Rob Hudak, Interactive Creative Director

Why do you do what you do?
This is one of those careers that chose me. It’s the one place where all my passions come together to solve problems. When I was making a living as a musican and getting my design degree I never could decide on whether to focus on graphic design, audio, video, storytelling, typography, game development or anthropology. So when I found myself developing an interactive career I thought to myself “why specialize?”.

What was your proudest career moment?
When my film for Converse was chosen among 150 other director’s films to be one of 5 internationally broadcast commercials for the brand. I was up against people with real budgets and real equipment. And my little film that was shot on a high-8 camera from the late ‘80s won out. I did all the stop motion animation, set design, lighting and music myself in a 10’x10’ room in my tiny Manhattan apartment for $0.

What fuels you to do the best?
I love the challenge of taking what some might perceive as limitations and turning them into the groundwork for creativity. It’s a work ethic I carry through from my days in a punk-rock band. We only have three chords? No problem. You want to make insurance cool? Why not? Even if a budget is small I try to think about achievements in our popular culture that were born of a small budget, like Milton Glaser's "I (heart) NY" logo. Communication doesn’t have to be complicated. If you don’t have an orchestra you have to figure out how to get the point across with a single drum.

What drew you to Zehnder?
When I moved to New Orleans from New York my only professional contact here was Dave Maher. When he joined the Zehnder team he introduced me to Mike and Tom. They took me to get barbecue (SOLD), we came up with three or four great web and mobile ideas during lunch (SOLD). And I felt the same excitement and energy from them as I did from my colleagues in Manhattan. When I met Jeff and he asked me what he could do to help me achieve my goals and dreams at Zehnder I never looked back.

What do you suck at?
Basketball. Basketball players have this unspoken communication, like jazz musicians, that is amazing to watch. Doing it however is beyond me. I can’t even make a shot look good. So I’m going to settle on learning jazz guitar, it’s easier on my flat feet.

Describe your most quirky trait:
I can’t go to bed without considering a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I don’t have to eat one, but I do have to consider eating one. That’s all.

Outside Zehnder I love to ....

• Watch Pixar's “Cars” over and over again with my 2 yr old son
• Play guitar and learn theory and harmony from Hank Mackie
• Search for the perfect barbecue
• Cook Italian food and grill outdoors
• Travel and enjoy the finer things with my wife