and fresh imagination.
Then there's Shay aka SHAYLEN and backwards cap jumper. This fella is in it to win it. He carried a massive load on the event side and throughout the overall creative experience - truly a genuine representation of the creative yet humble culture we cultivate at Connect. He is also a pretty rad designer as well. If your looking for a hungry first round draft pick, he's your guy.
Then there's ROXY aka Roxanna aka Spanish slang queen and yellow pants jumper. Roxy is on the Astros design team but also is the hands on master of creative materials. As in she can make your wildest creative craft come true - in addition to being a talented designer as well. She's a design thinker and also played a key role on the Connect team, helping make so many projects and events come to life.
I am the jumper doing the karate kick meets "surprise it's your birthday!" move of some sorts.
Then there's Lem aka LEMUEL and bearded jumper. Lem is the creative genius behind the Connect camera work, shooting vids and pushing out INSANELY good realtime :30 Connect shorts plus all animated motion intro graphics. This guy was a fly on the wall - but also at the same time has the incredibly difficult ability to find all the right POV's. Truly an all-round motion/photog/design creative talent. This guy has a full time gig with Grace media but has a gnarly creative trajectory and is a guy that I will always make time to collab with.
Not pictured is AG aka ALEX G. AG played a huge role on the Connect event production and is also a Astros design team vet. He also played a behind the scenes role but also was a key player in making Connect happen every day and every event. AG brings some killer all-round design skills to the every day Astros grind - a core part of the team. He is the creative team jackknife and always comes through time and time again, at lighting bolt speed - a killer creative combo.
Not pictured is MAIGEN aka creative beast. She was a Connect speaker and also ran point on the Logo vs Logo speed design competition and was a key resource throughout Connect planning. She is a photography, web dev, graphic design, creative business powerhouse and I def reco giving her a shout if your in search of a senior level creative thinker and problem solver. 24/7 creative hustle meets innovative strategy, that her SOP.
Not pictured is Mpax aka ALAN. This music maker was the mind behind all the dope beats we pumped out during the 2-day conference. This guy is a shooting star in regards to music production and composition. Took our vision and lit it on fire. If your looking for a custom soundtrack to your story telling media, Mpax can deliver the BPM goods at ultra speed.
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Just wanted to share some context behind this image (which was taken via camera timer btw!) and why it means so much to me. Also wants to take a moment to promote and praise these future creative leaders in addition to saying a massive T H A N K Y O U to the Connect squad - couldn't have done it without you.
//CDG
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