LA-based motion graphic, live action and animation director Justin Leibow joins Sixty40

In an international creative coup, animation studio Sixty40 has signed the LA-based motion graphic, live action and animation director Justin Leibow. Representing the former co-founder of Superfad in the Asia Pacific market, Sixty40 creative director Mark Simpson will work closely with Leibow on various Australian and international projects.

Residing at the Paramount Pictures Building in Surry Hills, the 12-year established Sixty40 is in a renaissance with festival appearances, conference panels and mentorships aplenty – many elements that enrich not just the work but the industry as a whole. Leibow became an admirer of, and later a close collaborator with, Simpson after the two met when both speaking at Semi-Permanent in Sydney.

Says Leibow: “He has proven to be a constant source of creative energy and, of course, laughs. He definitely served as the catalyst for this situation, but Sixty40’s deft body of work as a whole is the thing that manifested my desire to cement a partnership.

Simpson said that Leibow’s work at Superfad had been some of his favourite in the short history of motion graphics.

Says Simpson: “As a both a designer and director he’s got a really inspiring level of attention to detail which is very rare. I love both Justin and his work. I’ve been driven by a combined admiration and absolute professional jealousy of his portfolio.”

Leibow sees the refining of his directorial role as a chance to tell the stories in his unique way.

Says Leibow: “There is an ironic and contrary aspect to being a director verses a designer that intrigues me. Having grown up primarily as a graphic designer, I’ve seen the tremendous value in having a wide ranging voice as a problem solver.”

His most treasured and rewarding experience with Superfad was the long-term involvement in crafting a creative and positive culture, something he looks forward to building upon in this market.

Says Leibow: “We found a way to support each other and that allowed tremendous authorship opportunities at all levels. As much as I put into the culture, I exponentially got more back. It didn’t hurt that we had fun doing it and the results were beautiful either.”

The future of motion graphics and live action is a medium rocketing to maturity and Leibow believes the need for singular and vivid voices is increasing and that it has been a long time since the simple know-how of the execution of visual communications is enough.

Says Leibow: “That is a good thing. It means that our ideas, creativity and intelligence will always be our most valuable assets. I am especially gratified to live in a world that has such common and high expectations of the media they are engaged by.”

What drives him creatively is clear – the blank canvas – this is the place in which he thrives, the challenge outside of his comfort zone.

Continues Leibow: “The Asia Pacific is a great adventure of discovery for me. I am ready to have my eyes opened and see only challenges that will result in compelling work. I humbly hope that my experiences so far will benefit those I partner with in these new and distant places.”

View Justin Leibow’s work here.