Vernon Shanahan

Why this persona fits the audience

He creates short product explainers and social ads for a 12-person agency, often needing basic 3D objects, characters, and scene assets for storyboards and pitch decks. He is comfortable with After Effects and can handle simple modeling, but he relies on quick asset generation when timelines are tight.

• Age: 34
• Location: Chicago, Illinois, US
• Occupation: Motion designer
• Income: $72k USD
• Education: BFA in Motion Design
• Company size: 12
• Years in role: 8

“There's a satisfaction in making something look effortless, even when you know how much work went into it.”

Vernon Shanahan, 34, has carved out a niche for himself as a skilled motion designer at a bustling 12-person marketing agency in Chicago. His journey into motion design began with a BFA from a local university, where he discovered a passion for visual storytelling and animation. For the past eight years, he's honed his craft, focusing on creating engaging product explainers and eye-catching social media ads. His work demands a versatile skillset; he's adept with After Effects, capable of basic 3D modeling, and often tasked with generating visual assets for storyboards and pitch decks. The agency environment, while offering diverse projects, often imposes tight timelines, forcing Vernon to prioritize speed and efficiency, sometimes relying on quick asset generation tools to meet client expectations. He’s comfortable with this pace, viewing it as a challenge to optimize his workflow. His income of $72k reflects his experience and the agency's size. Financially, Vernon is pragmatic. He’s been steadily saving, aiming for a down payment on a condo within the next few years, a goal that shapes his moderate spending habits. He views his work not just as a job, but as a craft, and is committed to continuous learning, always exploring new techniques and software to elevate his presentation quality. This dedication to improvement, coupled with a collaborative spirit, makes him a valuable asset to his team and a respected figure in his professional circle.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Vernon's weekday typically starts around 7:30 AM with a walk for Buster, followed by coffee and scanning industry news while eating breakfast. He's at his desk by 9 AM, diving into project briefs, emails, and planning his tasks. The bulk of his day involves working in After Effects, creating animations for social ads, storyboarding new concepts, or tackling 3D asset modeling for explainer videos. He’ll have a quick lunch at his desk, often a sandwich or leftovers. Mid-afternoon might involve a quick sync-up with the account manager or a creative review with his director. He usually wraps up around 6 PM, sometimes staying later if a deadline looms, before heading home to cook dinner.

Lifestyle

Vernon lives in a rented two-bedroom apartment in Lincoln Square with his rescue mutt, Buster. He's settling into a comfortable routine, balancing his demanding job with personal time. He’s not a big spender, prioritizing experiences and durable goods over fleeting trends, but he isn't afraid to invest in tools that improve his workflow. Evenings often involve cooking simple meals, catching up on design content, or a quiet night in. He enjoys exploring Chicago's neighborhoods and occasionally visits local breweries with a few close friends from college. He’s focused on building a stable, fulfilling life rather than chasing rapid change.

Work life

At his agency, Vernon is the go-to for all things motion. He juggles multiple client projects simultaneously, from initial concepting and storyboarding to final animation delivery. The small team means he often wears multiple hats, collaborating closely with account managers and the creative director. Deadlines are often tight, especially for social media content, pushing him to find the most efficient methods for asset creation and rendering. He’s constantly learning new plugins and techniques to keep his output fresh and meet diverse client needs, from product explainers to animated logos.

Relationships

Vernon maintains a close-knit circle of friends from his university days, with whom he shares his design journey and life updates. He's on good terms with his parents, who live in the suburbs, and they often check in via phone. Within the agency, he has a collaborative, friendly relationship with his colleagues, particularly the lead copywriter and the art director, who often bounce ideas off each other.

How they decide

Vernon tends to be methodical and research-driven when making decisions, especially concerning tools or significant purchases. He'll weigh pros and cons, read reviews, and often seek out case studies or examples before committing. However, when faced with urgent project needs and tight deadlines, he prioritizes speed and practicality, often opting for the quickest viable solution.

How they sound

Vernon speaks in a clear, measured cadence, often using precise design terminology but can also articulate concepts in layman's terms when needed. He avoids overly casual slang but isn't stiff; his tone is generally earnest and thoughtful. He's unlikely to use hyperbole or make sweeping generalizations, preferring to qualify his statements with specifics.