Meet Nolan Acosta | Motion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nolan Acosta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nolan, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Aloha, I am from the beautiful islands of Hawaii, where the word ALOHA is more than just a greeting but a way of life. Growing up in Hawaii, known as the “melting pot” of the world, I was fortunate to be immersed in a culture that values kindness, compassion, respect, and appreciation for others and the world. These values are something I continue to practice every day and wherever I go. I have learned the value of inclusivity and empathy, influencing my worldview and connections with others. This is one reason why my closest college friends are international students. Through my artistic installations and pieces, I aim to capture the true essence of Hawaii, culture, and people, free from the typical stereotypes of Hawaii.

Hawaii is also well-known for “Ohana,” which represents the value of family, supporting everyone, and helping those in need, so you might find me helping my friends with their art projects, serving on leadership teams, or helping the community. I was instilled with this value to give back to others and feel a sense of joy and pride when I know I have made a difference in somebody’s life. My ethnicity is Filipino/German and Norwegian. My great-grandparents immigrated to the United States to work in the pineapple fields of Hawaii and the wheat fields of North Dakota. Through them, I learned the importance of hard work and always have perseverance.

My parents and community significantly have impacted me, and I am grateful for their endless love, support, and prayers. I can pursue my passion for creativity and innovation at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) because they believe in me and tell me to dream big. They have given me the confidence that in anything I pursue, I can be successful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
From a young age, I have always been motivated by creativity. I loved letting my imagination run wild, constantly asking myself, What can I create next? In Middle School, I discovered Photoshop and Illustrator, sparking a deep passion for digital graphic design. As I honed my skills in these programs, I realized that this was the career path I wanted to pursue. My journey continued in college, where the Motion Media Design major piqued my interest. This field allowed me to design and bring my creations to life through animation. The versatility of motion media means there is no single path to follow, offering endless possibilities.

During my sophomore year, I received an email about a study abroad class that would ultimately become a turning point in my art journey. It was an advertisement for a projection mapping course in Lacoste, France. At the time, I was still new to my Major and unsure if this was the direction I wanted to take. However, just two weeks later, I experienced the thrill of seeing my work projected onto a building, with locals and peers gathered to admire it. Watching my art light up the night sky on such a grand scale was a revelation. From that moment, I knew I wanted to explore projection mapping further and incorporate it into various events and projects. It is my goal to do projection mapping as my future career.

Projection mapping and motion media have opened up numerous opportunities and experiences for me over the past few years. I’ve projected images in a planetarium dome and displayed my designs alongside world-renowned projection artists at the Digital Graffiti Festival in Alyss Beach, Florida, and the Beeple showcase in South Carolina. Each of these experiences has been incredible. One recent project I worked on involved creating a cymatic projection piece, which visualizes sound wave patterns. By using different frequencies of sound near a flat metal piece with sand or water, I was able to form intricate geometric patterns.

Whenever I create, it is always with passion, purpose, and perseverance. I am deeply proud of my Hawaiian roots, and much of my inspiration comes from capturing the essence of my home in my art. I enjoy blending the physical and digital worlds, creating pieces that resonate with the spirit of Hawaii and beyond.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you are a Foodie like me, then Savannah is the perfect place for your next trip. You can experience a wide variety of different foods and drinks from around the world. Starting with breakfast, the chicken and waffles or the famous biscuit breakfast sandwiches are a must at Maple Street Biscuit Company. Another great spot for brunch would be the Little Duck Diner. This retro-style diner promotes the Southern charm with dishes that tempt your taste buds. For lunch, find a historic green Savannah square to enjoy delicious Bahn mi sandwiches from Le Banh, fresh bagel sandwiches from Big Bon Bodega, or a New York slice of pizza from Vinnie Van Go Gos Pizzeria. If you love seafood, you can find plenty of quick and reasonably priced options at the Savannah Seafood Shack, or if Mexican food is your preference, then Tequila Town might be your choice. For dinner, I recommend E-Tangs for delicious Chinese food and their decadent, savory house-made soup dumplings. For a late-night meal or snack, Sputniks is the place to try their baked potato creations, with my favorite being the BBQ pulled pork baked potato. Finally, your food extravaganza to Savannah would not be complete without a stop at the iconic and historic ice cream parlor-Leopolds.

For entertainment, Savannah has a plethora of options. Forsyth Park is a must for picture taking, a nice walk, a picnic, or a chance to visit the local Farmer’s market on Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM. Here, you’ll find local produce, art, and various vendors. Another great option is catching a show at the historic Lucas or Trustees Theater, where events like concerts, premiere screenings, and regular celebrations of iconic movie anniversaries; in the Fall, the theaters host the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, attracting hundreds of attendees, including Hollywood personalities. If you enjoy escape rooms but prefer a budget-friendly option, check out the Questo app. This app offers a scavenger hunt/escape room experience that takes you around Savannah, allowing you to explore its rich heritage. You can play as a group or compete in teams, choosing from themes like pirates, ghosts, and the new Wizard of Oz game. A trip to Savannah could not be complete if you do not walk by the river, ride the trollies to learn about the historic landmarks, and check out the beautiful museums, lush botanical gardens, and variety of architecture throughout the city, including the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Besides my family, I am also grateful for my friends whose constant support and encouragement have driven me to become a better person daily. My community at SCAD, especially the people in the Motion Media Department, helped me foster my passions and allowed me to have a clear understanding of what I want to do in the future. Thank you to my professors and teachers for believing in me. Their unwavering support and relentless push for me to improve have been instrumental in my growth.

Website: https://nolanacosta.com

Instagram: a.nolan_design

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/NolanAcosta

Image Credits
N/A