Jesse Yardley has an extensive background that includes web design and strategy, project management, and marketing as well as a wide range of creative talents and skills.
Jesse began his career in Calgary, Alberta as a partner of Fusion Media Group, an interactive agency where he participated in numerous high profile projects including works for Hollywood entertainment companies, a national cable company, an international professional consulting firm and various local industries.
Following a period working as Creative Director with a local software company, Jesse co-founded the Defrost Network, a networking association for creative and technical professionals and has been working as an independent consultant for leading communications and web design companies.
Questionnaire
Q: Why I started to freelance...
I began my career in multimedia working as a partner/director of Fusion Media Group, a local web design company, however after four years the company began to falter and I was hired on by a long time Fusion client called Enfocom International, a software solutions provider. After having worked for Enfocom for a couple of years as Creative Director, I felt that I was not as happy as I had been working for myself. I've always been a big proponent of one creating there own destiny (as much of an illusion as that may be) so I decided to practice this philosophy and founded the Defrost Network and DDW with Sue Tremblay. I enjoy every day as a freelancer/entrepreneur, and at this point in my life I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Q: The key to successful projects is...
Enjoy what you do and you will always give your best. There are people out there working jobs that give them no joy; they feel drained and uninspired. It is hard to bring value to a project when your heart is not behind it. In order to achieve real success, you must first love what you are doing. Successful endeavors will follow naturally as a result!
Q: My favorite movie...
I love movies, particularly ones that tell good stories. Some of my current favorites are Shawshank Redemption, Phenomenon, Good Will Hunting, As Good as it Gets, Rounders, About a Boy, Green Mile, Saving Private Ryan and The Edge.
Over all though, my favorite has got to be the movie I grew up with and the one I've seen the most times: Star Wars.
Q: My role model...
I've always admired those people that were successful against the odds but I'd have to say the person I've always admired the most is the late Herb Ritts. Both for the way he made a name for himself as a world-renowned photographer, and more importantly because of the quality of his work.